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Hi fellow MSers,

My veins stayed opened for 7 months. I'm going to Bulgaria for a second procedure. My procedure is August 8.

i guess my question is...why bulgaria and not NY for instance, since you live so close...

The waiting list is a long; about one year, don't have the time to wait.

The waiting list at which doctor? Most US doctors have a wait list of less than a month. I do not know enough about the current techniques of the doctors in Bulgaria but a year ago in the Bulgaria thread, it was the first place we heard reports of pain with ballooning, because the doctors in Bulgaria were being more aggressive. There was just a report in Dr. Sclafani's thread yesterday of a patient from Bulgaria whose jugular occluded and was lost. I am cautious now about aggressive techniques. I would want specifics about the largest balloons typically used, at what pressures, for what durations.

All the best wishes with your next treatment.

I don't know exactly which doctor, I heard there was a long list.
I was very happy with Bulgaria, the doctors did an amazing job.

Anna, I was treated twice in Bulgaria. After the second treatment my veins are now 100% blocked with scarring. Tried 3 more times (in the US at 2 different places) I am worse than ever. I would strongly recommend going to PI, in California. That was the last place I went to. They treat the valves also. Dr Arata believes the problem of CCSVI is the valves. A lot of people do not get good results with the second procedure. See the posting on OPINIONS DR ARATA DR HEWITT. Please think about. I would hate to see you end up like me.

I agree with Dania. I am now without a functioning right IJV (fully scarred) It was 100% open and working before.

I had a procedure done in Bulgaria, they discovered really thin jugs at ear height. The left one was ballooned and the right one was stented.
After the procedure, I have had 3-4 more relapses, though not as severe as before, they are mostly with tingling and stiffness.
Went back to Bulgaria three more times. There was no other narrowing, both jugulars functioning properly. Can the valves be problem with the stent, i.e. do stents deal successfully with valves?

Nasti wrote:I had a procedure done in Bulgaria, they discovered really thin jugs at ear height. The left one was ballooned and the right one was stented.
After the procedure, I have had 3-4 more relapses, though not as severe as before, they are mostly with tingling and stiffness.
Went back to Bulgaria three more times. There was no other narrowing, both jugulars functioning properly. Can the valves be problem with the stent, i.e. do stents deal successfully with valves?

Ask Dr Arata or Dr Hewitt. They can probably answer that question.

Anna, I certainly respect your right to be treated where you choose. I wonder, however, if you have checked out Dr. Soares at Rhode Island Vascular Institute in Providence:

http://www.rivascularinstitute.com/

Providence is within driving distance of Montreal and I think their waiting list is short. It might also be more economical.

CCSVI Foundation is sending Canadians there and Dr. Soares seems well respected by people who have been treated by him. I have spoken with Dr. Soares and his clinical services manager. I found both of them knowledgeable, informative and helpful.

For a variety of reasons, I have decided not to seek treatment outside of Canada at this time--but if I did, I would definitely consider Dr. Soares.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the very best. Please keep us informed. .