LIberation treatment for multiple sclerosis

[projekktor id=’25054′]

For people suffering with multiple sclerosis they are familiar with the Liberation treatment. It’s a procedure that uses a balloon angioplasty to widen neck veins and increase blood flow from the brain. But it’s not approved in Canada. When it was discovered as a possible treatment by an Italian doctor, Canadians suffering with multiple sclerosis left this country to be treated. Mary Jacobs was one of them.

It’s been six years since she traveled to Costa Rica to have the Liberation treatment. Following the surgery she no longer needed a catheter, was able to walk, her memory was sharper and she wasn’t as tired.

But in 2012 Mary had to travel to the states to have the procedure done again and she experienced similar improvements, but her mobility wasn’t as good.

After four years though she is still doing well. The Jacobs have spent $30 000 on the controversial procedure which is not approved in Canada. Her husband Byron has been by her side every step of the way and says had they not gone to Costa Rica for treatment Mary wouldn’t have a very good quality of life.

The Jacobs are frustrated that after six years the province still won’t fund the treatment. The Ontario Ministry of Health is saying the same thing it did back then- that studies have not provided evidence to support it as a treatment for multiple sclerosis.

In the mean time Mary plans to enjoy the better quality of life she says came from the Liberation treatment.