For Elizabeth Murphy, multiple sclerosis has been a longtime ball-and-chain.

But after undergoing the controversial treatment this week called liberation therapy, she said shes already feeling freedom from one dreaded symptom.

"Since the surgery, I haven't had that awful MS fatigue heaviness back," said the 33 year old. "And I had that everyday, so its just great.

"I just have so much hope for this procedure."

This week, the St. Catharines resident and her boyfriend, Chuck Peet, flew to Clearwater, Fla. for a procedure that treats chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, or CCSVI.

The procedure has been championed by Italian doctor Paolo Zamboni, who has said restricted blood flow to the brain because of CCSVI might be associated with MS.

He suggests CCSVI could cause excess iron to collect in the brain and spinal cord, restricting blood flow and causing MS, which affects the brain and spinal cord.

Murphys procedure Tuesday, at the Advanced Imaging and Interventional Institute (AI3), involved angioplasty to veins on both sides of her neck.

She had already had a scan showing her veins were kinked or narrowed there.

An inflatable device was entered into her body to expand the blood vessels, with the hope that will relieve symptoms like deep fatigue, headaches and muscle aches.

I was awake through the whole procedure, and it took about an hour, she said. It was fairly painful, as my veins were so blocked.

Murphy, who works for the Canada Revenue Agency, felt well enough to put in a part-day at work Thursday.

Shes pretty sure something has changed for the better.

I was in the airport in Orlando waiting to go home and I saw my left hand was pink and warm, she said. The blood was flowing. The left side of my face also felt warm.

Angioplasties are normally a procedure for patients with heart conditions, but arent approved to treat MS in Canada.

Some clinics in the U.S., like Clearwaters, will perform the procedure for patients with the condition.

In the meantime, Murphy is not sitting still.

She has a private pilots licence and owns a Cessna 150 Aerobat. She is known in aviation circles as Lizzie McFly.

On April 17, McFly will join Niagaras three MS Walks at St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland by doing fly-overs along the routes.

Last year, she raised more than $7,000 in pledges for her effort. Her goal this year is the same.

Next Wednesday, shes also holding a pre-walk fundraiser with hockey legend Marcel Dionne at his store Marcel Dionne Enterprises Inc. at 4424 Montrose Rd. in Niagara Falls.

The event takes place from 6 to 8 p.m., and includes a meet-and-greet with Dionne, draws for prizes and flights from McFly, plus food and refreshments.

Now, only days after her procedure, Murphy is hoping for continued relief from symptoms.

Although the price of a pre-surgery test and surgery came to $9,500, she said the cost is worth it.

If I knew it was going to work, Id pay $100,000, said Murphy.

Peet said hes thrilled by his girlfriends progress.

Im so proud of her, he said. Shes gone through so much, like all MS people have gone through. Those people in Clearwater also did a fantastic, first-class job.

Local MS Walk:

Early check-in on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grantham Lions Club

Sunday check-in from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Grantham Lions Club

Walk starts at 9 a.m. (for all three Niagara locations) with the St. Catharines site at the Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St. (note the change in location for this year)

Register online at http://mssociety.ca/en/events/scwalk/default.htm

For more information, contact the MS Society, Niagara Peninsula chapter of Hope at 905-937-7772.

To make a pledge for Elizabeth Murphy, visit: www.lizzymcfly.com

http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3064647