CONTACT US

ASSOCIATION OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS THERAPY CENTRES (SCOTLAND)

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN TREATMENT - JEAN RICHARDSON TELLS OF HER EXPERIENCE OF STARTING OXYGEN THERAPY

I am 54 year old lady with M.S. I have had some symptoms since 1991 but was diagnosed in 1994 with relapsing/remitting M.S. Retiring on ill-health grounds in June 2001 has been very helpful in keeping me feeling reasonably well.

I hadn’t heard of hyperbaric oxygen therapy until I had a TV set to find a home for. I knew there was a collection bin for clothes etc so I searched Yellow Pages and found the MS Therapy Centre at 40c Swanfield, Leith. One phone call and my TV was collected by a local resident whose partner also has M.S. It was my chat with him that convinced me to try a session of oxygen.

After discussions with my husband, I phoned for more information and was asked if I would like to come for a visit and see exactly what they had on offer. We duly turned up and were warmly welcomed and shown all the facilities – physiotherapy, reflexology, a pleasant area to sit, chat and have tea or coffee and, of course, the “diving bell”.

We also met Alistair and Maya who are in charge of the Centre but also get lots of help from a legion of volunteers. It was at this meeting that I was told anyone can try the oxygen, as long as his or her doctor is in agreement.

At the Centre, I have met people with cancer, acne, rugby injuries etc. Starting a course requires coming for 15 sessions in a row (Monday to Friday) changing pressures after each block of 5 from 16 to 24 to 33 feet, until you find out which level is best suited to you. I have now settled at 2 sessions per week at 33 feet.

The effects of the oxygenation are different for everyone who tries it. I personally have found my walking has improved. I only get up once during the night (wonderful!) and my general well-being has improved. Alistair has mentioned that I seem to be standing straighter.

I have met lots of different people while coming here and have found it to be a wholly positive venture which I have every intention of continuing.

Jean Richardson