F.U.

2010-12-20

The following are entries that have been on hold for nefarious reason until after our arrival in Texas.

2010-12-06

Follow up (F. U.) visit # 1

I scheduled the first f.u. visit for Tuesday 2010-12-07 to allow us to get to Texas before Christmas. Travel insurance broker extraordinaire Barry Guttormson (http://www.execfamily.ca/) conjured up suitable / reasonable travel insurance that will kick in 2010-12-15.

Weather permitting we will arrive in Sun Valley Village Dec 18^th for mother-in-law Glenda’s birthday…. it’s a secret so “Mum’s” the word …. In fact I won’t post any of this until after we arrive in S.V.V. to try and trick them.

It’ll be a surprise if we can pull it off …. as initially it appeared that we may not get away at all this winter, or at best not until mid January or February. This is due to my recent medical treatment and travel insurance company policies. I’ve been telling the folks down south that I’m hopeful we will be there by mid –January. This is not fibbing just …. withholding.

Anyhow …. back to Monday 2010-12-06 .... I was up at 3 a.m. and we still didn’t pull out of Oaks North until 5:15 a.m.. We picked up (chauffeur) Dori at 5:30 and got to the airport by 6. Ya gotta like West Jet; they sure do a good job. With all the checking, searching, patting and groping we only had a 10 min wait before boarding. Bonus …. got bulkhead seating ….. more legroom and easier to get in / out of the seat.

Calgary was a whirlwind …. Pam told me when I went in for a potty break that we had lots of time before our flight. When I returned all of a sudden we were in “PaMic mode” to get on the plane. I ended up leaving the security line with just my boarding pass, wheeled to the gate, got carried onto the plane by several women (as I should be )…. it’s the wheelchair ….. it’s a chick magnet …. while everyone already on the plane was no doubt thinking …. “Watta a stud” …. (hey don’t scoff …. in my little world everyone knows me and likes me.)

After I was seated and squared away (bulkhead again …. yay) Pam finally showed up with a West Jet attendant helping her carry our bags, my shoes, fleece shirt, etc, that I had to leave behind when I bolted after the security pat down / fondling area.

We are over Carson City now – home of the Ponderosa, halfway to San Diego …. to be continued.

All went well on our arrival and we got to Sanoviv by 14:30 and they even held a lunch for us. The tiller on my chair was knocked off again during baggage handling and the Sanoviv McGuyver guy had to “fix” it again.

After lunch I met with one of the Sanoviv MD’s who took a medical history, then I’m off for some wrist treatments, and an I.V. Chelation treatment to assist removing accumulated deposits (metal, rotten peanut butter, s__t , etc, in my head) due to poor drainage re: my blocked jugular.

On Tuesday 2010-12-07-09:00 I met with both Dr Meza who also acted as interpreter for the Spanish only speaking Hospital Angeles Neurologist who did another case history and clinical exam. They felt all was good as far as the jugular and blood flow was concerned. They assured me that because of the healing process and the (bladder) infection I would have ups and downs in how I feel. I was advised not to be alarmed by any perceived negative changes. This was very reassuring because I had been going thru some sky is falling days when things weren’t seeming to be working as great as the day before.

We caught some rays, watched the waves and enjoyed the Sanoviv atmosphere in the afternoon. Visited with some other guests, some Usana Associates, also some Winnipegers there for their CCSVI follow up, and some of the staff.

The Doppler Ultrasound test was at 15:30 and my anxiety was unwarranted as the flow was deemed normal … so …. I’m insurable to travel and can leave for Texas Dec 15th.

I was up early Wednesday 2010-12-08 for a 5 a.m. Chelation treatment and the nurse hooked me up to the I.V. in our room. I got some more ZZZ’s in my own bed until it was finished at 7:20.

We met with Dr Meza at 08:00 to review my status and left for the border at 08:30. Apparently the border is very busy re: Xmas shoppers going into the U.S.. As a result we had a 3 hour wait to get across …. a month ago it took us 20 minutes …. go figure .... so we missed our flight and the next West Jet flight out was Friday.

It was cost less to stay 2 nights in San Diego and rebook for Friday’s flight so that’s what we did.

We had a free day on Thursday 2010-12-09, walked the bay area, saw lots of boat action, helepopters, navy vessels, the aircraft carrier Midway and lots of navy memorabilia. It was sunny and warm …. very enjoyable.

We were up early Friday 2010-12-10 to make calls back to Wpg rescheduling appointments missed on Thurs and Fri. We made it to the airport 3 hours early and met up with several folks who had come down for the liberation procedure and had been on Monday’s flights. It was like old home week comparing experiences. One couple from Calgary was not pleased with their stay at Hospital Angeles.

The flight home was uneventful ‘cept for the excellent pre-loaded vids I played on the net book …. 4 Craig Ferguson shows in a row …. I kno-o-o-w …. how gr-r-eat was that. We got to Oakeybank by midnight and to bed by 2 A.M..

2010-12-11

We had our girls and Nana over for a birthday / xmas combo dinner re: Dori and Keith's b.d.'s. Lots of food, laughs and tears as we were leaving after probably staying. What selfish parents we are to abandon them at this time of year .... we both feel a little guilty.

2010-12-13

Packing and and prepping for our trip south.

2010-12-14

I took my wheelchair in for maintenance in the morning, arranged for our autopac renewals to be forwarded, got some U.S. cash, stopped in for a visit with Dr. Wiebe re: continued bladder infection monitoring, and ran out of time to make all our stops.

I was up late unhooking / packing our electronic equipment for taking south and Pam was up til the wee hours getting ready.

2010-12-15

We had some last minute business to attend to and didn’t get away from Oakbank til 09:30 but made good time to Emerson.

We stopped at Canada customs to declare new items we were taking down and will be bringing back with us. The agent wanted to see them so all these items had to be lugged in, opened, inspected, documented, repacked, lugged out and on our way in 30 minutes to the run the U.S. border gauntlet.

No problemo. The agent noticed Cat on Pam’s lap, said he likes cats and have a nice trip …. go figure …. using Pam’s pussy for at quickie at the border!!!!???.

It snowed off and on from Fargo South to Omaha. Traffic was slow, vehicles in the ditch, accidents, poor visibility at times …. made for a 10:30 pm arrival in Omaha. This was our first real use of Garmi the GPS, and it led us directly to the La Quinta …. excellent …. thanks Andi and Keith, what a wonderful present.

2010-12-16

We didn’t get away till 11:00 but left Omaha and the snow behind. With good following wind we sailed across Nebraska, Kansas and ½ of Oklahoma to Oklahoma City …. made the La Q by 19:00.

2010-12-17

On the road by 08:00 and into Victoria Tx by 17:00. We took scenic, quaint, enjoyable, and slow Hwy 77.

2010-12-18

Away by 07:20 and really “moving” this morning as Pam drives. Our e.t.a. is 11:00 and we are giggling at our anticipated surprise. The joke will be on us if there is now reaction as in …. “Oh hi. It's about time you got here."

The La Quinta’s have been very clean, well appointed and reasonably priced …. we are staying there re: having Cat with us and la Quinta allows pets, even cats.

We arrived in Harlingen at 11:30, washed an inch of road grime off the van and trailer, and knocked on the G’s door after noon.

Both Glen and Glenda were flabbergasted, glad to see us, and chastised us for tricking them. It was a real good gotcha.

When we pulled up to Buhr Park Place, cousin Lynda was just walking her dog Polar nearby.

When I rolled down the window and called to her she too was totally shocked to see us. It was way worth the trip to surprise them. Lyn thankfully had the presence of mine to drop her goodie bag of Polar poo before we hugged.

Next up was Lorenzo and family who came out to greet us. Though I had alerted Lorenzo that we would be arriving in mid-December (so he would have the work done we had contracted with him to complete over the summer) he had kept it secret from everyone else including his wife and kids. His wife Fabbi was happy to tears and the kids were jumping …. but all the work isn’t finished. The tile and laminate flooring is down but there is lots of finishing to do plus other jobs on the “to do” list we left in April. It appears to have become a “manana” list …. oh well it will be a today to do list now that the Pamatollah is on the scene.

I went and visited neighbours while Pam went for provisions. All in all jt was a successful trip and trick.

Until the next installment …. take care.

luego

el gordo

4 weeks post liberation

4 weeks ago today i had a a balloon inflated in my left jugular that reportedly restored to normal a 90% blocked blood flow. the events since then have been mostly all good.

the first 3 weeks were filled with daily improvements in my abilities. i was able to stretch further, do more exercises due to increased energy, be more tolerant and (i know this hardly seems possible) i've been nicer to my wife (at least in my little mind).

i had a few seconds of global t v infamy from a couple of on camera interviews. it seems i'm their m.s. person de jour. the latest local who has dared to go afar to be liberated. at least my mom was glad to see me with a 'shave and a haircut'.

at the 3 week mark i started to feel a little bit off my new game. this increased over the weekend as did my anxiety about what was happening. was this the stretched vein closing up? was i only going to get 3 weeks of improvements? was i going to get worse than before? the dreaded black cloud that is m.s. was hovering.

i persevered with our exercise regime but found it more of a struggle daily and started having naps again due to fatigue. i was getting worried and i finally told pam what was happening.

on tuesday evening i had a revelation .... pam probably smacked me upside my head for not telling her sooner .... maybe this isn't a vein thing .... maybe it's more of a vain thing.

i was so focused on my vein issue i had overlooked the familiar symptoms that my vanity is often reluctant to acknowledge. perhaps my old bladder bug nemesis had revisited and .... well .... buggered things up.

on wednesday at 8:30 a.m. pam took my pee sample to our medical center. i had already called ahead and activated their gps (gord's pee scare) response team. at about 3:00 p.m., after my volunteer gig in the personal care wing, i wheeled over to the medical care unit to check on any urinalysis results.

dr j. (jeff wiebe) just happened to be in the reception area as i rolled up. he beckoned me into his office and said those words i have heard so often over the last few years .... it appears you have a bladder infection.

methinks .... rats ....then i say to myself .... hold on there gordo .... this is "good" bad news.

by 4:30 p.m. wednesay i'd started a 10 day course of antibiotics and was already feeling a lot better by thursday evening. i had more energy and was (hard to believe i know) nicer to be near.

we are so blessed with such wonderful medical support in our community .... and (as cactus jack wells used to say) it turned out nice again.

so today i'm 75% back at it after averting one of those rocks in life's roadway.

the quest for getting to texas a.s.a.p. is back on.

hopefully my next post will be 100% positive.

so much for my pee pee crisis.

til then

luego

el gordo

Gord's after CCSVI interview on Global TV

Gord just returned from his CCSVI treatment in Mexico and was interviewed by Global TV's Lindsay Warner. Click the following link to watch it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vCBkCtV8zM

Global News: Thursday, November 11, 2010

A Manitoba man who suffers from multiple sclerosis says his life has changed dramatically.

He’s just returned from Mexico, where he underwent the controversial Liberation treatment, a procedure not available in Canada.

With a picturesque Mexican beach behind him, Gord Park celebrated 60 years with new hope.

“My future was really uncertain, ever since I was 23 years old,” says Park.

Once a member of the Winnipeg Police Service, Park says his life forever changed when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 37 years ago.

The deterioration was slow, but for the past six years he's been in a wheelchair. He’s tried everything from hyper baric chambers to chemotherapy to find relief, but nothing has worked.

But a year and a half ago he found new hope. A potentially ground-breaking MS treatment pioneered by an Italian doctor attempting to cure his wife from the disease.

The controversial procedure called CCSVI was said to offer relief by clearing blocked veins, only it was wasn't offered in Canada.

“I can't afford to go, but I can't afford not to go,” said Park during a CCSVI Rally at the Manitoba Legislature in September.

Officials in Manitoba still don't know when the procedure may be offered here so Gord, found the money and strength to travel to Mexico where it was.

“It was out of my hands, I just let go and let god and let god take care of what was going to happen,” says Park.

Gord admits his hopes were high to walk. That didn't happen.

But for the first time in years, he can feel his legs and has the energy to move behind a walker..

“That’s a huge improvement, in my situation, that's just enormous,” says Park.

“It’s just thrilling that in a year that something can change so drastically in your life. it was worth every penny,” explains Pam Buhr, Gord’s wife.

Rather than waking up wondering what's not working with his body, Gord Park says it's now liberating to wake up to what is.

What's UP? Recent happenings...

We have missed several postings as we have been busy with life back in our real world.
Hopefully Pam will clean up my entry before its posted:
11-03 - Day 5 Post Liberation Treatment
04:00 – checked into the special care unit to get my intravenous chelation started early. They weren’t ready for me so after ablutions I returned at 05:00 for the 2 hour process (of which I slept 1.5 hours) then back to the room to prepare for our 08:00 departure.
08:00 – we bade Sanoviv and staff farewell as suprimo driver, Pedro ,chauffeured us to San Diego airport. I hummed Herb Alpert’s – Tijuana Taxi while Pedro took us on a downtown Tijuana tour.

08:45 to 09:15 arrived at, and bonus - cleared the busiest border crossing in the U.S. in 30 minutes (ya think its cuz I shaved off my cheezy goatee – if I had a haircut we might have been waved through).
10:00 the refreshing Westjet staff processed us for the security gauntlet. (I’ve been patted down more times on this trip than a street drug dealer – ya think it’s my appearance? – I’m getting a haircut!) First to be boarded and we’re up and away to Calgary with the way cool Westjet folks. I have more feeling and movement in my legs, feet, and toes, so enroute I could relieve the cramped seating situation by wriggling my toes just like an abled person. After a successful plane change we are Winnipeg bound on schedule.
21:40 last to deplane, a Westjet staffer wheels me to the baggage area to get my modified motorized super ‘chairiot’. When the elevator opens on the main floor we are greeted by a global TV videographer sent to document our arrival …. Ho-hum …. I hate it when the paparazzi does this. He’s videoing my every move (and I haven’t brushed my hair !!! …. my mother will be mortified if anyone sees this footage!). I ham it up and walk a bit while pushing our luggage cart. Daughter, Dorian, meets us in our van, and despite the long day I feel energy enough to climb into the driver’s seat (the paparazzi camera catching it all!); and drive home to Oakeybank via Transylconia to pick-up the blessed cat.
11-04 00:45 we are unloaded and abed safe and sound. Mission accomplished.

11-04 – Day 6 Post Liberation Treatment
06:45 what a glorious 180 degree directional change this is. Instead of dreading what part of me is not going to function as well today , I’m anticipating what improvements I’m going to experience - quite the change from living over 36 years under the cloud of my blessed MS diagnosis. I’m up and about attending to a full day’s activities including - exercising, a heartwarming visit with my inspirational 92 year old mother in the afternoon, attending church choir practice (I think my ‘ear’ is off more than usual) till a 22:00 return home …. all with no nap(s). Even the 2 your time difference ‘jet lag’ hasn’t beaten me down. We are elated with my much improved energy level.

2010-11-05 Day 7 Post Liberation Treatment
08:00 get ready for the ‘after video’ at kin-place with Pam and my bestest buddy Gary Tucker. We try to reenact the ‘before video’ with little success as I get frustrated with my inability to walk with much, if any, improvement. This session is followed by a visit with my general practitioner, (g.p.’s g.p.), oakbank renown Dr. Jeff Wiebe, who has been so supportive. We are blessed with the treatment and guidance he has provided me over the years since I ‘hand picked’ him to be my m.d. (just another tale from the naked city for another time).
10:30 I reported on my treatment response to Dr. J (I call him this re: another of my heroes – former NBA superstar Julius Erving) and he assured us that my legs will require lots of rehab after years of using a wheelchair. Surprise, surprise, ‘the pamatolla’ – has a scheduled exercise/diet regime at the ready.
23:55 abed after being out and about town most of the day, visiting with friends and family (daughter Joey from Brandon, daughter Andrea and Keith from Winnipeg). We had to pass on kin-place supper and I blew-off the televised bomber game (apologies to cook Vivian and Una -my b.b.f.f. (bestest bomber fan friend). Another long active day with no nap(s) due to my much improved energy level! Hallalu! Praise be!

Summary of Improvements to Date after Procedure

· Decreased numbness in 3 fingers of right hand
· Able to raise toes up higher, and raise right leg up a little
· Legs feel ‘different’, more feeling
o Could feel massage on lower legs and feet, more so than before treatment
o Could feel the wind on feet
o Can feel infected toe throbbing
· Increased circulation
o Raised veins on legs visible now
o Socks don’t leave ‘dents’ in legs
o Legs and feet are less purple and just a little mottled
o Legs and feet warmer
· Less fatigue, lots of energy
· Possibly hearing less sensitive
· Eyes less sensitive to light
· More clear headed
· Able to sleep in different positions instead of only on back


FYI – we plan bi-weekly or monthly postings on the improvements. Mother may reclaim me as one her own, since Numero Uno hair care professional, daughter, Andrea, cut my hair last evening. Coincidently a global TV reporter has threatened to do a story on our journey. We’ll see if it goes anywhere. Quite likely it will get bumped by a late breaking headline like ‘man bites dog’!

Luego,
el Gordo y Pamelita

Day 8 Last Day - TMI!

Gord lifting a glass of green juice with some big wigs from USANA Head Office!

Before I talk about today, I'd like to show you a sample schedule for a typical day at Sanoviv.

6:30 am Vital Signs
6:40 am Lemon Water

6:55 am Wheat Grass

7:10 am Medic Consult

7:30 am Meditation

7:55 am Golden Milk

8:00 am IV

8:30 am Breakfast

9:55 am Green Juice
11:00 am Psycholdogy Consult

12:00 pm Yoga Class

1:00 pm Lunch

2:00 pm Food Prep Class

2:30 pm Payment Policy & Insurance Information

2:55 pm Green Juice

3:00 pm Chiropractic

4:00 pm Acuscope/myopulse

5:00 pm Dance Class

6:00 pm Dinner

7:00 pm Breath and Relaxation

8:05 pm Coconut Water

8:15 pm IV

That sort of shows how busy one can be here!

Today we met with the doctor, nutritionist, pharmacist, dentist, and fitness coordinator to give us final information for the home program and answer any questions. My head is swimming with all the information we have taken in today, summarizing, clarifying, learning many new things. Luckily we can be in touch here by phone or email for followup questions.

One thing we learned from our doctor is that he went to Italy to study with Dr. Zamboni himself, the doctor who discovered the vein blockage connection in MS patients, and who began by helping his wife with MS through the venous angioplasty.

Gord worked hard today and is in bed as he has a 5 am IV before we leave here tomorrow. He is in very good spirits and ready to work hard at home as well. His mental clarity and focus are much improved.

Just before we went in for supper we were spending a few minutes in the sun and a school of dolphins went by! What a way to end the day! Our weather has been sunny every day but half of one day. We have been so fortunate!

Thanks so much for all the well wishes and support. We are overwhelmed and truly grateful to have so many wonderful friends and family members.

We will keep on posting periodically regarding further progress we notice happening, if you want to check in once in awhile.

It will be hard to leave here and try to recreate the healthy atmosphere at home, but we are looking forward to getting back to the 'real' world and to seeing all of you again.

Buenos Noches

Day 7 November 1 More Benefits - Baby Steps

Today we were back on schedule - busy day!

We met with the Doctor first thing in the morning. Gord's blockage in the left jugular was 90%! We saw the pictures of the veins and we get to keep them. Also we have a DVD of the procedure we get to have. We meet tomorrow for the home program they will send with us.

This is the most amazing chiropractor. He has helped Gord so much with his wrist issues. He is so knowledgeable and knew exactly what would help Gord. This is Gord's second session with him. Getting up off the table was so much easier for him - definitely a change.

Gord had an IV chelation treatment - an extra, but that was what seemed to make a big difference in his health last time we were here 4 years ago. He's all bundled up enjoying a book on tape! Chelation helps to eliminate toxins, especially heavy metals, in an expedited manner. It can't be done too frequently because of the strain on kidneys and liver disseminating all these poisons. Since so many heavy metals have accumulated in Gord's brain because of the blockage, now many are now heading out ready to leave his system. Gord wanted the chelation to speed up the process. He will have another one tomorrow on our last full day here. After the chelation he walked behind his wheelchair to the bathroom down the hall. He was able to lift his legs quite a bit more. He was ecstatic. He is a little stiff now though. He has to do this a little at a time - baby steps.

Talk to you tomorrow!

Day 6 October 31, 2010 HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREAT PUMPKIN!

60 Years Old Today!

We didn’t have to get up quite so early this morning – in the nurse’s station for vitals by 7:45 and then breakfast. The morning was free and we took advantage of the free time. Gord did some calling and watched a bit of football on the internet and then we went down to the pool area. I swam laps and then went through the Thalasso pool regimen – cold, hot, cold, hotter, cold walking on stones. It felt very good. We toured the vegetable garden area, and then sat in the warm sun watching hummingbirds, a squirrel, and birds soaring above the sea. It was very peaceful. I did sing Happy Birthday to him and recorded it for posterity.

I want to get this posted early as we will have an early morning tomorrow and we will be a little later to bed this evening as we are going to another movie. I am sitting in the Strauss Mansion part of Sanoviv beside the white grand piano. This land was previously owned by Levi Strauss of the jeans empire. It has remained much the same as it was, tile, marble, cement, and glass everywhere - all non toxic materials which was okay with Dr. Wentz's vision of a toxic free facility.

We just attended a cooking class and Gord and I made a wonderful authentic guacomole, which Gord taste tested several times - still the great stomach! Now we're headed for supper and then dinner and a movie. What a relaxing weekend this has been! We are looking forward to tomorrow however, as we are probably meeting with the doctor to look at the video of the procedure and the picture of the blockage. He will assess Gord's 'after treatment' condition, which is pretty much what we have been telling you.

Gord is finding himself much less fatigued. He is able to lift his toes better and he says his legs feel ‘different’. He has had his feet down for hours and they are not dark purple, but just faintly mottled. His socks aren’t leaving a dent in his skin. This is all very encouraging.

Hast manana!

Day 5 October 30, 2010 Laid Back Saturday

On the weekends here the schedule isn't quite as tight; however we still start at the Nurse's Station at 6:30 each morning where they take everyone's vital signs.

This was Gord's first time up, post procedure. He didn't notice too much difference and is a little disappointed.

He did have a spa treatment and he said that he was able to feel more of the massage on his legs than for the ones he had before treatment. He also mentioned that he can see the veins in his legs, ie that they are upraised. When I looked I was quite surprised - yes, I guess they really weren't very prominent before. Perhaps we are grasping at straws. I really think that his circulation is better, his legs warmer.

He seems more energetic - got down on the floor for stretching in the fitness room (and up again). He managed to do it again in the room to use the chi machine, and then a third time for our Sound Meditation class. He put his feet up for awhile but didn't nap. He also just mentioned he thinks his hearing is not quite so sensitive. I hope that continues to improve as my high pitched voice is his nemesis!

Though disappointed he's still optomistic - trying to be positive and hopeful.

Day 4 October 29 Hospital Angeles Tijuana

8:00 AM
WOW! Talk about a 4 star hospital!

I am writing from Gord’s hospital room, pristine, laminate floors, wide marble hallways, some decorating (artificial plants, artwork). There is a TV and DVD player as well. I bet only the rich and famous can afford to come here. Like us -LOL! No food allowed though – just drink. So I have my peppermint tea I brought from Sanoviv, and a good book for the 2 hour wait.

We were up at 4 AM – hooked up to an antibiotic IV at 5. We loaded into the Sanoviv van at 6:30, arriving at Angeles Hospital by 7:30. Another fellow, Tony, from Calgary came with us for the same procedure. Very little English is spoken here. A doctor from Sanoviv accompanied us and helped with the check in procedures. He will stay with the ‘boys’ when they have the procedure. Tony’s wife and I were taken to the hospital rooms to wait. Too bad we couldn’t wait together to chat! Gord should be back here by 10:30.

I have discovered the hospital has internet so I’ll deal with a few emails while I’m here – maybe do some surfing.

12:00 noon
Well, the wait was supposed to be 2 hours. It is now 4. Gord is just about to be brought up (not vomited) transported to his room “Beam me up Scotty!” I think I have been cooped up in this room too long! The Sanoviv doctor reported all went well – waiting for Gord to give me the info – straight from the horse’s mouth so to speak. Hark, I hear wheels…

He is very alert, awake through the whole thing, but going to have a nap, now. We go back to Sanoviv via ambulance at 2:00. The reason it was so long was that he had to wait for Tony to be done.

There was a blockage in the left vein, so much so that there was a backflow. Other veins were OK. It was an experience akin to going to the dentist – some discomfort at times, but quite a non-invasive procedure. No noticeable immediate effect when flow opened, but he senses less numbness in 3 fingers and a little more movement in his feet maybe – right now it’s a discovery process. More later.

Now I’ll play Spider Solitaire until my battery runs out since I finished my book and my crocheting!

7:00 PM Just uploading some pictures and recounting the last part of our day. About 2:30 the EMT's and the Sanoviv Doctor came to transport Gord to the ambulance. In my position as shotgun I had a wonderful view of the very hilly coastal region of Tijuana. We made very good time as whenever we came to a red light the EMT driver just honked his horn and everyone let us through. No siren or lights needed! The first time I was a little unnerved, but after that I just expected it. We arrived safely nonetheless and continued to experience first class treatment as Gord was delivered to the hospital bed in our room. Dinner was even served to us up here. He needs to stay in bed for 8 hours so he doesn't cause bleeding at the puncture site. He is most anxious to get up, but that will have to wait until morning. I am convinced that his circulation has improved. His legs and feet are warm as toast still. Maybe it's just because he has had them up all day. We'll see tomorrow.

Gord's Office!

Day 3 October 28, 2010 Blockage Confirmed! Hooray!

What a day of ups and downs!

Gord woke up with a low grade fever and the dreaded bladder infection reared its ugly head again. Needless to say it wiped him out physically, and mentally – with concern this might delay things. They cancelled the dental exam he had scheduled and he slept on and off most of the morning.

We then met with the Neurologist who did not speak English. A Sanoviv Doctor interpreted. Gord was satisfied with the consultation and examination. The neurologist pronounced Gord a candidate. The ultrasound showed some decreased flow in the vein on his right side. That is, however, not necessarily the only vein that could have a blockage. During the angioplasty procedure dye will be used to detect other blockage problems and these passages will be widened as well.

The ‘venografia y venoplastia para CCSVI’ will take place in a Tijuana hospital tomorrow (Friday) morning. We leave at 6:30 AM in the van and will be returning late afternoon via ambulance.

By the afternoon Gord was feeling a bit better, but slept a lot and still felt drained. The urine test showed the likelihood of a minor infection and so he had an antibiotic tonight. Because he cannot eat or drink before the procedure he has to have an intravenous antibiotic at 5 AM. They want to make sure he doesn’t run a fever. It’s 8 PM and he is showered and in bed and I’d better join him.

Actually, I can’t really join him as we are sleeping in separate beds. No, it is not my snoring! We are on the hospital ward floor and there is a hospital bed for Gord. I have my own little room as his companion or ‘concubine’ as he likes to refer to me to the staff around here! Last time we were here 4 years ago there was a large main bed, but still with a companion room and we were able to sleep together. We just used the companion room as a den. So that has been a little bit of a change.

Here's Gord all cocconed up in his bed!

We took a walk just before coming up to the room - beautiful sunset - watched some surfers catch their last rides in before dark.

By the way, I must apologize. When I sent out the link to you all, I forgot to BCC the addresses for some of you. As the lingo says – MY BAD! Sorry!

We will be anxious to share tomorrow’s adventure. Thanks for tuning in. Good night from the Baja coast.

Day 2 October 27, 2010 Doppler Testing

View from our balcony!

It's 8:30 and we are so sleepy. We had our coconut water and are hitting the sack early tonight.

We were up by 5:30 AM and attended 14 different appointments/sessions with breakfast, lunch, dinner, green juice, and wheat grass juice breaks. The most important appointment, of course, was the Ultrasound Doppler test on his neck. We will meet with the doctor tomorrow regarding the results, but Gord couldn't resist asking the Doctor doing the ultrasound what he thought. He was vague but said there are some problems. That's what we're hoping for!

Before we meet with our doctor, all of the medical team will meet about Gord regarding all the assessments done today and tomorrow morning. So at 11 AM we will find out if Gord is a candidate, and if he is, the procedure will be done Friday.

Stay tuned tomorrow night to find out. We are all in suspense.

Day 1 October 26, 2010 The Voyage – Starship WestJet

Don’t expect all this wit daily – just have time on my hands 39 234 feet above sea level cruising at 522 MPH on the way to Calgary. WestJet staff are hilarious. They always seem to be having a good time – budding stand up comedians! The gentleman presenting the safety info that no one listens to told us that he had been working on a short version all weekend and would we want the short or long version. Needless to say we all wanted the shorter one, whereupon he pulled out a piece of paper and read, “Do up the buckle. We’ll be going fast.” Unfortunately he said they hadn’t approved the shortened version yet so he regaled us with a slightly off kilter demo including some Scottish brogue.
Gord was oblivious to this – went into his incognito mode, listening to his book on tape on MP3.

WestJet personnel were most helpful getting us on the plane. At the hatch he transferred to a very narrow aisle chair where they tried to buckle in all 6 foot 3 of him. Gord, finding his cheeks barely supported on the seat, commented that it is the bulky jacket he is wearing keeping him from fitting, not any corpulence to speak of. Kidding around, after having only 4 hours sleep, being that early in the AM, and experiencing much angst about forthcoming events, was admirable.

Elbows and knees in! They backed him down the aisle. He then transferred and slid across the seats. I wonder if this process will be less challenging on the return flight. Looks like he is having a good time though!

8:20 our time – 10:20 your time – our time still too – getting tired
Aside from the tiller on Gord’s wheelchair coming off in transit – we had a fairly uneventful trip. Women fell at his feet to help him! Gord was in his glory!

We arrived at Sanoviv about 3:30 their time. Got settled in and Gord got his siesta with his feet up – quite a relief! As soon as we turned into the compound there was a very calming effect. The ocean’s constant sounds are so soothing. You can just keep your patio doors open most of the time. It was snowing as we left Calgary and her it was about 24 degrees Celsius – sigh – we are very lucky.
Gord got some vitals taken and we see the doctor tomorrow. From 6:35 AM to 8:30 PM we are scheduled every minute. We’ll have more info tomorrow. Gord is very anxious to get the testing done, as you might well imagine.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Our Bags are Packed - We're Ready to Go!

Our taxi is daughter Dorian at 4 :30 AM! What a sacrifice to have to get up that early for us! Thanks Dorian.
Well, we're very anxious to be rid of the suspense. I will try to record events as they unfold, but know we will be very busy.
We don't really have to pack much.
They supply clothes (except undies and jammies!) and USANA Sense showering products, and healthy food. No makeup/nail polish/jewels (except watch and wedding ring).
We actually are not quite ready to go. I was exaggerating, but I wanted to get this posted before we go. Better finish packing. Thanks for following el Gordo's escapades.
TTFN
Pam

Gord's video before CCSVI Liberation Treatment

Click on this link to watch Gord's before video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNsEXwLRO-4

TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

WOW!
We were quite overwhelmed and touched by all the support on Saturday. It’s hard to put our thankfulness and gratefulness into words. Thanks so much for all who attended and/or donated. We are so fortunate to be the recipients of so much generosity.

Special thanks to Gary for his contuing support and help and to our wonderful daughters for doing all this for us. We will keep in touch to let you know how it goes.

Much Love,
Pam and Gord

Jill Whitford's Winnipeg Sun article

Jill Whitford thinks Canada’s health minister is wrong.

Whitford, a resident of St. Georges, underwent the controversial “MS liberation” surgery in Mexico in June, and says she feels great. She also feels the government is doing multiple sclerosis patients a great disservice by accepting the recommendation of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to delay clinical trials on the controversial procedure until more information is available.

See the complete article at

http://www.winnipegsun.com/news/winnipeg/2010/09/26/15485391.html

Bud, spud & steak fund raiser Sept 25, 2010

It was a sellout, a resounding success. Especially the Silent Auction where Gord is seen here with his daughters Joey, Andrea and Dorian calling out the ticket numbers.
Many thanks to his daughters and wife Pam for organizing the event and to all who donated prizes for the Auction.


Here's Gord saying a few words of thanks and giving everyone a briefing of his plans for his trip to Mexico on Oct 25.
Along side Gord, Jill Whitford gave an inspirational summary of her Liberation treatment and how it has improved her quality of life.

MS Liberation Day Manitoba Sept 20, 2010

We heard from the Minister of Health and the 2 opposition leaders as well as Jill and Duncan who have been Liberated and Rick Keep who is planning to be Liberated. Then Gord said a few words about his plans for his trip to Mexico in October. He was interviewed by Globaltv which can be seen at this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlrBsG-UoVI

Q: Who controls the purse strings of the gate keepers?

A: Follow the money!

The gate keeper in the case of the Liberation treatment for MS patients is the Joint Committee of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the MS Society of Canada. The Joint Committee advised the Federal Health Minister NOT to establish pan-Canadian research trials into the theory of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI).

And the purse strings of this committee are difficult to track but Christopher Alkenbrack has done a good job on the CIHR in his letter to the Federal Health Minister.

http://my-darn-ms.blogspot.com/2010/09/christopher-alkenbrack-lette-to-health.html

The president of CIHR , Dr. Alain Beaudet was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ), the province's public-sector health research funding agency in 2008. His close association to the drug companies is hard to ignore.

http://www.merckfrosst.ca/mfcl/en/corporate/newsroom/corporate_news/20080617_bio_2008.html

The MS Society of Canada publishes a yearly report with an audit from Price Waterhouse but details of exactly where the money goes requires further investigation. The % of revenue spent on admin., fundraising & mgmt. is 48%, second highest of the charities reviewed here

http://www.moneysense.ca/2009/12/21/canadas-40-biggest-charities/

Sept 14 MS forum hosted by Dr. Jon Gerrard

Here's Gord in the company of Dr. Jon Gerrard, Jill Whitford and Dr. Kirsty Duncan, Liberal MP for the Toronto riding of Etobicoke North.
Dr. Duncan gave an impassioned presentation regarding the effort being made to get CCSVI testing and treatment in Canada.
With her background in science and having a close family member suffering with MS, she has gone to great lengths to research the procedure and advocate for allowing clinical trials and treatment in Canada.
Many thanks to Dr. Gerrard and Dr. Duncan for taking the time and making the effort to host this forum.

Petition toThe Honourable Leona Aglukkaq

Please add you name to the petition for "The Liberation Treatment for MS Patients" to be sent to the Canadian Health Minister the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, the goal is 10,000 names.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/help-cure-ms/

Liberation forum MB Legislature Sept 14

Sept 14^th 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Open Information Forum on Multiple Sclerosis Liberation Treatment with Special Guest Dr. Kirsty Duncan and free continental breakfast served in the large dining room of the Manitoba Legislature. Hosted by the Honourable Jon Gerrard.

For further details visit

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111622425558365&ref=nf

Bud, Spud & Steak Fund Raiser Poster

ALL TICKETS SOLD OUT!
Contact Joey at 995-5639 or Andrea at 995-6949 to arrange for pick up of silent auction donations.
If you want to make a financial donation please make cheques payable to Joey Park and mail them to;
Send Gord Away
79 Clerkenwell Bay
Winnipeg, MB R2N 3R8

Donations for the Bud Spud

As mentioned, any donations towards the silent auction at our Bud, Spud, and Steak event on September 25, 2010 @ OBB can be indicated by posting a comment on this blog, or by contacting myself via email - parkie999@hotmail.com. Please put bud, spud donation in the subject line. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. Tickets for the event are $15.00 and can be purchased by contacting any of Gord's immediate family.

CCSVI rally Aug 5 Fort Garry Hotel

Here's Gord at the CCSVI rally in front of the Fort Garry Hotel where the Provincial Premieres were meeting . There were some excellent speakers who had traveled outside Canada to have the Liberation treatment done. Despite appearances, Gord was not under arrest though he was cautioned a few times for having too much fun making CCSVI connections and reminiscing with many of the Police officers who were on crowd control.