Multiple sclerosis sufferer tells how oxygen therapy has given her a new lease of life

WHEN Elaine Green was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she feared facing the rest of her life suffering its debilitating effects.

Elaine, 60, from Paisley, had first visited the doctor more than 20 years ago when the vision in her right eye became hazy, but it would be several years before her condition was identified.

She recalled: “I saw a trainee doctor and she said the problem with my sight was one of the signs of MS, but when I told my GP she thought that was nonsense.

“A few years later I had problems with my balance. I was falling and had no idea why. But then getting the diagnosis explained all that.”

Although Elaine felt relieved to finally have an explanation for her symptoms, she was not offered any further help or treatment.

Then a colleague from British Airways, whom Elaine worked with at Glasgow Airport, suggested she visit the Revive MS Support centre in the city to see if they could suggest anything to help relieve her symptoms.

“That was about 15 years ago,” said Elaine. “Back then I was really tired all the time. I had no energy at all so they suggested I try hyperbaric oxygen therapy to see if it would give me a boost.”

For an hour each week, Elaine sits in a chamber, wearing a mask that delivers oxygen at a higher level than atmospheric pressure.

The treatment is designed to create a big increase in oxygen in the bloodstream, helping to generate new stem cells and repair damaged organs and tissues.

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