#but this is also the case with our palsies and trigeminal neuralgia

[thethingything]

in an increasingly ridiculous turn of events, we have plantar fasciitis again (probably triggered by the amount of walking we've done from having to go to so many appointments lately) and like, luckily we know how to deal with that so we should be able to fix it quicker than last time, but our RLS has flared up along with it which fucking sucks

[sahajhospital]

Is HBOT Therapy Right for You? A Comprehensive Guide to Treatment

Oxygen is an inevitable vital for human survival. The air that you breathe daily is a homogenous mixture of many gaseous substances, such as nitrogen (N2) 78%, oxygen (O2) 21%, 1% other gases, and water vapor. The nitrogen, when breathed, does not participate in respiration and comes out as it is. Of the 21% oxygen, 16% is exhaled back with an additional 4% carbon dioxide. Only the amount of oxygen needed is retained in the body.

What is HBOT?

HBOT, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is the treatment of 97% to 100% oxygen filled in a specialized hitech oxygen chamber at an air pressure of 1.5 to 2 times the usual. This therapy allows the individual to breathe in pure oxygen under pressure. As per Boyle’s law, the oxygen molecules become smaller under hyperbaric pressure making it more soluble. In the case of tissue injuries, the oxygen molecules dissolved in the plasma and other body fluids are directly responsible for formation of new blood vessels and the growth of new tissues. It has several other benefits that we will discuss further in this blog post. The agency of food and drug administration (FDA) of United states (USA) has cleared the use of HBOT as safe and effective. HBOT Therapy treatment started in the 1940s to treat the decompression sickness of deep-sea divers of the U.S. Navy. At the primary stages, the HBOT was also used to treat carbon monoxide poisoning. The scope of using Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy has broadened over time.

How is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy helpful?

• HBOT fills your blood with a significantly high amount of oxygen, making it reach the remotest tissues and cells of the body. • Increased oxygen in the blood boosts the wound healing of surgical procedures, infected wounds, skin grafts, burns, and crush injuries and non-healing amputation stump. • It stimulates the production of collagen protein, which is the primary building block of our skin, muscles, bones, ligaments, and many other connective tissues. • HBOT can prevent severe tissue damage to oxygen-deprived tissues. • It also increases the body’s resistance to infections and blocks harmful bacteria. • HBOT also helps in treating radiation injuries, such as the damage after radiation therapy for treating cancer. • In HBOT chamber, 60 times more oxygen is dissolved in plasma & body fluids.

What diseases can be treated by HBOT?

Hyperbaric chamber treatment can help in treating the following medical conditions:

• Ortho-general diseases like diabetic foot, necrotizing fasciitis, compartment syndrome, pressure ulcers and Gas Gangrene. • Neurological diseases like head injuries, Stroke, Autism, intracranial abscess, cerebral palsy, spinal cord contusion, Trigeminal neuralgia and Bell’s palsy. • Ophthalmological diseases like central retinal artery occlusion (sudden vision loss) and Optic neuritis. • Oncological conditions like Post radiation cystitis, post radiation proctitis, mandibular osteoradionecrosis, prophylactic HBOT before radiation treatment and post radiation non healing wounds. • ENT conditions like sudden sensorineural hearing loss, malignant

HBOT and Sahaj Hospital

Sahaj Hospital has always been ahead in technology and has been providing accommodation for hyperbaric oxygen therapy since 2020, soon after the introduction of the COVID-19 virus. Currently, Sahaj is having a monobaric unit of hi-tech and comfortable hyperbaric oxygen chamber. It has been placed in a dedicated and sophisticated place for safety purposes where the attendants are allowed to observe the patient.

Sahaj has done more than 1000+ cases of HBOT until now.

We will now answer some FAQs about the accommodation of Hyperbaric Chamber treatment.

How many sessions of HBOT can I take in a month?

The number of sessions may vary depending on the condition being treated.

What are some pre-HBOT precautions?

You must not carry anything that contains flammable things, lighters, matches, or anything with batteries or gases.

- Wear 100% cotton clothes because it doesn’t generate static electricity to reduce the risk of sparks and fire.

- Avoid drinking alcohol or carbonated drinks before the treatment.

- Avoid if you have flu or a cold.

- No mobile phones, watches, glasses, contacts, or jewelry are allowed inside the chamber.

What is the duration of an HBOT therapy session?

The usual duration of an HBOT session is 60–70 minutes or more, depending on the plan.

Can people with asthma take HBOT?

Yes, if the condition is not chronic; it depends on the patient’s condition and physical fitness.

Can pregnant women take HBOT?

HBOT therapy is not recommended for pregnant women considering the complications that may occur due to the pressure of the chamber.

What are the side effects of the HBOT therapy?

There are usually no side effects but mild clogging of the ear or nose; the effects may vary person to person.

Can my ears rupture under the pressure of an HBOT chamber?

The HBOT is done under careful supervision and examination, so the chances are too slim to consider.

What malfunctions may occur during the HBOT therapy?

Sahaj uses flagship-level high-end machines, so there is nearly no scope for malfunctions.

Can people with claustrophobia take the HBOT therapy?

People with claustrophobia may have trouble facing the closed chamber. But at Sahaj, acutely feared people can take HBOT as the upper half of the chamber is transparent and see through.

What precautions should be kept in mind after an HBOT session?

Nothing as such; you may get back to your usual lifestyle after the sessions.

What are the chances of getting oxygen toxicity during HBOT sessions?

Oxygen toxicity is taking too much highly concentrated oxygen which may happen in sessions too long in rare cases, we limit our sessions to 60–70 minutes which is too far from being risky.

What are the emergency protocols for HBOT treatment?

The HBOT chamber comes with an accessible emergency switch that can be pressed from inside. The chamber room as well is equipped with disaster management for electric and fire hazards, limiting the chances of any unfortunate disaster to zero.

Do we cover insurance?

Yes, HBOT therapy is covered depending on your disease, if HBOT is prescribed by your doctor and if it is covered by your insurance at the same time. It depends on your policy terms and conditions. Most insurances cover the FDA approved 14 defined conditions and many more off label conditions that your insurance may or may not cover.

[someusefulinfothatifound]

What happens at an assessment?

When the HCP has read your form they input some data into the computer system. The assessment properly begins when they call your name in the waiting room. At this point the HCP assesses: Did you hear your name being called Did you rise from your chair unaided, did the chair have support arms or not Were you accompanied – assessing your ability to go out alone Were you reading a paper while waiting – assessing your concentration Did you walk to the assessment room unaided, did you use any aids correctly. Did you navigate any obstacles safely – assessing sight The HCP will shake your hand on introduction – assessing your handshake, noting if are you trembling, sweating – signs of anxiety. The HCP carefully scrutinises everything you do and say. The HCP will often ask on way to waiting room: How long you’ve been waiting – assessing ability to sit, physically, and appraising your mental state How did you get here today – assessing ability to drive or use public transport Formal assessment begins by listing medical conditions/complaints. For each complaint you will be asked: How long have you had it, have you seen a specialist Have you had any tests, what treatments have you had What’s your current treatment. Have you had any other specialist input e.g. physiotherapy, CPN The HCP will use lack of specialist input/ hospital admissions to justify assessing your condition as less severe. Medications will be listed and it will be noted if they prescribed or bought. Dates will be checked on boxes to assess compliance with dosage and treatment regime. Any allergies or side-effects should be noted. A brief note is made of how you feel each condition affects your life A brief social history will be taken – who you live with, if have you stairs in your house or steps outside your house Employment history taken – asking when you last worked, what you work entailed, reason for leaving employment Your typical day – this is the part of the assessment where how you function on a day to day basis is used to justify the HCP decisions. Anything you say here is what is most likely to be used to justify you failing your assessment and being passed as “fit for work”. Along side this, the HCP records their observations. Starting with your sleep pattern, questions are asked around your ability to function. This will include: Lower limb problems – ability to mobilise to shops, around the house, drive, use public transport, dress, shower Upper limb – ability to wash, dress, cook, shop, complete ESA form Vision – did you manage to navigate safely to assessment room Hearing – did you hear your name being called in waiting room Speech – could the HCP understand you at assessment Continence – do you describe incontinence NOT CONTROLLED by pads, medication. Do you mention its effects on your life when describing your typical day Consciousness – Do you suffer seizures – with loss of continence, possible injury, witnessed, or uncontrolled diabetes HCP observations include – how far did you walk to examination room, did you remove your coat independently, did you handle medications without difficulty, did you bend to pick up your handbag Formal examination consists of simple movements to assess limited function. Things the HCP also looks at: Are you well presented, hair done, wearing make-up, eyebrows waxed Do you have any pets – this can be linked with ability to bend to feed and walk Do you look after someone else – as a parent or carer- if you do, this will be taken as evidence of functioning Any training, voluntary work, socialising – this will be used as evidence of functioning Do you watch TV – this may be used as evidence of being able to sit unaided If you wear jewelry it will be assumed you have sufficient dexterity to open the clasps on chains and so on This is not a comprehensive list, but it gives you an idea of how seemingly innocent questions are used to justify HCP decisions to pass you as “fit for work.” For example, “Do you watch soaps on TV?” is translated as “Can sit unaided for at least half an hour” on the report. Mental Health: Learning tasks – Can you use a phone, computer, washing machine Hazards – Can you safely make tea, if claiming accident, there must have been some emergency services involvement, e.g. fire service. Near miss accidents do not count Personal Actions: Can you wash, dress, gather evidence for assessment Do you manage bills Further observations made by the HCP – appearance and presentation: Coping with assessment interview – any abnormal thoughts, hallucinations, confusion Coping with change – ability to attend assessment, attend GP or hospital appointments, shopping and socialising More HCP observations: Appearance, eye contact, rapport, any signs/symptoms that are abnormal mood/thoughts/perceptions. Any suicidal thoughts Coping with social engagement/appropriateness of behaviour – any inappropriate behaviour must have involved police to be considered significant Ability to attend assessment, engage with assessor, behave appropriately Again, this is not an exhaustive list, merely some examples. Further information: At present to qualify for ESA you need to score 15 points, unless the Exceptional Circumstances Regulations apply to you. The 15 points can be a combination of scores from physical and mental health descriptors. To qualify for the Support Group you must score 15 points in one section. As long as you are claiming income-based ESA then your award can be renewed at each assessment, if you gain 15 points. You may also qualify without meeting the 15 points criterion, even if you don’t score any points, because of Exceptional Circumstances (Regulation 29 and Regulation 35, (or 25 and 31 for Universal Credit – see link at the foot of article) if there would be a substantial risk to your mental or physical health if you were found not to have limited capability for work. Regulation 29 is about exceptional circumstances for being assessed as having limited capability for work (WRAG) , and Regulation 35 is about  being assessed as having limited capability for work-related activity (Support Group). Special cases – exemptions from assessment include those people having:  terminal illness, intravenous chemotherapy treatment and danger to self or others if found fit to work. Contribution-based ESA lasts for 1 year only, unless you are in the support group. After 1 year in the work-related activity group, you may only get income-based ESA if your household income is below a certain threshold. It makes no difference how long you have previously paid National Insurance. Appendix Most Atos HCPs are not doctors, they are usually nurses or occupational therapists. There are some conditions that will mean you need to be assessed by a qualified specialist nurse, or a doctor and you can ask for this. List of conditions judged suitable for assessment by neuro trained nurses/any health care profession: Prolapsed intervertebral disc Lumbar nerve root compression Sciatica Slipped disc Lumbar spondylosis Lumbar spondylolisthesis Lumbar spondylolysis Cauda equina syndrome Spinal stenosis Peripheral neuropathy Neuropathy Drop foot Meralgia paraesthetica Cervical spondylosis Cervical nerve root compression Cervicalgia Nerve entrapment syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome Trapped nerve Paraesthesia Tingling Numbness Brachial plexus injury Polyneuropathy Dizziness Vertigo Essential Tremor VWF Alzheimers List of conditions judged by the DWP and Atos Healthcare as suitable only for assessment by doctors: Stroke Head injury with neuro sequelae Brain haemorrhage/Sub Arachnoid Haemorrhage Brain tumour Acoustic Neuroma Multiple Sclerosis Motor Neurone Disease Parkinson’s disease TIAs Bulbar Palsy Myasthenia Gravis Muscular Dystrophy Guillain-Barre Syndrome Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Syringomyelia Neurofibromatosis Spina bifida Polio Fits (secondary to brain tumour) Learning difficulties (with physical problems) Nystagmus Myelitis Bells Palsy Trigeminal Neuralgia Paraplegia Quadriplegia Huntington’s Chorea Huntington’s Disease

At your PIP Consultation

On arrival you will be greeted by a receptionist who will be able to answer questions you may have about your consultation. The receptionist will ask you to provide proof of your identity, your arrival will be recorded on our computer system, and we will offer you a travel expense claim form. Open Discussion The consultation will be conducted by one of our Health Professionals, who is trained in disability assessments, and will be able to assess the impact of your health condition or disability on daily life. You will be treated with dignity and respect throughout the consultation. The Health Professional will have reviewed your How Your Disability Affects You form before your consultation, and any supporting evidence you have provided before your appointment. You will be encouraged to discuss a range of topics that relate to your daily life. The Health Professional will make a record of your discussion during the consultation, which you will be able to view. Functional Examination The consultation will not be a full physical examination or an attempt to diagnose your medical symptoms. It will focus on how your life is affected by the challenges you face as a result of your health condition or disability. Each person is different and will be treated as an individual. Any physical examination that may be required will only involve you performing simple movements relative to your condition and within your abilities. You will not be asked to do anything that will cause you discomfort. This examination may also include a Mental Function Assessment which will be tailored to your individual situation. The Health Professional may also be able to see some of the difficulties that you have with certain tasks during the time you spend together, which can add further value to the report. Taking Notes During the Consultation You might wish to make notes during your consultation. We are not required to take a copy of these for the DWP, nor do we need a copy of them. We ask that you retain the notes for your personal use only. Recording Consultations It is possible for you to audio record your consultation. There are certain requirements that DWP have set for the audio recording of consultations, which have been listed below: You can request to audio record your consultation by calling our Customer Service Centre, but you will need to provide your own equipment. Inform us beforehand that you wish to record your consultation, which can be done by calling our Customer Service Centre. Please let us know as soon as possible, as we may not be able to accept requests made on the day of your consultation. Your recording equipment must be able to produce two identical copies of the recording at the end of the consultation, either in audio cassette or CD format. You will need to give one copy of the recording to the Health Professional undertaking your consultation, at the end of the consultation. Devices like PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones or MP3 players are not acceptable recording devices. You will need to sign an agreement that sets out what you are and are not allowed to do with the recording. We will keep our copy of the recording securely for a maximum of 14 months. After that time, we will destroy it. We don’t normally pass the recordings onto DWP and they do not use it when deciding on your entitlement and award of PIP. It is also useful to note that if you try to record the consultation without contacting us before hand and agreeing with the requirements set out above then your consultation may be stopped and we may have to pass your case back to DWP. Waiting Times and Length of the Consultation We ask that you arrive on time for your consultation and we will see you as promptly as we can. There is no set duration for consultations because we treat all claimants individually and we recognise that people have differing needs according to their health conditions or disabilities and the impact of these on their daily lives. Typically, consultations last up to 60 minutes. Who Will Perform Your Consultation Our Health Professionals are highly skilled and trained to accurately assess the impact of health conditions and disabilities on your daily life, using DWP criteria. They come from NHS organisations, hospitals and other health backgrounds, so they have experience working with people in all kinds of complex and challenging circumstances.