Hello, I’m David and I want to share my personal journey of using Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT).
Struggling with Long COVID:
I think most us will remember 2020. For me though, 2020 was the year that would change me and my life forever. Prior to 2020, I was your average male in their 20’s – enjoying life, being social, being active — I was an avid runner and workout fanatic! I was working for the NHS when the pandemic hit and naturally, I contracted Covid -19. However, my body did not seem to recover. Weeks and months went by and I was losing who I was. I couldn’t even walk to the bathroom without nearly passing out and the symptoms of Long Covid had taken over my entire being. I experienced brain fog, cognitive difficulties, fatigue, difficulties with breathing and widespread pain, skin issues and reactions, digestive complications and more. I felt trapped in a cycle of uncertainty, desperately seeking relief from the lingering effects of the virus.
Discovery of HBOT
As Long Covid was (and still is in some ways) a ‘new’ and misunderstood phenomenon, I found that healthcare professionals did not really know what to advise. GP’s would often say they do not know and cannot help.
I tried so many treatments and investigations, but none of them really helped. X-rays, blood tests, stool samples, respiratory consultations, physiotherapy, counselling, therapy, dietary changes and adaptions like keto and others, I saw specialists of all degrees and very little improvement occurred over multiple years.
When I was beginning to lose all hope, I heard about HBOT and thought it was worth a go. I started attending a charity service providing HBOT with a hard shelled chamber.
HBOT Experience
Initially, I began to notice subtle improvements in my energy levels and cognitive function. Although in the beginning the improvements were short lived, the subtle changes gave me some hope. It was by no means easy to use all my energy to have treatments and initially experience minor changes, but it was changes none the less.
I became unwell again and travelling to have a HBOT session became difficult because I had such little energy as my body had too much to deal with.
I then found out about the potential to hire a soft shelled oxygen chamber however, I was hesitant as I’d read mixed opinions about the benefits of soft shelled chambers compared to hard shelled ones. I took a gamble knowing this could only be a short term option due to the price.
In the three months I hired the chamber, I saw such positive changes. My energy levels increased, and the persistent brain fog and physical weakness began to lift as did other symptoms like when using the hard shelled chamber. Breathing became easier, thinking became clearer and the overall quality of my life improved as I was not so fatigued I could manage more than minor daily tasks like eating. I was starting to find myself again. It was a turning point in my journey towards recovery.
Buying my own chamber
Given the positive impact the chamber was having on my recovery, I decided to invest my remaining savings in my own soft shelled HBOT chamber so that I could continue improving my health at home. This has allowed me to be flexible with my treatments when and as I need them, but also gave me the idea of providing the benefits with others.
Sharing my experience
I am sharing my story as someone who has experienced the impact of HBOT first hand for multiple years. Given the experiences I have had because of health related issues, I am passionate about making HBOT accessible to everyone. This led me to begin OxyTreat.
Encourage of others
My journey with HBOT has been transformative, offering me a renewed sense of hope and vitality.
I feel empowered because I have taken my health into my own hands, instead of being told to “live with it” by GP’s and Doctors. There are always more avenues than we are lead to believe and for me HBOT was the that avenue to help me, and I wish to share that in the hope to help others and their health.
Every individual’s journey with health is unique, and my positive experience with HBOT may not be universal. It’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals to explore the most suitable options for your specific situation.
Disclaimer: This account is based on personal experience and is not intended as medical advice and does not infer similar results will occur for others with Long Covid.
