Living Beyond the Diagnosis

Hello fellow MSA warriors,

I have been navigating the challenging path of living with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) for nearly 2 years now. Every day, we face a unique set of obstacles that can make life seem daunting. However, I recently stumbled upon something that has given me a sense of cautious optimism: CVAC (Cyclic Variations in Adaptive Conditioning) pod treatments.

Working off the theory, stemming from my MyTrial experience, that “inflammation” is at a minimum a protagonist and maximum a cause of MSA. I went in search of “Anti-Inflammatory” treatments. I stumbled upon CVAC, that ironically had been suggested to us months earlier by a dear friend who herself suffers from MS and has found relief from CVAC.

I will be chronicling on this blog my journey through this treatment, while simultaneously chronicling the MyTrial experience. Hold on! First a quick intro to CVAC

What is CVAC Treatment?

For those who might not be familiar, CVAC pod treatments involve sitting inside a specially designed chamber where the air pressure rapidly changes in cycles. This process mimics the experience of moving from sea level to high altitudes and back again. The idea is that these pressure variations can stimulate our bodies to adapt and improve overall health and function.

Why CVAC for MSA?

MSA affects various systems in our bodies, particularly our cardiovascular and autonomic systems. The promise of CVAC treatment lies in its potential to:

1. Enhance Blood Circulation: Improved blood flow can help in delivering oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to our cells, which is crucial for our compromised systems.
2. Boost Cellular Efficiency: By stimulating our cells to utilize oxygen better, CVAC may help in improving our energy levels and reducing fatigue.
3. Strengthen Immune Response: Enhancing our immune system can be a significant benefit, helping us fight off infections and recover faster from illnesses.
4. Improve Overall Resilience: By promoting better adaptation to physical stress, CVAC treatments might help us better manage the daily challenges posed by MSA.

My Journey Begins

I am excited to share that I have started my CVAC treatment journey as of June 1^st. Over the next few months, I will undergo a series of sessions in the CVAC pod and document my experiences. My goal is to provide you all with honest, firsthand insights into how these treatments affect me. *NOTE: CVAC is quite expensive at the moment and tough to find in all geographies. Please learn as much as you can about CVAC in you area, before  bustin into that cash in the mattress!

What to Expect from My Blog

1. Detailed Session Reports: I will describe each session in detail, sharing how I feel before, during, and after the treatments.
2. Progress Updates: Regular updates on any changes I notice in my symptoms, energy levels, and overall well-being.
3. Expert Insights: Conversations with healthcare professionals about the science behind CVAC and its potential benefits for MSA sufferers.
4. Q&A Sessions: I will answer any questions you might have about CVAC treatments and my experiences with them.

Why Am I Doing This?

Living with MSA can often make us feel isolated and uncertain about the future. By sharing my journey, I hope to bring a sense of community and optimism. If CVAC treatments can offer even a small improvement in our quality of life, it is worth exploring and sharing with others who might benefit.

Join Me on This Journey

I invite you all to follow my blog and join me on this new adventure. Let’s explore the potential of CVAC treatments together and see if they can bring some much-needed relief and positivity to our lives. Your support, questions, and shared experiences will be invaluable as we navigate this path together.

Stay strong, stay hopeful, and let’s keep fighting the good fight.

With warm regards,

~Coach~

Here is some more info on CVAC

Cyclic Variations in Adaptive Conditioning (CVAC) Pod Treatments

Introduction CVAC pod treatments involve the use of a specially designed pod that subjects individuals to rapidly changing pressure conditions, simulating altitude changes. The aim is to condition the body adaptively, promoting overall health and physical performance.

Key Concepts

1. Adaptive Conditioning:
   • The process of improving the body’s ability to adapt to various physical stressors.
   • Enhances cellular efficiency, cardiovascular health, and overall resilience.
2. Cyclic Variations:
   • The CVAC pod creates cyclic variations in air pressure, simulating altitude changes from sea level to high altitudes.
   • The pressure changes occur rapidly, in a cyclic manner, which is believed to stimulate physiological adaptations.

Mechanism of CVAC Pod:

• The pod is an airtight chamber that can control air pressure precisely.
• The user sits inside the pod, and the system varies the pressure in cycles.
• These cycles are controlled by a computer system to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Physiological Effects:

1. Cellular Adaptation:
   • Increased mitochondrial efficiency, enhancing energy production.
   • Improved oxygen utilization at the cellular level.
2. Cardiovascular Health:
   • Enhanced blood circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues.
   • Potential reduction in blood pressure due to improved vascular function.
3. Immune System Boost:
   • Stimulation of the immune response, potentially improving the body’s ability to fight infections.
   • May enhance recovery from illness or physical exertion.
4. Performance Enhancement:
   • Improved athletic performance due to better oxygen utilization and energy efficiency.
   • Enhanced endurance and reduced fatigue during physical activities.
5. Detoxification:
   • Enhanced removal of metabolic waste products from the body.
   • Potential reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress.

Applications:

1. Sports and Athletics:
   • Used by athletes to improve performance and recovery.
   • May provide a legal, non-pharmacological method to enhance endurance and strength.
2. Medical Therapy:
   • Potential benefits for patients with cardiovascular diseases, respiratory conditions, and chronic fatigue.
   • May aid in recovery from surgeries or other medical treatments by boosting overall resilience.
3. Wellness and Anti-Aging:
   • Promoted for general wellness and anti-aging benefits.
   • Claims to improve overall health, vitality, and longevity.

Scientific Evidence:

• The scientific community is divided on the efficacy of CVAC treatments.
• Some studies suggest potential benefits in terms of improved physical performance and health markers.
• Critics argue that more rigorous, peer-reviewed research is needed to confirm the claimed benefits and to understand the underlying mechanisms fully. *NOTE:  I guess I am that “rigorous, peer-reviewed research”?

Safety and Considerations:

• Generally considered safe when used according to guidelines.
• Users should be monitored for any adverse effects, especially those with underlying health conditions.
• Not suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension or heart disease, without medical supervision.

Conclusion: CVAC pod treatments are an emerging technology in the field of adaptive conditioning. While promising for enhancing physical performance and overall health, further research is needed to substantiate the claims and to understand the long-term effects. Users should approach CVAC treatments with informed caution, considering both potential benefits and limitations.