Is light peaking in? :Continuing journey of HBOT and Long Covid.

I write with interesting observations, despite a minor set back. Still caution and hesitation are not far from my heart in the presence of more than a hint of optimism.

First of all, to date I still have had only eight out of forty Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments (HBOT) as an ear infection interrupted the intended intensity of the treatments. I have not had a treatment for six days because of this, and hope it is resolved tomorrow. As a side note, I have struggled with the ability to fight off the latest virus, or bug, regardless of the system involved, so I pray for changes on this front.

Despite the ear infection and temporary detour from HBOT, I continue to feel better physically, cognitively, emotionally and spiritually. Most know this could be the placebo effect, I do not negate this. However I do wish to be fair to myself, my experience and observations as well as to those who would be curious. . I recognize this is a subjective summary of a subjective experience, however heuristic pathways can prove to be beneficial.

My left ear began to bother me after my last "dive" and upon examination the following day it was found to be infected. Despite the ear infection, my cognition continues to be sharp. I was able to complete a multistep task of organizing two binders for trial, which have to be perfect. No mistakes can be made, and I felt clear and organized while compiling the evidence. As long as you did not talk to me. If I did get confused, I was quickly able to sort myself out and complete the task. Confidence, however is another thing yet, and I will have my husband check my work.

Additionally I was able to read for hours at a time, which has been difficult for me as my mind quickly wanders. Reading fiction, and also the Bible I have been able to track both texts with limited to no trouble. So concentration has improved and the speed at which I comprehend material has hastened. My ability to track an online class on the Federalist Papers was more difficult. It was high level thinking, and I was curious how I would do. I could track much of it, but did find myself getting lost in the nuances of history and the ideology of our country's founding. I love learning, and this has been something I've missed because of my inability to concentrate.

As with any infection I experience, fatigue was back. I had two naps on Friday, and one nap on Saturday. When I was not napping, I was careful about how to spend my energy and opted for quietly reading, or studying. Sunday, after church, I felt compelled and we hiked on our property for about 45 minutes. This was refreshing, slow and at times very tiring. Trudging through snow in frozen wetlands is difficult terrain. I sense improvement not only in the level of activity, but in my ability to say yes to life. But I did not experience a crash after this level of activity.

What's more with the overall sense of improving energy, focus, and initiation I have added a few more tools into my tool kit, which have then also contributed to me feeling better. For example, I have been able to read, comprehend and initiate the exercise plan for POTS which is helping me feel less exertion fatigue throughout the day. I also researched brain wave frequencies that can help my brain heal from the fight or flight dysfunction. Listening to an app called Altered Brain States has calmed my brain down. This is turn increases my overall energy, as it is not tied up in anxious energy. I do not feel so wound up inside, which I understand is the nervous system caught in the fight/flight response pattern. I'm telling my brain no. We are calm, and everything is great, while deep breathing, and meditating.

So how do I sum this up? I am early in the HBO treatment sequence, and although there has a been a set back, I am continuing to reap the benefits of the eight visits so far, and those benefits are compounding into positive results. I mean I am actually composing written material. This is definite progress over two months ago. However, do know this is subjective. I may try to see if I can find a more objective way of defining my experience so numbers are involved. I will ask around to see if there is a way. In the mean time, I thank God for these last few weeks of life, and pray I may continue on the road to healing. I will check in again.