Patient Success Story: Judy Kadrmas

Introduction to Judy's Journey

Judy Kadrmas, a 60-year-old resident of Kingwood, TX, faced a challenging health journey compounded by multiple medical conditions including diabetes, lupus, ovarian cancer, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, anemia, and a recent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

When Judy arrived at R3 Wound Care, she was battling a severe Stage 3 to 4 pressure ulcer on her sacrum, a painful and debilitating condition that had persisted despite conventional treatments.

Comprehensive and Compassionate Care at R3 Wound Care

At R3 Wound Care, Judy’s treatment was a collaborative effort involving a team of specialized healthcare professionals dedicated to her recovery. Upon her arrival, our infectious disease specialists, wound care experts, and hyperbaric team devised a tailored treatment plan for her.

Clinical Assessment and Treatment Plan:

  • Judy’s wound measured 1.6 cm x 1.3 cm x 0.6 cm, with significant undermining from 9 to 12 and 12 to 5.
  • Her treatment included surgical debridement and the application of collagen to promote healing
  • Judy underwent 40 HBOT sessions, beginning on April 3, 2023, and concluding on June 14, 2023

Throughout her treatment, Judy was committed, strictly following recommended protocols and attending her wound care HBOT sessions.

Remarkable Healing and Recovery

Judy’s wound showed significant improvement throughout her treatment. By the end of her 40 HBOT sessions, her pressure ulcer was fully healed. This rapid recovery is a testament to the effectiveness of HBOT combined with comprehensive advanced wound care practices.

Key Highlights of Judy’s Healing Journey:

  • Wound Size Reduction: From an initial measurement significantly larger due to undermining, her wound completely resolved
  • Treatment Duration: Just three months from start to complete healing
  • Patient Experience: Judy felt supported and uplifted by the R3 Wound Care team, who treated her like family and provided consistent, positive encouragement

Judy’s Words of Gratitude

Reflecting on her experience, Judy expressed profound gratitude for the care and support she received at R3 Wound Care. She felt treated like family, and she appreciated the team’s positive and encouraging approach, which played a crucial role in her healing journey.

Judy’s success story is a powerful example of how advanced wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy can transform lives. Her journey from severe pressure ulcer to complete healing in just three months underscores the importance of specialized, patient-centered care.

Explore How R3 Can Help You 

R3 Wound Care invites you to discover the transformative power of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Our dedicated team is here to support your healing journey with advanced wound care treatments tailored to your specific needs. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve a healthier, happier life.

These Healing Stories Can Be Yours Too

Patricia Robb’s Healing Story

Patricia Robb’s Healing Story

Schedule A Consultation! Robb’s Story A Challenging Diagnosis Meet Patricia Robb, a dedicated 68-year-old PE teacher from Keller. Constantly on her feet, Patricia faced a daunting health challenge following a

Read More »
Stacey Jackson’s Healing Story

Stacey Jackson’s Healing Story

Schedule A Consultation! Jackson’s Story: A Challenging Diagnosis Meet Stacey Jackson, a dedicated resident of Keller. Following a significant reconstructive surgery on her right knee, Stacey developed surgical dehiscence, a

Read More »
Thomas Aller’s Story

Thomas Aller’s Healing Story

Schedule A Consultation! Thoma’s Story: A Challenging Diagnosis Meet Thomas Aller, a dedicated resident of Keller, who faced a significant health challenge following a fall at home in February. This

Read More »

What is Osteoradionecrosis?

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) occurs when bone tissue dies due to radiation therapy, commonly used to treat cancers in the head and neck region. This condition can lead to exposed bone, causing pain, swelling, and infections. It is a rare but serious complication, with the head and neck area being particularly susceptible due to its complex structure and the impact of radiation on blood supply to the bones. Advances in radiation techniques and better care have reduced the incidence of ORN, but it remains a significant concern for patients undergoing radiation treatment for head and neck cancers. High doses of radiation, repeated treatments, and compromised blood supply are typical causes.  Treating ORN involves several strategies focused on managing pain, controlling infections, and removing dead bone tissue.

healing story of Osteoradionecrosis

Pain management often includes medications like NSAIDs or opioids. Infection control is crucial, with antibiotics or antifungal medications used to treat or prevent infections. Surgical debridement may be necessary to remove dead bone tissue, promoting healing and reducing complications. In severe cases with significant tissue loss, flap reconstruction surgery might be needed. Supportive care, including proper oral hygiene, good nutrition, and quitting smoking, is also essential in managing ORN and aiding recovery. Prevention strategies emphasize dental care and minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissue as much as possible.

How HBOT provides a solution or benefits specific to this condition

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is believed to provide a better solution for osteoradionecrosis (ORN) through several mechanisms:

  1. Increased oxygen delivery: HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the bloodstream. This elevated oxygen concentration enhances oxygen delivery to tissues, including the affected bone, promoting healing and tissue regeneration.
  2. Angiogenesis: HBOT has been shown to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in damaged tissues. By improving blood flow to the affected area, HBOT can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for tissue repair.
  3. Reduction of tissue hypoxia: Radiation therapy can cause tissue hypoxia (low oxygen levels), which impairs the body’s ability to heal. HBOT counteracts this by providing oxygen directly to the tissues, bypassing the damaged blood vessels and improving tissue oxygenation.
  4. Anti-inflammatory effects: HBOT has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the affected tissues. This can help alleviate symptoms such as pain and swelling associated with ORN.
  5. Enhancement of white blood cell function: HBOT can boost the function of white blood cells, the body’s primary defense against infection. By enhancing immune function, HBOT may help prevent or control infection in the affected area, reducing the risk of complications.
  • The complexity of bone damage determines the total number of hyperbaric treatments. Treatments are scheduled daily, and the total number of treatments ranges from 40 to 60. Initially, you will undergo 30 treatments with HBOT. After 30 treatments, you will be evaluated by your oral surgeon to determine if surgical removal of the damaged bone is needed. After surgery, 10 or more additional HBOT treatments may be recommended.

FAQ's

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This process increases the oxygen level in your blood, which helps to accelerate the body’s natural healing processes. It’s particularly effective for wounds that are slow to heal due to diabetes or radiation injury. 

HBOT can also aid in fighting certain types of infections and improving conditions like stroke, carbon monoxide poisoning, and more. Essentially, by enhancing oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, HBOT fosters a better environment for recovery and healing.

It’s like a super boost of oxygen for your body. It helps your blood carry more oxygen to your body’s tissues, which can speed up healing for wounds that take their time or help with other health issues. 

Basically, it’s a very innovative way to tap into your body’s natural healing powers!

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is really versatile in treating a wide array of conditions. It’s a solution for speeding up the healing of chronic wounds, especially those tricky ones related to diabetes or injuries from radiation therapy.

Beyond wound care, HBOT helps in treating serious infections like gangrene by boosting oxygen levels to combat bacteria. It’s also effective for people dealing with the aftermath of carbon monoxide poisoning, aiding recovery from strokes, and even tackling sudden severe hearing loss. 

The therapy works wonders by increasing oxygen delivery to injured or affected areas, promoting faster and more efficient healing processes.

HBOT is generally considered safe, but like any medical treatment, it comes with some potential side effects. The most common ones are mild and might include feelings of claustrophobia in the chamber, temporary changes to your vision, and ear pressure similar to what you feel on an airplane.

More serious side effects are rare but can include oxygen toxicity or barotrauma to the ears or lungs if not properly managed. R3 safety standards exceeds those of the [FILL IN HERE]

The number of HBOT sessions needed can vary widely depending on the condition being treated and how your body responds. Typically, a treatment plan might include sessions 5 days a week for a few weeks.

Some conditions might see improvement after 20-30 sessions, while more complex issues could require more. It’s really about how your specific situation responds to the therapy.

We invite you to schedule an appointment with an R3 care member to help review your specific situation so that we can help facilitate and aim for the best outcome for you.

Yes, HBOT can be used alongside other treatments. It’s often part of a broader treatment plan, especially for conditions like non-healing wounds, where it complements traditional wound care, or in cases of radiation injury, where it can aid in recovery alongside other medical interventions.

Your healthcare team will assess how HBOT can fit into your overall treatment strategy to ensure the best possible outcomes.

During your first HBOT session, you’ll relax in a chamber where the pressure is increased, allowing you to breathe in pure oxygen. It’s a calm experience, and you might feel a bit like you’re on an airplane as your ears adjust to the pressure changes. The session typically lasts about 90 minutes, during which you can rest or even sleep.

Your R3 Care Team member will carefully monitor you throughout to ensure everything goes smoothly and to make you as comfortable as possible.

Before undergoing HBOT, you’ll likely be advised to wear comfortable, cotton clothing to the session and avoid using any petroleum-based products, as oxygen can be highly flammable.

It’s also important to communicate with your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you’re taking, as some might influence your treatment.

They may also recommend not eating a heavy meal right before your session to avoid discomfort.

Your R3 Care Team member will give you specific instructions tailored to your health and the specifics of your HBOT treatment.

The timeline for seeing results from HBOT can vary based on the condition being treated and your individual response to therapy. Some people notice improvements after a few sessions, while others may take longer.

Chronic conditions might require more sessions to see significant changes. Your R3 Care Team member will track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

It’s important to maintain open communication with your medical team and follow their guidance throughout your HBOT journey.

Insurance coverage for HBOT treatments varies widely depending on your provider and the condition being treated. Some insurance plans cover HBOT for specific FDA-approved conditions, while others may not.

It’s crucial to check with your insurance provider directly to understand your coverage details. Additionally, discussing with the R3 Care team can also help, as they often have experience dealing with insurance companies and can offer guidance on navigating coverage issues.

R3 Wound Care prioritizes patient safety and comfort during HBOT by adhering to strict safety protocols, using state-of-the-art hyperbaric chambers, and ensuring all treatments are supervised by trained healthcare professionals.

Your R3 Care team will provide clear instructions on what you can expect and how to prepare for each session, ensuring a comfortable and secure environment.

The R3 Care team is committed to making each patient’s experience as smooth and reassuring as possible, addressing any concerns and monitoring patients closely throughout your treatment.

Insurance coverage for HBOT treatments varies widely depending on your provider and the condition being treated. Some insurance plans cover HBOT for specific FDA-approved conditions, while others may not.

R3 Wound Care prioritizes patient safety and comfort during HBOT by adhering to strict safety protocols, using state-of-the-art hyperbaric chambers, and ensuring all treatments are supervised by trained healthcare professionals.

Your R3 Care team will provide clear instructions on what you can expect and how to prepare for each session, ensuring a comfortable and secure environment.

The R3 Care team is committed to making each patient’s experience as smooth and reassuring as possible, addressing any concerns and monitoring patients closely throughout your treatment.

Request Appointment

Dallas/FW

San Antonio

Houston

Or You can request an Appointment virtually here:

request an Appointment

Request Appointment