As far as a leading group of researchers is concerned — the jury is still out regarding a new and controversial treatment for multiple sclerosis.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research cites an “overwhelming lack” of evidence to back the claims of Italian doctor Paolo Zamboni – that blocked neck veins are linked with M-S.
Therefore the group is not prepared to endorse his findings — or his treatment method of opening up those veins which they say may not even be safe.
Nevertheless, the Saskatchewan government has opted to fund clinical trials for the treatment – Ontario has not.
That’s not stopping M-S patients in Ontario from seeking the treatment outside our borders.
One of those patients is Mandy Maisoneuve of Wiarton.
She was diagnosed with M-S about 5 years ago.
She says the disease makes it difficult for her to walk and swallow food properly — which has resulted in some incidents of choking — and causes extreme fatigue as well.
Maisoneuve says she heard about Doctor Zamboni’s treatment and wanted to find out how to access it herself.
She came across a group based out of Kitchener called Liberation Gateway — which helps M-S patients with travel to India to undergo the procedure.
Maisoneuve flew to India and had the procedure done — after trying every other treatment available here.
Since coming back she is finding it easier to walk.
She was even able to lift her 3 year old son and put him on her shoulders for the first time since birth.
