What is HBOT? Complete Guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Picture this: You've been dealing with a wound that simply won't heal, no matter what treatments you've tried. Or maybe you're among the millions struggling with lingering symptoms from COVID-19 that just don't seem to go away. If your doctor has mentioned something called HBOT, you're probably wondering what on earth that means—and whether it might actually help.

What is HBOT hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Here's the straightforward answer: It's a medical treatment where you breathe pure oxygen while sitting (or lying) inside a pressurized chamber. Think of it like being in a pressure cooker, but instead of cooking food, you're giving your body's tissues a supercharged dose of healing oxygen.

Now, I know that might sound a bit sci-fi, but this therapy has actually been around for decades. What makes it work is surprisingly simple—by cranking up the pressure and flooding your system with pure oxygen, your blood can carry far more of this healing gas to exactly where your body needs it most.

Whether you're researching HBOT for yourself or someone you care about, you've come to the right place. I've spent considerable time digging through the latest research, talking to experts, and breaking down everything you need to know about this treatment. From what conditions it actually helps (spoiler: the FDA has approved it for 13 specific problems) to what it costs and how to find a good provider, we'll cover it all.

Here's something that might surprise you: there are over 1,000 hyperbaric chambers operating across the U.S. right now, and that number keeps growing as more research shows just how powerful this therapy can be. Let's dive into whether HBOT might be the missing piece in your healthcare puzzle.

What is HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy)?

Let me break down HBOT in terms that actually make sense. The word "hyperbaric" simply means "higher than normal pressure"—like what you'd experience if you dove deep underwater, except much more controlled and comfortable.

During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you'll step into a special chamber where the atmospheric pressure gets bumped up to about 1.4 to 3 times what you'd normally experience at sea level. While you're in there, you're breathing 100% pure oxygen instead of the roughly 21% oxygen in regular air.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. Under normal circumstances, your red blood cells do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to transporting oxygen around your body. But when you're under pressure and breathing pure oxygen, something pretty remarkable happens—that extra oxygen starts dissolving directly into your blood plasma, spinal fluid, and other body fluids. It's like turning your entire circulatory system into a more efficient delivery service.

You'll encounter two main types of chambers out there:

• Monoplace chambers: These look like clear, tube-shaped pods designed for one person. The whole chamber gets filled with oxygen, so you just breathe normally.
• Multiplace chambers: Think of these as small rooms where several people can sit comfortably while breathing oxygen through individual masks or hoods.

The science behind why this works isn't terribly complicated, but it is pretty clever. Those damaged or poorly healing tissues in your body? They're often starving for oxygen. By dramatically increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in your blood, HBOT can reach areas that might have compromised blood flow and kick-start healing processes that weren't happening before.

According to experts at the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (they're basically the gold standard authority on this stuff), the therapy works by enhancing your body's natural repair mechanisms, helping grow new blood vessels, and giving your immune system's infection-fighting cells a serious boost.

What Conditions Does HBOT Treat? FDA-Approved Uses

Now, let's talk about what HBOT can actually treat—and I mean officially, scientifically proven to help. The FDA has given its stamp of approval for 13 specific conditions, and these aren't just random picks. Each one is backed by solid research showing that hyperbaric oxygen therapy makes a real difference.

The Heavy Hitters: Wound-Related Problems

When most people think about HBOT, they're usually talking about wounds that just won't heal. And for good reason—this is where the therapy really shines:

Diabetic foot ulcers top the list. If you're dealing with diabetes, you probably know how scary foot wounds can be. Traditional treatments might heal 25-30% of these ulcers, but add HBOT to the mix? We're talking about success rates jumping to 65-85%. That's not just a small improvement—that's potentially the difference between keeping your foot and losing it.

Then there are crush injuries—the kind of trauma you might see in car accidents or industrial mishaps. When tissues get severely damaged and blood flow is compromised, HBOT can often save tissue that would otherwise be lost. Same goes for compromised skin grafts and severe burns—the extra oxygen helps new tissue grow and existing tissue survive.

Emergency Situations Where HBOT Saves Lives

Some conditions need HBOT right away, no waiting around:

Carbon monoxide poisoning is probably the most well-known emergency use. You know how carbon monoxide binds to your red blood cells and won't let go? HBOT forces it off about five times faster than just breathing regular air. When someone's life is on the line, those minutes matter.

Decompression sickness—that's "the bends" if you've heard of it—was actually the original reason hyperbaric chambers were developed. Deep-sea divers still rely on this treatment when nitrogen bubbles form in their blood after surfacing too quickly.

The Infection Fighters

Some infections are so nasty that antibiotics alone just can't cut it. Gas gangrene and other flesh-eating bacterial infections often require HBOT as part of the treatment plan. The high-oxygen environment helps kill certain bacteria and supercharges your white blood cells' ability to fight off invaders.

Radiation injuries from cancer treatment can also benefit. Sometimes the radiation damages healthy tissue along with the cancer, and that damage might not show up until months or years later. HBOT can help heal these delayed radiation injuries.

Some Newer Additions

The FDA has recently added a couple more conditions to the approved list: sudden hearing loss (the kind that happens out of nowhere) and sudden vision loss from blocked blood vessels in the eye. For both of these, timing is crucial—the sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of recovery.

What the Numbers Actually Mean

Here's something that might put this in perspective: When we look at diabetic foot ulcers treated with standard care alone, about 25-30% heal completely. Add HBOT to the treatment plan, and that number jumps to 65-85%. For carbon monoxide poisoning, patients who get HBOT have a 40-50% lower risk of developing long-term neurological problems.

These aren't small differences we're talking about—these are the kinds of improvements that can change someone's life.

Just a quick note here: I'm sharing this information to help you understand your options, but this definitely isn't medical advice. Always talk with your doctor about what's right for your specific situation.

What to Expect During HBOT Treatment

Alright, so you've decided to explore HBOT—what actually happens when you show up for treatment? I get it; walking into any medical facility for a new procedure can feel intimidating. Let me walk you through the whole process so there won't be any surprises.

Before You Even Start

First things first: you'll need a thorough evaluation to make sure hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe for you. This isn't just a quick chat—your medical team will want to know about your health history, current medications, and any conditions that might make the treatment risky.

Expect a physical exam that pays special attention to your ears, sinuses, and lungs. Why? Because pressure changes can affect these areas the most. You'll likely get a chest X-ray too, just to make sure your lungs can handle the pressure changes safely.

They'll also give you detailed instructions about what to wear (spoiler alert: it's going to be cotton clothing they provide) and what you absolutely cannot bring into the chamber (basically anything that could create a spark).

The Day of Treatment: Step by Step

Here's how a typical HBOT session unfolds, and honestly, most people find it much less dramatic than they expected:

Getting Ready (10-15 minutes): You'll change into the facility's 100% cotton clothing. Everything else comes off—jewelry, watches, anything synthetic, and definitely no electronics. This isn't them being picky; it's serious safety stuff since you'll be in a high-oxygen environment.

Into the Chamber (5 minutes): If you're using a monoplace chamber (the clear tube kind), you'll lie down on a comfortable table that slides right in. It's a bit like an MRI machine, but see-through. Multiplace chambers are more spacious—you can sit in a regular chair and even chat with other patients.

Pressure Going Up (10-15 minutes): This is where some people get nervous, but it's really not bad. The pressure increases gradually, and your ears will feel it—just like when you're in an airplane that's descending. Swallowing, yawning, or gently pinching your nose and blowing usually takes care of any discomfort.

The Main Event (60-90 minutes): Once you're at the right pressure, you just... breathe normally. Many people read, listen to music, watch TV, or take a nap. Some describe feeling slightly lightheaded at first, but that's completely normal and usually goes away quickly.

Coming Back Down (10-15 minutes): The pressure gets reduced slowly and steadily. This part requires patience—going too fast can cause problems, so the technicians take their time.

What It Actually Feels Like

Most people are surprised by how relaxed they feel afterward. Some describe it as refreshing, almost like they've had really good rest. The chamber environment is climate-controlled, so you won't be too hot or cold, and there's always someone monitoring you from outside.

Now, about how many treatments you'll need—that depends entirely on what you're treating. Something acute like carbon monoxide poisoning might only need a few sessions. Chronic wounds? You're probably looking at 20-40 treatments, usually scheduled five days a week for several weeks.

I won't lie to you—that's a significant time commitment. But for many people dealing with conditions that haven't responded to other treatments, it's been absolutely worth it.

Is HBOT Safe? Understanding Risks and Side Effects

Let's address the elephant in the room: Is HBOT actually safe? I mean, you're sitting in a pressurized chamber breathing pure oxygen—it's natural to wonder about the risks.

The short answer? When performed at properly accredited facilities with trained staff, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has an excellent safety record. We're talking about decades of use and thousands upon thousands of treatments with very few serious problems.

The Real Safety Picture

Here are some numbers that might put your mind at ease: Studies of modern chambers show adverse events in less than 0.4% of treatments. That's incredibly low for any medical procedure. A comprehensive 2024 review found that while about 24% of patients experience some minor side effects, these are typically mild and resolve on their own without stopping treatment.

But let's be honest about what those side effects actually look like.

The Most Common Issue: Ear Problems

Middle ear barotrauma—basically, pressure-related ear discomfort—happens to roughly 2-5% of patients. For most people, it's similar to what you might feel on an airplane, just a bit more pronounced. You might experience:

• Ear pain or a feeling of fullness
• Temporary changes in hearing
• In rare cases, a small tear in the eardrum

The good news? Most ear issues are mild and clear up quickly, especially when you learn the pressure-equalization techniques the staff will teach you.

Other Things You Might Notice

Some people experience temporary vision changes—and here's something interesting, they're usually improvements. Your eyesight might actually get sharper during treatment, though it typically returns to baseline afterward.

Fatigue after treatment is pretty common, kind of like how you might feel after a massage or spa treatment. Some people also feel a bit claustrophobic in the smaller chambers, though most adjust after the first session or two.

The Rare but Serious Stuff

I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't mention the more serious complications, even though they're uncommon:

Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) can happen, particularly in people who already have lung problems. Oxygen toxicity is theoretically possible but extremely rare when proper protocols are followed. And yes, there's always fire risk in high-oxygen environments—which is why those cotton clothing requirements and "no personal items" rules exist.

Who Shouldn't Do HBOT?

Certain conditions make HBOT risky or impossible:

• Untreated collapsed lung
• Certain types of lung disease
• Some heart conditions
• Pregnancy (though this is more precautionary)
• Taking certain medications that can increase seizure risk

This is why that initial medical evaluation is so important—your healthcare team needs to make sure the benefits outweigh any potential risks for your specific situation.

The Bottom Line on Safety

Here's what I tell people who ask me about HBOT safety: Choose a facility that's accredited by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, make sure there's proper medical supervision, and be honest about your medical history. When those boxes are checked, the safety profile is really quite good.

The key phrase there is "proper medical supervision." This isn't the kind of treatment you want to get at some random wellness spa—stick with legitimate medical facilities that know what they're doing.

HBOT Cost: What You Need to Know About Pricing and Insurance

Okay, let's talk money. I know cost is probably one of your biggest concerns about HBOT, and rightfully so—this isn't exactly a cheap treatment. But understanding the pricing landscape and insurance situation can help you make informed decisions.

The Real Cost Breakdown

Here's what you can expect to pay per session:

• Hospital-based programs: $400-600 per session
• Standalone hyperbaric centers: $250-450 per session
• Physician office-based treatments: $200-350 per session

Now, remember that most treatment courses involve 20-40 sessions. Do the math, and you're looking at anywhere from $4,000 to $24,000 for complete treatment. I know—that's a significant chunk of change.

Why Such a Wide Range?

Several factors influence what you'll actually pay. Location makes a huge difference—treatments in major cities like New York or Los Angeles typically cost more than those in smaller towns. Facility type matters too; hospital-based programs often charge more, but they might offer additional medical services and closer monitoring.

The complexity of your treatment also plays a role. Some conditions require higher pressures or longer sessions, which can bump up the cost.

The Insurance Reality Check

Here's where things get interesting—and potentially more affordable. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, will cover HBOT for FDA-approved conditions, but (and this is a big but) only when certain criteria are met.

Medicare covers treatments for diabetic foot ulcers, chronic bone infections, and other approved conditions, provided you're getting treated at a Medicare-certified facility and you've got proper documentation showing that conventional treatments haven't worked.

Private insurance varies widely, but most major insurers follow similar guidelines. The key requirements usually include:

• You've tried standard treatments first and they haven't worked
• Your doctor has documented your condition properly
• You're getting treatment at an accredited facility
• You've gotten pre-authorization (this step is crucial—don't skip it)

Navigating the Insurance Maze

Here's my practical advice for dealing with insurance: Call them before you start treatment. I can't stress this enough. Find out exactly what's covered, what documentation they need, and whether your chosen facility is in-network.

Keep detailed records of every conversation—names, dates, reference numbers, the works. Insurance can be frustrating, but having good documentation makes everything smoother.

Some facilities have insurance specialists who can help with pre-authorization. Take advantage of their expertise—they deal with this stuff every day.

When Insurance Doesn't Cover It

If you're looking at paying out of pocket, many facilities offer payment plans or cash discounts (often 10-20% off). Some also work with medical financing companies that specialize in healthcare loans.

For experimental treatments like HBOT for long COVID, you'll likely be paying out of pocket since these uses aren't FDA-approved yet.

My Two Cents on Cost

Look, HBOT isn't cheap, but for many people dealing with conditions that haven't responded to other treatments, it's been life-changing. If you're considering it, get multiple quotes, understand your insurance coverage completely, and factor in the time commitment along with the financial cost.

Some people find it helpful to think about it in terms of what they've already spent on treatments that haven't worked. Sometimes investing in something that actually helps ends up being more cost-effective in the long run.

How to Choose an HBOT Treatment Center

Choosing where to get your HBOT treatment is almost as important as deciding to get it in the first place. Not all hyperbaric facilities are created equal, and honestly, the differences can be pretty significant when it comes to both safety and effectiveness.

The Gold Standard: UHMS Accreditation

Let me start with the most important thing: UHMS accreditation. The Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society sets the standards for hyperbaric facilities, and their accreditation isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential.

Facilities with UHMS accreditation have to meet strict requirements for equipment maintenance, staff training, medical supervision, emergency procedures, and quality control. Here's something that might interest you: only UHMS-accredited facilities can bill Medicare for HBOT services. That tells you something about how seriously Medicare takes these standards.

Questions You Should Actually Ask

When you're evaluating facilities, don't be shy about asking tough questions. Here are the ones that matter:

About medical supervision: Who's actually overseeing your treatment? Is there a physician trained specifically in hyperbaric medicine on staff? What are their qualifications? Is nursing staff present during treatments, or are you just with technicians?

About safety: What happens if something goes wrong during treatment? How often do they inspect and maintain their equipment? What emergency procedures do they have in place? These aren't paranoid questions—they're smart ones.

About experience: How many patients with your specific condition have they treated? What are their success rates? Can they provide references or connect you with other patients who've had similar treatments?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Some warning signs that should make you look elsewhere:

• Facilities that can't clearly explain their accreditation status
• Places that make unrealistic promises about results
• Centers that pressure you to pay for large treatment packages upfront
• Facilities that recommend HBOT for conditions that aren't FDA-approved without proper informed consent
• Any place that seems to lack proper medical oversight

What Good Facilities Look Like

Well-run hyperbaric centers typically have modern, well-maintained equipment with clear viewing windows so staff can monitor you throughout treatment. They'll have entertainment systems—TV, music, communication systems—to keep you comfortable during those 90-120 minute sessions.

Many also offer support services like wound care specialists, nutritional counseling, or help coordinating with your other healthcare providers. Some even have social workers who can help navigate insurance issues or arrange transportation.

The Geographic Reality

Here's something to consider: you'll need 20-40 treatments, usually scheduled five days a week. That means proximity to your home or work really matters. Some people find it worthwhile to travel to access better facilities, especially for complex conditions, but make sure you can realistically commit to the schedule.

Look for facilities that offer flexible scheduling—morning, afternoon, or evening sessions—and ask about weekend availability if that would help.

Making Your Decision

At the end of the day, you want a facility that prioritizes your safety, provides transparent information about their experience and outcomes, and works collaboratively with your other healthcare providers. The best places will take time to answer your questions thoroughly and won't rush you into making decisions.

Trust your gut, too. If something feels off about a facility—whether it's the staff, the equipment, or just the overall vibe—it's okay to keep looking. This is your health we're talking about, and you deserve to feel confident about where you're getting treated.

HBOT Research: Emerging Uses and Future Applications

Now we're getting into some really interesting territory. While the FDA has approved HBOT for those 13 conditions I mentioned earlier, researchers are constantly exploring new ways this therapy might help people. Some of the emerging research is genuinely exciting, though it's important to understand what's proven versus what's still experimental.

The Long COVID Connection

This is probably the most talked-about area of HBOT research right now, and for good reason. A landmark study published in Scientific Reports in 2022 looked at 73 long COVID patients and found some pretty remarkable results.

The researchers divided participants into two groups—one got real HBOT treatments, the other got sham treatments. After 40 sessions, the people who received actual HBOT showed significant improvements in cognitive function (that "brain fog" so many long COVID patients describe), attention, sleep quality, and energy levels.

What made these results even more impressive? A follow-up study published in 2024 found that the benefits were still there a full year later. We're not talking about temporary improvements—this suggests that HBOT might actually help the brain heal from whatever long COVID does to it.

Now, here's the important caveat: HBOT for long COVID is still considered experimental. It's not FDA-approved for this use, which means insurance typically won't cover it. But for people who've been struggling with long COVID symptoms for months or years with no relief, some are willing to pay out of pocket based on these early results.

Brain Injury Research

The military has funded quite a bit of research into HBOT for traumatic brain injury, particularly for veterans dealing with lingering effects from concussions or blast injuries. The results have been encouraging—studies suggest that HBOT might help with cognitive function, reduce post-concussion symptoms, and improve quality of life.

What's particularly interesting is that HBOT seems to help even with older injuries. Some research suggests it can promote neuroplasticity—basically, helping the brain rewire itself around damaged areas.

What's Still Being Studied

Researchers are investigating HBOT for all sorts of conditions: Alzheimer's disease, fibromyalgia, autism spectrum disorders, age-related vision problems, and more. Some of the preliminary results look promising, but we're still in early stages for most of these applications.

The Wellness and Anti-Aging Claims

Here's where I need to pump the brakes a bit. You'll find some facilities promoting HBOT for general wellness, anti-aging, or athletic performance enhancement. While breathing extra oxygen might make you feel good temporarily, there's really no solid scientific evidence supporting these uses.

These "wellness" applications typically aren't covered by insurance, and they're not regulated the same way medical treatments are. My advice? If you're dealing with a real medical condition, focus on the proven uses first.

The Research Reality

Here's something important to understand: just because early research looks promising doesn't mean a treatment is ready for prime time. Good medical research takes years, sometimes decades, to move from "this looks interesting" to "this is proven to work."

That said, if you're dealing with a condition where conventional treatments haven't helped and you're considering experimental HBOT use, have an honest conversation with your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits for your specific situation.

What's Coming Next

The research pipeline for HBOT is pretty robust right now. There are ongoing clinical trials for various conditions, and the long COVID research in particular seems to be gaining momentum. My guess is we'll see more approved uses for HBOT in the coming years, but it's going to take time for the science to catch up with the enthusiasm.

Frequently Asked Questions About HBOT

How long does each HBOT session actually take?

Plan on about 90-120 minutes from start to finish. That includes time to pressurize the chamber, your actual treatment time (usually 60-90 minutes), and time to gradually bring the pressure back down. Most people are surprised that it's not as long as they expected.

How many treatments will I really need?

This varies quite a bit depending on what you're treating. Something acute like carbon monoxide poisoning might only require a handful of sessions. Chronic wounds typically need 30-40 treatments. Your doctor should give you a realistic estimate based on your specific condition and how you're responding to treatment.

What about those home hyperbaric chambers I see advertised?

Here's the deal with home hyperbaric chambers: they're available, but they're quite different from medical-grade equipment. Most portable units operate at much lower pressures and use concentrated oxygen rather than pure oxygen. For FDA-approved medical conditions, you really need proper medical-grade treatment at a qualified facility.

Hard chambers versus soft chambers—what's the difference?

Hard chambers are what you'll find in medical facilities. They can achieve higher pressures and deliver 100% oxygen. Soft chambers are typically inflatable and can only reach lower pressures with concentrated oxygen. For medical conditions, hard chambers are definitely the way to go.

Will my insurance actually cover this?

Insurance coverage really depends on what you're treating and your specific plan. Most major insurers cover FDA-approved uses when you meet their medical necessity criteria. The key is getting proper documentation and pre-authorization. Medicare covers certain conditions at certified facilities, but you'll need to jump through some hoops first.

Who absolutely cannot get HBOT?

Certain conditions make HBOT risky or impossible: untreated collapsed lung, certain types of lung disease, some heart problems, and pregnancy (though this is more precautionary). Some medications can also increase risks. This is why that initial medical evaluation is so important.

What should I actually wear during treatment?

You'll wear 100% cotton clothing provided by the facility—usually something like scrubs. Everything else comes off: jewelry, synthetic clothing, electronics, even petroleum-based products like lip balm. It's all about fire safety in that high-oxygen environment.

Can I bring entertainment into the chamber?

Electronic devices are a no-go due to fire risk, but most facilities have built-in entertainment systems. You can usually watch TV, listen to music, or communicate with the staff outside. Some people just use the time to rest or meditate.

When will I start seeing results?

Results timing varies significantly. Some people notice improvements after just a few sessions, while others don't see changes until they're well into their treatment course. For wound healing, you might start seeing progress after 10-15 treatments. Be patient—the healing process takes time.

What's the difference between medical HBOT and wellness HBOT?

Medical HBOT treats FDA-approved conditions using proven protocols under proper medical supervision. Wellness HBOT refers to unproven applications promoted by some spas or alternative medicine clinics. Stick with medical-grade treatment for real medical conditions—that's the only version insurance will cover, and it's the only version with solid scientific backing.

Taking the Next Step with HBOT

So here we are at the end of our deep dive into hyperbaric oxygen therapy. If you've made it this far, you're probably pretty serious about understanding whether this treatment might help you or someone you care about.

Let me recap the key points that matter most: HBOT is a legitimate medical treatment with FDA approval for 13 specific conditions. The research backing these uses is solid, and the safety profile is excellent when you get treatment at properly accredited facilities. Yes, it can be expensive, but insurance often covers approved uses when you meet their criteria.

The emerging research, particularly around long COVID, is genuinely exciting, though we're still in early stages for many of these applications. If you're considering HBOT for an experimental use, just make sure you understand what you're getting into and have realistic expectations.

If You're Ready to Explore HBOT

Start with an honest conversation with your current healthcare provider. They know your medical history, your current treatments, and whether HBOT makes sense as part of your overall care plan. Don't be discouraged if they're not immediately familiar with it—hyperbaric medicine is still a specialized field, and not all doctors have extensive experience with it.

Next, research UHMS-accredited facilities in your area. Don't just go with the closest or cheapest option—this is your health we're talking about. Take the time to visit facilities, ask questions, and get a feel for their level of expertise and professionalism.

Before you commit to anything, get your insurance situation sorted out. Know exactly what's covered, what documentation you need, and what your out-of-pocket costs might be. There's nothing worse than getting halfway through a treatment course and running into unexpected financial roadblocks.

My Final Thoughts

I've spent a lot of time researching and writing about HBOT, and honestly, I'm impressed by both the established science and the emerging possibilities. This isn't some fringe treatment—it's legitimate medicine that has helped hundreds of thousands of people heal from conditions that weren't responding to conventional therapy.

That said, it's not magic. It won't cure everything, it's not right for everyone, and it requires a significant commitment of time and often money. But for the right patient with the right condition, it can be genuinely life-changing.

Whether you're dealing with a stubborn wound, exploring options for long COVID, or researching HBOT for any other reason, I hope this guide has given you the information you need to make an informed decision. Remember, the best medical decisions are made when you have good information and the right medical team supporting you.

Ready to take the next step? Start by talking with your doctor about whether HBOT might be appropriate for your situation. From there, you can begin exploring accredited facilities and understanding your options. The journey might seem complicated now, but with the right information and support, it's absolutely manageable.

One final reminder: Everything I've shared here is for educational purposes to help you understand your options. It's not medical advice, and it shouldn't replace the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals who know your specific situation. Always consult with your medical team before making treatment decisions.