Testimonial

Progressive Multiple Sclerosis 

'After a traumatic year in 1992 I began showing symptoms of MS. It was a further three frustrating years of visiting various Doctors before I was formally diagnosed after having an MRI and various other tests at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

The diagnosing neurologist gave me the news and virtually told me that there was nothing that could be done for me and go and live my life as best I could'

As a mother of two young and active boys I could not accept this extremely negative outlook. So I changed my neurologist and sought alternative medical treatment (from acupuncture to Chinese massage to Chinese herbal medicines ). Unfortunately the second, third and fourth neurologists I consulted were as negative as the first and did not offer any real support.

In the 9 years since my diagnosis I have consulted numerous specialists as well as the MS Society and it is both disappointing and frustrating that not one of them ever mentioned HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) as something that may help improve or at least stabalise my condition. 

So I continued to plod along until in 2003 after we moved house twice in 6 months. This was obviously too much for my compromised body to deal with because not only did I have to contend with my inability to walk efficiently but I was now totally exhausted all the time. It is hard to maintain a positive outlook when all the professionals give you no hope and at times you are so exhausted you can't put one foot in front of the other. 

It was just good fortune that at this time that I heard an ad on the radio regarding Hyperbaric Medicine and the Spinal Rehab Group. I rang up and was advised to access the website for more detailed information. After reading the information I made an appointment with Dr Hooper to discuss my situation. Dr Hooper organised for me to have another MRI and a number of blood tests in order to ascertain whether there were any underlying bacteria and viruses that may need treatment. A second appointment was arranged where Dr Hooper discussed the proposed treatment with my husband and myself and I subsequently began HBOT in conjunction with appropriate medication and Rehab Plus and DMSO.

After 39 hours in the chamber my energy levels have greatly increased and I am looking forward to further improvement. There are a number of areas where I have already experienced a positive change:

• my circulation has improved and not only are my feet no longer as cold as ice, the colour of my left foot is much healthier (pink in lieu of purple/blue)

• the pain I used to have in my left ear when lying on my side for any length of time has now diminished 

• the pain/uncomfortable sensations in my neck and head are no longer evident

• the constant heaviness in the front of my thighs has been significantly reduced after applying 'roll on' DMSO

• the light headed feeling / haziness which I used to experience has not occured at all recently.

The Spinal Rehab Group is not only looking at the treatment of my particular symptoms but is also actively working to treat the underlying causes. In my experience this twofold approach has never been considered. When I used to leave my neurologist's office or the MS Society I always felt like I was a victim with very little if any control over my situation, now after my consultations with Dr Hooper not only do I feel physically stronger I feel I have more control and am actually doing something positive to improve my prognosis.

Sonia Carey