Let’s face it, women in their 40s and 50s have a lot on their plates: schedules, families, work, and—occasionally—a social life. But all the knowledge and experience you’ve earned are moot when faced with the diagnosis that isn’t a diagnosis: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
The National Library of Medicine and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe CFS as “a disorder that causes extreme fatigue. This fatigue is not the kind of tired feeling that goes away after you rest. Instead, it lasts a long time and limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities. CFS is hard to diagnose. There are no tests for it, and other illnesses can cause similar symptoms. Your doctor has to rule out other diseases before making a diagnosis of CFS. No one knows what causes CFS. It is most common in women in their 40s and 50s, but anyone can have it. It can last for years. There is no cure for CFS, so the goal of treatment is to improve symptoms. Medicine may treat pain, sleep disorders, and other problems. Lifestyle changes, coping techniques, and a special, gradual exercise program can also help.”
One treatment option involves sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In this, pure oxygen is inhaled from within a pressurized chamber, allowing your body to absorb a greater concentration and promote healing and new cell growth.
A recent medical study published in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome showed that “certainly, the immediate effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is to relieve the cellular hypoxia that is a feature of chronic fatigue syndrome.” A different 2013 study determined that hyperbaric oxygen therapy “decreases the severity of symptoms and increases the life quality of CFS patients.”
Olympia’s H3 Therapy Servicess offers both hyperbaric sessions and the sale and rental of new or used chambers for long-term home use. Clinic Director Michael Pfeifer, RRT, explains that consistent use improves sleep, mobility, cognitive issues, and helps with pain management.
Our bodies consist of many white blood cells which help prevent infection. Time spent in a hyperbaric chamber “makes white blood cells supercharged” says Pfeifer. This is especially true, he says, when combined with other treatments; “hyperbarics enhance massage, acupuncture, and chiropractics.”
As part of this team approach, Pfeifer works in conjunction with Nearing Total Health, a Lacey clinic which offers specialties in massage, acupuncture, hypnosis, naturopathic medicine, meditation, yoga and more.
Sessions at H3 Therapy Services are typically an hour long and the client is free to wear normal street clothes and bring a book, music, or electronic device. For chronic fatigue sufferers, the peace of a stress-free hour is a true blessing. Pfeifer’s office is painted soothing, healing colors and restful music plays throughout. He even admits that 60-70% of patients nap peacefully throughout their ‘dive.’
Appointments are flexible and arranged whenever is most convenient for the patient. Says Pfeifer, “we just need 48 hours notice, but we’ll be here.”
To date there is no cure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. But with proven coping strategies, sufferers can live a near normal life once again. Whether it’s scheduled visits to H3 Therapy Services offices or utilizing their skill in selecting, financing, and purchasing a hyperbaric unit of your own, help is available.
Call Michael Pfeifer, RRT with questions at 360-515-0681 or drop by their Olympia office any time. They can be found on the west side at 405-D Black Hills Lane SW, at the intersection of Harrison and Yauger. Find testimonials at their website or email questions any time.
