Also, this interesting video...
Jack
From BBC News... Multiple Sclerosis Blood Blockage Theory Tested It is just fantastic to see major news organizations picking up this important story and reporting on the developments...
Yes a very interesting "dynamic" now that most people have access to the Internet and how information can travel very quickly within concerned groups (in this case MS sufferers).
The Canadian MS Society had to do an about face when they were confronted by all of the media and public pressure to follow up on the Italian research. At first they were very dismissive then they had to back off. As posted on the linked website yesterday, the Canadian MS Society has now agreed to fund research in Canada to test the procedure.
In one of the comment sections of the Globe & Mail article, someone was comparing this to the orthodoxy about the cause of stomach ulcers. They were commonly though (by all the top researchers) to be caused by stress etc. Then an Australian doctor (not even a "specialist", what was he thinking ) proposed that ulcers might be caused by a bacteria instead. Boy did he get sh*t on for that idea. Well, we all know the end to that story.
Exactly...and now it is time to put pressure on the Swiss MS society...
This story reminds me of how in the late 80s a couple of scientists discovered that stomach ulcers are, in most cases, caused by a specific bacteria.
It wasn't until 10 years later that it became the regular treatment.
What I love about the MS story, is that a) it's obviously a far more serious disease, b) if this works, it's relatively simple to cure c) and makes an ENORMOUS difference to so many people!
I've got a contact who works for "The One Show" (UK current affairs programme) who I've emailed to ask if they can do a feature on it. I really hope they'll cover it as it's on at 7pm UK time so lots of people watch it.
My friend is seriously considering taking Tysabri. He's had MS for 8 years which he's managed mainly with the "best bet diet" and vitamins. Unfortunately he had a bad attack earlier this year which has scared him enough to let his neurologist convince him to try this drug. The side effects of Tysabri sound horrendous (1 in 1000 chance of developing PML). Unfortunately he has tried so many alternative treatments that he thinks Tysabri could be the answer. He's made up his mind and I don't think he even looked at the Canadian article I sent him. Wish there was some way I could convince him but I don't think he wants to speak to me at the moment! He's fed up with people telling him what he should be doing and I can appreciate this. I'm hoping that if Dr Zamboni's discovery gets enough coverage in the UK, he might eventually find out what it's all about through other means.
Thanks for your efforts and I wish your friend the best of luck with his chosen treatment. Having ms is bad enough physically, but the mental toll can eventually be overwhelming for many patients... I really hope the medical community realizes this new approach offers hope...something that is sorely missing in many current treatments - and perhaps an important ingredient as well...
Here is an excellent forum for discussing the new MS Liberation treatment: http://www.thisisms.com/forum-40.html Many of the contributors are either having the procedure done very soon, or they are in the early planning stages...interesting stuff...
Jack
The latest news regarding this treatment from The Buffalo News
The positive momentum is fantastic...
Canadian government will not fund MS trials.
Another Canadian update:
Thanks for this. We are expats in Zurich and my wife has just received a diagnosis of MS. We are wondering about neurologist referrals as well as any English speaking support groups. Any thoughts to share?
New study questions theory that clogged veins cause MS
Vascular abnormalities have been explored as playing a role in MS since the 1930s. It's only now that technology has caught up with the ability of scientists to explore such possibilities. This is great news as constricted blood flow causes lots of immune reactions that typify immunological reactions in the brains of MS patients. But it's a multifactorial disease and this isn't likely to be the cause or sole cause of MS.
Thanks alot for sharing this article. for someone who worked as a personal assistant for MS patients, I really am happy to see that there is hope for them. Also now that I am working in research, it gives me push forward and increases my belief in the value of research.
Many thanks Verbier.
May all MS patients be done with their sufferings soon.
An update from the Canadian press:
"Fissures in Zamboni’s MS theory widen"
Link (three page article): http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/...rticle2014800/
Latest article from the Canadian Press:
"Multiple sclerosis patients navigate the minefield of for-profit care"
For background, Canada has a state based health system. There is not a private insurance/private care system that exists in other countries.
Another article that might be of interest. It is from a US doctor that is very "natural medicine" in his approach.
One of this first comments is that MS is tied to lack of Vit. D (sun exposure). In one of the two Canadian articles above, they mention the following:
" ...The debate is especially intense in Canada, which has one of the world`s highest rates of MS – 240 cases for every 100,000 citizens, more than double that of Britain..."
Might have something to do with the lack of adequate sun for many months of the year. ??
Anyhow, here is the link:
Update:
Ottawa to fund trials of controversial MS treatment
Latest update:
Another potentially interesting discovery by Canadian researchers.
Daily pill 'could stop or even REVERSE multiple sclerosis'