Hyperbaric oxygen treatment

[unblocktheplanet]

I developed tinnitus after starting Alprazolam in August 2019; I am not making this cause-and-effect, though I have read some accounts of a correlation. However, on June 14 I developed sudden onset left ear deafness—sensorineural deafness. Oral prednisolone was ineffective, so was intraaural dexamethasone, both steroids.

 

Only next step, which works in roughly 50%, is hyperbaric treatment at 2.4 atmospheres with 100% oxygen. I had five sessions with no improvement. Perhaps coincidentally, I started a big crash-and-burn after three sessions.

 

Only the Navy hospital was affordable, $78 for Thais, $113 for foreigners. (Yeah, I know.) Chamber held 10-12 patients. They did three sessions a day for 1 hour 50 minutes. Rotating nurses in the chamber but no oxygen.

 

This is a huge chamber, built like a submarine. Such pressure is simply not possible at home. Yep, I remember oxygen bars!

 

For me, it was a $566 gamble. Wish it had worked! Now worrying about my right ear. Life could get awfully quiet. Some folks were getting 50 treatments!

 

BTW, I had weaned Mirtazapine in February, Trazodone & Alprazolam to go.