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Wednesday, March 9, 2011 7:13 AM
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Ken Torbert
It's one thing to read about CCSVI (stands for "chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency") treatment in the media. You either get the skeptics, who focus on the "MS sufferers" who are willing to do "crazy things" to help themselves, or the people who are extremely enthusiastic about the procedure. Many of the latter group have had the procedure, but their intense emotions don't always translate well into the written word - it's a hard thing to convey the idea that something "changed your life" in a way that is measured enough to be believable to many readers.
However, listening to people tell their stories is a different experience altogether. You can do just that by checking out a 2-hour program put together to bring the experience of CCSVI treatment to people with MS. Called "CCSVI: Been There, Done That", the program brings together people who had the procedure at different places, who have different symptoms and who have had different results. In other words, some of the people on the program have had huge improvements, while others have seen no benefits or only fleeting improvements. Amy Gurowitz is the host of RaeFlections.me Radio, the "1st Station Designed to Support, Enlighten and Inspire Individuals Affected Directly and Indirectly by MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS & other DIFF.Abilities!" She does an amazing job of guiding her guests to tell listeners what they really want to know: Why did they do it? Did it hurt? What was your life like before the procedure and how has it changed? I listened to the program and took copious notes. However, it is impossible to summarize them in a way that would convey the conversation in a meaningful way - every time I tried to write something, it fell flat in comparison to the real story, told by the real people. Therefore, I urge anyone with the tiniest bit of interest in CCSVI (or who just wants to hear a fascinating radio piece) to listen to the show. There is no agenda - really. Just a bunch of people with MS having an honest conversation. To listen to the show, click on RaeFlections.me Radio, scroll down to CCSVI: Been There, Done That (under On Demand Episodes - aired March 7, 2011). At the bottom of the picture of Amy, you will find a small gray button marked "PLAY." Put on your headphones or turn up your speakers and listen. If you are so moved, please come back and leave a comment about the show. http://ms.about.com/b/2011/03/08/hear-real-people-who-have-had-ccsvi-treatment.htm
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