Anissa’s Story – Post #29 – Watching For The Next Open Door…

god closes 2

On August 1, 1994, the FDA recommended suspending use of the anti-seizure drug, Febatol (felbamate), since it had been linked to ten cases of aplastic anemia – a rare and often fatal condition. In many ways, Anissa appeared to be better on the drug but her neurologist did not feel it was worth the risk, so it was discontinued. Several new drugs had been released that looked promising for controlling seizures.

Neurontin (gabapentin) was added to Anissa’s medications, but after two weeks of the drug combination, it became evident that Neurontin was certainly not promising for her, so it was deleted. Her severe adverse reaction had created a series of seizures during which bloody saliva drained from her mouth. We thought she bit her tongue only to later discover that two left, lower molars had fractured and crumbled, breaking at the surface gum line.

Because of so many drugs taken to alleviate the seizures, one destructive side effect was the pitting of her teeth, which caused them to be fractured during a hard seizure. Not visible to the naked eye, decay had developed within the teeth. Because of Anissa’s need to be anesthetized, this required another trip to Shands Hospital. Praise God, we were blessed to have the same sweet dental surgeon and team as in 1992, when Anissa’s wisdom teeth were removed.

This time, she had four left molars extracted, along with five restorations. Her EEG showed none of the seizure activity that had previously been seen while she was deeply sedated. Therefore, we concluded that Felbatol must have had a positive effect in helping to control seizures. Anissa’s gums and mouth healed quickly, but evidently the chemical balance of the neurotransmitters in her brain was jolted from the anesthesia, as nothing seemed to work the same thereafter in controlling the seizures.

We have learned that when one door closes, God opens another door. Our hopes were next on a promising new drug, Lamictal (lamotrigine), that Anissa was scheduled to receive through the University Hospital at Gainesville, until we discovered it would require a lot of testing. We knew her frail condition could not tolerate such an ordeal, so we decided to wait until it was readily available.

IMG_1153[3461] Anissa - Frail '96

The following year, in May of 1995, an exam revealed that Anissa had an erosion of the opening into her stomach from the esophagus, causing many digestive upsets. Prilosec (omeprazole), corrected the condition but to our dismay, it caused a sequence of much harder and more dangerous seizures.

The drug, Lamictal, became readily available in October, of which Anissa was able to tolerate small doses without digestive upset. She reacted very similar to that of Felbatol concerning alertness. Her sleep became at least 90% better, as well as less seizure activity. However, when the dosage was increased, Lamictal caused greater tension in her muscles, she was unable to relax and suffered from nausea and reflux. In order to give Anissa the adequate dosage required for better seizure control, her anxiety level increased considerably, thus defeating the purpose. As with Felbatol, the ill side effects reduced the benefits.

During an appointment with the neurologist in Melbourne, Florida, he indicated that Anissa suffers from the “worst-case” type of seizure disorder. My response: “I sure would like to know more about the brain!” His quick reply: “So would I!”

Much of our learning has been by trial and error. Of course, we will not allow any drug with like components contained in Phenergan, such as the phenothiazines, to be used for Anissa. The adverse reaction she suffered from Neurontin and Gabitril (tiagabine), gives us cause to question drugs affecting the GABA receptor in her brain.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

Patients such as Anissa are dependent upon decisions made by others. As legal guardian for the well-being of my daughter, prayer and a healthy diet is a necessity! Searching the Internet for any new therapy can also be helpful. But to persevere, it takes the guidance of the Holy Spirit and His Excellent Grace!

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 #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 #34 – Trials & Errors Of The Journey…

trials

Our journey could be described as a course of ruling out any medication or alternative method that would not be beneficial to Anissa’s overall health, while at the same time alleviate the violent seizure activity.

In mid-April, 2002, we noticed a very strong metallic odor in Anissa’s breath and stools, as well as an abnormal hair loss and increased seizure activity. As a trial series for better seizure control, she had been taking the antibiotic, Biaxin (clarithromycin), 250mg daily for six months. It was noted that whenever Anissa had taken that medication in past years, even during a sickness, she would be almost seizure free. Biaxin can reduce the clearance of Tegretol, raising its levels. The strange thing is that whenever Tegretol would be given in a higher dosage, Anissa would only have more seizures, including digestive upset with acid reflux. The antacid, Tagamet (cimetidine), reacts in a similar way with Valium (diazepam).

“Happy – blessed, fortunate [enviable] – is the man who finds skillful and godly Wisdom, and the man who gets understanding—drawing it forth [from God’s Word and life’s experiences]. For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, and the profit of it than fine gold.”

Proverbs 3:13-14 AMP

Anissa’s blood test revealed a toxic level of Tegretol, so it was reduced from 1200mg to 800mg and the Diazepam from 20mg to 12 ½ mg daily. By mid-June her drug level was normalized and hair loss stopped but the upset seemed to cause more violent complex seizures. Her mental development was at a standstill, but her physical health remained in excellent condition. The caregiver’s challenge became greater in protecting Anissa during the violent seizures. Throughout the years, the knowledge gained from that experience has alerted me to think “research” if such “symptoms” should arise.

It was during this difficult time that a non-invasive brain surgery using “gamma knife” was being conducted for certain types of epilepsy, but being non-verbal kept Anissa from being considered as a patient. The anti-seizure drug, Keppra (levetiracetam), was approved for partial complex seizures. Also, aromatherapy had been reported as being effective for certain people with epilepsy.

One news article stated: “In Birmingham, England, jasmine was shown to dramatically reduce the effects of epilepsy in one patient. All unconscious, dysfunctional electrical discharges of the brain, which occurred every ten seconds, totally stopped after a patient was administered aromatherapy using jasmine only two times.” After showing the article to Anissa’s neurologist, he said, “Why don’t you first try the aromatherapy and then you will have a true evaluation. I will give you a sample of Keppra to try later, if you want?” Of course, we agreed!

Since aromatherapy was not a familiar avenue of healing, my lack of knowledge and faith required more information. Here were the research facts discovered: (1) “Essential oils illicit an immediate olfactory response and they are readily absorbed into the bloodstream. The olfactory membrane is the only place in the human body where the central nervous system is exposed and in direct contact with the environment. When an olfactory receptor cell is stimulated, an impulse travels along the olfactory nerve to the limbic portion of the brain, where memory, hunger and emotion is evoked. Before consciously knowing we are in contact with an aroma, our subconscious mind has already received and reacted to it. (2) Jasmine is considered very antiseptic and can bring balance to hormonal changes or disruptions. Its powerful aroma indicates it should be used in small doses, never taken internally unless under the care of a doctor and should be used with great caution for infants since their nervous system is still being developed. (3) Epileptics often get what is called an ‘aura,’ a strange smell or taste of something that does not exist, just before a seizure. Olfactory hallucinations are a symptom of epilepsy [especially in the brain’s temporal lobe] … often leads to bizarre behaviors. (4) Sugar uptake increases during a seizure and falls below normal between seizures. (5) A recovering brain can increase its capacity to form new memories.”

Balance is very important for Anissa’s wellbeing so the Jasmine Essential Oil was first diffused with a vaporizer and later added to her bath water. Her response was favorable in helping to control the seizure activity, but there were still over 20 days in a month’s time that she experienced one or more seizures a day.

It definitely was an accurate report concerning the validity of aromatherapy, for which I am grateful to have learned. Having physicians willing to try new methods for seizure control in Anissa was the result of prayer 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.wellspringhealingretreatorg

Anissa’s Story – Post #38 – The Silver Lining In God’s Plans…

silver lining

The beginning of 2006 was off to a very bumpy start for Anissa. After taking the prescribed medication, Lyrica (pregabalin), she could only tolerate a 50mg dosage due to stomach distress. The higher doses caused her greater mental confusion besides having a very negative effect in controlling seizures.

Upon hearing a speaker say, “A survivor is one who finds meaning in the suffering,” the following scripture describes a meaning for Anissa’s survival . . .

“We are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith not by sight. We are confident, I say, and well-pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well-pleasing to Him.”

2 Corinthians 5:6-9 NKJV

Since Anissa enjoyed and prospered during many sleepless nights from special scenic videos with calming music, our ministry began a project to create a one-hour video geared for the profound, mentally challenged person. The acoustics at the retreat center was great for recording a Messianic Psalmist, whose gifted voice can soothe a troubled soul. And with the Lord’s provision of a multi-talented engineer supplying his computer knowledge, as well as audio equipment, the video was completed and has been a blessing to many.

DVD bev

CD bev

At the same time music therapy became recognized by the medical profession as a therapeutic treatment for dementia and other types of mentally challenged patients. The doctor prescribed such therapy for Anissa, so I video-taped each session. There were some very positive signs but the unpredictable seizures would divert her focus, besides creating an interference of schedules. As in years past, a positive program had to be suspended due to Lennox Gastaut Syndrome – the multiple seizure saga.

In May, one of Anissa’s teeth abscessed. Remembering those past grueling experiences in setting up visits with a pediatric dentist, anesthesiologist, neurologist and orthodontist at the University of Florida Hospital, as well as the tremendous expense of such, my prayers were fervent for a reprieve. After several appointments ended with negative results, finally, a brave and compassionate dental surgeon came to the rescue! He and his staff were so efficient and commendable in giving the IV sedation and extracting two of Anissa’s teeth that took less than one hour. Also, the fee was very favorable, saving us at least $7,000, which was the cost at UFH ten years earlier each time she was admitted.

Another miracle was how a couple, who worked with disabled persons, just happened to have a day off at their jobs and were going to be in our area. They were most willing to help and what a blessing it was!! Anissa healed rapidly and maintained excellent health for the remainder of that year – except for seizures.

Several months later, a vision came before me of a picture of Anissa’s face on the cover of her Book of Life – Revelations: 20:12 – with these words written:

ANISSA

CHILD OF DESTINY

CALLED BY GOD AS HER MOTHER’S HELPER

TO BUILD HIM A HEALING CENTER WITHOUT DRUGS

“For you see your calling, brethren that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God … that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’”

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NKJV

I have seen just how much God can achieve in using such weak things, according to His Word and by His Excellent Grace, so that He alone receives the Glory!

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