Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

HBOT involves breathing pure medical-grade oxygen (100%) while under pressure greater than one atmosphere (standard sea-level pressure).

Mainly, I want to know if anyone here has actually tried it. Is it worth the trouble?
Is there any real value in undergoing this, or am I just wasting my time? Does anyone have firsthand experience?
Because right now, it feels like I’d be better off just driving from Chicago to New York and calling it a day.

The full details are here:

barokomora has its own set of pros and cons, you know? But first off, you didn't really mention what's actually bothering you... Was it that stuff about Crohn's you linked to, or something else entirely?

Suppose I were dealing with ulcerative colitis myself. Does this miracle actually hold any weight when it comes to treating UC?

I included a link to that Crohn's association, specifically pointing directly to the section discussing the barokomora.

A friend of mine actually tried that because her migraines were becoming absolutely unbearable. She stuck with it for a full month, and every single session cost her $167. In the end, I suppose it didn't help her one bit...

Yeah, you can definitely count on HBO being a solid method when dealing with ulcerative colitis. I don't have the exact stats on hand, but the positive impact is pretty undeniable.
When you look at a whole range of illnesses and conditions—including those changes in the intestinal lining seen with Crohn's or UC—the main issue is that delivering blood, or rather the oxygen that the blood carries, gets hindered or just stops working right.
Oxygen travels through the blood in two ways: by binding to hemoglobin, which handles over 90% of the load, and by dissolving directly into the blood, which accounts for a tiny fraction. By breathing pure O2 under pressure in a hyperbaric chamber, you can increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood by about 15 to 20 times. This hyperoxygenated blood does a much better job of "delivering" oxygen to the periphery of the circulation—basically reaching those diseased tissues. It speeds up metabolic healing processes, wipes out anaerobic microorganisms, and shuts down harmful anaerobic processes. Tissue that’s been struggling because it lacked the basic "fuel" for life suddenly becomes much more vital, which really helps the body overcome the condition, illness, or injury.
So, things like gas poisoning (especially carbon monoxide), atherosclerosis, Buerger's disease, peripheral diabetic complications, gangrene, nasty deep wounds with extensive tissue decay, gas gangrene, facial nerve palsy, or various types of vasculitis... all the way down to Crohn's and UC, actually have a clear indication for using HBO.
As for contraindications, there are certain conditions in neurosurgery or neurology, malignant cancers, and pathologies within the middle ear or sinuses... maybe a few other things too. You really need to have healthy middle ears and sinuses. If that’s not the case, the HBO treatment has to be stopped because when the pressure rises, people can't equalize the pressure internally, which leads to intense headaches or ear pain.
Besides private clinics, you can find HBO services at places like Mayo Clinic or major medical centers in cities like Los Angeles or Miami, and I believe in places like Houston where everything is covered by insurance so you don't have to pay out of pocket.

Hey there.
Since this group is about hyperbaric chambers, I figured I’d ask a few things here. My mom’s been stuck in the hospital for eight days now because of constant vomiting and stomach pains. Basically, whatever she eats comes right back up. The doctors suspect severe gastritis, and they just told us she’s heading into a hyperbaric chamber tomorrow. I guess I'm wondering what they actually hope to achieve with that? And what is the point of the chamber itself? Just to be clear, they've already done a gastroscopy, an abdominal ultrasound, and lung scans...
If anyone with some expertise has an idea, I'd really appreciate the help!

Jonathan Hall4 said:What if I actually have ulcerative colitis? Is there any actual proof this chamber works for treating UC?
I included a link to an American Crohn's association—it goes straight to the section discussing that specific chamber...

Well, I used to deal with Crohn's myself—finally got it under control now.

Basically, any method that boosts oxygen levels tends to work... since it kills off pathogens, which are anaerobic and just can't handle the extra oxygen.

My main issue with the chamber is that you can't really do the therapy at home—unless you're incredibly wealthy—and there are other methods that are much cheaper, often more effective at killing pathogens, and things anyone can manage from their own house.

I'll send the details via PM, since I'm not supposed to share specifics about other methods here...

steeleagle152 said:Hi there!
It looks like we're talking about hyperbaric chambers here—I have a few questions regarding that. My mom has been in the hospital for 8 days now because of vomiting and stomach pains. Whatever she eats, she just throws up. The doctors at the hospital suspect severe gastritis. Today, they told us she’s going in for a hyperbaric chamber session tomorrow. I'm wondering what they hope to achieve with this? And what exactly is the purpose of the chamber? Just to note, she's already had a gastroscopy, an abdominal ultrasound, and lung scans...
If anyone with expertise has an idea or an answer, I would be so grateful!

The chamber increases oxygen saturation in the body. Pathogens are anaerobic, and they can't handle it—kind of like how you'd die if you were placed in an atmosphere without oxygen—so they die off. Because almost all illnesses are caused by pathogens, the patient feels better.

The issue with the chamber is that you can't just use it anywhere; you need experienced specialists, it takes time, it's expensive, and it isn't always as efficient as other methods...

In short, she should feel better after the chamber session, so don't worry too much...

Douglas Fowler said:The chamber works by cranking up the oxygen saturation levels in the body—it’s basically flooding everything with pure O2. Now, most of these nasty pathogens are anaerobic, meaning they can't handle oxygen at all. It’s pretty straightforward, really—think of it like being suddenly shoved into an atmosphere without any oxygen; you’d die instantly, right? Well, that’s exactly what happens to them. They just can't survive it. And since, if you ask me, almost every illness we deal with is driven by these kinds of pathogens, the patient naturally starts feeling better once those bugs are wiped out. It just makes sense, I guess.

The whole thing with the chamber—it’s just a massive headache, really. The biggest issue is that you can't just rotate through different setups or use the same equipment over and over again; you need highly specialized experts on hand at all times, which is a huge hurdle. It takes forever to get things moving—it's a total time sink—and let's not even get started on the cost. It’s incredibly expensive, too. Honestly, when you weigh it all up, it just doesn't seem nearly as efficient as some of the other methods available today... I guess it's just one of those things where the logistical nightmare outweighs the actual benefits.

Look, honestly—she’s going to be just fine once she gets through the chamber procedure, so there really isn't any need to worry... I mean, I guess it sounds intense, but it should help her feel much better in the long run.

Look, I’m sorry, but I just can't see eye to eye with you on this—really. My own son had to undergo treatment for MRS in an HBO facility, and honestly, we were constantly scraping by just to afford it; we didn't exactly have money to burn. He ended up going through the chamber about 80 times, which sounds like a lot, I know, but even now—five years later—we are still seeing the actual benefits of that treatment. When you're talking about someone's health, there isn't anything you wouldn't pay for—I mean, people will sacrifice their entire life savings, maybe even give up the roof over their heads, if it means getting better. It's just how it works. I truly believe the barokomora has been a lifeline for so many people. I'm not saying it's some kind of miracle cure—it's not magic—but when everyone else turns their back on you and leaves you hanging, it really does feel like a hand reaching out to save you.

@AlanSP
I totally forgot to mention this in my earlier posts, so I figured I’d just lay it out now... When you're talking about pathogens—assuming you mean microorganisms—they can definitely be anaerobes, but honestly, they're way more commonly pure aerobes. It's pretty much a straight fact, so if you could just be a bit more specific when you throw around the term "anaerobe," it would really help keep everyone from getting confused.

rustyhound83 said:I'm sorry, but I can't agree with you—my son was treated with MRSU at HBO, and we just didn't have enough money for a full cure... he went into the chamber about 80 times, but even now, five years later, they can still feel the results of that treatment. When it comes to someone's health, nothing is too expensive to pay for—not even the roof over your head. Barokomora has saved so many people; it isn't a miracle, but when everyone else turns their back on you, it's a lifeline...

I don't really get what you're disagreeing with me on. I said the chamber is useful, that it helps, and that it gets results—and you're saying your son is better because he saw those results. So, what's the disagreement? I'm simply saying that it works, that it helps...

What I'm trying to get at is that using a chamber requires significant financial resources and professional expertise to be done correctly. You can't just do this at home—unless you're incredibly wealthy and can afford both the equipment and the specialists to run it. A patient definitely shouldn't be operating the chamber themselves... if something goes wrong, they could lose consciousness or face other issues. There has to be a professional involved.

And I should also point out that there are plenty of other methods that do exactly what the chamber does, but they cost much less, don't require specialized training (just following simple instructions), and can be used right at home. In fact, they can be more effective. Of course, since they're technically considered "alternative," I can't discuss them openly on this forum...

I applied one of these methods to myself and finally moved past my Crohn's—the endless struggle and pain I was dealing with. I still use this method today, doing it at home without any outside help (though, thank God, I am able to do it myself, otherwise someone would have to step in)... and I won't even begin to tell you how much cheaper it is than using a chamber, or how much safer it feels. Even the chamber has its risks—it raises blood pressure, which is always a potential danger...

Ultimately, I'm the first to admit there are various methods out there, all working on somewhat similar principles—not identical, but close... they just vary in cost and the level of expertise required.

Scott Allen10 said:@Douglas Fowler/">@@Douglas Fowler
I didn't think to emphasize this in my earlier posts, so here goes... Pathogens—if you're referring to microorganisms—include anaerobes, but they are much more commonly and purely aerobic... That's just a plain fact, so please try to be a bit more specific when using the term "anaerobe," just so people don't get confused.

Yeah, I know there are both aerobic and anaerobic types. But for us, it's mostly the anaerobes that cause trouble—and things like barokomora and similar methods affect them specifically because they can't handle oxygen. As for the aerobic ones, I personally rely on kefir to help restore the good microbes I've lost...

@Douglas Fowler/">@@Douglas Fowler, look, I have to push back on a few things you said—I just can't get on board with some of your logic... first off, this idea that you can't handle things at home and absolutely need "seasoned experts"—well, I don't even handle my own dental work at home! If I need a dentist, I go to a pro, sure, but my primary care doctor is the one who manages my basic health. Then there's the whole timing thing—you say it takes time, which is true, but let’s be real: an illness doesn't just vanish overnight, so why would it disappear just as fast? As for the cost—okay, fine, I actually agree with you there; it is incredibly expensive. But then you claim certain methods aren't as effective as others—how can you possibly know that? Everyone reacts to therapy differently, I guess. And this bit about passing out and needing a professional present—look, if you were in an MRI suite or something similar, you'd have a specialist right there inside with you, and if anything went sideways, they'd use the prep area to get you out safely while another specialist waits right outside to monitor you. ☕

Personally—and I want to stress that this is strictly my own opinion, mind you—I'm just not really one for alternative medicine. I'm not saying it isn't valid or okay, but 🤷

rustyhound83 said:Personally—though that’s just my own take—I’ve never been one for alternative routes... I’m not saying they aren't valid, but 🤷

Just a quick thought on conventional medicine. It really shines when you need surgery—there's no question about that. If you need an operation, you go the standard route. But then again, it's a different story when everything seems to require surgery...

Regarding alternative versus conventional approaches, I have to admit that a while back—before my official Crohn diagnosis eleven years ago—medicine wasn't really on my radar. I didn't bother studying it any more than I would study classical Russian ballet (which I still don't do)...

But once things got bad—once I reached the point where I needed painkillers all day, every single day, living a life that wasn't really living, just constant suffering, and traditional medicine couldn't offer much relief (even after hospital visits and using standard meds)—I realized there was no luck to be found there...

Now, since this isn't the place for me to dive deep into alternatives, I'll keep it brief. I stumbled upon something that actually relieved my pain and brought my life back to normal. There are some lingering effects, of course—physical damage doesn't just vanish once the pathogens are gone—but through the process (it wasn't an overnight thing) I learned quite a bit about medicine—both the mainstream and the alternative kinds. I tried plenty of alternative methods; some were total scams—just money grabs, if you ask me—while others were true remedies, actually better and more effective than what the doctors prescribed...

In short, I learned something on that journey. I’m not claiming to be some ultimate authority, but I know this specific method works—and I know how it works. I also know there are substances out there that work better and faster, and what's even better is that they cost way less—significantly less, with doses under $0.33—and you don't need to be an expert, just informed on how to use them...

And naturally, I get it if someone doesn't believe me—if they think I'm lying or just trying to sell something. My only motive is helping others, because I know firsthand what it means to suffer from this disease... though I certainly won't force it on anyone who isn't interested. Even though I feel like I theoretically know how to heal 99% of people, I know only a few will actually embrace an alternative method for various reasons. And that's fine by me...

@AlanSP, I am honestly so glad to see you’ve managed to get a handle on a condition as relentless as Crohn’s. Seriously, major props to you—I truly wish you nothing but the best moving forward. Now, regarding this whole discussion about barokomora... from what I can gather, you aren't exactly a fan because of the price tag. I get that—there are plenty of other treatment methods out there that won't break the bank, and they work just fine for many people. But—and this is a big "but"—I think you might be overlooking the folks for whom this isn't just an option, but a literal lifeline. We're talking about divers who need it to survive, or children with cerebral palsy seeing massive health improvements because of it. For those specific groups, there just isn't a comparable alternative that hits quite as hard. So, if I may just interject—for some people, this really is a godsend. Anyway, sending my best, and I'll leave it at that before we get into a whole debate 👋

rustyhound83 said:This thread is about hyperbaric chambers, and from what I gather, you aren't recommending them because they're pricey—since there are plenty of cheaper, equally good treatments out there. But you forgot about divers, for whom this is life-saving, or children with cerebral palsy, where it offers huge health improvements... since there isn't an alternative quite as effective, please allow us to say that for some, it truly is a lifesaver. Best regards, and I won't argue further👋

I don't want to end up arguing just for the sake of it—or so my last word might be, given my complexes 🙂—but I did say the chamber works, and if anyone can access it, by all means, go for it. It’s far from me saying I don't recommend it.

To reiterate, if you have access to a chamber, go ahead; it will help you. We all carry pathogens within us, and killing off those little pests (pathogens, that is—just so no one gets the wrong idea) is strictly a good thing, nothing bad at all.

However, there are people who simply can't—they don't have the funds to pay out of pocket, and Medicare certainly wasn't jumping for joy when their claims were filed, and so on—yet they deal with issues caused by pathogens. In those cases, other methods exist. Methods available to the public.

And then, of course, there are the issues divers face (which aren't necessarily caused by pathogens) that can only be resolved via a chamber. If someone surfaces too quickly (for whatever reason, though every diver knows why slow decompression matters), the chamber is the only way... and there's no debate there. That's not really about illness, it's more about accidents—I can't see any reason a diver would surface without full decompression unless it was an accident, or just pure recklessness, which is a different matter entirely. Illness is one thing, accidents are another.

Regardless, if you can get into a chamber, do it; you'll feel better. And if you can't, don't despair... there are affordable options that are both effective and safe, which you can use at home without professional assistance (though you still need to know how—it's easy enough to learn, but you also have to know how to drink water).

So, I support the chamber (I'm saying this again, since I'm constantly being accused of not supporting it)!

Douglas Fowler, you mentioned finding ways to finally escape the pain and misery.
I’m right there in the trenches myself. My ulcerative colitis is hitting an acute phase—bloody diarrhea, constant pain, and if I eat anything, I’m sprinting to the bathroom. I’ve become skin and bones, dealing with anemia and total exhaustion. On top of all that, I’m a mom 🙂to a 10-month-old baby I'm still breastfeeding, which makes staying healthy my absolute priority.
I don't mean to vent, just giving you a sense of where I'm at. Anyone who has lived with this knows exactly what it's like.

I tried sending you a DM, but it wouldn't go through—maybe your settings are closed? If you could send me your info via private message so I can reach out ASAP, I’d be incredibly grateful. I need some guidance on your treatment method. I'm running on empty here and I'm out of options. Thanks!

Douglas Fowler is basically an alternative health guru, so if you're looking for his take, you should probably just check out some holistic wellness sites.

I see some mentions here about certain neurological issues being a contraindication for the barokomora. I was wondering if perhaps one of the doctors could clarify which specific neurological conditions would rule someone out from using the barokomora? I haven't been able to find anything concrete online; I’ve searched through quite a few medical journals, but they all seem to focus strictly on the indications rather than the contraindications.

A patient was actually recommended for barokomora therapy by her hematologist—the one she sees regularly—to help with an issue involving her toe. This whole thing started after a manicurist improperly trimmed her nail. She’s currently on a long-term regimen of Martefarin because she dealt with a pulmonary embolism about 11 years ago, and she also suffered from arterial thrombosis in her right leg four years ago. That incident led to some claudication in that same leg and issues with her right pinky toe (dry necrosis), which eventually healed even though she didn't use the barokomora back then. I remember she used to apply Octenisept spray to that leg, but apparently, that isn't recommended for her anymore. She tried applying Octenisept to the toe just now, but it caused a really intense stinging sensation.

The current issue with her right toe is that it has turned a deep blue color and is incredibly painful; it hurts even when she's resting, especially at night, and the pain is so bad she can't sleep at all. I guess the question is, would the barokomora actually be beneficial for her? She has also been dealing with high blood sugar since October of this year, and since then, she’s been taking one and a half tablets of Glurenorm daily.

Regarding those neurological concerns, she has been experiencing something resembling a form of epilepsy for about four years now. It isn't a loss of consciousness per se, but more like a momentary disorientation where she just loses track of things for a second, and occasionally, there is some urinary incontinence. Her EEG results have been perfectly fine, both when she had one done earlier this year and two years ago. An MRI performed this summer showed some scarring on the brain, similar to what you'd see after a minor stroke, but the radiologist noted there’s no sign of any tumorous process—just old scarring. A brain CT from two years ago showed the same scarring, with no significant changes compared to this year's MRI. On top of all that, she has been dealing with kidney issues for several years; her creatinine levels usually range between 200 and 230.

I was also wondering, is heparin (like Fragmin) or something similar always administered via injection for foot ischemia? The first time this happened, six years ago, when she had the issues with her right foot and pinky toe following the arterial thrombosis, she was given heparin injections and spent 12 days in the hospital. Now that the condition has worsened, her hematologist has only suggested outpatient barokomora therapy; they didn't even recommend hospitalization. Her current medication is Martefarin 25%. Also, is it safe to use Byvacin spray on that nail? I wash it with saline or just tap water, dry it thoroughly, and then spray Byvacin around the nail. Is it okay if the Byvacin gets onto the blue skin surrounding the nail? She hasn't received very specific instructions from her doctors, just that she can shower, provided she dries the leg well and keeps the toe separated from the others using gauze. Finally, should she get another Doppler scan? She had one three weeks ago, but the toe wasn't this blue or this painful at night back then.

If anyone could provide some more specific information, I would be so incredibly grateful.

Are there any other specialized clinics in the suburbs, or is it just the one in New York City?

I’ve heard there might be a facility downtown near Prince Mislav, but does anyone actually have the facts on that? I'm looking into options for managing ulcerative colitis...