Testimonial

Diabetic Gangrene

"My name is Enio (Andy) Di Battista and I am 71 years of age. I am a diabetic (type 2) and insulin dependent. In August 2001 I went to Italy for a holiday and whilst there I noticed a white colored blister develop on my big toe of my let foot. I had no feeling in this toe. I went to the local doctor who prescribed a topical cream.

 The toe continued to deteriorate and became very red and swollen. The doctor referred me to a vascular surgeon who said that because I am a diabetic my toe was a very serious condition. I was about to return to Australia and the Italian surgeon gave me some antibiotic injections and told me to consult a specialist back in Melbourne. I return to Melbourne and was immediately referred to a vascular surgeon who said I had gangrene and recommended that I have the toe amputated immediately before the condition continue to spread up my leg.

 Obviously I was very concern and did not want to lose my foot or toe and began to make inquiries regarding other forms of supportive treatment. I spoke to an acquaintance in Italy who also had a similar diabetic condition to my foot. He had saved his foot by having hyperbaric chamber treatment.

I discussed the possibility of this treatment with my vascular surgeon but he would not support my request. In fact he was very opposed to the whole idea. I was very disappointed.

I believed that I had nothing to lose by trying so on my own initiative I set about finding a Hyperbaric facility. I was eventually recommend Dr Hooper at the Spinal Rehabilitation Group and for the first time received some positive form of advice which included HBOT. I immediately started treatment.  

In addition to HBOT, I received acupuncture needling into my foot and lower leg, intramuscular injections of various vitamins and was instructed to take Rehab Plus (high potency amino acid, Methylsulphonmethane MSM). I attended for treatments twice per week. After about six treatments I noticed that the wounds putrid smell had disappeared. The wound was also not as big and it was showing signs of closing up. The redness immediately around the wound was also improving and was not as painful. 

It has been and continues to be a slow process but the infection is no longer present and the toe is definitely improved. I am extremely happy that I did not have my toe amputated and I am extremely grateful to Dr Hooper for allowing me opportunity to have his valuable form of treatment." – A Di Battista