A procedure used to treat a condition associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) has earned rave reviews from an Estevan couple.

Beth Wock and her husband, Bob, were in Los Cabos, Mexico, from July 1 to 8, so that Beth could receive an angioplasty-type treatment at a clinic. Results were almost instantaneous after Beth underwent the operation on July 3.

“I never used to have feeling from my knees down,” said Beth. “I have feelings there now. I have lost the pain. I can walk. I have a lot more energy. I just feel better.”

Beth was diagnosed with MS in 1986. She also has chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), a condition that is common with MS patients. CCSVI left her with blockages in her internal jugular veins and her azygos vein.

The azygos, which runs through the centre of the chest and drains blood from the spinal chord, was nearly 90 per cent blocked. Bob said the treatment has allowed the azygos to now be 80 per cent open.

“He didn't give us a percentage of how much the jugular veins were blocked, but they were blocked somewhat, and he used angioplasty for those as well,” said Bob.

The procedure lasted about two-and-a-half hours, and it was non-evasive, Bob said. An IV entered through the groin area, a cathoder was inserted into the veins, and then they tried to detect the blockages. Once a blockage is detected, they inserted a “balloon” to open up the veins.

Even during the procedure, Beth said she could feel the improvements.

“Her feet used to be so cold,” said Bob. “They were like blocks of ice. Now her feet are warm.”

When Beth scratches her leg, she notices feeling in the leg. Feeling has also returned to her fingertips.

Beth first heard about the treatment during an episode of the television news program “W5.” Mexico was the closest location in which it was available. Germany, Poland, Bulgaria and other nations also offer it.

“I have tried every treatment that they have, but this looked like something that made sense,” said Beth.

The operation is not new, Bob said, but it was only introduced to Canadians by “W5.” A European physician, Dr. Paolo Zamboni, developed it to help his own wife, who also has MS. Since the procedure, which Dr. Zamboni calls the “Liberation Treatment,” the doctor’s wife hasn’t had a recurrence of her symptoms.

MS patients need to make their own decision as to whether or not they want the treatment, Beth said, but she counts many improvements from the last few weeks.

The Wock's did not fundraise for the trip to Mexico. They aren't actively seeking donations, but they would accept any donations that are offered to help offset the cost of their travels.

The Mexican clinic where Beth underwent the treatment would like to see her return in six months for a follow-up visit. The long-term success of the treatment will determine whether another treatment will be necessary, Beth said.