Well, if there’s one thing this persistent cough has taught me, it’s the profound power of humility (and perhaps a little less stubbornness!). For those who’ve been following, you’ll know I’ve been battling a productive cough since 21st February. Today marked my 6th Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) session, and honestly, despite my deep-rooted belief in this treatment, I’m genuinely astounded by the impact it’s had.

This journey hasn’t just been about healing a cough; it’s been a powerful lesson in self-awareness and has gifted me an even greater understanding of what our clients experience. So, join me as I continue to share the physical and mental benefits I’ve gained over the past two weeks – a period that feels like a true turning point, a gentle nudge in the right direction.

Logically, I knew HBOT should help. Its antimicrobial properties are a direct hit against infection (and let’s be honest, bringing up that lovely green, hard phlegm was a pretty clear indicator of something unwelcome lurking!). Plus, its potent anti-inflammatory action should, in theory, soothe the persistent irritation that comes with a cough that just won’t quit.

Yet, like many, I had that initial session early on, secretly hoping for a miracle cure. (Sound familiar? I’m always the first to tell clients it’s not a one-hit wonder, but a cumulatively beneficial treatment that builds steadily with each session). It offered a glimmer of relief, but life got in the way, and I didn’t prioritise a follow-up.

Fast forward ten weeks, two frustrating doctor’s visits, and a brief, tantalising 24-hour reprieve courtesy of steroids, and I finally committed myself to the treatment. It can often seem like we’re being taught a lesson – usually the hard way for me! Yet, even in these moments, there’s a sense of a guiding hand, leading us eventually to where we need to be.

The shift was dramatic. Just two sessions within three days, and I was coughing up more phlegm than ever before. It felt counterintuitive, but now, two weeks and four more sessions down the line, I know that was the end of it. The clearing out. The turning of the tide.

While there are still very slight signs of lingering inflammation and perhaps some minor damage from the prolonged irritation, the improvement is undeniable. The proof? I managed a 5-mile run last night in a surprising 23-degree heat! I took it easy, but the crucial thing was: breathing wasn’t a problem. I felt like me again, a feeling of restoration that goes beyond just physical healing.

Moving forward, I’m committed to weekly HBOT sessions as much as possible. This experience has been a stark reminder of the profound difference this treatment makes – a difference you only truly appreciate when you’ve gone without it for a while. It reinforces the principle of consistently nurturing our well-being.

And so, this weekly blog will continue. I’ll share updates on any further improvements I notice, both physically and mentally, as I continue to “practice what I preach.” It feels right to share this journey openly.

Beyond the obvious health benefits, I’ve also experienced a surge in my positive mindset. While I generally lean towards optimism, navigating a particularly challenging personal period has made me even more attuned to finding the good amidst the difficulties. I’ve even had comments from people remarking on how well I look and that I have a “happy glow” – something I attribute in no small part to feeling healthier and more balanced, a sense of peace that comes from within.

This journey has also ignited a desire to slow down and make small, sustainable changes. Right now, my focus is on improving my mobility and flexibility with an extra weekly stretch routine and incorporating some strength training (aiming to increase from one session last week to perhaps one and a half this week!). It’s about nurturing the whole self, step by step.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this experience has fueled a deeper exploration into why our healthcare system in the UK is struggling so significantly and what can be done about it. I am acutely aware of the incredible privilege I have in accessing a therapy like HBOT, and frankly, that’s not how it should be. Why should one person have access to something that could help them sooner than another? At the end of the day, we are all the same – human beings, mortal beings, despite our attempts to appear invincible or superior. We are all here for a limited time, each deserving of care and compassion.

This personal journey has only strengthened my belief that access to effective therapies should be equitable. It’s a conversation I feel compelled to have, and I’ll be weaving my thoughts and explorations into future blog posts. I trust that in time, pathways will open for more people to benefit.

Thank you for following along. Here’s to continued healing, self-awareness, and a future where everyone has access to the care they deserve.