My goodness has it been since November since posting to this thread? Time flies.
First of all to update as to both of the volunteer's status:
1st patient, spoke with his wife at length this morning, he remains stable per the last update. Stable is always good. Veins remain open.
2nd patient, have not spoken with her in about a month or so, but last conversation seemed stable per the latest update above. Stable for SPMS on no meds is good. As far as I know both will receive follow up ultrasounds next month. Will update then and perhaps some personal observations, which leads to the next part:
Dr. and I talked on New Years Eve, he is ready to use the procedure now on
3 more patients, note I did not say "treat", ie treatment, he does not want this regarded as a treatment. That is a bit heady at this juncture and puts a label on this it neither deserves (yet) nor can live up to. It is a procedure, plain and simple.
I will say that in talking with him in person, it is obvious he is very dedicated to seeing this through. The similar procedure he uses for migraines is currently in patent process, he understands if you're going to go anywhere near the pharmaceutical's bottom line, you better have your ducks lined up first. Patenting the procedure is the only way, he knows he is a little fish in a big pond. He is in this for the long haul.
Secondly, he has invested in a new ultrasound machine, bigger and better as they say, he puts his money where his mouth is, and no, does not drive a sports car (not sure why I thought of that). He told me he doesn't care if he spends every dime he has, a noble gesture backed with action.
Now there are a few requirements, perhaps softened a bit from the ones stated at the top of this thread. One needs to be able to get up on the table, assisted or not. Just a regular patient's table like in any Dr.'s office. This effectively eliminates the wheelchair-bound. Ambulatory even better but not required.
Also, it will be required to have 4 ultrasounds prior to the procedure, once again just show up and he takes care of the rest.
That is one ultrasound per week for 4 successive weeks. Then, 2 more weeks to analyze the results, then the procedure. He is VERY flexible with scheduling and will move heaven and earth to accommodate one's needs. Then lastly, another ultrasound follow up, with successive followups as determined.
There will be consults as needed, both prior to the first ultrasound, and procedure etc. You will have no question(s) unanswered.
He should be ready to start the process within the next month if not sooner, depends on getting the new ultrasound setup. I can get more info on that too.
The office is comfortable, he is very easy to speak with, and fascinated by this entire thing, if not for his childhood friend (the first treated) having neurological problems, he may never have asked another question when I mentioned about CCSVI as part of my patient history way back. I am for the record no longer his patient. There is NO charge for any of this for you. That means free, it does not mean "cheap". He bears all expenses. I receive nothing myself though that hardly needs iterating. He wants to help, I want to help him help you, but I am in no way involved in anyone's medical care beyond providing information and directing you to him.
Anyone interested can either message me here or email me at
lovemystents@yahoo.com.
Keep in mind we are talking about many months now of stability in some areas with a procedure that is quite novel, is virtually harmless, and painless, and inexpensive, but achieving open veins at the same time. I've seen the proof, I am convinced though of what I am not totally sure, but something here is working, and this Dr. has really got a good thing going here, and his science AFAIC is solid, and yes he will be submitting a paper, and hopefully I can get him to ISNVD, not sure on that.
Mark
Edit: also anyone with stents is excluded, though prior venoplasty (failed or not) is no problem.