High-pressure oxygen chambers in Cork help patients catch their breath again

Chambers like these were initially used to cure scuba divers of decompression sickness — widely known as “the bends” — until doctors identified their potential to benefit a range of health conditions.

In existence for more than 25 years, the charity provides a vital service to people with all manner of conditions from cancer to hamstring injuries. In recent years, it has seen a sharp increase in demand from long covid sufferers.

Its unassuming location in Bandon Town Hall is home to state-of-the-art equipment which allows clients to inhale pure oxygen in contrast to the 21% of oxygen found in everyday air.

The charity is the legacy of late multiple sclerosis sufferer Liam Deasy, who enjoyed improvements in his health after trying out similar chambers while holidaying in Wales.

The formation of a local committee and fundraising drive has raised more than €700,000 to date. Equipment flown from the US when it was getting off the ground included breathing masks and a host of devices. The technology has evolved over time to optimise the facility’s impact.

Staffed entirely by volunteers, sessions are priced at €20 and last a total of one hour and 20 minutes.

It’s a small price to pay for a life-changing therapy, says Geraldine Carey who claims the chambers cured her of a devastating form of fatigue brought on by years of MS.

The wheelchair user from Tipperary admits she was “terrified” during her first session 15 years ago.

“I was diagnosed with MS 37 years ago,” the mother of four said. “I was around 31 when I found out I had it. My baby was five months old and the oldest must have been around eight or nine. I’ve been coming to BHOC for 15 years now.”

The diagnosis of primary progressive MS came as a blow to Geraldine.

“The medication I had wasn’t working for me because the side effects were too dramatic. It was like having a constant flu. I had no choice but to come off it because the kids were small and I had no quality of life. 

"It’s really difficult because fatigue makes it really difficult to do anything. You can’t exercise because it completely floors you. It’s impossible to rear a family with fatigue. I would have tried anything to help as long as it wasn’t invasive.

“I had heard about BHOC on the grapevine and decided to give it a try. I had tried everything else at that stage. 

It took away that fatigue and my energy was so much better. 

"I have nine grandchildren and I’m able to mind them a lot. 

"That’s not something I would have been able to do had the fatigue continued.”

She described how the treatment has helped her independence: “I’m using a wheelchair with nearly 20 years but I’m still driving.

“The only difference now is I need somebody at the other end of my journey to take the wheelchair out of the car for me. I always thought there would be something out there to help me. All I had to do was find it. This is definitely it.”

Geraldine praised the work of BHOC: “Most of the people I knew who were diagnosed around the same time as me died. Others, who are younger than me, are now in nursing homes.

“I’m lucky that I have good mental health and I am very strong in myself. BHOC has been a very positive for me and I’m ever so grateful to the lads here who have been so kind and understanding.”

Geraldine Murray from Newcestown in West Cork is also among BHOC’s many loyal customers.

“I had breast cancer and after my treatment I continued coming here,” she told the Irish Examiner.

“It’s been I0 years since I had my first session. I was diagnosed with breast cancer three times in 2011, 2014, and 2017. 

I remember a nurse saying to me that I’d never again clean my house from top to bottom in one day. I just wouldn’t have the energy for it. She was right to an extent. 

"My lungs were affected by the radium but in general I can do most things. I have more energy now. Even though I still get the shortness of breath I know my limitations. 

"Cancer doesn’t like oxygen and that’s why I try to come here as often as I can.”

Centre manager Christy Walsh said they are liaising with experts in Scotland to offer the service to as many people as possible.

“It started off being just for people with MS,” he said. “We have experts based in Scotland who can advise us on obscure cases.

“They come back to us with their opinion on whether the person is suitable or not. At the moment we have 99 obscure cases.

“Long covid used to be very common here but cancer has taken over. This is not a cure for cancer. However, what we do know is that cancer doesn’t like oxygen. More and more GPs are now referring people her for issues like leg ulcers too. This has become very common.”