Inspira Health Network

SPRING 2014 3 Inspira Health Network Family & Friends Ron Kruysman beat the cancer that attacked his jaw, but his journey back to good health was not over. It was hyperbaric oxygen therapy that would restore Ron's quality of life … and eliminate the need for a difficult surgical procedure. In the following interview, Ron Kruysman's wife Anne describes his treatment in the Inspira Health Network hyperbaric chamber in Elmer. "After 37 radiation treatments and three weeks of chemo [at the Inspira Frank and Edith Scarpa Regional Cancer Pavilion], Ron had lost some weight, but we knew it could have been a lot worse." With the cancer treatments completed, Ron's doctors turned their attention to the exposed section of Ron's jawbone, which was highly sensitive and made talking and eating painful. The bone had become exposed during a monthly biopsy. "Ron's pain was excruciating! He lost more weight and had no desire to open his mouth. Our radiation oncologist, medical oncologist and oral surgeon were all aware of the healing properties of hyperbaric chambers and that a new Inspira Health Network hyperbaric oxygen therapy program had recently been established in Elmer. Our oral surgeon arranged a consult." Ron Becomes Hyperbaric Therapy Patient Number Four "Ron was patient number four of this new service. We found the staff to be knowledgeable and kind. The chamber, which is quite large, sur- rounds you in a window-like material so you can experience a comfort- able and spacious environment. A TV is available for each patient. Ron had a total of 30 'dives,' or treatments, five days a week, two hours a day for six weeks. The plan was for Ron to return for 10 more dives after a visit to our oral surgeon for a complete check-up." Great News "Our surgeon didn't want to invade the jaw area and shave any bone if he didn't have to, and he didn't have to! He took a step back, looked us in the eyes and told us that nothing further needed to be done. The area had healed. No more pain! I will never forget the six most wonderful words our oral surgeon could tell us, 'The hyperbaric chamber did its job.'" Wonderful, Caring and Helpful "Inspira Health Network has been a godsend to us, especially since we opted to use the services in and around our hometown. I don't regret our decision one bit. I must say that I have never met a more wonderful, caring, helpful team of nurses, doctors and therapists–ever!" "I will never forget the six most wonderful words our oral surgeon could tell us, 'The hyperbaric chamber did its job.'" — Anne Kruysman, wife of patient Ron Kruysman A STORY OF HEALING A STORY OF HEALING ADVANCED THERAPY HELPS THE BODY HEAL ITSELF Hyperbaric therapy allowed Ron Kruysman's gum to heal, eliminating the need for a difficult surgical procedure. In fact, it had healed so well that Ron was able to skip the 10 remaining hyperbaric treatments that had been planned.

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