Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Restores Quality of Life After Radiation Cystitis

At 78 years old, Theodore “Ted” Corn was still enjoying an active life. The Army Veteran, who had continued to serve the country with an additional ten years in the National Guard and Reserves, had volunteered for 38 years with the Deer Park Fire Department, was a participating member of many community groups and was enjoying his new position in security. But when he noticed blood in his urine, and experienced the pain and fear associated with the symptom, his vibrant lifestyle came to a halt.

Ted had previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and his treatment involved chemotherapy and radiation for the tumors. Though the treatments are a necessary and lifesaving protocol, approximately 60% of patients may develop severe, negative side effects months or even years after treatment. These side effects can include increased urination frequency, urgency, pain and burning, bladder spasms, incontinence, or hematuria – which was Ted’s primary symptom. Depending on the severity, they can become life-threatening.

After three months and five hospital stays, Ted’s physicians had tried every procedure they could to cure his symptoms, but nothing had given him lasting relief. The symptoms would always return after a short period of time. Ted had to take a medical leave of absence from his job and was unable to participate in his community activities. “I liked the job, it was nice, but between the chemo and the bleeding, I couldn’t handle it,” he says.

“This was having a profound effect on his quality of life,” explains Marianna Hacker, ANP-BC.

Tired of being “a pin cushion”, he consulted with his radiation oncologist who recommended hyperbaric oxygen therapy and referred him to the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine & Wound Healing at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital.

HBO therapy is a proven method for treating radiation cystitis, as well as other radiation injuries, as it increases oxygen flow to the diseased blood vessels, thereby stimulating the growth of new capillaries to stabilize and heal the area. This is done by entering a pressurized glass chamber and breathing in pure, medical grade oxygen.

“HBO therapy can not only stop the bleeding, but it helps to alleviate pain symptoms,” explains Anthony Lombardo, Safety Director and Hyperbaric Oxygen Technician at the center. “This restores the patient’s quality of life and improves their overall well-being.”

Therapy sessions last for two hours per day, five days a week. Ted passed the time by watching television and enjoying a nap during commercial breaks.

Within the first week of treatments, Ted noticed a remarkable improvement in his symptoms. “After 30 HBO treatments, I’m happy to report that he has had complete resolution of his symptoms,” concludes Marianna, who was his treating provider at the center.

“This is the best I’ve felt in a long time. I’ve got my pep back,” Ted says. “It’s done its job, and everybody was very nice to me. They really know their business; it was all a positive experience and it makes me feel good.”

Ted is looking forward to returning to his security position now and resuming his work to help the community. “If somebody’s got something that’s a wound, this is the best thing for them. It was nice coming here, everybody really took care of me,” he added.

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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Restores Quality of Life After Radiation Cystitis

May 22, 2025

Catholic Health Centers for Hyperbaric Medicine & Wound Healing

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