A Challenging Diagnosis
Meet Mrs. Caye Hauser, a 68-year-old resident of Pearland. She came to R3 Wound Care after being referred by Dr. Taggart Gauvain, her orthopedic surgeon. Mrs. Hauser had developed a pressure ulcer on her right foot’s third toe, compounded by significant deformities of her great and lesser toes. Her medical history included heart disease, osteoporosis, melanoma, and a left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LLE DVT). She had also undergone two surgeries on her right foot.
The Turning Point
Despite her extensive medical history, the ulceration on Mrs. Hauser’s right third toe persisted. After consulting with Dr. Gauvain, it was decided that amputation of the affected toe was necessary. Post-surgery, Mrs. Hauser was under the care of Lucy Chen and her team at R3 Wound Care. Their dedication and expertise ensured that her post-surgical wound healed effectively.
The Treatment Journey
Mrs. Hauser’s treatment plan included meticulous wound care, involving debridement and advanced dressings. The goal was to promote rapid and effective healing while preventing any complications. Each step of her journey was carefully monitored and adjusted to meet her specific needs, ensuring optimal results.
A Commitment to Healing
Throughout her treatment, Mrs. Hauser returned to the R3 clinic whenever she had new wounds, demonstrating her trust in the team’s care and expertise. Her consistent recovery and positive experiences at R3 Wound Care underscored the clinic’s commitment to patient-centered care and effective treatment solutions.
A Happy Outcome
Today, Mrs. Hauser’s post-surgical wound is fully healed, and she continues to visit R3 Wound Care for any new issues. Her journey with the clinic is a testament to the power of comprehensive, compassionate wound care.
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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.
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.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is believed to provide a better solution for osteoradionecrosis (ORN) through several mechanisms:
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.
WOUND CARE AND HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
Located in The Dallas-Fort WORTH, Houston and San Antonio Areas of Texas