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Diagnosing unusual conditions
Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO)
An X-ray was taken of Pearl’s right foot and ankle to evaluate a bruise that had formed. The bruise progressed to an ulcer which required HBO treatments to heal. These were done daily for ten sessions. A group of patients and observers entered a large tank and an environment of pure oxygen was applied at elevated pressure for about two hours. The same process is used to cure deep sea divers of the "bends" which can occur if they rise to the surface too fast. This was the only time she needed HBO to assist in healing wounds. She visited the Wound Care Clinic many times later for special care of wounds that developed over the years of illness. With the later wounds her skin had sufficient oxygenation to heal on their own.