Healed for the Holidays with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

It can happen at any time, to anyone. And, as Valerie Castillo experienced, traumatic accidents can be life-altering. “One minute I was fine, the next minute I was a different person and having to accept that was difficulty,” she said.

In July, the 46-year-old from Selden was hanging a string of lights to decorate her backyard, where she enjoys frequently entertaining family and friends. While holding on to a galvanized wire that she was attaching the lights to, the ladder gave way beneath her and the wire sliced through her hand “like a knife”.

She was rushed to a hospital emergency room, and though they treated her immediately, part of her thumb would have to be amputated. Her index finger remained in critical condition. “They did the best they could with stitching me up, but there was no way to fix it completely.”

By the time Valerie was able to follow-up with a hand surgeon, the injury had become significantly infected and was showing signs of severe tissue damage. She was told there was a 60% chance that she would need a second amputation, and that she may lose part of her index finger as well. The surgeon immediately referred her to the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Wound Healing at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital for hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy to try to reverse the damage and salvage her finger.

HBO therapy is a medical treatment designed to enhance the body’s ability to heal. During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient breathes 100% pure oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber. The pressure inside this chamber is about two and a half times greater than the normal pressure in the atmosphere. This high-pressure environment allows your blood to carry more oxygen to all parts of your body to repair injured tissue. HBO therapy also helps to fight certain infections, such as those that occur in the bone and soft tissues.

Valerie underwent 70 treatments that lasted for two hours and twenty minutes per day, five days a week. Though the chamber can be intimidating, and the sessions extensive, the wound care center team makes every effort to ensure the patient’s comfort and accommodate their needs throughout the process. “I’m grateful that there was a television, that helped a lot,” she explained. “I think the team here is great, everyone is so helpful and knowledgeable.”

Today her finger is nearly healed, and her physicians are optimistic she can avoid a second amputation. “I wanted to do whatever I needed to do to save my finger, and I felt grateful that this was an opportunity that became available,” Valerie states. This therapy is a great asset to have. I’m very grateful that I found this place.”

Catholic Health Centers for Hyperbaric Medicine & Wound Healing

You can find expert care for all types of wounds at:

• Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Wound Healing at Mercy Hospital, Rockville Centre
• Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Wound Healing at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, Smithtown
• Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Wound Healing at St. Charles Hospital, Port Jefferson
• Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Wound Healing at St. Joseph Hospital, Bethpage

 
Learn more about wound care services offered at Catholic Health. Call 866-MY-LI-DOC (866-695-4362) to find a Catholic Health physician near you.