Melissa's story - almost 10 months

My friend Melissa was spurred to write to me when she realized from my blog that I was approaching one year since being treated.  I asked her for an update that I could share with you and here it is:

Time does fly!!!  This time last year I was anxiously waiting to hear Ted's results with CCSVI.  I had already made up my mind that I was going to try CCSVI to see if it would help the disease which haunted me daily.   It  has been nine months (soon to be ten) since I had my CCSVI treatment.  I have had some significant gains in my balance, fatigue, and endurance.  When the Physiotherapist tested my muscle strength before my Poland procedure  my "bad"  leg tested at 3-/5, now it is at 5/5.  This may vary on weaker days. Now I have a limp and not a leg drag  and only use my cane if I'm very fatigued.   Before the procedure the cane was part of my daily outfit.  I can count on one hand the times I have used my cane since last July!!! I will  share some of my proudest victories with you.  For the first time in eight years I was able to go biking with my daughter, who is eight:  she giggled and gave me pointers, while tears rolled down my eyes uncontrollably.  I have played hop scotch, skipped, and tried ice skating (shuffling).   I'm not saying all these were done with elegance and grace, but they were accomplished!!!  I can stand and  watch her play hockey if there is no seating.  I have seen the  puck go in the net and not have to ask if it was a goal.  I can find her number and know it is her on the ice, where before I needed other parents to point her out.  I have just returned from vacation where I  walked around a cruise ship without my cane.   I was able to walk to dinner every night with heels!!!!   On previous vacations the end of the day left me being pushed to dinner  "with no heels".   I walked through the Halifax Air Port pushing my wheelchair, not "being pushed", which left a confused security officer, who asked, "who needed the  chair? my husband or me !!".   Liberation has not fixed everything but has improved my daily living a good 80  percent.  I still run out of gas before the other mom's but go further before the tank is emptied.   Liberation has brought a smile back to my face and gave me  more quality time with  my Daughter and  Husband. Some may  think this is insignificant but I believe that, "I found the Pot of Gold at the end of the Rainbow!!!!" Melissa Robertson Liberated July 16, 2010