Anissa’s Story – Post #31 – God’s Silver Lining In The Midst Of Trials…

grace in trials

In February, 1997, an MRI scan of Anissa’s brain and upper spine was scheduled at Holmes Regional Hospital in Melbourne, Florida. The radiologist read the scan as normal; however, the neurologist thought there was a slight atrophy (shrinkage) of Anissa’s cerebellum. [Just recently I have learned that the anti-seizure medication, Tegretol (carbamazepine), which Anissa has taken since 1982, can cause atrophy of the cerebellum.] If so, this could possibly explain why previous remedies became futile. For example, we had taught her to say aloud, “head – stop shaking – Jesus name,” and her head would stop shaking. But then came the time when it no longer worked. We have learned that if the root cause is a physical malfunction, a therapeutic correction may be necessary before prayers are answered.

During that hospital visit, a nurse had given us the name of a dentist in the Palm Bay area who worked with patients like Anissa —“just in case we should sometime need a good dentist.” What a blessing that turned out to be! In September, one of Anissa’s molar teeth fractured due to a hard seizure and tightly clenched jaw. Because of the greater force and increase of seizures, it was again necessary to put her under general anesthesia for dental work.

At that time, there were no dentists in our area who would work on her teeth. It certainly was much less stressful going to the Palm Bay Hospital rather than Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Finally, on the day after Thanksgiving, the tooth was extracted. The doctor was “amazed” as to the excellent condition of Anissa’s overall oral hygiene for all she had been through. The restoration period from her oral surgery was more of a challenge this time. Within three days, she battled a cold and sinus infection that required antibiotic treatment for her total recovery.

Sinus flare-ups and headaches always seemed to be “a thorn in the flesh” that required medication to offset any major health problems for Anissa. Her neurologist had verified how “climate changes can affect seizure activity,” which we had noticed when sporadic temperature changes were drastic. As we questioned the doctor further, he explained that the changes involve the nervous system which, in turn, may trigger seizure activity. Looking back over the records of Anissa’s daily seizures, it is interesting to note that whenever she was on an antibiotic for any infectious condition, such as sinusitis, she would be almost completely free of seizures. The negative thing about that therapy – she would wind up with Candida, a yeast infection that required additional medicine, and to our dismay, more seizures.

After several weeks of waiting for a bill of service from the Palm Bay Hospital anesthesiologist, we finally got in touch with the one who performed the procedure to inquire why we hadn’t received a bill. He replied, “Because I didn’t send one!” He went on to explain how Anissa’s story deeply touched his heart.

“… the things which were sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:18-19 NKJV

We are so grateful for such giving and caring individuals who go beyond the call of duty – definitely an extension 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 #33 – Victory In The Trial…

joy in trials

After a two-year wait for the release of the anti-seizure drug Sabril (vigabatrin) for Anissa, it still was not available by 1999. It was suggested that we might want to consider trying Topamax (topiramate). We decided it wasn’t worth the risk since kidney stones were reported as one outstanding side effect. Remembering how her kidneys shut down when an infant due to the drug Phenergan, also, that she would have no way of telling us of any pain afflicted, attributed to our decision. We were told of one parent whose child was taking the drug, that although it helped curtail partial seizures, an increase of tonic-clonic seizures was noted.

Since Anissa had shown patterns of autistic behavior, she began undergoing tests in March, 1999, that qualified her to receive infusions of Secretin at the Autism Research Institute in Palm Bay, Florida. Jeff Bradstreet, M.D., was in charge of the research and also administered the Secretin infusions. Anissa responded in a very alert and positive way after the first treatment but then experienced an allergic reaction with the third IV.

Prior lab testing for Anissa had included Food Allergy IgE & IgG Analysis, Hormonal Evaluation Urine Organic Acid and Brain Protein Antibodies with a Serotonin evaluation. The Myelin Basic Protein Antibody test showed “positive” deterioration of the myelin sheath of nerve passageways in her brain, but MRI scans have never verified such. The doctor suggested that Anissa might be a candidate to receive an IV of Immunoglobulin. Since she would need anesthesia during a 24-hour period, such therapy could not be instituted.

There were many new anti-seizure medications being released during this period of time. Our hope was that each one would be the “miracle” drug we had been waiting for, but it did not prove to be so. On March 10, 2000, Anissa was prescribed Trileptol (oxcarbazepine) which caused a greater increase of seizure activity.

Then in September, Zonegran (zonisamide) was prescribed which seemed to affect a certain area of her brain that alleviated some seizures but limited the verbal ability to communicate and execute certain physical tasks. As in the past, when first starting a new drug, Anissa usually would have a positive reaction, but as the dosage builds up in her system, she reacts with more seizures. Zonegran proved to be no exception and in October she totaled over 350 jackknife with tonic type seizures. After cutting the dosage to half of the original prescribed amount, she experienced more seizure-free days that enabled her to take long walks. By mid-November she made it to ¼ mile. It had been 14 years since she was able to walk that distance.

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,

as though some strange thing happened to you…” 1 Peter 4:12 NKJV

In January, 2001, Anissa weathered a siege of four fractured toes when her right foot forcefully slid under the bathroom door as she began to fall backwards. Since taking Zonegran, there had been a noticeable unsteadiness with her standing from time to time. She was an excellent patient but seizures were a challenge as we had to protect her foot from further damage for the bones to fuse correctly. After several months Anissa was able to resume her walks outdoors and soon our normal routine emerged.

We did not enjoy the “fiery trial” but were so thankful of prayer warriors petitioning God’s mercy and His Excellent Grace for our victory!

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

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

Anissa’s Story – Post #35 – Clear And Present Angels…

angel3

By February, 2003, having received a valid and favorable experience with the Jasmine Essential Oil therapy for Anissa, it seemed a good time to start her on the samples of Keppra, 250mg at bedtime, as prescribed. After the fourth dose, she began such profuse urination day and night that was injurious to her health because of dehydration, so the Keppra was discontinued. One month later, we again gave the drug another try, only to discover even worse side effects. Not only did Anissa have profuse urination but seizures multiplied into series of spells and the downhill progression began even though the drug was stopped. Over a period of six months, she would go three or four nights weekly without sleep. It was miraculous that she could even walk with the help of another person, as her fine motor skills and mental alertness had deteriorated immensely.

But to the amazement of all, Anissa continued to surprise us with miracle feats that uplifted our faith, giving us incentive to carry on during troublesome times.

anissa in bed

One evening (9-22-03), an exciting thing happened when Anissa wanted in bed. My husband took that opportunity to go fill our car with gas, so I decided it would be a good time to vacuum the bath and bedroom floor while keeping an eye on her. I swept under the hamper, lifted the scatter rug to sweep, put it down, turned to clean in the sink area and there came Anissa walking, holding her blanket in one hand. At first I thought her dad was in back of her and that I had just missed hearing him return, but then I noticed that his hands were not on her arms.

Momentarily stunned, I held onto the sweeper and said, “Where did you come from?” She looked absolutely normal and I will never forget the way she looked at me, as if to say, “Well, isn’t this what I’m supposed to do. I need to go to the potty.” I heard myself say aloud, “I can’t believe it, but I do believe it, because here you are!” Anissa had not walked without assistance for 17 years, nor has she done so since that day. She had shoved the railing out from her bed, walked over the sweeper hose and around many obstacles – making me to know that a Divine presence had charge over her. Then I remembered that several months earlier, while watching television, an evangelist/prophet had spoken that on this same day at 5:00, an angel would be dispatched to our home and to expect a miracle. That prophetic word was fulfilled to the minute – WOW!

“And you shall rejoice in all the good which the Lord your God has given

you and your household.”

Deuteronomy 26:11 AMP

Several weeks later, as my husband walked into the kitchen, he was thrilled when Anissa took notice and said, “Daddy!” Since then, others have noted how at times she looks intently at the person talking to her – something not done in the past. With autistic mannerisms, she had always seemed to be in her own little world, while at the same time be very much aware of words being spoken.

When her daddy suddenly passed on to Glory the following year, 12/19/04, everyone wondered how Anissa would cope and if she would miss his loving affection. During a six month period, it was noticeable how her countenance would light up when she heard certain male voices. She interacted more with men and intently studied their faces. At such times, God is the One who always filled any void in our lives with a greater abundance 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