"I will not let multiple sclerosis run my life,” said Carol Gibb.
Carol Gibb (Kozloski) was leading a normal life until February 2000 when she experienced her first terrifying attack.
“I temporary lost my vision. I was in and out of the hospital and the pain was terrible,” said Gibb. “The doctors didn’t know what was wrong with me. One year later they finally diagnosed me with multiple sclerosis.”
There are many challenges she has faced over the past 15 years since being diagnosed: from walking, to merely getting out of bed. She has tried different medications but nothing worked for her.
“There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t experience pain. I know that there is no cure for multiple sclerosis but I want some relief,” she said.
Gibb and her family are reaching out to the Paradigm Health Group in Calgary. It is a private clinic that deals with autoimmune diseases andintestinal health as well as numerous other inflictions including sports injuries and pain management. The clinic makes use of natural hormone therapy and environmental medicine. It focuses on stem cell surgery that cleans and returns stem cells back into the body.
The clinic also focuses on whole-patient wellness. The medicine is designed to the needs of the patient and emphasizes prevention and self-care. Paradigm works on attempting to find the cause of the disease rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment.
“The private clinic is not covered by insurance so the entire cost will be out-of-pocket,” said Gibb. “I am hoping to improve my quality of life. I am not looking for a cure, I just want relief.”
Preeceville and surrounding communities rallied around her cause on November 19 with a benefit potluck and beef supper which raised over $5,000 towards her medical expenses. The cost of her procedure will cost approximately $5,000.
“I have been in contact with the clinic and a representative has put me on a strict diet, vitamin and mineral supplement regiment,” she said. “They want to find out what is triggering it. They have also requested that I follow certain guidelines before they will even give me an appointment.”
Gibb has one child and says that when she was pregnant she went into remission. It took two years for her illness to slowly come back.
“It has been a challenge for me but I have learned to go on. I’ve learned to just deal with life and continue with my life. I have even quit smoking. I have modified my dreams and things I want to do, but with my family’s support I have continued living as normal a life as is possible.
“The hardest thing that I had to adjust to was not being able to pick up my daughter,” she said. “I have had to adjust my footwear so I can walk better. There are days I can’t walk but life goes on.
“I have many highs and lows and I have learned to smile through all the pain. You only have one life to live. Make the most of what you were dealt with. My family and circle of friends have been a huge support. They have suffered alongside of me.”
