I have been wanting to write about this topic for awhile, ever since I heard the experience described by one person on a radio show. This woman described how she saved her money and got treated for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), using a balloon venoplasty procedure that is often referred to as "Liberation treatment." She spoke of feeling clearheaded, having energy, feeling like she got a second chance after MS had stolen so very much from her.

Then, one by one, her symptoms began returning. She began limping again. She lost much of the coordination that she had gained. Once again, she was tired.

She was also sad. She had experienced what her life would have been like without MS, now it was back.

This article that I read today echoed many of the feelings that are experienced by people undergoing treatment for CCSVI and some of the reasons behind restenosis (when the vein closes up again). We are learning from the experiences of many people over the past year and a half that this is very common. Although some clinics use stents to keep the veins open, others are reluctant to place a stent in a vein, as they are designed for arteries and could become dislodged and travel to the heart.

I find it striking that, while both the woman in the radio show and the woman in the newspaper article are undeniably sad about the return of MS symptoms, they are also hopeful. Both of them said that they will have the surgery repeated once a proper stent is developed, which will greatly improve the chances of keeping the veins open.

I have not been treated for CCSVI, but I have had brief glimpses into what a symptom-free life would be like (occasionally on LDN I felt this way, and when following a strict diet in cool weather I felt this way sometimes). Now it is hot where I am and I once again have the entire weight of my MS pressing down on me. I cannot imagine how it would feel to think I was "cured" for weeks or months, just to wake up to familiar pains and tingles that got progressively worse. Would I be encouraged by the window into feeling great or devastated by the return of MS symptoms? Probably both.

What about you? Have you been treated for CCSVI? What were your results? Did your symptoms return? What will you do now? Please share with us in the comment section below.

http://ms.about.com/b/2011/05/16/feelings-about-retenosis-after-liberation-treatment.htm