Our Anti-Aging Journey is drawing to a close and we’re excited to see the results! If you’re not familiar yet we have two individuals, Mike and Kari, going through this anti-aging hyperbaric oxygen protocol. The protocol calls for 40 hyperbaric oxygen dives. Both individuals have finished the protocol, now we just wait for the return of final blood tests. However during the process, Mike decided to journal his experience, from session number one, all the way through his 40th. He allowed us to share his experience so you can get a first-hand look at what daily hyperbaric dives are like and what you might expect along the way.
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY JOURNAL: Mike Morken
Monday 2/6/2023: (10:20-12:30)
First day, blood taken, met Dr. Arden Beachy, who questioned me about my health, past surgeries and medicines I am taking.
Afterwards, I met Paul, who explained what I should expect and steps taken during a dive.
Then I changed into scrubs and went to chamber number 4.
Watched the final holes of the AT&T Pebble Beach Golf Tournament on tv.
At first, I had to pop my ears frequently as I dropped to 33 feet. Once I reached that level, the chamber was warm and I settled in for my hour long session.
It was relatively uneventful and as I was brought back up, my ears again reacted without problems.
Afterwards, I felt energized…not sure if it’s just adrenaline or what.
I was told to drink water and am doing so.
Tuesday 2/7/2023: (10:15-12:00)
Ears and blood pressure checked as I prepared for chamber number 6.
Once in, it was back down again with no problems. My ears continue to cooperate with relative ease.
Watched a great escapes episode on the History Channel. Most of it, anyway!
Nothing other than that to report, but it was busier today. Dressing rooms were all in use, which made me wonder if that was the norm.
Prior to that, I spoke with Kara, who has reached dive number 23. She told me things were going well after getting tubes put it. Good to hear.
Wednesday 2/8/2023 (10:15-11:50)
After the usual pre-checks, it was into chamber number 4 again. I asked if the television sound could be turned down, so I could try and sleep. Earl has mentioned earlier that there was no better place to sleep than in the chamber. To my surprise, I fell asleep. I didn’t notice it. I remember have a real sense of relaxation. There was a time, when I worried that if I did dose off, I wouldn’t be able to wake up. When I did wake up, I only had 7 minutes left in my hour dive.
I am looking forward to seeing how I respond to my other chamber naps later in the study.
Thursday 2/9/2023 (10:15-11:50)
I asked today why they checked my ears before each dive. I was told it was to ensure that there was no fluid build up and so far, so good.
Today, it was chamber number 3. Nothing special to report, although the time seemed to go quickly. I closed my eyes for a few minutes at a time, but didn’t fall asleep.
I also want to report some after chamber observations. My sleeping pattern seems to be improving at night. I still wake up to go to the bathroom, but just once, instead of a couple of times. I also fall right asleep.
My energy levels, after my dives have differed. Today, I feel energized.
Yesterday, just the opposite.
Friday 2/10/2023 (10:15-11:45)
Wrapped up my first five dives with little or no fanfare. After a week, my ears continue to perform well and I don’t seem to be having an issues with the process. As far as the dives impact on me, I walked out today with several errands to run and was energized through them all. I continue to feel like my sleeping pattern has improved. I am looking forward to further progress next week.
Monday 2/13/2023
The start of my second week of dives went fine. The only thing, that I noticed was my eyes watered again. This has happened now for three dives in a row and take place, when I go down and when I come up. Once pressurized, they are fine. No problem.
Tuesday 2/14/2023
Pretty uneventful dive today. I was slated to be in chamber number two, but was moved to four at the last minute, because of a scheduling issue. It didn’t matter and I spent an easy hour in the tube.
Wednesday 2/15/2023
For the first time since starting this, I felt pressure in my ears as I began the dive. It was most noticeable in my left ear. I was in chamber number four and I let Earl know that I was experiencing discomfort. It wasn’t painful, but I felt the pressure. He slowed the dive down and eventually my right ear opened and then my left. As I continued, I was trying to keep my ears open and I could feel a little pain in my right ear. I must be honest, it was an uneasy feeling. I had sailed through all other dives without any challenges.
When the dive was over, I was relieved to experience a normal return without any discomfort. Afterwards, when I asked what was behind this, Earl and Paul explained that the barometric changes from the snow and wind storm the night before had an impact. They reassured me that my left ear would open later and it did. Wondering how tomorrow will go.
Met Lee Swanson for the first time.
Thursday 2/16/2023
Another first….this time, I used a generic version of Afrin before a dive. It was recommended to me by Crystal to relieve the pressure in my ears. It helped, but I could still feel a little pressure in my left ear. I was tired heading into this dive, which was in chamber number 4. As a result, I slept most of the time.
Afterwards, I still felt that my left ear wasn’t opening as it should. One other item of interest. Susie is noticing that I am walking faster. I have been the stroller in our relationship and now I am a step or two ahead of her.
Friday 2/17/2023
First, I want to mention that I have stopped recording the time involved….while it varies from one day to another, its pretty much an hour and a half each time.
Today was reassuring because the Afrin medicine is working. I tried it again today and there was no pressure. As Crystal mentioned, with the weekend here, it will give my ears a chance to reopen. I was placed again in chamber number 4. It was uneventful and I’m really settling into the system. With ten dives under my belt, I have to say that while I do feel better, I’m not quite sure how to pinpoint the progress. In previous updates, I’ve have noted improvements. I continue to wonder where this journey will take me and look forward to the future.
Monday 2/20/2023 10:30-12:15
Week number 3, dive number 11 started with a bit of a delay. But once into chamber number 3, all was good. I again used the generic Afrin, so my ears were okay during the dive. I am noticing that my left ear seems to be closed long after I’m finished. It’s a continual process of opening my jaw to keep reopening both ears. I will ask tomorrow. I also noticed a bit of a headache today. It did snow, so that may explain it. (barometric pressure outside changing).
Tuesday 2/21/2023 10:20-12:10
First time in chamber number 1 and I took Paul’s advice. Stay ahead of the pressurization. I started trying to open my ears and had no ear trouble. Other than that, it was an uneventful experience. Afterwards, I felt like I was energized and ran a couple of errands. Hoping this feeling continues.
Wednesday 2/22/2023
Big question on my mind today was where are the results from my blood test? It was something I did prior to beginning the study and was supposed to hear back within 10 days. I asked Crystal and Paul, who indicated that they had talked about it and were waiting as well. Maybe tomorrow. I was placed in chamber number 2 today and it was an uneventful hour. Having skipped the use of Afrin yesterday, I tried it again and there was no trouble.
Thursday 2/23/2023
Snow storm rolled through overnight, but the crew made it in and my dive in chamber number 4 went on as scheduled. After 14 dives, the talk hasn’t been so much about their impact, rather, where are the blood test results. Crystal has been asking, but still no sign of anything. As far as today in the chamber, no issues. I continue to feel good afterwards and wonder if this is just the beginning.
Friday 2/24/2023
My 15th dive had a first. After I had finished my hour in chamber number 4, I returned to the dressing room and took off my scrubs. I realized that I forgot to get my street clothes, which were in a basket in a cupboard not far from me. It meant getting dressed again to go back out and get my clothes. I was told I wasn’t the first to do that. Other than that, all went as planned with no ear issues. I again used the Afrin generic.
Afterwards, I got a call from Scott Peters wanting to make arrangements for the end of next week. That will make my 20th dive and the half way point of this study. We will record before my Friday dive. If I had to respond now, I have noticed a better sleep pattern. That includes fewer wake ups during the night and far less snoring. I got a haircut yesterday and me stylist commented on the length of my hair. It had been 4 weeks and a day, but I too, noticed the longer hair. I also feel better. I can still be tired in the early afternoon and am ready to go to bed earlier at night, but it’s okay. When I wake up, I’m ready to go.
Monday 2/27/2023
Dive number 16 took place in chamber number 4. I didn’t use the Afrin generic today and my ears took the pressure in stride. I seem to be falling into a rhythm, because the hour tends to pass by quickly. The actual impact on my body during that hour is not noticeable. It’s afterwards that I am beginning to see growth. I left Swanson Hyperbaric Chamber and had a busy day with plenty of energy. I say this, because I am looking forward to tomorrow and wondering if that continues. Hope so!!!!
Tuesday 2/28/2023
I closed out the month of February with my 17th dive, this one in chamber number 2. Paul had me ahead of the game with my ears and I had no problems. Afterwards, it was a busy day for me and I accomplished all tasks with energy left over. Even after lunch, when I normally rest my food, there was no time and I never dragged.
Wednesday 3/1/2023
The first day of March marked a first for my study. My dive was postponed because of heavy snow and blowing winds. I wonder if they will want me to get back on track by taking two dives in one day.
Thursday 3/2/2023
Nothing to report other than nothing to report on my missing blood work.
I have learned that its not only my blood results that are behind, but Bets and Kari as well. I wonder if we should take another draw, so we would have some kind of mid point mark to compare with at the end of the study.
Friday 3/3/2023
This should have been my 20th dive, but its only 19 because of snow earlier this week. My visit began with some video taping with the production crew on how things have gone to this point and where I hope they go during the second half. My answers: Sleeping pattern has improved, less snoring and energy levels have increased. I also mentioned increased hair growth. It was hard to pinpoint any improvement with aches and pains, because I don’t have many, if any. I did say, with certainty, that I am looking forward to continued dives and improving results.
Monday, 3/6/2023
Today was a big day as I reached the half way point on my Hyperbaric Chamber study. My 20th dive was done in chamber 4 and I slept through most of it. It’s hard to seem that I dozed off, but I did. I would open my eyes and think that I had yet to sleep….and the next thing, I knew, Melissa was telling me that she was bringing me back up. I feel good and look forward to the rest of the day. Still no blood results. Sure hope that that aspect of the study isn’t lost.
Tuesday 3/7/2023
Back at it again today, this time in chamber 4. The dives are becoming so routine that they really don’t seem to be an hour long. Getting my blood test results back are another story. Still no word! I have not used the generic Afrin in several days. Staying ahead of the building pressure appears to be working. I seem to be feeling better overall. I can’t really put a finger on it.
The things I’ve mentioned earlier continue to be positively impacted. I think it’s helping with my stress level. I don’t seem to be worried about everyday happenings. I hope that continues.
Wednesday 3/8/2023
Dive number 22 took place in chamber 4 and it provided, in my mind, literally, a memorable experience. I told Melissa I wanted to try and nap. It didn’t take long for me to begin to doze off. Just as I reached, what I thought, was my sleeping point, I had this really good feeling. It’s hard to explain, but I can say, it was like I was trippin. And it was in a good way. The rest of the day I felt good. Hoping to continue it tonight, when I go to bed.
I’d like to chase that feeling again.
Thursday 3/9/2023
Finally, the blood results are back. Crystal handed them to me, and quickly told me that all was well. Keep in mind, these results mark my situation heading into the study. From what I’m told, I have the cell making capabilities of a 45 year old person. J I can’t wait to see what the numbers show when this is all done. As far as the dive, it back to chamber number 4 and included a little nap. I am really starting to enjoy this aspect of the study. The quietness and the oxygen really relax me and I go from thinking about things to being out.
Friday 3/10/2023
Being behind a day in my treatment taxes me when I try to figure out how many dives I’ve done. Today, marks number 24 and again its in chamber number 4. I continue to have the sound down and try to catch a nap of some sorts. Today, it was about 25 minutes. I like the quality of rest and the feeling when I wake up.
Monday 3/13/2023
For the first time, I’m starting to count down how many dives I have left rather than add up how many dives I’ve complete. Today marks 15 to go after this. Not much change from previous entries, including the fact that I slept again.
Tuesday 3/14/2023
I think they should name chamber 4 after me. I was back in it again. For the first time, I had a brief feeling of uneasiness. I thought it might get worse and that I was going to get claustrophobic, but it went away quickly and all was well after that. Susie signed up today for a Friday consult and will be in the Hocatt. That should be interesting.
Wednesday 3/15/2023
I checked on all of my previous entries and I would have bet a lot of money that I have been writing down which chamber I am in each day. To my surprise, I have skipped several days. Why is this important? Today, I was placed in chamber number 5. I thought it was a first and according to the entries, it’s the first time I have mentioned it. Otherwise, I continue to feel good. Starting to wonder about what it’s like after I quit.
Thursday 3/16/2023
I was back in chamber number 5 today for an uneventful dive. These are really becoming a way of life, so to speak and I am starting to see the finish line. I’m not sure how that will feel when I get there. At first, it seemed like a lot of hurdles to clear and now I’m not wanting to race to end. I continue to feel better after each dive and look forward to late stage improvements as well as the blood results. Tomorrow, Susie joins me as she goes into the Hocatt.
Friday 3/17/2023
The number of dives continues to drop. After today’s in chamber number 1, I’m down to just 11. Where did this study go? While I was doing my thing, Susie was in the Hocatt. From what she heard from Crystal, I think, she’s going to try to mat as well. And as far as further treatments in the Hocatt, it’s a wait and see on additional use.
As for me, another first, I had a dream experience. As I lay there, my mind flashed back to the Ford Garage in Rolla many decades ago. I was kind of floating around and checking out the place. It was just as I remembered it, when I was a kid. No people, tho. Wonder what that means? But it seemed real. Fun stuff and legal.
Monday 3/20/2023
My big discovery today was learning that today’s dive in chamber number 3 was my 29th. According to my count, it was 30. Oh well, I won’t complain about wrapping up on April 4th instead of a day earlier. The dive went fine and I slept a little bit. It’s becoming easy to relax in the chamber and unlike my bed at home, I can shut down my brain and nod off easily.
Tuesday 3/21/2023
I spent my hour in chamber 4. While they all have great qualities, I have to give kudos to Melissa, who has been my dive specialist. She approaches her job with joy and professionalism that puts me at ease. I, again, had the volume down on the tv, which allowed me to catch a wink or three for most of my time in the tube. Another successful day of sucking air.
Wednesday 3/22/2023
What used to be somewhat of a surprise has become habit. Today, again, I was in chamber 4 and Melissa guided me through my hour dive. My 60 minute events are becoming so easy and even more so, quick. I can remember watching the clock a lot in the beginning. Now, I close my eyes and the time goes by. I don’t sleep the whole time, but the cat naps can be broken into two, three or four chunks.
Thursday 3/23/2023
It’s been a slow and quiet week. Even with a tour going on, while I lay in chamber 4 again, there wasn’t much going on. I have a routine now. Turn the tv to CNN and turn the volume down. Once I’m told, I have reached the desired pressure depth, it’s time to close my eyes and relax. Today, there wasn’t much napping, although I did catch a few winks. Still, the time blew by. I am really starting to wonder what will happen when this is done. These dives have become a routine and I enjoy them. I hope there will be more testing for me to do with the other pieces of equipment once this study wraps up.
Friday 3/24/2023
After more than 30 dives, today’s journal entry takes a turn. Heading into chamber number 4, my blood pressure tested 150/89. Afterwards, it was 152/96. Off day? Not according to the numbers taken before every dive going back February 6th. As Melissa showed me, I am continually showing higher than normal numbers. For example, on February 14th, 178/92. I spoke with Dr. Beachy afterwards and he suggested I contact my primary care doctor. I did and will be awaiting her suggestion. FYI, I am already taking blood pressure medicine.
Monday 3/27/2023
This was a busy day. At first, Jenn called to say that my 2:30 dive was postponed. Then, there was a cancellation and it was back on. I was anxiously awaiting a response from Dr. Jen Steele, who is my primary care doctor at Sanford. She told me to double my Hydrochlorothiazide and see her in two weeks. Will do. Back at Swanson, I was in chamber 4 with Earl.
I was dozing in and out and was startled, when he told me the hour was up.
He indicated before hand, that my blood pressure was up slightly. Wild to think my last dive will be a week from tomorrow.
Tuesday 3/28/2023
Down the stretch I come. With a hand full of dives to go, I wonder where the time went. As I made my way into chamber number 4, there was a bit of good news. Melissa let me know that my blood pressure was 133/88. I will curious to see what tomorrow’s numbers will be. The dive was routine. I am someone, who now, likes no sound up on the tv and the channel on CNN. It gives me the chance to nap and I really like that. I asked Melissa when the gang takes a lunch break. She said as soon as I leave, which usually is noon. Tomorrow, I will hint around about their favorite pizzas. I want to bring in lunch on my last day, which is next Tuesday.
Wednesday 3/29/2023
With every dive, I am a step closer to finishing my study at Swanson Hyperbaric. Today, while in chamber number 3, I reflected on the enjoyment of the last 2 months. The people here, have been great! They work as a team….they have to, because of the staff size. While Melissa worked with me, Earl was nearby explaining to someone about the process.
This, while he kept a close eye on someone in chamber number 6. Paul showed up, when I walked in the door and within a few minutes, called me back…then, he headed to the other side of the curtain, where he worked with a patient. Crystal again, checked my ears….then moved on to another task somewhere else in the building. She couldn’t be too far off, because Dr. Beachy, I was told, was on a training trip to Florida. As Jenn held down the front desk, Barb spent a few free moments chatting with me about the new machines that came in yesterday and the services they will provide.
And while that was going on, I would settle in on a15-20 minute power nap. Hard not to feel good about that. FYI, my blood pressure was good…158/80.
Thursday 3/30/2023
It was back to chamber number 4 as my study leaves me with just 4 more dives. I’m not sure how this is going to feel, when it’s all over. I am certainly anxious for the blood test results, but I am not anxious to have the study come to an end. I know, I’m starting to sound a bit like a broken record, but it’s going to take some adjusting. With a new month, I hope that I can shift my time to exercise. If this is giving me a chance to anti-age, I might as well work on taking advantage of it.
Friday 3/31/2023
I know for a fact, that I have spent more time during this study in chamber number 4, than any other. Today, I was placed in number 2.…because chamber 4 was broken. Some kind of a valve issue. I hope this isn’t some kind of a negative sign as this study wraps up. As for me, I’m feeling good about how its all gone down. With just 2 dives to go, it’s time to really enjoy the moments I have left. No naps next week!
Monday 4/3/2023
Chamber number 4 is fixed and here I go. With 2 dives left….just 2 hours in the chamber, it’s time to take it all in. I went with the same approach. No sound and CNN. As I told Melissa, I don’t need to hear the news anyway. The time really has become precious with the clock ticking down and it’s really going fast. When I first started napping, I wanted my slumber to chew up as much time as possible. Now, I only want it go get me through the first quarter or half….I want to be up for the remainder of the “ride”.
Tuesday 4/4/2023
It must have been a sense of excitement. Today is my last day and I forgot to get my scrubs, when I walked into the changing room. I’m better than that, after all, this is my 40th dive. I’m not some first timer.
And when I did come out, there she was, just waiting for me. Chamber number 4 never looked so good. That welcoming, sound proof and youth giver never looked so good. As I was pushed in, Melissa told me about a book she was going to give me. She explained that it had ties to hyperbaric treatments and I look forward the read. Time flew by with no napping today.
When I was pulled out, I gave Melissa a hug and thanked her. After dressing, I shook Earl’s hand. Afterwards, one last task. Crystal had to draw blood and did so, with little pain. I thanked her and Jenn as I made my way to the door. Pizza was on the way from Duane’s. My order included pepperoni and pineapple, which I was told was a favorite of Jenn and Paul.
Thanks again team…..it was a blast and I can’t wait to see the blood results.
Thank you, Mike for giving us a first-hand look at what daily hyperbaric dives are like in the anti-aging protocol!!