George’s HBO experience commenced with a trip to Marrero, Louisiana for a consult with Dr. Paul Harch. On August 7, 2002 George had his first SPECT Scan. On the 8th, he had his first HBO treatment, followed by another SPECT Scan.

The whole purpose of getting the consult was to determine if George had any cells that were in dormant state and recoverable. We actually did not need to hear the results of the SPECT scan, because 1-1/2 hours after the HBO treatment we saw results that we videotaped.

Dr. Harch interpreted the scans and informed us that there was a 20% increase in blood flow to the brain, and in his opinion George would be a very good candidate for further HBO treatments. His report said, “Improvement of post-dive SPECT scan and early improvements in neurological function consistent with scan results. This is an excellent predictor of further improvement with repetitive hyperbaric oxygen therapy at low pressure. Recommend a forty-treatment course of hyperbarics.”

First Treatment - August 8th

· Increased alertness
· Both eyes wide open
· Increased awareness of others around him, tract with eyes consistently.
· Turned to face whoever was speaking to him at the time.
· Started mouthing words, (I love you, mom, what, who)
· Posture was mid-line in bed and sitting

8th-17 Treatments

· Drooling stopped
· Spasticity improved slightly, (not scissoring his legs)
· Awareness of physical deficits
· More animated
· Sense of humor kicked in
· Smiling and blushing appropriately
· Good head control
· Purposeful hand and arm movement
· Swallowing improved greatly
· Continues to mouth more words and has added voice to no and yeap
· Has attempted to write (not legible yet)

September 15, 2002

George is not tolerating the present protocol of dives 2-x day, he has become agitated. We are taking a couple of weeks off from HBO (or longer) to let him workout the oxygen overload. We hope to find the right protocol for him when we start up again taking it much slower.

October 18, 2002

What we thought was intolerance to HBO protocol, turned out to be a sinus infection that still has not cleared up. We are so anxious to resume HBOT and see all we detailed above again. Please pray for George that this infection resolves and he can continue his treatments.