Breathing is easier, talking is less of a chore and her feet are no longer purple – a week in Mexico has done Cathy Clements a world of good.
The South Surrey woman returned from a week in the southern country’s warmth last month. But she is confident the good weather isn’t to credit for her marked improvement in health.
As reported in the Oct. 6 Peace Arch News, Clements, a long-time multiple sclerosis sufferer, planned to travel to Mexico to receive treatment for chronic cerebrospinal venus insufficiency, a condition describing blocked or malformed veins that prevent or inhibit the draining of blood from the brain.
A year ago, Italian researcher Dr. Paolo Zamboni announced his belief CCSVI is linked to MS, after patients in which he performed a procedure similar to angioplasty showed substantial improvement – from a decrease in new MS attacks to a reduction in the number of sufferers’ brain lesions.
The procedure isn’t available in Canada, where the MS Society, Health Canada and provincial health services are awaiting more research data supporting its effectiveness. But, eager for a return of any of the freedoms her progressive MS has stolen since her diagnosis in 1997, Clements decided to take her health into her own hands.
With the help of friends who organized a fundraiser at Sawbucks Pub to cover the costs, Clements underwent the treatment Oct. 14 in Los Cabos. Of two others at the “pretty bare bones” hospital for the same reason, Clements, who has been confined to a wheelchair for 4½ years, was the most disabled by the disease, she said.
She noticed improvement in her circulation and movement almost immediately after the “fairly painful” 90-minute procedure.
“I noticed the feet right away; the feet not being purple,” she said. “And being able to eat easier, lift my arm right to my mouth.
As well, since her return home, Clements’ legs, usually freezing from the knee down, aren’t cold anymore.
Pleased with the results, the 50-year-old is hopeful she will see even more improvement as time goes by. Regardless, the trip was “definitely” worthwhile.
“Any little thing for someone with MS is big,” she said.
Clements said her frustration at having to leave Canada to find the relief has only increased since her return. She is determined to do what she can to raise awareness of its benefits.
“It seems ridiculous to have to go to other countries, spend that kind of money, just to have circulation, breathe properly. I want to get on board to find out what I can do to help out.
“Something so simple, I just don’t know why they don’t do it here. It’s not rocket science.”
