Oxygen therapy for Lyme, Long Covid and Crohn’s

Sarah’s story

For the Lyme crew- 

I started having oxygen sessions about six years after a diagnosis of Lyme when other treatment options had got me back to about 50% functioning. My big symptoms at the time were severe cognitive challenges, brain fog, word finding, poor memory, pain and profound fatigue. I also experienced severe post external malaise (PEM). 

It was very tiring initially and I did not start to feel any improvement until the third week (I had done a week at 16ft then two weeks at 24ft). Although it was still very tiring, my head started to clear.  

I noticed the most change at 33 ft and this is the depth I still prefer to dive at.  

After the initial month, I attended twice a week for about six months then reduced down to once a week. The more frequently I came the better I felt.  

All my symptoms improved to different degrees, with the PEM being the symptom which showed the least improvement and cognitive symptoms showing the most improvement. 

For the Long Covid crew- 

I had used oxygen therapy to help my recovery from Lyme disease prior to developing Long Covid in 2022. The symptoms of Long Covid were very similar to what I experienced with Lyme (severe fatigue, cognitive challenges and PEM- I didn’t have the pain that I did with Lyme) so I tried oxygen (33ft) and again have seen steady improvements over time. When I notice my cognitive function declining, I have a top-up session and at the moment that is weekly. 

For the Crohn’s crew- 

I received oxygen treatment for a different problem (Lyme) but an unexpected side effect was the improvement in Crohn’s symptoms. I am actually in remission, on no treatment, and have been for two years (after 14 years of Crohn’s). How much is due to oxygen treatment? I don’t know but my gastroenterologist is happy!