EDMONTON - Misty Schuster says a controversial multiple sclerosis treatment "changed her life completely."

Prior to undergoing treatment recently in the U.S., she was using a cane to get around. Getting out of bed in the morning was "a huge
chore."

Now, Schuster -- who was diagnosed in 2003 with MS -- can walk again in high heels.

"It makes me so emotional because I feel like I've just gotten a second chance at life," said the 28-year-old St. Albert resident.

Schuster was one of several-dozen protesters at a rally outside the Alberta legislature Tuesday.

They were demanding the province give MS patients access to an experimental angioplasty procedure to unblock veins in their necks. Some
hoisted placards that read "We're sick and tired of being sick and

tired" and "Government inaction is killing us."

Schuster said her treatment, including transportation costs, cost about $13,000, but she's heard of others paying far more --
particularly those who travel overseas.

Schuster said she's worried about where she'll go for follow-up care if necessary.

"It's pretty scary, actually. It's frustrating."

Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky said the province continues to investigate the procedure.

He said he's met with neurologists and MS patients on the matter just weeks ago, and promised to accelerate the work in Alberta, while
the federal government does its own research.

"The timeline I'm working on is ASAP," said Zwozdesky.

Brenda Requier, from Fort McMurray, said she travelled to Poland in June to get the procedure done.

"This is a very safe, simple procedure, and it should be offered here," Requier, 52, said outside the legislature.

In September, federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said Canada will move to a clinical trial of the liberation treatment only after
finishing seven studies that started in July that are looking at the

link between blocked neck veins and MS.

She said there's no evidence yet showing the condition causes MS.

- with files from QMI Agency

frank.landry@sunmedia.ca