TestimonialBrain Injury - 'Near Drowning' 14 years ago
"Hi, my name is
Pat Diver and this is my beautiful daughter, Leih who is 23 years of age. Leih, unfortunately she suffered a 'near drowning' incident 14 years ago
when she was only 8-years of age. Leih had a history of 'grand mal' epilepsy
prior to this incident but apart from this condition, Leih was like every
other normal happy, healthy little girl living life to the fullest! We were holidaying at the time interstate and enjoying the sunshine when I was confronted with the situation of Leih floating submerged in the resort pool. I pulled Leih out of the pool but she was unconscious. Leih was blue and her eyes had rolled back into her head. I screamed for help and was assisted by beach lifeguards who were stationed on the beach across the road from the motel. Leih was immediately taken to the local hospital and then transferred by
helicopter to a trauma centre. Leih remained in a deep coma for the next
3-months. During the first week after the incident whilst in ICU (intensive
care unit) Leih suffered a cardiac arrest and developed pneumonia. I was
told that Leih had probably had an epileptic fit causing her to drown and
then immediately suffered a brain stem stroke whilst in the pool. After extensive clinical tests and brain scans, I was informed by the
specialist neurologist that Leigh had suffered severe anoxia (oxygen
depravation) to the brain and that she would not survive. Leigh did survive but has remained severely brain injured and physically
handicapped with severe spastic contractures and scoliosis of her spine.
Leigh has been unable to speak but I know that she can communicate and
responds to sounds and limited visual stimulation. This response has
gradually improved over the years. Leih is feed via a nasogastric tube. Leih's neurologist told me that Leih was not eligible to attend a rehabilitation facility because her condition was hopeless! He said that they only refer patients who have the ability to be rehabilitated and could be improved. I was extremely distressed by his report and the lack of supportive services for Leih. I was forced to look for alternatives given the fact that their was no
support through conservative avenues. I was repeatedly told that Leih's
condition was hopeless and that her condition is as a direct consequence of
'oxygen depravation' resulting in non-development of the normal developing
brain. Leih's development has been delayed, her body has remained that of a
child even although she is now 23 years old. I know in my heart and mind
that Leih is experiencing life beyond the limitations of her body. This may
be unacceptable to traditional medical opinion but I have witnessed many
events where I know Leih has been beyond the limitations of her condition. I was listening to a local Melbourne radio station, 3AK and heard Dr
Hooper of the Spinal Rehabilitation Group talking about Hyperbaric Medicine
and the success they were having treating various neurological and
orthopedic conditions. Dr Hooper was talking about a number of benefits
gained through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. One of the benefits that grabbed
my attention was the fact that HBOT 'encourages new blood growth into
damaged regions enabling the brain and spinal cord the potential of
recovery'. I immediately telephoned the radio station, spoke to Dr Hooper
'on air' and then made contact with him at his facility. Prior to commencing Hyperbaric Therapy, Leigh was sent for MRIs of her
brain and full spine, SPECT scans of the brain and a number of blood tests
for 'opportunistic infections'. The results of these investigations revealed
massive 'ischemic encephalopathy with marked cerebral and brain stem
atrophy'. In addition, Leigh tested positive to a number of chronic
infections which are also being now being treated. We were informed that Leigh's condition should have been treated with
Hyperbaric in the early stages of her injury. Dr Hooper was very clear over
the issue of chronic brain ischemia and conveyed both the 'conservative'
opinion and the 'potential outcomes' based on the mechanisms that have been
achieved with Hyperbaric. Dr Hooper introduced me to a number of other
patients who were all attending with conditions that were thought to be
hopeless and were using HBOT as a last resort. I was very encouraged at the
results these other patients were getting and felt compelled that Hyperbaric
would benefit Leigh's condition. Dr Hooper initial recommendation was that Leigh's treatment should
commence on a daily basis receiving 2 60-minute chamber sessions.
Unfortunately the facility is extremely heavily booked and getting available
chamber times has proven to be very difficult. Leigh started Hyperbaric treatment initially 2 days per week spending usually 2-hours in the chamber. After 8-hours of treatment we have noticed that Leigh was having a lot less spasms requiring less medication (clonazepam). She has a more relaxed appearance on her face and appears to be interacting more with visual stimulation. Over the past 10-years on different occasions we have attempted to reduce
Leih's medication. Clonazepam is highly addictive and on each attempt to
reduce this medication, Leih has suffered terrible reactions with markedly
increased spasms and suffering. Since starting Hyperbaric we have been able
to reduce Leih's medication on three separate occasions. This has been
remarkable. I have never been able to reduce her medication to this level. For the past 3-months prior to commencing HBOT, Leih had lost control of
voluntary bowel action requiring assistance. After 20-hours of treatment she
has had her first full bowel action without assistance. In addition her
circulation has improved a lot, her hands and feet are nowhere as cold as
before. Leigh is also coughing much stronger than before treatments, which
is important because she has an enormous amount of mucous accumulation which
can easily be swallowed back into the lungs. Leigh also does not 'startle'
as much as before and her face continues to appear more relaxed with a less
spasm appearance. After 25-hours of chamber sessions Leigh's bowels have improved
dramatically, she is having multiple bowels actions herself without
requiring assistance. She is very relaxed and her arms and hands which are
usually very contracted are noticeably more relaxed. Leigh is now getting
'fluttering' in both her left and right hand since starting treatment. On one of the days scheduled for HBOT Leigh had opportunity to have
4-hours of treatment that day, 2-hours with a break followed by another
2-hours. That afternoon it was very obvious that Leigh was noticeably
straighter with her spine, more relaxed and no spasms. Her bowel continuing
to work independently 2-3 times each day. After 40-hours of treatments Leigh continues to make progress. Bowels
continues to improve. Leigh is now having less 'fits', we have noticed a
marked reduction in her spasms and limb contractures (clonus deformity), her
fingers are beginning to open and her and wrists are more supple. Leigh's
spine is also more supple and she is now in a lot less pain. Leigh also
continues to have visual changes. She is more responsive to both sound and
visual stimulation. I believe that the Hyperbaric treatment is assisting
this process and I am hopeful that with further treatments she may be able
to see more normally. The most impressive change has been the fact that Leigh has started to
develop 'breasts'. I have been overwhelmed by the fact that breasts have
started developing because normally I lift Leigh by wrapping my arms around
her back and chest and now I have to be careful! Dr Hooper informed me that this development was very significant because
it reflects the fact that Leigh's endocrine system is being stimulated. He
said that if Leigh's menstrual cycle commences then this would have to be a
Hyperbaric first in Australia! Dr Hooper was right. After another several weeks Leigh had her first
period which lasted 7-days! I am simply amazed at the changes that we have noticed in such a short time period. Unfortunately we do not have the available funds to get treatment every day, however the changes that are taking place have given us enormous encouragement to continue and hopefully Leigh will continue to get better. Because Leih and I are so closely linked I also have experienced the
benefits from the improvements I see in Leih. I am no longer frustrated and
feeling useless like I have felt for so many years. Life has become a lot
easier for both of us. I am also like Leih feeling more energetic, probably
because I am getting the benefits of HBOT when I go into the chamber with
Leih. I would like to thank Dr Hooper and his team for their support and
continue care", regards Pat Diver
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