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MS patients mobility improves after experimental procedureBy Dennis Smithfor the procedure at the Rhode Islandit again.She said the CCSVI procedure wasSPECIAL TO THE BEAVERVascular Institute in Providence.Erskine hopes to get tax deductionspositive for one-third of those with MS,Before that, it took more than a yearfor the procedure, which is not availablewhile equal numbers had little or noBarrie Erskine startled his multiple for Erskine to agree to CCSVI.in Canada. However, theres no govern-improvement.sclerosis (MS) support group recently I hadnt met anyone whod gonement funding for his treatment, whichWe always suggest that clients workwhen he returned from experimental through it, although I heard lots of goodhe noted is like an angioplasty.with their doctors to determine what isChronic Cerebrospinal Venous things about it, he said. CCSVI is very experimental and gov-the best treatment, said Halliwell. A lotInsufficiency (CCSVI) surgery.He got motivated last fall after hisernments wont provide compensationof physicians are not on board and doThey said Look at him, hes walk-father Johns sudden death and hisfor a procedure until its approved, saidnot embrace CCSVI at all.ing. Hes walking with a cane, said the friend Nigel Watts success with CCSVIRobin Halliwell.Erskine advised doing research, vis-former Oakville Beaver photographer.at Rhode Island.Were not a country that has everiting an MS support group and talkingNormally, I would come in with a It improved him that much, saiddone things without them beingto someone who has had the proce-walker. They were also surprised at how Erskine. It kind of told me it was worthresearched, tested and evaluated, saiddure.straight up I was walking.a shot. Halliwell, executive director of the MSErskine and daughter Emily, whoErskine was diagnosed in October My biggest concern was having aSociety of Canadas Halton chapter.turns 5 in May, have relied on his wife2007 with MS, an incurable neurologi-blood clot, said Erskine, but that canHowever, the MS Society is workingMelissa for care.cal disease with many severe side effects. happen with any surgery.with provincial and federal governmentsShes the glue that keeps us allBarrie ErskineHis symptoms included blackouts, Ultrasound located blockages in hison CCSVI, she said.together, he said.exhaustion, difficulty with balance plus jugular vein that needed cleaning out.Were looking for them to invest inErskine still needs drugs, like Rebif,The fatigue levels were extreme, painful muscle spasms that made Erskines CCSVI procedure involvedthe research that needs to be done, saidwhich aims to slow the MS progression.said Erskine. Before, Id get up in the breathing difficult. He gave up driving a venoplasty, using the balloon to tem-Halliwell.It costs nearly $30,000 per year and ismorning, get my wife and daughter out and fatigue forced the award-winning porarily open the vein. It took twoShe said the MS Society of Canadacovered by Melissas health plan.the door, then Id have to go back to photographer to leave his job.hours, plus recovery time.has committed $2.4 million to a projectHe volunteers for MS Halton andbed.He said his CCSVI procedure on Feb. He was impressed by the instituteswith its U.S. counterpart that involvessaid the organization has helped him byMS Society information states CCSVI 28 was not a cure, but it has definitely level of care and pleased to quicklyseven clinics.providing support, information, a wheel-is a condition where blood cannot be helped.notice a change in his circulation.Each research team will work on achair and other equipment.efficiently removed from the central Its a good birthday present, said My hands got warm for the first timedifferent aspect of CCSVI, saidErskine plans to take photos at MSnervous system. This is believed to be Erskine, who turned 44 recently. It in four years and my feet got warm.Halliwell.Haltons Golf for a Cure fundraiser ondue to narrowing of veins in the neck could last a month or forever.His parents had saved money to coverShe said one question is whetherJune 22 at Crosswinds Golf and Countryand chest. The surgery known as Besides improved mobility, Erskine the procedure, which cost $6,500 U.S.one problem causes the other.Club, 6621 Guelph Line in Burlington.CCSVI or liberation procedure opens reported more alertness and compre-Hes so much better, said ErskinesThere are people who have MS, butFor more about local MS chapter activi-the veins by inserting a stent tube or hension and feeling less tired since the mother Lyn. Its worth every penny. If itno CCSVI, said Halliwell. Some peopleties, call 905-681-8770 or visit www.tiny balloon.February procedure.happens that we need it again, Id spendwho have CCSVI, do not have MS.mssociety.ca/halton.Erskine waited just 3 1/2 to 4 months www.insideHALTON.com OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, May 25, 2011 18