Welcome to the world of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Child with Cerebral Palsy
November 1996 I had my twin boys December 6,1996 at 28 weeks. Peter was 1 pound 15 ounces and J J was 2 pounds 10 ounces.
By two years old, Peter was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. At 2-1/2 years old, Peter was unable to sit unsupported, not crawling and could only say the first syllable of words like uma' for mommy and 'Ba' for Barney. It was at 2-1/2 years old, when we took Peter to Canada for Hyberbaric Oxygen Treatments (HBOT). He completed his first 40 treatments there.
The month following treatment, Peter began talking much more. He began telling me what he wanted, like 'more juice, mommy.' He also began singing the "ABC" song and counting to 10. Peter became more interested in toys and books. He began holding his own sippy-cup and began sitting with his back straighter. He began eating better and taking in fluids much easier. We were very encouraged. We knew we could not stop at 40 treatments.
Fortunately, we found a wonderful chamber here in Phoenix and have just completed 40 more HBO treatments. Since these treatments, Peter continues to improve verbally and will try to say any word you ask him to. He now tries to pull himself to a wanted toy, which he has never done nor has he even tried to do. He plays games with me and is more interactive with people that he doesn't even know. His eyes continue to get brighter and more alert.
Although he does not sit independently on the floor, he is sitting in some chairs and can sit in a high chair, which has made eating out as a family much easier. He has also become aware of his movements and when he begins to fall, he has said, "Owhoa, that's scary-O".
I am seeing that his reasoning seems to be improving; he has begun lifting his foot for a step when in the standing position. Peter's general daily care has totally changed. Having him talk to me to tell me what his needs are, has changed my perspective and makes my work to care for his needs more fun.
Watching Peter make improvements every day has brought much joy to me. I feel like I have finally found a therapy that, coupled with his other therapies, has begun to make a noticeable difference. Peter has been able to join his twin brother and older twin sisters in some fun interactive play, which of course brings joy to them and to me. I plan to continue to give Peter more treatments for as long as we can financially afford them.
I would encourage anyone with a brain injury to try HBOT.
GY, Arizona
If you have a patient that needs hyperbaric services, or want more information, please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to consult with physicians and family about the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.