Testimonial

A tragic horse riding accident left Anita paralysed but the 30-year old believes that miracles can still happen. Anita and her family have been down this road before, her brother suffered a terrible work related injury resulting in him being left a paraplegic 10-years ago after a steel beam fell across his back.

"No-one ever thinks its going to happen to them. Its an accident and you have to get on with life."

Anita has made incredible progress from her injuries. Anita has worked extremely hard including daily intensive physiotherapy, massage and maintains an amazing sense of purpose and is a tower of emotional strength and mental determination. 

Anita is cared for by her parents and friends with minimal financial support. Despite the difficulties, Anita does not give up hope and it is this hope that propels her to believe that regardless of conservative medical opinion who constantly tell her; their is no hope or grounds for improvement. Anita is of the firm view that she can continue to improve! 

Comparison MRIs taken by Spinal Rehab prior to commencing Hyperbaric, revealed a reduction in the extent of cord edema (swelling) when compared to the MRIs taken immediately after surgical reduction and fusion. This fact itself has been an enormous encouragement to Anita and her family which is testimonial to all of the good work and discipline that she has undertaken.    

Anita lives in Perth which is on the western coast of Australia. Spinal Rehabilitation Group is located in Melbourne which is on the east coast. Hyperbaric funding is extremely limited in Australia with no immediate provision for spinal cord injury. Anita has to make the journey to Melbourne to get this treatment.

Anita attended for a 1-month period receiving daily; 4-hours of HBOT combined with direct acupuncture needling (whilst in the chamber), injections etc. She reports: 

Week 1 (Initial 20 hours)

• initially very tiring, slight ear problems and slight headaches

• improved lung and diaphragm control (interesting given the fact that I was told I had lost diaphragm function!)

• changes in movement pattern and control in my fingers and wrists

• acupuncture into the hands produced slight movement in the fingers and when concentrating my range of movement increased

• body temperature irregularity. Increased tone in both legs; and feet are more responsive to touch. Body undergoing many changes and reactions to treatment

Week 2 (20-40 hours)

• feeling more body changes in regards to position, movement and comfort. Sleeping position has changed

• sessions in the chamber no longer as tiring, not feeling as cold as before

• energy levels has improved dramatically, not as tired, going out after treatment sessions

• morning spasms (dysreflexia) has diminished and do not last as long

• feeling tingling sensations throughout entire body, intense feeling of discomfort in my bum bones and down into my legs

• past 2-weeks have noticed increased sensation on both forearms and into hands which have become extremely sensitive to touch. Finger dexterity is more defined and have become more supple with different fingers activating at different times. Right thumb activity is more pronounced and twitching in the left thumb has increased

• both legs and feet have been feeling hot internally. Sitting in the wheelchair has become uncomfortable even across my whole back as my body feels like it should be standing

• trunk control has improved making transferring easier. I am now able to pull my stomach muscles in

Week 3 (40-60 hours)

• morning spasms has diminished dramatically

• improved control and movement of hands, wrists and fingers

• strange body sensations, feeling buttock and leg bone pain

• arms and legs feeling warmer internally

• during morning shower; legs has straightened from a slight flexed position

• more aware of body position whilst in bed. Able to sense when leg position is being altered and moved back to its original position!

• energy levels continue to improve, not as tired with chamber sessions becoming easier and easier

• body temperature has improved and regulating a lot better - not feeling always cold

• episodes of feeling stabbing pains down into the right forearm and then later feeling all tendons in my forearm twitching down into the fingers

• experiencing a dull sensation in my legs; and my left foot reacts with direct acupuncture needling

Overall

• higher energy levels

• better temperature control

• able to breathe deeper

• transfers are easier as I am able to assist with the transfer

• trunk control and has improved and overall body has become more supple

• fingers are definitely more active, supple and responsive

• arms are stronger and have greater directional control

• muscle tone in the legs has increased

• sensation and feeling in my arms and hands have improved dramatically

• posture in the chair is better

• more awareness of body position and comfort whilst in the chair or bed

• increased all over body sensation especially along my lower back and buttock regions

• able to fully stretch fingers straight

• when relaxed fingers are now in a more neutral position and definitely not as clawed

Anita and family would sincerely like to thank Western Australian Broome Airlines for their contribution to her Hyperbaric rehabilitation in Melbourne.