A diabetic for decades, things got grim for Donna three years ago when a diabetic ulcer appeared on her right toe. The pain was so intense she couldn’t put pressure on her foot. She tried over-the-counter treatments, but the wound would not heal.

“Amputation was mentioned several times,” says Donna, “so it was a relief when Dr. Koren (a surgeon at Plymouth General Surgery) suggested the hyperbaric chamber at Speare’s Wound Center.”

Speare’s state-of-the-art Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy helps heal wounds that have not healed in 30 or more days. Patients rest in a chamber, breathing pure oxygen that increases blood flow to the body’s tissues.

“It’s been a great experience,” says Donna. “The chamber was very comfortable and the staff was so nice, I enjoyed them all. “

When Donna completed her therapy, the staff surprised her with a little ceremony, presenting her with a certificate and flowers.

“I haven’t had a signed certificate like this since 1947 when I graduated from high school,” said Donna. “That was special because Robert Frost was our keynote speaker. But this is certainly worth celebrating.”

The Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center at Speare Memorial Hospital is a nationally recognized Center of Distinction. Patients with wounds that don’t heal after 30 days often need the services we provide and nearly 96% of wounds are healed at our center with a 98% patient satisfaction rate. For more information visit our Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine or call for an appointment: 603-481-8780.