Luigi Caputo sits up straight in his parents plush leather couch, slowly composing himself for a photograph.

The simple task was, until two weeks ago, nearly impossible for the 40-year-old Jasperite. Caputo was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 20 years ago. An active teenager who was often seen on the soccer pitch and hockey rink, his health slowly began to deteriorate following diagnosis. He soon needed a cane to walk, then crutches for 10 years before moving into a wheelchair for the past three years.

However upon return from Eastern Europe to receive a controversial new treatment, Caputo is regaining his strength, accomplishing tasks that only weeks ago proved to be too much. 

Last week, he was able to walk from his room to the bathroom with a pair of crutches, something he was unable to do prior to the surgery.

“The numbness is gone in my feet and I can handle temperatures much better,” Caputo said. “I can stand much easier, touch my finger to my nose and I don’t shake as much.” 

M.S. sufferers often see their jugular veins narrow. This has been documented for more than 100 years, however only recently have doctors developed a technique to treat the symptoms associated with Multiple Sclerosis. Created by Dr. Paulo Zamboni, the treatment, called the ‘liberation procedure’ expands the jugular with a small balloon, which is inserted into the vein, inflated, then removed. This allows the jugular to return to its original size, increasing blood flow. The entire procedure takes about 45 minutes and Caputo said he was not unconscious during the procedure.

His mother Frances Caputo also noticed a big change in her son’s strength.

“We’ve noticed he’s gotten quite a bit stronger. We’re very pleased with the way it went. Luigi today is better than he was a year ago,” Frances said.

Caputo said he often found himself in a daze before the operation, but says he is now clear-headed.

Multiple Sclerosis is considered a neurological disease, however some vascular doctors around the world have been promoting the procedure. The procedure is not yet available in Canada, as some health professionals state more study is needed before it is approved. The M.S. Society of Canada also promotes more research into the procedure, which could mean approval is still another two to three years away. M.S. sufferers held a rally in Ottawa in May pushing for approval of the procedure.

Caputo’s neurologist recommended he wait for the procedure to be approved in Canada before trying it. However Caputo said M.S. patients see their condition deteriorate over time, and it is hard for those without the disease to understand. He’s tried countless measures to combat his M.S. over the years, however is extremely pleased with the liberation procedure surgery.

“We’ve tried everything. I know this isn’t a cure, but it makes life easier,” Caputo said.

There have been doctors who have tried the procedure in Canada and the United States, but they have been shut down. Those who get the procedure don’t reveal where they have it done for fear of shutting down the clinics. It’s why Caputo only reveals the procedure was done in Eastern Europe.

Many other recipients of the treatment have seen similar improvements, as they’ve regained the ability to walk with a cane or crutches – something Caputo hopes to achieve. He’s enrolled in physiotherapy, hoping to regain more strength in his legs.

Waiting was not something Frances was keen on either.

“Luigi was on a downhill trend. It would take both myself and Joe (Luigi’s father) to lift him. Luigi was always tired. But after the procedure, one of us has no problem helping him,” Frances said.

Frances has written letters to the federal government and the M.S. Society of Canada expressing her disappointment with the long wait for approval of the Liberal procedure. While countries such as Poland, India and Scotland allow, the United States and Canada have not, as neurologists and vascular doctors debate its merits. Research money is coming, however approval is still some time off.

Caputo says the government should at least allow M.S. patients to allow themselves to be test subjects for the procedure.

He has advice for those contemplating the surgery.

“If you’re thinking about doing it, do it. You will feel so much better. You’ll feel alive.”