Finding relief from fatigue and inflammation through Oxygen Therapy: Trustee Jackie Dowden’s story
When Jackie first heard about the South West MS Therapy Centre, it wasn’t through her own diagnosis. It was her mum, who had started volunteering at the Centre, who opened the door to a place Jackie would one day rely on, work for, and help lead as a trustee.
At the time of her diagnosis, she had no idea how significant the Centre would become in her life: “For me, it’s been a great experience,” she said. Oxygen therapy is now at the heart of her routine, and alongside changes in diet and lifestyle she credits it with transforming the way she manages her multiple sclerosis.
Discovering what works
When Jackie was first diagnosed, she began treatment with beta interferon and other medications. Today, oxygen therapy is her only regular treatment. She says the benefits are unmistakable: “Oxygen therapy works for me because it gives me energy and reduces inflammation. And reducing inflammation was one of the things I really wanted to do.”
Fatigue is Jackie’s greatest challenge, and oxygen therapy has become her lifeline for managing it. The routine is simple but powerful. She comes in for her maintenance session every Wednesday, and by Friday her energy is at its peak. It’s become such an essential part of her wellbeing that if she misses a session, she feels it: “When I miss it, I really miss it! ”
The community of members at the South West MS Therapy Centre
One of the things Jackie loves most is that oxygen therapy isn’t a solitary experience. Each session brings together a small group of people who share their stories, their families, their ups and downs: “It’s like a little club. You get to know everyone, and then when the mask goes on, you can just relax. It’s lovely.”
The Centre’s atmosphere plays a big part in that; familiar faces, a team that understands. Somewhere where MS isn’t something you have to explain. “That’s what’s so lovely about here. You get to chat with people who have similar experiences. It’s a kind of therapy in itself.”
The commitment involved
Jackie is open about the commitment involved, especially for people new to the treatment. When people first arrive for an induction, they get to know the chamber environment, understand the equipment, and ease into the experience at their own pace. It’s not always a familiar setting, being in a pressurised chamber for an hour can feel unusual at first, but the team supports people throughout. There are hand signals, intercoms, cameras, and operators on hand at all times. Sessions can be adjusted, slowed down, or stopped whenever someone needs it. The initial programme, which includes 20 sessions as close together as possible, is a significant investment of time and money. But Jackie emphasises that support is available, from local funding to community fundraising efforts.
Living with fully with MS
Last year Jackie completed a half marathon in support of the charity. Most days, MS doesn’t impact her at all. But when fatigue hits, it hits hard: “That’s the difficult thing about fatigue - one day you can run a half marathon, and four days later you can’t get out of bed. And you’re the same person.” At the Centre, she says, no one needs that explained and everyone understands. For Jackie, it isn’t just where she works, it’s where she found control over her symptoms, learned to navigate the unpredictable nature of MS, and is a vital part of a community that empowers people living with MS.
If you’d like to book a tour of the centre, and learn more about Oxygen Therapy from the team, get in touch.