Oxygen therapy for ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia

Amy’s Story

I was diagnosed approximately 17 years ago with fibromyalgia; a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, along with a vast list of other symptoms. I spent years researching and trying everything to ease my symptoms; fitness, nutrition, osteopathy, yoga, meditation, herbal medicine, vitamins, medications, counselling, sound baths, the list goes on. Nothing eased the constant shooting pains that I felt daily, the dull aches, the sharp stabbing pains, so this was my life. 

More recently I was diagnosed with ME/CFS, the symptoms progressed dramatically following a caesarean section four years ago. For a long time, I blamed my symptoms on having a newborn baby and the exhaustion that naturally comes with that. The fatigue was beyond horrific, I never felt relief. In time I found myself unable to get out of bed and I would fall asleep constantly throughout the day. My social life became non-existent. I started to have suicidal thoughts as I grieved desperately for my old life. I felt so much guilt that I couldn’t be the mum I wanted to be to my two beautiful boys. I spent every day in excruciating pain, especially in my legs. Walking was becoming a struggle, lifting my head up took effort, even eating was painfully exhausting. I was now battling two chronic illnesses, was this really my life at 36? 

GPs know very little about ME and fibromyalgia. They tell you to rest but I never felt relief from resting. The fatigue was just getting worse and worse and my quality of life was diminishing. I started to research ME myself. I joined support groups where we could openly discuss the illness. I recall writing one day that I felt like my body just didn’t have enough oxygen, I had never felt so weak, so useless, I was just dragging this body around. Someone in the group briefly mentioned oxygen therapy. I had no idea what it was, but my research began. At this point I felt desperate to try anything, desperate for hope. As if by magic, up popped the Kent MS Therapy Centre in Canterbury, a short drive from my home. I emailed them without hesitation and heard back immediately. I completed the straightforward paperwork, and I was offered an appointment the same week, the service was incredible. The excitement I felt was on another level. Could this be it? 

The day of my first session came and I was so excited, I had hope. Everyone at the Centre was so kind, so happy. It was like stepping into a safe space, where there were no judgements.  

I remember my first session so well. I left the clinic feeling like my lungs were huge, my mind felt bright and the smile on my face was clear to see. I was ‘buzzing’. 

I have oxygen therapy once a week at a depth of 13 ft. I am now on my 18th session and I can honestly say this therapy has given me my life back. I have not relapsed/crashed since I have started this therapy. My fatigue has significantly reduced. I no longer feel that constant throbbing pain in my legs, I have gone from being an insomniac to falling asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow and having the most amazing deep sleeps. I look forward to my Monday morning therapy sessions. I have made a great circle of friends and I no longer feel lonely. I now feel like I want to shout from the rooftops and let everyone know how amazing this non-invasive treatment is. I love that I can plan my treatments to suit me, my body and my lifestyle. If I know I have a big event coming up (yes that’s right, I can now attend events) I will treat myself to two sessions in that week to give me that extra boost of energy. The Centre is so accommodating, full of empathy and positive energy. It has not only helped my condition, it has also helped my mental health, everyone is so amazing at the Centre, we laugh, we share and we compare. I now have so much hope. With every session I feel better and better. Do not hesitate trying this form of therapy, it has completely changed my outlook on life for the better. 

Thank you so much to Kent Oxygen Therapy, especially Carl and his team who run the oxygen therapy department, also my circle of friends who have welcomed me, made me laugh and listened to my woes. Life is now for living.