"The obvious is that which is never seen  until someone expresses it simply."      Khalil Gibran

    Two hundred years ago most people recovered from the symptoms of what the medical system called "Hysterical Paralysis." The wealthy could afford care, and starvation lurked for labourers who failed to recover. As research progressed, the symptoms were explained by the unique pathology we now call Multiple Sclerosis. As society progressed, medical care became more available to all. 
    The disease process damages the covering of the nerves called myelin. Many studies, have found that repair is the normal physiological response to myelin damage, and that the central nervous system can undergo prompt, effective repair.  Prineas(1992) observes that the extensive repair that occurs revokes the view traditionally held. Observations that the clinical course of MS is phasic and self-limiting after a few episodes with further damage the result of immobility have been documented. 
    The central issue concerning repair to damage in Multiple Sclerosis is not whether remyelination occurs, but rather, can we develop therapies to induce repair and recovery. 
    Antel(1994)  observes that lesions typically develop over several weeks of disease activity, and resolve over 2-3 months.  Blakemore at al(1983), discuss how repair of myelin follows demyelination in most experimental projects, and conclude that the factors that determine whether remyelination will take place, are totally unknown. 

    The work of Mary Bartlett Bunge et al (1961) proves that repair of myelin begins within days of damage. The condition of the experimental animals begins to improve at the time remyelination begins, and returns to normal by the time at least most nerves are partly remyelinated. Bunge's experimental cats made continuous efforts to regain mobility, and work by Gutman(1964), and Best and Taylor(1959) recognizes that repair in humans also coincides with activity. 
    Recent work by Romberg(2004), LeBolt(2004), Patti(203) finds that disability and exercise capacity are inter-related.  A project on home based resistance exercise concluded the program was well tolerated by participants, and offered a practical means to improve muscle power in a short time.  Patti et al claim that a short outpatient rehabilitation treatment improves disability in MS patients, without changing their impairment, and confirms the effectiveness of rehabilitation in people with MS. 
    Although improvement is noted, no one speaks to recovery!! 
    That we not yet applied Bunge's landmark work to recovery for those afflicted with MS demonstrates our failure to recognize how we might facilitate the process of myelin repair with movement, and thus achieve recovery. 
    Cats can do it, and we need to share anecdotal evidence that humans can too. This will inform the public, and encourage research studies that will prove human recovery to the satisfaction of all. 

    Currently funding is dedicated to a solution with costly drugs, and implant therapy, taking us further away from what history has already proven - physical effort for recovery is a practical solution. The first hurdle is "accepted opinion."
Background references 
 

                       Eva Marsh MEng BSc 
                         A few words ... 

    Eva Marsh has lived with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis since the age of eight. Doctors told her parents that she had a vivid imagination. When diagnosed at age 22, doctors told her that she didn't have long to live. Although immobile from the neck down - she recovered and returned to work. Eva found the research of Mary Bartlett Bunge that explained her recovery and gave her confidence that she would always recover. 
     Impatient because this research had not been applied by the medical system, Eva wrote a book to share her experience of recovery, and living without fear of tomorrow. Eva completed degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering to better understand neuroscience and now devotes all her energy to sharing this vital information so that others may resume living as they choose. 
     The importance of Eva's message is being recognized. Along with being named Woman of the Year in Health & Fitness by the Hamilton Status of Women Committee, and Inducted into the McMaster Alumni Gallery, Eva's book is now in third printing with readers around the world. History shows that anecdotal evidence has prompted advances in health care. In recent times, the protest of ordinary people against smoking in public, has compelled research into the dangers of smoking and has improved the health of millions. 
     200 years ago, most people recovered from "hysterical paralysis," but the modern focus on serious decline has relegated recovery to the label "benign"; and those who resume normal living are considered anomalies. 
    In times that threaten our Health Care System we need to look at ways to promote wellness, and return people to independent living. Families will be relieved of the emotional burden of witnessing the progressive decline of their loved ones. We can look at ways to alleviate the system of obligation without sacrificing health and wellness. This Roundtable will bring attention to a simple approach to management of what has become a complex health problem. 
    Every day that Eva Marsh lives well, and active, she works to carry the real hope of recovery to others. This Recovery Roundtable will open a possibility for wellness that is immediately, and economically, available. Research will prove its veracity. 
    It is Eva's burning desire to enlighten a dark place in the lives of many, by sharing factual information. The Copetown Lions CLUB will once again enjoy the certain knowledge that their support will precipitate a landmark contribution to the advancement of health care around the world. The lives of all who contribute will be enriched beyond measure. Thank you. 
 

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