Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Saves Nederland Woman’s Legs

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Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment has proven its potential in treating various medical conditions effectively. The therapy has not only resulted in significant improvements in patients, but have also saved a few patients from amputation.

Gwendolyn Maldonado, 64, from Nederland, is one of such patients.

In May 12, 2013, Gwen wounded her left leg in a trip-and-fall accident. Although the accident seemed to be a minor mishap at that time, it turned catastrophic. On visiting her primary care doctor, Gwen was told that the injury was “OK”, and to visit again in seven days in case the problems continue. However, the wound wasn’t OK. Gwen’s leg started becoming affected with progressive necrotizing infection, MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus), and venous statis ulceration.

That Friday, Gwen had an appointment with an hematologist for checkup. On being asked by the doctor that what was the bandage on her leg, Gwen showed her leg to him. Within an hour only, Gwen was in the hospital with PICC line. The doctor told Gwen that she may lose her leg. The wound was necrotic upto bone.

Gwen started getting painful debridements to eliminate the infected, damaged or dead tissue and increase the healing capability of the healthy, remaining tissue, in order to protect her leg. After carrying out treatments for months and a skin graft, the treatment center saved Gwen’s leg.

However, as Gwen was recovering gradually from the wound, she fell for the second time, which wounded her right leg severely and broke both her arms. Her leg developed a traumatic injury that was even worse as compared to the previous one she experienced merely a few months ago. This wound also became infected like the previous one.

Need for Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment:

This time, debridements were not enough for getting the injury ready for skin grafting. Gwen needed Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) this time, inside a hyperbaric chamber.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment involves the use of a special chamber, referred to as a pressure chamber sometimes. The therapy heightens the oxygen amount in blood. HBOT has emerged as a well-recognized adjunct to traditional antibiotic therapy and surgery for troublesome wounds like Gwen’s, stated Dr. Wagar Ahmad whose specialty is wound treatment. Ahmad said that they provide hyperbaric treatment accompanied by surgery, so as to protect as much of tissue as possible.

The hyperbaric chamber is sealed well and is filled up with pressurized oxygen. At the time of treatment, oxygen flows through the chamber continuously for maintaining a clean atmosphere and for controlling the temperature inside. This generates a flow noise that may change with time, but is a common noise associated with the operation of a chamber. Experiencing warming inside the chamber is also normal during pressurization. The pressure increases to about 2.5 times the air pressure that’s normal. This may cause an individual to feel mild discomfort or ear popping. This normalizes after the treatment pressure is attained. Based on the treatment pressure employed for the therapy, an individual may be asked to inhale air from facemask periodically, within the chamber. An added protection is provided in this way against oxygen toxicity. The technicians depressurize the chamber slowly after the therapy.

Gwen was given nine sessions of hyperbaric oxygen treatment, which resulted in enough healing of the tissue of her leg for performing the skin graft. So, the therapy saved her leg from amputation and helped her significantly to heal.

Chloe Paltrow
Chloe Paltrow, a medical assistant. She has shared her knowledge in various websites and blogs like PsychCentral, Collective Evolution and Pick The Brain. Currently, she is studying how brain injury and brain disorders can be treated with hyperbaric chambers.