Sanoviv Weekend Getaway...for a great price!

Every time I’ve been to the Sanoviv Medical Institute I have been touched by the experience. Not just my own experience but even more due to the people that I’ve met there and the stories I heard. Sanoviv is like the place that we all dream exists (especially when we or a loved one is sick) but most people have no idea that it does exist. I think everyone would benefit from going to the Sanoviv Medical Clinic. Unfortunately, too many people don’t know it exists or what Sanoviv can do for them.

Sanoviv is currently running a special for the month of March. They are calling this special the Sanoviv Weekend Getaway. (This is their promo) Normally priced at $1500 per person and $2500 per couple, is now priced at $999/$1500. You and a loved one (who are willing to share a bed), can enjoy 3 nights at Sanoviv, plus basic diagnostic tests and spa treatments. This weekend getaway can be used anytime in 2011 but must be paid for in full by March 31 to take advantage of the special pricing. 1-800-SANOVIV US and Canada or 1-801-954-7600 Worldwide. Sanoviv Website

I’d like to share just 3 experiences that I had a Sanoviv just last week when I was there.

It began when our Sanoviv van picked up one of the other guests from their hotel in San Diego. This woman, Stephanie, looked like the picture of health. She looked fit and strong. Her skin seemed to glow and her smile was beaming. She had a scarf around her head that looked stylish enough that if we were not all traveling to a medical clinic, I would not have suspected cancer. As we all chatted in the van on our way to the Sanoviv Medical Institute, Stephanie shared that she first went to Sanoviv back last August (2010). 3 days prior to her first visit, she had been told she had stage 4 lung cancer. Stephanie was in the hospital fighting pneumonia when the lung cancer was found. Needless to say, the doctors redirected their focus from the pneumonia and on to the cancer. Stephanie’s situation was not looking good when she arrived last August. She was on oxygen, could hardly walk and had to stay in her room as her immune system was so weak. Stephanie stayed at Sanoviv for 1 month. The doctors at Sanoviv explained that it was critical that they deal with the pneumonia first as it would kill her if it was not dealt with. Stephanie’s cancer was too far advanced and she was told she needed to go home and do the chemotherapy and radiation. The doctors at Sanoviv don’t believe there is only one right way to address a medical condition. Sanoviv supports integrative medicine including both allopathic and alternative medical treatments. They gave Stephanie a detailed home program (nutrition, supplements, medication, emotion/energetic practises) and continued to work with her doctors in Virginia. After 4 intense months (January 2011) of dedication to her health, Stephanie was Cancer free! Her trip to Sanoviv, this time, was for her follow up program. Stephanie is confident that she will do everything she needs to do to ensure the cancer never returns.
To read Stephanie’s full story, check out her blog. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/stephaniedeasy/journal

At meal time everyone sits at tables that face the Thalasso pools. We eat a healthy meal that is organic, gluten free, low glycemic and about 70% raw. The dinning room is where I met Collette and her 32 year old daughter, Sharlie. I mention Sharlie’s age because Sharlie has Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Sharlie and her parents were told she wouldn’t make it past age 10, but she did. Sharlie has been going to Sanoviv since the place opened in 2000. Sharlie has only 17% of one lung working and yet she is not on oxygen. Not only that, Sharlie has a 4 year old son at home. Sharlie and her husband were told she should not try to get pregnant as it would be too much for her body to handle. Needless to say, all went very well and they have a healthy little boy. I have no doubt Sharlie will continue to prove the odds wrong.

The next day, I met a man named James, who was there for the Sanoviv’s Integrative Physical. He was just your average health guy without any critical health concerns but believed that Sanoviv was the best place to keep his health in check. James shared that his son is Autistic and that he and his wife first went to Sanoviv initially to see what they could do for him. After Sanoviv worked with them on his diet, chelating and several other practices, he continued to see huge improvements. His son is now 11 years old and attends regular classes at a public school. James said his son is now just like every other kid with just has a few odd tendencies (but what pre-teen doesn’t).

To me, Sanoviv is a place of miracles, if you or someone you know could benefit from this, please call and see what they can do for you. I’d also be happy to talk to anyone about my personal experience with Sanoviv.

This video gives a really great look at Sanoviv and their approach to health. Video

In health,
Holly Veillard

Go with the flow

I'm back from my 6 month follow up appointment at the Sanoviv Medical Institute in Rosarito Mexico. My regular doctor, Dr. Mercado, was out of town at a conference. I was a little disappointed to hear this until I found out that I would be seeing Dr. Meza. Dr. Meza was the Sanoviv doctor that had gone to Italy to work with Dr. Zamboni on the CCSVI procedure and protocol.

Dr. Meza stressed the importance of flow in the veins. He explained that when he looks at ultra sound results, he doesn't focus as much on the narrowing of the veins as much as he looks for a good flow through the veins. The narrowing, he explained, is more a result of poor or inconsistent flow. The question then becomes what would cause there to be poor or inconsistent flow (turbulence or reflux)?

In my case, there has been a good improvement to the flow through the veins, however, it is not always consistent and shows some turbulence still in the left jugular. This makes sense to me as I've seen some amazing improvements but still have some tone or resistance in my muscles (although not at all to the degree it was prior to Liberation), I still have very cold extremities (left arm and leg) and some heat sensitivity (although I recover more quickly now). It seems it is quite common for people to have varying levels of recovery strictly from the liberation procedure. That being said, the doctors are very happy with my progress and encouraged me to continue on my current program (Nutrition, supplements, exercise, monitoring vitamin D levels etc).

When you hear the phrase “go with the flow”, what do think? I don’t normally think blood flow but more temperament. Could the two be connected? I think they are. The one major area where I have really not put much or really any attention is in relaxation, breathing exercises and meditation. Why is it always seemingly more important to focus on the tangible "to do" list where you see and feel more immediate results. In some way it almost feels lazy or “woo woo” crazy to meditate instead of doing physical therapy and yet I know both are equally important.

If someone was to ask me to describe my personality, I would say; I’m positive, pretty laid back; nothing much bothers me (if I have a plan for how things will go…red flag). I take life as it comes and I don’t worry about the little things. I like to feel in control especially over things I can’t control. Humm… This means on the surface, I’m pretty calm, cool and collected. In my head however, my brain is usually on overdrive.

You know how we all have that little voice of evaluation and reason. I don’t just have that one little voice in my head evaluating everything, I think I have a whole village of supposed experts offering the next plan of action. So if things don’t go as planned, my village of experts have a new idea. This is great if you’re not my husband, mother or sister that might make a decision or offers a suggestion without consulting me (aka, the village). Suddenly, I’m frustrated with them and they don’t have a clue as to why! See…crazy! :O)

I know I would find huge benefit in being more grounded and not as rigid in my ways. I think there is no coincidence that the blood in my body is not flowing with ease and my way of thinking is not operating with ease. Isn’t it interesting that when I am stressed (physically, mentally or emotionally) my physical body doesn’t move with as much ease.

In this next phase of my MS recovery, I am going to put more importance on the energetic connection. After all, at the smallest level, that is what we are is energy. So, I’ll start “small”. I’m going to start by journaling and doing breathing exercises (not at the same time). I’ll move on to meditation a little later.

On the physical side, I have attached my latest video. I noticed when I watched the video how little I use my left arm. I have the ability to move it and yet, I don’t. I have not done any physiotherapy on my arm yet but I think that is my next big body part to address with my Physio. Time to strengthen and build full range of motion.

6 Month video

Now, let’s all take a deep breath and Go With The Flow.

Plugging Along - 5 month update

Have you ever taken golf lessons? A number of years ago, I took some private golf lessons. I'd golfed occasionally in the past but obviously had had no real training. I'd line up, hit the ball and it would travel surprisingly straight landing about 100 feet away. This made for a very LONG round of golf! When I took my lessons, the instructor told me about body positioning, hand placement and various techniques that I needed to learn. I positioned myself took a swing and missed...completely. I was so focused on everything I was suppose to think about, I forgot to keep my eye on the ball. After a number of attempts, my drives got a bit longer but now veered way off to the right...every time! Was this a lesson in frustration? Apparently learning a new skill takes time.

My mom asked me last week how I liked using my WalkAide. To which I answered "I HATE IT". If she was to ask me this week, she would have heard the complete opposite. I really like the WalkAide and I'm starting to see how it will work for me but it's taking practice. It's also not really something I can wear around the house as any slight bend of my knee will cause my foot to flex. So bending to empty the dishwasher or pick something off the floor or pick up my son are not made easier using the WalkAide. Where is does help is in walks from point A to point B...like grocery shopping or going for a walk outside. These are all getting much much easier and efficient using the WakAide. I also notice that my gait when I'm not wearing my brace or WalkAide has improved. According to my physiotherapist, my walking has improved HUGE in the past few weeks...maybe I just don't notice the difference myself as easily. Or maybe I just have higher expectations for myself.


I saw a woman walking the other day at an office. She had a fast pace and walked with purpose. She was carring some papers and obviously had a purpose to where she was going. She wasn't thinking about her steps or concentrating on landing heal first, it was just very natural. She reminded me of me, 10 years ago. Seeing her walk made me a little sad and yet I couldn't not watch her walk. I told my Orthotist, Carla, about my frustration in using the WalkAide. Carla explained that I'm doing really well but that I need to SLOW DOWN my pace. She said that she had worked successfully with a lot of people who previously relied on using scooters or walkers to get around. They were use to moving at a slower pace when they started to use the WalkAide. Carla said my challenge is that I'm use to getting where I need to go as quick as possible and not necessarily using proper technique. She understood that since I have a 1 year old, this is often required but this will impact how quickly I pick up the correct gait for walking. The key for me is to take time each day to practice walking slowly and deliberately and soon my pace will increase.

I went to see my Neurologist for my annual check up today. Until today, I had not told Dr. Patry that I had had the Liberation procedure done. I was both excited to show him my improvements and really nervous about his response. To my surprise he was very interested in all my detailed documentation from Sanoviv. He was also quite impressed that they prepare a follow up program as well as complete follow up visits at 2 and 6 months. He said that it is the only place he has heard that is doing such and inclusive program. He suggested we do another MRI but that it's unlikely we will be able to have it done before my follow up visit to Sanoviv in March. I have to say, I was very impressed with Dr. Patry's response as it really showed his commitment to his patients health and choices.

That's it for now. All in all, things continue to improve. I am extremely grateful for the amazing people I have working with me and to all my family and friends who continue to be supportive of all my efforts.