Living Beyond the Diagnosis

Recap: Weeks 1-2

Welcome back to my journey with CVAC therapy (Cyclic Variations in Adaptive Conditioning) as I battle Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). In this second installment, I’ll share my experiences from the first 2 weeks of sessions. While it’s still early days, I’m beginning to notice subtle changes that are worth documenting.

Sessions 1-3: The Introduction

For the first three sessions, the altitudes varied between 2000 feet and 6600 feet. These initial sessions were designed to introduce me to the CVAC process and the sensation of ascending and descending between different altitudes. The most challenging aspect was managing the pressure on my ears. I constantly found myself chewing gum, drinking water, and opening and closing my mouth to clear them. Rapid descents were particularly painful, but I was reassured that my ears would adapt over time.

Despite the discomfort in my ears, the pod itself was quite comfortable. Interestingly, as the pod ascended, the air would get noticeably colder, and as it descended, it would warm up. After each session, I felt a sensation similar to having exercised. Even though I was sedentary, I experienced physical tiredness coupled with a slight boost in cognitive awareness. These effects were subtle at first but became more pronounced with each session.

One of the most encouraging signs was a noticeable improvement in my gait. The videos I’ve shared below show my progress from just before session one through to session six (first 2 weeks). By session four, my walking had visibly improved. I also felt more energetic. While I’m not claiming these treatments are curing me, the sensation of having exercised and the increase in energy are definitely improving my quality of life.

Sessions 4-6: Customization and Progress

From sessions four to six, the altitudes increased, ranging from 4000 feet to 10,500 feet. After the third session, I was classified by the Ascent Adaptation and Regeneration Center Staff through a short questionnaire. This profile, designed by CVAC’s inventor Carl Linton, places you into one of twelve categories based on your ability to cope with stressors. My journey at 10,500 feet began from this classification, with the goal of eventually reaching 22,500 feet over three to six months.

Each tier consists of 15 twenty-minute sessions, broken into three sets of five different algorithm programs. The team adjusts the altitudes based on my feedback and how well my body, especially my ears, tolerates the changes. Higher altitudes are not necessarily better, so the process is gradual and carefully monitored.

With each session, I feel a bit stronger and notice a slight increase in my energy levels. I can even envision myself participating in sports and taking walks outdoors—activities that once seemed out of reach. The videos of me walking between sessions four and six show some improvement in balance and a reduction in shakiness, although not as dramatically as the improvements seen between sessions 1 and 4.

Looking Ahead

As I continue this CVAC therapy journey, I am excited to share my progress, or lack thereof, with you all. While it’s still too early to draw definitive conclusions, the initial signs are promising. These sessions have already contributed to an improved sense of well-being and a slight enhancement in my physical abilities.

Stay tuned for more updates as I navigate this path, hoping that CVAC therapy might provide not just symptom relief but perhaps even slow the progression of MSA by targeting the inflammation in my Cerebellum. Your support and interest in my journey mean the world to me, and I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can help others understand and potentially benefit from this innovative therapy.

Thank you for following along, and I look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks.

Watch My Journey

Here are the videos documenting my progress from just before session one through to session six. Witness the changes in my gait and balance, and join me in hoping for continued improvements.

Stay strong, stay hopeful, and until next time.

~Coach~

Note: This blog post reflects my personal experiences with CVAC therapy and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.