Outside The Arc

I see characters emerging from the landscape. A pair of stories, opposites in many ways, but with many shared perspectives. Two women: One, pre-liberation, fiesty and committed to fighting for what is right. The other, liberated, wanting the Perfect Days she caught a glimpse of but having to respect a slower pace of healing. What happens outside the lines painted in the "miracle" videos in the now familiar CCSVI story arc? The "miracle" videos set the expectations high. What happens if we don't see the same dramatic, seemingly instant improvements? What happens when all our friends, family and neighbours hear we had the liberation treatment and expect us to have the same turnaround, on demand? The truth behind the "improved quality of life" statement becomes clear. We still have MS even if some things improve, some of the time. We still need to respect that every moment is not going to be a camera-ready, shining moment but that we will always strive to bring the best that we can to every moment -- hope for the best but forgive ourselves if perfect isn't here yet. It is a lesson in accepting the now. Yes, blocked veins should be cleared. Some see fantastic improvements. Improved quality of life is still worth fighting for. I wonder how any "scientific" body can even pretend to make declarations one way or another on such a roller coaster disease. Why does it feel wrong to point out that the "miracles" aren't the rule? Even "improved quality of life" is more than most drugs can offer. MS seems to have many shades. There are many different reasons we may need some help. Balance, weakness, fatigue to name a few. Perhaps there is a belief that this theory and treatment is only worth chasing if we can guarantee the "miracle." Those kind of expectations seem hard to sustain. Every case is different. Every person is different. Life rarely follows script. Life can still be beautiful if it colours outside the lines.