Chronic back and leg pains (multi-level canal stenosis; large facet joint cyst)

‘My name is Minnie and I am 67-years old and my problems started in 1957 when I was just 17. Doctors had informed me over the years that my condition was ‘sciatica’ and I was fitted with a surgical corset to keep my back straight. The corset made no difference and over the years my back simply got worse. Eventually I got married and had three children; my condition continued and I think I have consulted with every form of doctor and therapy all of which gave me very little relief.  

In 1974 I was diagnosed with Cervical Rib Syndrome and I also told I had an extra vertebra in my lower back! I was diagnosed with advancing Osteo Arthritis; my specialist said I would probably be in a wheel chair by the time I was 60. Another back brace was made which I still wear at times when my pain is unbearable. In 1986 I started deep tissue massage and had been a regular attendee since; the massage is very painful but at least I get some relief for a few days and then the pain returns.  

In 2005 I was referred to another spine specialist and based on MRI I was recommend a series of cortisone injections; unfortunately they made absolutely no difference and I felt I had wasted my time and money! I could not sleep; the pain is often extremely intense and debilitating searing down my legs – walking, sitting, lying makes no difference. My quality of life had been dramatically affected, I could no longer perform simply household duties and I gained weight which also does not help. My favourite pass time is gardening; my husband and I have magnificent gardens and this has given me great pleasure of the years however my back has stopped me from my passion which is very depressing! 

I read an article in our Melbourne Herald Sun newspaper about Dr Hooper and Melbourne Hyperbaric and thought perhaps this could help me? I attended and under took further MRIs and blood tests to understand the true extent of my condition. I considered the recommendation and decided to go ahead with the treatment; my pain was so great – what did I have to lose?! 

Well here I am today! I guess I didn’t really know what to expect from hyperbaric and therapies but I was hopeful and open minded and at the same time not too ambitious. After 60-hours of HBOT I am so glad that I chose to take this path as I have noticed a great difference overall. I have more energy, more movement, considerably less pain, no more night sweats and my legs are pain free! I have also noticed that my hair has grown a lot thicker and my skin is more alive. I really enjoy attending meeting wonderful patients; it is a lovely atmosphere at the clinic and I can’t thank Mal and his staff for all the help they have given me. I really feel that this treatment had given me back quality of life. Thanks guys I really appreciate it and it has to be said; I have had various treatments for over 50-years without improvement; just 6-weeks of Hyperbaric Oxygenation combined with your other therapies and I feel wonderful! It is a compete miracle and it has to be seen to be believed!! – Minnie’