But Atlantic Canada isn't interested (Radio Canada)

Sorry, this is only "en français": http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/atlantique/2010/07/30/002-sclerose_en_plaques_atlantique.shtml.

So, will Alberta be next?

Thanks, Louis, for putting me on to this hope-inspiring CBC story: http://license.icopyright.net/user/viewFreeUse.act?fuid=OTM3NjkwNw.

And then there is the other side...

I have often disagreed with Margaret Wente on a whole host of issues, and that track record is not going to improve as the result of her latest column that says, basically, that CCSVI is a hoax and "liberation" is no better than snake venom: http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20100729.escenic_1655171/BNStory/Other/margaretWente.  Her column is long on opinion, conjecture and misrepresentation... and very short on facts.  However, while it means that I don't have to go to the trouble of changing my opinion of her journalistic abilities, it does help to sow confusion for those who would really like some useful information.

Political Blogger Discussion Concerning CCSVI

Thanks for the link, Anonymous... the discussion is interesting, in particular.  For those who didn't notice it in the comments section, here is the link again: http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/archives/014521.html.

Saskatchewan offers to fund trials of CCSVI/MS

It looks like at least one provincial government is beginning to turn around on the issue: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/health/Sask+offers+fund+trials+controversial+therapy/3329353/story.html.  This should give hope to people who have been hitting a brick wall in other parts of the country.

Louis has CCSVI - Yahooo!

My friend Louis was tested today at Dr. McDonald's clinic in Barrie, Ontario, and has been found to have CCSVI.  I'm sure that will make him feel better about going to Poland or Albany for treatment.  Although Dr. McDonald's clinic is intending to start doing liberation treatments sometimes this fall, they also told Louis that they would be happy to do follow-up after his treatment regardless of where he has it done.  Great news for Louis and for other Canadians!

Is there a conspiracy?

While not bringing forth any startling new facts, this article by Steven Price is a coherent, reasoned argument for the possibility that influential individuals in the MS Societies in Canada and the US are fighting very hard to disprove that CCSVI could cause MS, and to hinder the establishment of CCSVI  assessment and treatment centers in North America: http://www.facebook.com/notes/ccsvi-in-ms-toronto/an-ms-society-conspiracy/433273839918?ref=mf.  Certainly their choice of which CCSVI research projects to fund should raise eyebrows: it's hard to take seriously research teams that don't appear to include vascular specialists, where neurologists say the goal is to "disprove Zamboni", and where the major researchers are in very tight with the MS Societies.  Unfortunately, the results of this flawed research would likely be trumpeted by the MS Societies as "proof" that they were right all along.  I can't see how the MS Societies could stop progress on CCSVI research and treatment entirely (not with what people can now do on the internet), but it would likely continue to muddy the waters for several years, which may gain them some breathing room.  Certainly it will be enough to make sure that most MS sufferers in the US and Canada will have to continue going abroad to be treated for years to come.  *sigh*

Approaching 3 months... no recent changes

In just over a week it will have been three months since my liberation.  I haven't noticed any recent improvements in my symptoms: things seem to have plateaued for the last few weeks. However, though things seem to regress when I'm really tired after pushing myself, neither I have I lost my improvements in levels of energy, mobility, strength and dexterity.

Quebecker's Liberation Story

For those of you who can read French, a story of liberation: http://www.larevue.qc.ca/actualites_medecine-fait-un-miracle-n18547.php

CJAD Show on CCSVI and MS

Host Tommy Schnurmacher interviewed Francine Deshaies and Christopher Alchenbrack tell us how they're doing today a couple months after "liberation", then grills Dr. Yves Savoie of the MS Society of Canada as to why that organization is so reticent about promoting assessment and treatment in Canada.  There are also good questions from phone-ins from accross eastern Canada: http://www.cjad.com/shows/19175

Go down to the Monday show and click to listen to Parts 1 and 2.