Anissa’s Story # 2 – God Shows Up With Grace As Joy Comes In The Morning.

joy in the am

After a long night of contemplating the what ifs and the whys of our situation, we met with Anissa’s doctor the next day. It was a breath of fresh air and an amazing relief to hear the doctor say :

“It took a hand higher than ours” he admitted. “Your daughter’s kidneys are functioning and her fever is gone. We tried everything we knew to get her kidneys to function. Nothing worked. You can thank the good Lord that you still have a daughter.” Even the nurses were excited over the good news that Anissa had wet in the middle of the night, the first time in several days. Her eyes were open and even her fingernails had returned to a normal color. Everyone acknowledged that Anissa’s improvement was miraculous, there was no other explanation.

We firmly believed that this miracle was the result of the prayers of many. I knew also that my prayer to God in the middle of the night had been answered. I knew in my heart that God had another plan for Anissa’s life which was not to include a lifetime of institutions, but a special agenda that the Lord had for her. On that same day February 27th, 1968 Anissa was baptized in a small out-of-the-way hospital room. What a different outcome for this day than it could have been had God not shown His grace!

We still realized that as the doctor said, Anissa would suffer from the rare form of petit- mal epilepsy called myoclonic seizures. At the time many people suggested we file suit against the doctor but we decided that it was not his fault that Anissa had such a reaction to the drug Phenergan. However, it was found by the FDA a short time later that this drug should never be given to a child under two years old due to the immaturity of the brain.

Next up the doctor recommended to us that we admit Anissa in a research study on this type of epilepsy that was underway. A noted neurologist from New Zealand, Dr. Fritz Dreifuss was at the University of Virginia hospital leading the study. It gave a us a ray of hope we so needed. The next day we drove to the hospital and entered Anissa in the research program.

At that time we owned a motel and had plenty of work to keep us busy, which was probably a good thing because of the long week that Anissa was gone. We were also glad it was not the busy tourist season since the waiting time was unpredictable concerning hospital visits.

We continued on to search out anything we could about myoclonic seizures and even met some parents of a boy who had the same type of epilepsy, in his case requiring institutionalization .

Our trips to see Anissa were not very hopeful. Since various drugs had been tried, along with injections of the hormone ACTH, with no positive results, Dr. Dreifuss gave us a dismal prognosis. As a preventitive treatment against other types of seizures, Gemonil ( metharbital) was prescribed.

As a matter of fact, he suggested we put Anissa in an institution and go on with our lives.

Clinging to my faith that God had a special plan for Anissa’s life since the miracle of her kidneys, I believed the only chance for her survival would be in our home. Dr Dreifuss questioned whether I could handle the continuous 24/7 care necessary for a brain- damaged, hyperactive child. I thought of the many stressful events experienced while balancing family and business. I quickly stated that if I was able to keep my sanity during the 14 years of operating a motel and restaurant, than I could surely handle Anissa.

The doctor then indicated that if we planned on keeping our child at home, it would be best to live where she could be outdoors most of the time. Little did we realize the trials and frustrations that were ahead !But in our times of weakness, our fervent prayers to God enabled us to receive the necessary strength to carry on, experiencing a taste of His excellent grace.

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To visit the website go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story # 3 – Weary – But Trusting In His Grace.

praying stick

Following Anissa’s release from the university hospital, seizures became more frequent regardless of various drugs added, including Valium (diazepam). She was then put on a Ketogenic (High Fat) diet. After five weeks without a spell, she suddenly had a violent reaction. While drinking the heavy cream mixture, it expulsed with great force from Anissa’s mouth. It reminded us of seeing water spouting from a whale.

Seizures returned and since her health was deteriorating, the dietetic therapy was discontinued. Allergies, along with sinus infections, seemed a constant battle. We were pushed into many avenues of healing that would never have been considered if it hadn’t been for our desperation to keep Anissa from being institutionalized.

When she was 3 1/2 years old, our nerves were beginning to frazzle. So one day we made a spur-of-the-moment decision to close the motel for a few days and head for Florida. While the business had been a priority in the past, now Anissa’s health and our sanity was what really mattered. An elderly couple who were frequent guests at our motel had invited us for a visit where they lived in Ormond Beach during the winter months.

The time in Florida was wonderful! Our son loved the ocean and Anissa was much better. Remembering what the neurologist had said about her being better off where she could be outdoors, we decided to move. Within two months’ time, we sold our motel-restaurant. We purchased a home one block from the ocean in Ormond Beach and moved in July, 1971.

WalkingB&V Beach for email

Being outside in the ocean air improved Anissa’s physical health but the seizures continued. Even so, she attended the Rainbow School for the Retarded in September. However, she had a difficult time adjusting. The sound of my little girl crying and screaming made it difficult to leave but because of the opinion of experts saying that she would adjust and needed the school, I persevered. Later, when the school psychologist met with me, she explained that Anissa was unable to adapt and would do best on a one-to-one basis. One day when a volunteer Catholic nun was present, Anissa was drawn to her in a positive way, just wanting to sit on her lap.

As seizures worsened, the school would call for me to come get my daughter. One teacher suggested that we take Anissa to a medical doctor who specialized in diets, using the process of eliminating certain foods to detect an allergy or toxic reaction. At first, while on vegetable juices, Anissa improved drastically but after the third day she began acting like a starved animal, grabbing other children’s food at school and eating things not meant for human consumption.

Realizing Anissa would not be able to continue in school the way she was, the teacher then recommended a chiropractor who might be of help. That was an unfamiliar avenue of healing so we gave it prayerful consideration. Around Thanksgiving time, Anissa began having more grand-mal seizures. We decided to try chiropractic therapy and immediately there was a noticeable improvement in her speech, with less hyperactivity and seizures. Once again we were hopeful. However, westerly winds hit our area, causing a high pollen count of ragweed and other air pollution. These winds lasted for several weeks and instead of progressing, Anissa grew steadily worse.

anissa2

By Christmas she was unable to talk, comprehend or even recognize us. She lost control of her bladder and bowels and was having 15 -20 grand-mal and over 200 lightning seizures daily. She wanted only to be held and to lay her head down. She was confused and walked into objects as though blind. By January, 1972, she was unable to walk or talk.

Many times I cried aloud to the Lord, “Heal this child and I’ll do anything You want!” Fear now had a grip on me. The more I read on nutrition, vitamin and herbal therapy, I worried that I might be upsetting Anissa’s metabolism rather than stabilizing it, as I attempted to bring her seizures under control. After hearing about other epileptics being healed while undergoing therapy at the Spears Chiropractic Hospital in Denver, Colorado, I began to hope that such daily therapy would provide answers for our child. Also, my husband could not stand to see me so exhausted and said that if things didn’t change, Anissa would have to be institutionalized. Remembering my earlier prayer regarding such, I felt Spears was my only ray of hope left.

grace 2

Once again we expected to experience our Lord’s excellent grace.

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To visit the ministry website go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story # 5 – The Good Doctor & The Great Physician

anissa5

With Anissa acting so normal and not one hint of a seizure throughout the week of therapy at Spears Hospital in Denver, along with the prayerful visits of Ruby Nikaido, I wondered if God had performed an outright miracle, or if the seizures had stopped as a result of the therapy. My longing was to go home so my family could see the miraculous change in Anissa. Also hospital bills were a great concern – yet, I had a fear of leaving there when she was making such great progress. At that moment my security seemed to be in the therapy she was receiving. Not wanting to make the same mistake I made previously when Anissa was 6 months old, putting too much confidence in a doctors prescribed therapy, I decided it was time to put all my trust in God.

“Oh God,” I prayed, “please give me a sign that I may know whether to stay for another week of therapy or go home.” That sign came immediately after her next skull-molding therapy. Anissa experienced a seizure that was different from any type of spell she’d ever had in the past. I interpreted it as God’s way of telling me that it was not the therapy that had stopped the seizures. I knew it was miraculous and that we were not to stay another week but return home and share everything that had happened to Anissa with my family. This different type of seizure did not disturb me since there was no doubt in my mind that God was in control. I had such peace and didn’t even question Him.

Ruby was so gracious to take us to the airport and even waited while we boarded the plane. She prayed with us, instilling in me the confidence that God would meet our needs. She also brought puzzles and books to keep Anissa occupied on the long flight home. Through Ruby’s example, I learned how important it is to obey the Holy Spirit. One particular point she made had a strong impact on my faith throughout the following years: “Anytime God wants you to do something for Him, He will babysit Anissa.” This has proven to be a true word numerous times!

Anissa was extremly good on the flight home and I felt renewed physically, mentally, and spiritually. Upon our arrival at home, our family, friends and neighbors were surprised and excited to see Anissa looking so normal and healthy. She was now able to run, walk and talk and was free of the lightning seizures.

Shortly thereafter, my husband and our son experienced the power of God while attending a seminar where evangelist Frank Marzullo taught on the Pentecostal movement in the Catholic church. It was a miracle to see Anissa sit quietly for several hours during the entire service. Afterwards, the evangelist and team intercessors prayed over her. She was then set free of all seizures and began adding new words to her vocabulary.

Two months later my husband’s parents visited us and went to Busch Gardens with us. The ride through the animal kingdom in an open tram must have triggered Anissa’s allergies, causing abnormal spastic-like movements. Evidently the extreme heat, high humidity, blooming flowers and animal dander was too much for her immune system. To our dismay she suffered a relapse and soon was having full seizures, which was to become a thorn in the flesh.

In hopes to alleviate negative thoughts regarding Anissa’s healing, I sought the Lord for answers. He answered through an encouraging letter from Ruby, confirming that God was working in our situation. She shared how a fearful thought had crossed her mind:

“What if I had not obeyed God? Would Anissa have missed out on her miracle?” She wrote, “I had such an Anointing come upon me when you started to walk out { of the dress shop } and the Lord said ‘Pray for the little girl’. I thought why do I have to? And He said again ‘Pray for the little girl.’ It scared me when you came back that Friday afternoon when I saw what I saw with my own eyes. Anissa walked in so tall and looked me straight in the face. I looked at her and thought to myself, its the same little face, so alert and so sweet, same hair and same haircut. I looked at you. It’s the same mother. Yes – It’s them. And after you told us all that was happening to her, I don’t have words to explain. A thousand things went through my mind. Now I know what a miracle is. I was seeing one, and God is on the throne, and what Jesus said in the scriptures is true. He is real and alive”

jesus healing hand

Had Anissa been totally cured in Denver, perhaps our family would not have had the spiritual experience of learning who God is and growing in the fruits of the spirit. In the years ahead, whenever ultimate victory seemed out of our grasp, we learned that barriers are obstructions that are not necessarily impassable but can be made possible by God’s excellent grace

To reach Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To visit the ministry website go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story Post #12- “Extreme Circumstances – Tests Of Faith”

Having Anissa free of seizures for an entire year enabled her such freedom to run, play and learn. So, when seizures returned, due to the flu she contracted while at school, our faith was sorely tried. The unpredictable effects of the seizures required someone to be with her at all times, whether awake or asleep. It was during this time that several new drugs for epilepsy were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bringing new areas for us to explore.

After the second dose of the drug, Clonopin (clonazepam), Anissa went wild, kicking, screaming and thrashing her arms to strike anything that moved. It was necessary for us to physically restrain her until such actions subsided.

When a drug alleviated one type of seizure, other types would manifest. Behavior problems, fearfulness and confusion resulted. Another example came when Mysoline (primidone) was given to her on a trial basis. One day, I heard Anissa’s terrified voice coming from the bathroom. Rushing in, I found her standing on top of the toilet seat looking around in a bizarre state of confusion.

Whether from the drugs or the seizures, only God knows for sure, but it became increasingly difficult to cope with Anissa’s behavior. She became self-destructive, pulling out her hair, picking out her toenails, etc., and in sudden bursts of rebellion and anger destroyed anything in her sight. The perverse behavior became so magnified that, in comparison, the seizures now seemed minor.

Whenever Anissa accompanied me to a store, I found myself thinking that it would be easier if her physical features pointed out to others that she was mentally handicapped. By the “dirty looks” I sometimes got, I realized that to a casual observer she must have appeared to be just a “spoiled brat.” The words that Anissa’s neurologist spoke years earlier kept coming to my mind, that she would require very strict discipline — to the point that others not understanding the situation would consider the discipline abusive.

faith stronger than fear

My faith was challenged over and over again. I had to overcome the fear of taking Anissa out in public and also stop worrying about what other people might think. I learned from experience that when I allowed fear to overpower me, it didn’t take long for Anissa to win the battle! Therefore, I made up my mind that even if she needed physical restraint to the point of my actually holding her down on the floor while in a store to keep her from destructive behavior, then I would do so. The test came while grocery shopping! I laid her on the floor, hovered over her, fervently praying in quietness, as I attempted to shut out the glare of the people. From that day on, when out in public, she listened without requiring such severe restraints.

“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God.’ For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say unto you, whatever things you ask when ye pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

Mark 11:22-24 NKJV

The Lord had given me the courage I needed to face the giant of fear, reminding me of the Biblical account when David faced Goliath – he believed God for the victory. During the past ten years of Anissa’s life, I had witnessed over and over again His Excellent Grace, thus enabling me also to believe for a victory!

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the retreat center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #17 – Mystery Mail & A Miracle In Massachusetts…

Having attended healing services at the Worcester Memorial
Auditorium from noon to evening on Saturday and Sunday, we
were ready for an extra day of rest before going on to Canada.
Also, it gave us an opportunity to meet other guests staying at
the hotel. One couple from the Midwest who had attended the
services, but did not receive healing, asked us to pray for them.
They spoke of their desire to go see Fr. DiOrio’s ministry
headquarters in Leicester, MA. Since it was only a ten minute
drive from our hotel and they had no car, we offered to take them
to visit the place.
Upon our arrival at the ministry offices, we were asked our reason
for being there. After briefly sharing our testimony, they wanted
a summary of Anissa’s seizures for their files. Then, if she showed
definite results of healing from the services we attended, Fr.
DiOrio would be notified.
The secretary related that because of his busy schedule and being
in conference with the Bishop at that moment, it would not be
possible for Fr. DiOrio to meet personally with us. She suggested
that we all go into the Chapel for a time of prayer.
In the Chapel, a Sister of the Order wanted to know more about
the seizures that Anissa experienced. She was interested
because her niece and nephew suffered with tonic-clonic seizures.
The Sister went on to say that if Fr. DiOrio was led by the Holy
Spirit to come into the Chapel, he would. Just then, the door
opened and to our surprise, Fr. DiOrio entered. Upon seeing
Anissa, he said, “I touched her twice at the service on
Saturday.” We shared with him about her seizures. He sat
beside her, placed his hands upon her and prayed silently for
about ten minutes, then said, “She’ll be all right – in time.”
While he was in prayer, a vision appeared before me of a brain
with an “S” shaped form in the midst which suddenly shifted in
the opposite direction.

To our amazement, Anissa never complained while Fr. DiOrio’s
hands lay on her head during the lengthy prayer. Afterwards, he
asked how we knew about the healing services that we had just
attended in Worcester. I related how a brochure of the scheduled
meetings showed up in our mailbox. He quickly responded,
“But we don’t send out such pamphlets!” He then questioned the
Sister for a confirmation. She stated that the only way a schedule
was sent would be upon special request and that maybe someone
had asked them to send it. In the following year, we did meet
several persons who had attended Fr. DiOrio’s miracle services –
but the mystery of the pamphlet still remains!

IMG_1111[3029] Anissa 2 before

Anissa before healing services ( above) and then after the services.

IMG_1109[3027] Anissa - after3

The change in Anissa’s countenance and strength of body was so
evident. Once again, seizures were less frequent, she was able to
feed herself and eat a greater variety of food. In God’s mercy,
we were given the boost of faith needed to continue our journey –
sustained by His Excellent Grace.

To reach Anissa’s Mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #30 – Considering It All Joy…Even In Tribulation.

persevereing

On Anissa’s 29th birthday (1996), there was still no reprieve of seizures – frail in appearance, yet a strength that would always confound our human reasoning. Our desperate prayers for relief of the severe hyperventilation and hyperactivity that Anissa was experiencing day in and day out, caused us to search for a solution.

Research led us to a medical specialist in Miami who had considerable success in his practice using auriculotherapy, an electrical stimulation of the ear. An appointment was scheduled for Anissa. When the doctor performed this therapy on her, the hyper afflictions came to an immediate halt. Because the calming effect was so noticeable, the doctor recommended that we continue the therapy at home with a compact, state-of-the-art version of the machine. This unique instrument has a special probe to effectively detect and stimulate important nerve junctions in the body. Clinical studies reveal that it is capable of improving blood flow, thereby improving vitality, reducing pain and accelerating tissue healing.

In order to purchase the Stimplus instrument, I first had to learn the technique. That required my attending a two-day seminar near the Miami airport, where Anissa and her dad could enjoy a perfect view of air flight activity from our hotel room. After the hotel security guard was notified of loud voices coming from our room, he showed up at our door that night to check on things. Once he understood our predicament, we were told to try and keep the volume low. Oh, how many times we prayed for that very thing! Not wanting to disturb others, we knew that in the future there would have to either be a change with Anissa, stay at home or have a sound proof room.

The stimulator proved valuable to the wellness of our family – except for Anissa. The high-pitch beeping, (generated “automatically” by the portable version of the device), on the edge of her ear, created in her a sensitivity to the noise which she violently resisted. The large machine used by the physician in his office did not generate a noticeable noise, as it had a connecting line from the point of contact to the actual equipment located across the room. We were grateful of being able to experience first-hand the validity of auriculotherapy therapy. With Anissa, it is not mind over matter – it either does or does not work! Scientific research has proven that cranial electrical stimulation can be a safe, alternative method of healing. Since seizure activity is a type of electrical discharge in the brain, such stimulation must be regulated to avert negative results. At this present time, much research is being done with Deep Brain Stimulation which delivers controlled electrical pulses to a specific target in the brain.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Romans 5:1-5 NKJV

With so many disappointments throughout the years, the main thing that keeps my hope alive is the Word of God and memories of His Excellent Grace!

To contact Anissa’s mother email her at blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #36 – Survival By Prayer – In The Eye Of The Storm…

Little did we know how the perseverance over past years would prepare our faith to face even greater challenges in the year 2004. During January, a week of prayer was set forth at our ministry’s Wellspring of Life Retreat Center. The retreat involved many intercessors from churches and ministries seeking the Lord’s favor for miracle breakthroughs concerning brain and nervous system disorders. During that week, Anissa had only one mild seizure – considered miraculous since daily seizures had been the norm for her.

Previously, her neurologist had suggested we consider a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) implant for Anissa that could maybe lessen the severity of attacks. Because of the significant change for the better following that week of prayer, we did not pursue the VNS implant until later, in June, when seizures had returned with a vengeance. After the epileptologist at Shands Neurological Center had seen Anissa and studied her charts, he said, “You better get your group and preacher to pray for her again!” He informed us that, to his knowledge, the oldest person to live with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome was 28 years. At that time, Anissa was 37.

The epileptologist’s assistant happened to be present when Anissa experienced a very hard sequence of seizure activity: jackknife into tonic-clonic into psychomotor (complex partial) and myoclonic, so the assistant ran quickly to get the epileptologist. It was the only time in Anissa’s life that a doctor was present to see first-hand how devastating such spells can be and described the hard thrusting of her arms as “fencing” motions. Afterwards, the “odds” given by the doctor regarding the VNS implant were not favorable for the type of seizures that Anissa experiences, as well as her “self-mutilation” to any strange body sensation. Also, she would have a four to five day hospital stay for video documentation of seizure activity, MRI and other testing. With my husband’s restricted breathing and need of oxygen, I would have had to stay with Anissa. Considering all things, the doctor felt it was important to best follow our “gut” feeling.

Shortly thereafter, I heard a minister share the following: “One day a hunter came across a bear in the woods. ‘I want a full stomach,’ said the bear. ‘I want a fur coat,’ said the hunter. ‘Let’s compromise,’ suggested the bear – and promptly ate the man. As a result, the bear went away with a full stomach, and the man went away wrapped in fur.” This lesson became clear that if we parents/guardians do not protect our own health, we could all be eaten alive. So rather than compromise our overall health with more stress, we decided to wait.

The decision proved right when four hurricanes hit our area during August and September – certainly a “proving ground” of our faith. “Frances” was our most challenging because of no electricity for five days – “Charley” was three days. We were most grateful that no structural damage occurred with our house and the retreat center. The main thing we learned: Preparation and Preparation! Afterwards we wasted no time in purchasing a generator! In 90 degree+ heat, cold baths were shock therapy for all of us, but seemed to affect Anissa in a positive way with less seizures – or was the good effect due to so many prayers being offered on Florida’s behalf from around the world?

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”

Romans 5:3-5 TLB

My hope and faith needed to be strong and steady when on 12/19/04, more stress took its toll in our lives. While my husband, Anissa’s “daddy”, was attending church that Sunday morning, with his tithe and offering in hand, he suddenly died of cardiac arrest, possibly triggered by his emphysema/COPD. All in all, it was a year never to be forgotten and believe me, any survival was totally dependent upon prayer, God and

His Excellent Grace!

To contact Anissa’s mother email her at blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #39 – A Great Trial Of Affliction…

trials

New searches still remained on our journey’s quest to find relief for the unrelenting seizure activity that Anissa experienced day in and day out. In June, 2007, the doctor ordered an MRI scan of her brain. The scan showed slight atrophy of the cerebellum, which was considered very minor for her 40-year age, and that structurally, her brain appeared very healthy. Again, it seemed to confirm the seizures were the result of a chemical imbalance that all began when the drug Phenergan was prescribed for her at six months of age. Since hospitals have a limit of keeping such records, I obtained the video to have for future comparison, if needed.

During this time, I was made aware of David Perlmutter, M.D., FACN, a board-certified neurologist, recognized as a leader in the field of complementary medicine and his Health Center in Naples, Florida. After reading his scientific articles published in the Journal of Neurosurgery and The Better Brain Book, a consultation with him seemed wise. His suggestions were numerous before he viewed Anissa’s MRI. He then witnessed firsthand of her having a full-blown multi-type seizure. Afterwards, he ordered a comprehensive analysis of her blood which showed a slight deficiency of the antioxidant, Glutathione and her Lactobacilli was below optimal levels. Otherwise, all tests were excellent, which could account for her physical wellness throughout the year.

To better understand the functions of what Anissa’s lab tests revealed as a deficiency, I did research. One significant fact — Glutathione helps the liver to detoxify poisonous chemicals and is important for good immune system function. Since L-cysteine supplements can raise glutathione levels, Dr. Perlmutter prescribed N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC). As previously stated, when Anissa was prescribed NAC in 1997, her overall health improved – likewise, this time.

A probiotic containing lactobacillus acidophilus was added to her daily diet that improved her digestive system. A valid test was conducted several times when she was without the supplement for over a week, to then have the old symptoms of digestive/bowel upset reappear. Before probiotics became prominent, the choice was enzyme therapy for symptoms of digestive disturbance, but in order to replace proper flora of the gut, a good probiotic is needed.

Anissa’s physical health remained stable throughout the following year, until she had dental work on December 23, 2008, which required two teeth extractions. Late on Christmas Day, her right cheek began to swell, indicating the need for antibiotic therapy. Evidently, the infection had interfered with the proper function of her brain. At 5:00 the following morning, as I was helping her walk towards the bathroom, her upper torso moved forward while her feet stayed put. This caused Anissa, as well as “momma”, to suddenly plunge forward, thus projecting Anissa’s face forward onto the floor with me on top.

anissa clavicle

The fall struck Anissa’s left cheekbone and within several hours both sides of her face were affected with eyes swollen almost shut. Very destructive type of seizures became more numerous and her incapacitated walking remained, but it was midnight before the evidence of a broken left clavicle [collarbone] surfaced. Being the holidays, she had to be treated at the hospital’s ER. After x-rays of face, knee and shoulder, a restraint-type sling was provided and was a helpful blessing during the many daily hard seizures that followed.

“For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that a tender branch thereof will not cease. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth and the stock thereof dry in the ground, yet through the scent of water, it will bud and bring forth boughs like a plant.”

Job 14:7-9

For five months, it was 24/7 concentrated care with orthopedic visits and x-rays to make certain the clavicle bone adhered properly with no more protrusion. Anissa’s recovery transpired in accordance with the Word of God and remained strong because of

His Excellent Grace.

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #41 – Life Is Not Free Of Storms. Trusting God Through It All…

storms

While Anissa’s brother was visiting us in July, 2010, it finally happened that he was present to video tape one of her most dangerous type of seizures. Upon showing the video to her medical doctor, he commented: “If she was in a nursing home type facility, within one week she would wind up in the hospital.” Simply because they would not have the necessary means to care for her one-on-one unless she was bedridden. Also, Anissa’s communication skills are seldom verbal unless she yells and then the caregiver must decipher what her actions mean. The danger is greatest while walking or even in a wheelchair, due to her legs, arms and torso thrusting hard in opposite directions.

Another new drug, Vimpat (lacosamide), was prescribed. The first week of that medication seemed to make Anissa more alert. But after several weeks, tremors caused her head to shake so violently that food would fling out of her mouth and the seizures became more intense, so the drug was stopped immediately.

It was in 2011 that Anissa’s beloved neurologist for over thirteen years was no longer able to see her. So, to prevent the long trips to Melbourne, a neurologist in our locality seemed a wise choice; whereas, his first order was to have an EEG done.

To obtain an accurate brain wave test required that she receive no extra medication that would put her to sleep. Because of the constant head tremors, the technician had a very difficult time getting the wires glued to Anissa’s head and wanted to forego the test, which I totally understood the negative response.

It was then I mentioned how prayer can change things. I invited the technician to join with me in prayer, but she let me know very quickly, saying, “I do not believe in that stuff!” Knowing the importance of the EEG, I believed God for a miracle, so I asked if she would please proceed with the test while I would quietly sing to Anissa — she reluctantly agreed. As I was praying and softly singing in Anissa’s ear, a very deep sleep came upon her, amazing the technician, as well as myself!

“And Jesus looking at them said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’” Mark 10:27 NKJV

The completed report read as follows: This is a diffusely slow abnormal tracing. There are multiple spike discharges seen throughout the tracing. This seemed to be fairly symmetrical. These occurred on every page of the tracing, spike and spike slow wave activity, which had the frequency of about two per second. Three minutes of hyperventilation was not performed. IMPRESSION: Severely abnormal EEG, consistent with a generalized seizure disorder. The neurologist’s interpretation: “The report shows that seizures in her brain never stop and unless medical research discovers a new medication, there is no answer!”

Several months prior to the EEG, due to the hard clenching of her jaws during violent seizures, Anissa had to have three more teeth extracted. With only front teeth remaining, that meant she must have puree or soft foods at mealtime.

As the challenges became greater, so did God’s Grace! He gave me the courage to drive to North Carolina for my granddaughter’s wedding. It was a four-day round trip and since restaurants were not an option, I had to pack enough of Anissa’s special foods to last. Also, it required taking her bath lift plus other essentials that filled up every space in the car. The good Lord made the way for a very special friend of mine who lived in that area, along with her Pastor, to stay with Anissa while I attended the wedding and a short time at the reception.

It was wonderful to see the many relatives and later that evening to visit with family at my son’s home. Except there be a change for the better concerning my daughter, it’s not a trip that I desire to repeat! The perfect weather and Anissa’s love to travel eased the stress considerably, for which I give thanks and can only attribute the blessings to His Excellent Grace!

To contact Anissa’s mother email her at blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealing retreat.org.