I intend this blog to be a mixture of my personal experiences with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and news related to MS. Hopefully, I can shed an optimistic light on MS even though it is difficult to be an optimist living with MS.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Internet is Back Up

It is amazing how much we (or at least, I) rely on the internet.  My husband and I lost internet on Thursday and it was out all weekend.  Luckily our Blackberry's have internet; unfortunately, however, the Blackberry really isn't set up for internet usage the way I would like it to be.  While I can do some things on the internet on my phone, there are a number of things that I cannot do, like post on this blog.  That was frustrating because I had been doing so well about posting daily.  My perfect record has been lost, but that is alright.
I had quite a few things that I wanted to do over the weekend and then I realized that most of them required the internet in some way, shape or form.  How sad that I am so dependent on the internet.

Had a frustrating experience with my pharmacy today - I have not been very happy with them since switching over in November.  I don't really want to talk about it right now, but maybe tomorrow I will indulge you in the excitingly boring tale.

So, thanks to my sister, I have been reading a lot about Chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI).  It is, essentially, the compromised flow of blood in the veins draining the central nervous system.  There is a controversial hypothesis that links CCSVI to MS.  A doctor in Italy claims that people with MS tend to also have an abnormality in blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord.  He suggests that a procedure that inserts a stent or balloon, widening the vein in the cervical spine region, is, in large part, a "cure" for MS.  There are some doctors in NY who are now offering this procedure and thousands of people have flocked to NY to get the procedure.  The outcome of the controversial procedure is touted as a "miracle" by some and a myth by others.  For more information, read these articles:
Studies and Background on CCSVI and Multiple Sclerosis
Studies in 2011 Could Decide MS Theory's Validity
From MS Patients, Outcry for Unproved Treatment 
Zivadinov proves Zamboni’s “CCSVI” does not exist 
Doctor Challenges Cause Of MS And Treatment 
UPDATE: CCSVI: Pursuing Promising Avenues in MS Treatment and Research

Let me know what you think and if you know of any other information available about CCSVI.  It sounds promising in some accounts and not-so-promising in others.  I am curious for my readers' input.  Hope you are well!


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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    Chelsea, I don't have much advice in terms of MS, but I have read most of your blogs, and as a big brother wanted to offer some of my thoughts. First, I want to thank you again for hosting me last week as I attended the USA Conference in Wichita, and for the pancakes. On Friday morning, I attended the closing session which featured speaker, Pat Williams of the Orlando Magic, but more importantly friend of the late Coach John Wooden and author of the soon to be released book "Coach Wooden." I bought the book at the conference and have since read the book--one of those you can't put down. I was so moved by Pat Williams motivational speech I had to read the book right away. It has literally changed my life as I am determined to find the right path again. In the book, he also mentions another book about Lance Armstrong and his battle with cancer--thought that while MS is not cancer, it is apparently one of the most inspirational books, and that it might help you with your journey. I plan to get a copy for both of us, unless you already have one. I would also encourage you to read the one I just finished--I don't know if it will have the same effect on you as it did me, but I'm sure you will gain something from it.

    Anyway, back to my thoughts... I am not sure why God presents the particular obstacles and tests for each one of us, but I am thankful that mine is only asthma and a minor case of Klippel Feil Syndrome. I was at one time upset with God because I was not able to play football or wrestle as a result of the latter diagnosis. I look at some of the baggage that my students bring to school and I see starving children in Haiti and other parts of the world, and I realize I won the lottery of life being born to good people in the USA. I cannot answer why he has stricken you with MS as your test or obstacle in life, but I know that he loves us unconditionally. There is not enough room on this post for me to list the blessings that I have, but just to name a few--my parents, brother and sisters, wife, children, grandparents, friends, career, home, work ethic, love, life, hope, and a Savior who died for my sins of who I am not worthy. The Lord never gives us more than what we can handle. You are a strong woman--look at what you have accomplished. MS may be your biggest cross to bear, but God believes you can handle it where someone else may not have been able. God has faith in you!!! The question is "Do you have faith and trust in him?"

    I love you unconditionally and would gladly bear your MS for you if I could, but God has a plan for you--Never lose faith! Emerse yourself in it and you will find your way.

    Love,
    your oldest brother

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