3 1/2 months

Hi everybody, it's hard to believe it's a new year already! My life has been fast and furious.

I recently went for my three month post op Doppler ultrasound to image my veins. Both jugular veins appear to be clear and the blood is flowing normally! I couldn't have had better news.

Things are still moving slowly but steadily. It is a long process however slow and steady wins the race. Some people have told me that results can occur up to 18 months. I think I'm doing quite well for 3 1/2. I'm still going to the gym, physio and yoga. I'm continuing to build strength and mobility.

Hope everyone is well and happy new year!

Afterwards

Dana’s dream to dance becoming reality one baby step at a time


Fatigue is decreasing and muscles are strengthening after Liberation treatment

DEBRA DOWNEY, SENIOR EDITOR


Published on Nov 24, 2010

Step by baby step, Dana Szwec’s dream to dance is inching toward reality.

Dana, who grew up in her mother Marilyn’s dance studio, has been confined to a wheelchair for the past five years. She suffers from primary progressive MS, and until earlier this year, there was little hope Dana would ever stand, let alone dance.

But after media reports circulated about the success of a medical procedure called the Liberation treatment, Dana decided she, too, would undergo the surgery.

Since it is not available in Canada, she underwent the 1 1/2-hour surgeryin Albany, N.Y., on Sept. 28.

“I feel great,” Dana said last week. “My mind’s much clearer and I’m much more awake. I feel like I have more energy, which is fantastic, and I don’t have that fatigue anymore.”

Before the treatment, Dana was finding it increasingly difficult to maintain the active schedule she sets for herself. Despite her challenges, Dana participates in Mac Wheelers, a twice-weekly exercise rehabilitation program for adults with a spinal cord injury, and yoga at the MS Society in Hamilton.

Just prior to the treatment this summer, Dana’s fatigue had become almost insurmountable. The 37-year-old would usually sleep nine hours a night, then be so tired by mid-afternoon she would nap for another couple of hours.

Eight weeks after the procedure, Dana’s lucky to get an afternoon siesta at all. Along with yoga and Mac Wheelers, she attends physiotherapy twice a week.

“In the morning when I wake up, I feel awake, I don’t feel I just want to sleep the day away,” she said. “I’m going five days a week. My fatigue is decreasing and my energy level is increasing.”

And Dana’s dream to dance once again seems possible. She can raise her leg a good six inches into the air, has some lateral movement and can stand with limited assistance.

“I’m very hopeful. I’m not walking yet or taking steps, but everything is baby steps. Everything takes time,” she said.

Dana and her mom say they have received “wonderful” support from the community that has helped pay the $10,000 U.S. cost of the Liberation treatment.

“We have had a tremendous amount of support, from Dundas, Stoney Creek, everywhere...” said Marilyn. “People have put money into the account (set up to help the Szwec family) that we don’t even know. It’s just been fantastic, and we want to thank everyone.”

As she inches toward recovery, Dana has also joined the chorus of MS sufferers urging the federal government to approve and fund the Liberation treatment in Canada.

“I’ve seen benefits from it. I don’t think it’s the placebo effect,” said Dana. “I know our government is very conservative and has to run trials and be absolutely certain, but thousands and thousands of people are leaving the country to have it done, and all I’ve heard are good stories.”

Developed by Italian neurologist Dr. Paolo Zamboni, the Liberation treatment involves a technique used to widen narrowed or obstructed blood vessels, a condition known as CCSVI or Chronic Cerebralspinal Venous Insufficiency.

In Dana’s case, doctors cleared her left jugular vein and two other areas of the azygos vein in her chest. Dana did not have stents inserted into her blood vessels, a process that is now reportedly causing problems for patients who underwent the treatment.

For the next year, Dana will travel to Barrie every three months for checkups.

With the Liberation treatment, her dreams once again seem attainable. Along with dancing, Dana hopes one day to stand at the top of the Dundas peak, the wind whispering through towering maple trees, a butterfly’s gentle wings brushing her ankles and her lungs filling with cool, refreshing air.

“If I could walk again, that’s what I’d do. I really miss the trails around Dundas,” she said. “I loved to get out and go hiking, up to the peak, for the fresh air, exercise and just being outside.”

Biggest Changes

Biggest Changes: Energy, where did you come from? Hands and feet are warm, I can move my legs a little, Colour in my face is better and no puffiness. Yay!

This is the post I put on Facebook this week.  I forgot to mention my voice I'm told sounds better.  Today I wanted to stand with the walker, success!  Although only for a few seconds it is a start.  I'm out everyday exercising.  MacWheelers gym twice a week.  Physio twice a week and Yoga once a week.  I'm busier now than I have been in a long time, and I have no fatigue.  Truly amazing! 

Fall Weather

Hello all,

It has been just over two weeks and I feel really good, since having my surgery. Little minor changes are starting to occur. Most of them are not visible however the biggest change so far is that I'm able to move my lower legs. It was quite exciting when I discovered this.

Other changes include a much better energy level and clearer thought process. The fall weather is making me little tired, especially on the damp rainy days. I think everybody feels that way though.

I've been very busy. I go to Mac Wheelers gym Monday and Thursdays, I've started physiotherapy every Tuesday and Fridays and on Wednesday I go to the MS Society for the yoga program. Weekends are basically my free time.  LOL

I will keep you all posted as the bigger changes occur.

On the mend

I've been out of the medical center for about five hours. Still feeling the effects of the sedative. Spent the afternoon napping. No major changes yet. Will have to start looking at the little things. Still very tired. We'll go back to the medical center tomorrow. The procedure was a little painful, especially my left jugular vein. The staff was very good and encouraged me to breathe through the pain. It only lasted about a minute. Lots of rest and baby steps to full liberation. :)

The journey begins ...

I'm being loaded ...



I'm in ...




I'm away ... wish me luck.



......








The Dance

I'll be dancing on my own two legs soon ...

Super friends.

......

The Dance

... and look, my hand is still steady!

......



Less than a week

It's hard to believe that we will be in Albany one week today. The time is flying, I think I've mentioned that before LOL

The dance last night was fabulous. I saw many many friends and some family to. A lot of people I have not connected with in years.  Many childhood friends, many students I used to teach, my dancin' divas, some family and many supporters and friends. The room was filled with much love. I am so grateful to have so many people that care about me in my life. Thank you to all of you. Your positive thoughts and prayers are what I'm taking with me on this journey. And that means more to me than you'll ever know!

Marilyn

... and here is the #1 volunteer and  #1 supporter, Marilyn Szwec

......

CACTUS PARADE VOLUNTEERS:

(from bottom left)

Dianne, Cheri, Sheila, Suzanne, Debbie, Darlene, Benjamin, Bruce

(with Dana in the car and Marilyn taking the photo)

This is a test run only -- but is a pleasant interlude.

It will be here before I know it!

2 1/2 weeks to go! I truly believe that this procedure is timely for me. This disease is progressing. I can feel it and other people can see it. Can't wait for the changes to come.

Fatigue is still an issue. Numbness in my hands and feet is still there. Absolutely no mobility in my lower body. My eyesight however seems to be better. I'm not having as many choking spells, so a few positive things happening. People always say I'm positive, I guess it's true.

I can't believe it's been five years of using a wheelchair. This country is very good at supplying medical aids and assistive devices. I have had two motorized wheelchairs in the last five years. They have been fully funded. I have no complaints at all.

However, I find it very hard to believe that this country is taking so much time to approve this treatment. It's pretty sad when people have to mortgage their houses and use their life savings to go to foreign countries such as Poland, Kuwait, India and Costa Rica just to name a few, for the liberation treatment.

It shows me just how lucky I am. I am thrilled to be going to the states, instead of somewhere overseas. I have many supporters who have helped me to fund this procedure. Just a couple of examples of how fortunate and blessed I am. It's an answer to prayer. And I am truly grateful!

Less than a month

I can't believe how fast time is flying. A month from now I hope to be in full recovery mode and on the upswing. These last few weeks have been challenging. My fatigue level has been increasingly high. All I want to do is sleep. I do however keep going. My regular routine of going to the gym twice a week and yoga once a week has been kept up. I'm hoping for much more energy and improved mobility after the procedure.


I thought I'd better start typing on my blog to let you all know I am here. Hoping to get on here a little more often or regularly as time keeps flying.

My friend Mary had the procedure done last week and is doing very very well. This is very encouraging to me. She is my inspiration. I only hope to be doing as well as her after my surgery. Way to go Mary!

I will type more later.

Dana is about to write a blurb on her blog.  Now that her computer is working okay she can, when her energy levels allow it, type up a storm.  :-)

Counting down

One month today and my procedure will be starting. I'm hoping and praying for some symptom relief and improved mobility.

The real beginning ...

Today, one month today is the real beginning. Dana will be in Albany on September 28th, 2010 filled with hope and full of all the wishes we continually extend to her.

We wish you well, Dana, we all wish you well ...

Today, also, she wanted very much to write but she is having a little bit of trouble with her computer, plus her hands will not do what she wants them to do! Her computer problems we will fix, her hands Albany will fix.

Dundas Cactus Festival Aug/2010

Dundas Festival Parade Thursday Aug 19/2010.

The weather held and remained dry even though the sky was overcast.  Dana was tired after the hectic day but her spirits remained high.

Some of the team members.

All of the team members were great and both Dana and Marilyn give thanks for such a dedicated crew.




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The special T-shirts


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Cactus Festival Parade

The Festival Parade starts tonight (Aug 19th) at 6.45pm and Dana is in it.  Her team members will be distributing explanatory flyers to the spectators.
Fingers crossed for good weather.