 THE HEALING POWER OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions including: - Enhancement of healing in selected problem wounds
- Crush injuries
- Osteomyelitis
- Radiation tissue damage
- Skin grafts and flaps
Some treatment modalities that may be used include: - Topical wound therapy
- Debridement
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Growth factor therapy
- Tissue therapy
Once a treatment plan has been initiated, you will visit the center on a regular basis for wound care and documentation of the progress of your healing. You will also be fully instructed on how to do your own wound care at home between visits, as well as how to protect your wound from further injury. It is very important to remember that you are the most important part of your healing process. Keeping appointments and following directions are critical to attaining a positive healing outcome.
DEALING WITH PROBLEM WOUNDS
At any given time, almost 5,000,000 Americans suffer from chronic, non-healing wounds. There are many different kinds of wounds including diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, traumatic wounds, and ulcers caused by circulation problems. It can be very frustrating and time consuming to heal these wounds. At the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, we follow treatment protocols specifically established for each type of wound. We utilize the latest approaches to wound healing and remain current in new scientific advances in wound care.
A TEAM OF WOUND CARE SPECIALISTS
The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Boca Raton Regional Hospital is designed to complement your physicians' services and is committed to the treatment of difficult, non-healing wounds. The center is made up of a team of professionals that includes: - Physicians with advanced training in wound management and hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Nursing staff trained in the care of chronic wounds
- Technicians who perform non-invasive studies and various therapies
- Experienced staff to assist with appointments, medical records, and health insurance processing
- A personalized wound treatment program
Upon referral to the center, you will undergo a thorough diagnostic examination to identify the type of wound you have and the underlying problems causing the wound. Some of the diagnostic modalities which may be used include: - Laboratory evaluation
- Radiology (including MRI)
- Nuclear medicine, including PET (positron emission tomography) scans Transcutaneous oxygen testing
- Vascular studies, electrocardiogram
- Ultrasound
After this determination, a program specifically tailored to your needs will be initiated based on the most effective treatment options. A multispecialty approach will be utilized to provide the maximum benefit to your wound. Getting Ready for Your TreatmentAfter an initial consultation and examination at the center, you will receive complete instructions regarding your treatment. For safety reasons there are certain items not allowed inside the hyperbaric chambers. Please do not wear or bring the following into the chamber during your treatment: - Make-up, nail polish, perfume, aftershave
- Flammable materials
- Wigs/hairpieces, hairspray and hair oils
- Hearing aids
- Alcohol or petroleum based products
- Metallic items (such as jewelry, watches, and coins)
Ask your hyperbaric physician for advice on wearing contact lenses during treatment. You should also refrain from smoking or the use of any tobacco products during the entire course of therapy. Tobacco use will prolong or even prevent healing of a wound site due to its effect on the blood vessels in your body. Before starting your treatment session, you will change into a 100% cotton garment provided by the center. For safety reasons, no other clothing may be worn inside the hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TREATMENT
Once you are comfortably positioned inside the chamber, the pressure will gradually increase and the temperature will temporarily rise. When the desired pressure is achieved, the temperature will be adjusted to your comfort. You may experience fullness in your ears as a result of the increased pressure. The technician will instruct you in ways to help clear the pressure and relieve any discomfort. Most treatment sessions in the chamber last approximately one and a half hours. While undergoing treatment, you may watch TV or videos, simply relax or even sleep.
When the treatment is completed, the chamber is restored to normal pressure and the interior of the chamber will become cooler.
IF YOU ARE SICK OR ON MEDICATION
If you have a cold or cough, the flu, sore throat, chills, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you should inform the staff at the center. Alert the staff to any medications you are taking or changes in medication during the course of your treatment.
If you are diabetic, please eat properly and continue to take your prescribed medication to control your blood sugar level. Your blood sugar level will also be checked during each visit to the center.
THE POSSIBILITY OF SIDE EFFECTS
You may experience temporary vision changes that should return to normal a few weeks after your therapy is completed. Our physicians recommend that you not change the prescription of your eyewear during the course of your therapy. Some patients experience fatigue during treatment. This is completely normal.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is usually administered on an outpatient basis. If you drive, you may drive yourself to the center for therapy, and you should allow up to two and a half hours for each visit. Medicare and most health care plans reimburse for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for 'currently accepted indications.' Our courteous and professional staff is available to assist you with all of your personal insurance issues.
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