I'm still doing WAY better than I was before the procedure. I do still have some MS related limitations though. Underlying infections still bring on some mild neuro complications - kind of like a mediocre day before treatment.

The biggest improvement has to be the improved energy levels. I think I may still not have quite as much energy as a "normal", but 1000 times better than I was before.

I haven't used my cane once since the procedure. If I have an underlying infection I do still sometimes get a slight limp, but nothing like before. I no longer have to crawl up my stairs. Most days I can run up them! I'm fighting a cold right now and I can still go up them it just takes a bit more effort.

Heat intolerance is still gone. Haven't had the "cement blocks" on my feet since.

It's still so odd to go into a store/park/etc. and not have to worry about getting stuck there because of my legs giving out. I also no longer have to mentally pre-plan around my energy levels. Before it was an elaborate decision making process for *everything* - if I went up the stairs twice I wouldn't be able to make supper, and so on...

I think pre-treatment I was within a year of being out of the workforce permanently. I was also within a year or two of needing a scooter for outside of the house. I was also looking into selling my two storey home. I actually had to cancel my accessible housing home evaluation to take the trip to Bulgaria!

This treatment gave me back my life. Do I still have MS? Yes. This is not a cure, but it sure dramatically improved my quality of life. I can't help but wonder want would have happened if I got the treatment years ago. Could I have avoided all the myelin damage? Would it have then been a cure?

I know that I was one of the lucky ones. The stat I've read is that 1/3 get the great results that I did. I think my results were better because my MS was "mild". It sure didn't feel that way to me though. My life was a daily misery. I can only barely imagine what life is like for people whose MS is further progressed. Considering I think I've had the disease since at least 2000 (and I suspect 1998) I realize that I was already somewhat fortunate.

My advice to people considering CCSVI treatment is to mentally prepare yourself for no improvements. Then any improvements you do get are all a bonus.

I did not go into this procedure lightly. I have a risk management background, so my options were carefully weighed.

Even if only 1/3 of MSers get great results, that is a hell of a lot better than any of the drug companies have been able to do. I figure it's worth a shot.