Finding Resilience and Recovery from PTSD and TBI through HBOT
Michael Krall
Sergeant USMC, Retired.
Michael Krall served in the military from 1997 to 2005, during which he was deployed four times, including two tours in Iraq. His experiences led to PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), profoundly affecting his life post-service. Krall describes his life as a roller coaster, marked by paranoia and disturbed sleep, waking up in distress multiple times a night—a common symptom for veterans with PTSD and TBI.
PTSD and Sleep Disturbances:
The therapy significantly improved his sleep, reducing the instances of waking up in distress. This improvement in sleep quality is crucial for individuals with PTSD, as restorative sleep can greatly enhance overall well-being and function.
Emotional Stability:
HBOT helped Krall achieve a level of emotional stability that was not possible with his previous medication regimen. This stability allowed him to discontinue the use of bipolar medication, suggesting a notable improvement in managing mood swings and emotional responses.
Dependence on Medication:
The decrease in reliance on a multitude of prescriptions points to HBOT’s potential in addressing underlying issues rather than merely managing symptoms. Krall values the reduction in his medication intake as a significant step towards reclaiming his life from the shadow of pharmaceutical dependency.
Psychological Recovery:
Krall acknowledges that while he may never fully return to his pre-Iraq self, HBOT has brought him closer to feeling like the person he was before his deployments. This sense of regaining one’s former self is invaluable for veterans grappling with the long-term effects of their service.
Michael Krall’s journey from a state of constant turmoil to finding stability and hope through hyperbaric oxygen therapy highlights the profound impact HBOT can have on veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. His story is a testament to the therapy’s potential to significantly improve the quality of life for those who have sacrificed so much, offering a path to recovery that integrates scientific innovation with personal resilience.