Anissa’s Story – Post #28 – Medicine Shift – Watching All Things Work Together…

grace bridge

After the removal of Anissa’s wisdom teeth, the following year in June of 1993, she was approved for the experimental program to begin Felbatol (felbamate) therapy. She ended up having to go the least desirable way rather than embarking on the “compassionate” program, which we had preferred.

Then began the ordeal of withdrawal from her previous medications of Phenobarbitol, Valium, Tegretol and Tagamet. However, within a short period of time, the mental alertness that Anissa exhibited encouraged us to persevere through the rough times of “addictive” withdrawal symptoms. During a two-week period, she experienced 90 multi-type seizures that could easily have ended her life if left to fend for herself.

For accurate evaluation, the neurologist had also prescribed our purchase of a camcorder to video tape all the types of seizures manifested during a two-month period. Shortly thereafter, the videos were used in helping others to recognize various types of seizures, especially for caregivers who worked with such individuals. This, of course, was before people had access to the Internet — WOW! What a blessing it is!!!

After one month of only Felbatol therapy, Anissa was seizure-free for a consecutive period of 21 days – the first time in seven years to be free for more than one or two days per month. Since Felbatol was experimental, the drug company set regulations that required frequent blood tests and a specific dosage, stronger than was best for Anissa. Her digestive system became very irritated, unable to keep food or medicine down. Seizures returned and on October 4th, the neurologist said to get her immediately to the hospital.

After a five-hour wait in the hospital emergency room, she was given an injection of Reglan (metoclopramide) to counteract her violent upchucking and nausea. A positive side effect of Reglan was that shaking-palsy symptoms of Anissa’s head and upper torso stopped! (Normally, this drug can cause a side effect of tremors and lower the threshold for seizure activity, exactly the opposite of the effect it had on her.) She was then prescribed a very small dose of Reglan which gave her an excellent appetite and due to the cessation of the shaking, Anissa was once again able to feed herself. By the time of her next checkup, she had gained seven pounds within two months. Still, seizures were manifesting daily which required additional therapy.

Shortly after Anissa’s flare-up, Felbatol was approved by the FDA and became available through prescriptions. The neurologist was no longer required to comply with the “experimental drug” restriction and could reduce her dosage. Prior to Thanksgiving, at the onset of a family trip to West Virginia, a new regimen of drug therapy was begun, adding Valium (diazepam) to the Felbatol and Reglan.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28

The medication change caused Anissa to be in a more docile state that enabled some quality time with her grandparents. It had been over two years since we could visit with our family and grandchildren. A rare treat was being able to have Anissa join with us at a restaurant. We enjoyed first hand how things work together for good through the power 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 #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 #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 #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 #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

Anissa’s Story #42 – Times May Change – But God’s Word Remains…

The victories seen in 2012 had more to do with the ministry rather than Anissa, but both are intertwined. Having experienced over 821 seizures that year, with 407 being the worse destructive kind, each lasting four to ten minutes, the stress factor hit a record high. The amazing thing is how well she always looked and stayed physically strong — yet my hope for a miraculous change remained!

HPIM0340 (2)

Hopes for a change in 2013 concerning Anissa were high. It began in January when I first learned about Fuel For Thought (MCT-Coconut Oil), which was proven to raise Ketones. Anissa began two ounces daily but in order to keep a 24-hour balance, the dosage needed to be increased to four times daily. In doing this, she developed a severe digestive disturbance and the dose had to be lowered to once a day. Even so, there remained a change in her alertness and recognition, as well as less allergies. The autism characteristics were also miraculously altered, but no change in the seizure activity.

With the greater challenge in caring for Anissa 24/7, the Prayer Clinic open four days a week, and searching for a couple to oversee our retreat center, I was ready for the joyous breakthrough that came forth in June. It was a definite answer to our fervent prayers when contact was made with Tom Winslow, an ordained minister for over 20 years, and wife Barbara, a Registered Nurse. Since they were Directors of Pensacola Healing Rooms for seven years and Regional Directors of the International Association Southeastern Healing Rooms, we thought they might know of a responsible couple to oversee our healing center. When they could not recall anyone who might be interested, I said, “What about you two?” Tom sort of laughed as he mentioned about their plate being already full. But God had other plans! After a time of fasting, with prayer and a commitment to know and do the Lord’s will, it became evident the Lord was calling them to be our new Directors.

“You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”

John 15:16 NKJV

Within a month’s time, I heard a news report concerning magnetoencephalography or MEG Scan — an imaging technique that identifies brain activity and measures small magnetic fields produced in the brain to pinpoint the source of seizures. After receiving word that Florida Hospital for Children in Orlando had the MEG Scan and was opening its doors to adults suffering with seizures, Anissa at age 46, was accepted and evaluated. Without hesitating, the neurologist said: “She needs a corpus colostomy! It may not alleviate all seizures, but it could lessen the severity of them.” I was very disappointed when he said the scan would only be used during the surgery and not prior to an operation. When I responded that a corpus colostomy [also called “split brain”] operation was not considered in the past due to her combatant behavior, the doctor looked at Anissa and said: “Well, she’s no more than a zombie now!” Shocked to hear such words, I asked if he had looked at the video previously sent to him. When he answered in the negative, the nurse presented the video to him. He became more irritated when his computer refused to work properly. I offered my camcorder that was already set to view, just in case there was a mishap during the consultation. He said that it wasn’t necessary and instructed the nurse to answer any questions concerning an operation, then he quickly exited the room. The nurse suggested more prayer before making a decision. The following week, Anissa experienced some very combative episodes, plus an entire day of tonic seizures – the type referred to by the neurologist that may not be alleviated by the surgery. I wondered if it was God’s way of showing how difficult it could be after such a surgical procedure?

“Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.” James 1:16-18 NKJV

It was during that time period when CNN had a special report regarding Charlotte’s Web, a constituent of marijuana/hemp with less THC and higher CBD, being used to control seizures in children with LGS. Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, hosted the program with special guest, Dr. Alan Shackelford, a Harvard trained physician and one of the nation’s foremost experts on medical marijuana. After seeing a video of Anissa’s seizures and viewing her medical records, as well as reading her story, Dr. Shackelford wanted to personally meet her. As I prayed to know God’s will concerning the request, the Holy Spirit led me to Isaiah 43:21 “This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise.” That Word gave me great peace of mind that I was going in the right direction.

The visitation was set up by Consumer Law Services. Their firm worked in collaboration with expert physicians and to assist patients in determining whether they are complying with the Doctrine of Medical Necessity. It was important to have a valid legal defense before using medical marijuana, also known as cannabis/CBD. On Sunday, December 15, 2013, Dr. Shackelford made a “house call”, along with the legal team, to see Anissa. The doctor’s attitude greatly impressed me as to how he listened very carefully to every detail in my answering of his questions. Before the visit ended, I was privileged to pray with them and give each one a copy of Isaiah 43:21. Since that day, it is my understanding that this doctor spends much of his time in Israel, working with a pharmaceutical company concerning the production of cannabis/CBD. Their visit greatly encouraged me to pursue that open door to try the CBD with Anissa. In my heart, the faith I had was in the Lord’s pathway of healing for Anissa and not the CBD, so any success would depend upon the power 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 #44 – A Steady Diet Of Keeping The Balance…

Gods invitation

While experiencing various trials and errors for control of seizure activity in Anissa during the past year, it also brought more researching on my part. As occurred in earlier years when the doctor prescribed a higher dose of the anti-seizure drug, Keppra, it happened again. There were more seizures, along with profuse urination, confusion and panic attacks. Also, I discovered that Tegretol, which Anissa had taken since her teen years, and Banzel for seven years, are reported to cause atrophy of the cerebellum.

At the beginning of January, 2018, my hopes arose when Anissa had no seizures for six days, then wham-o, they returned with a vengeance! At the end of the month, she was attacked with a viral flu that settled in her sinuses and bronchial area. On the first day of the attack, she experienced 16 hard seizures, but for the next 10 days Anissa had no sign of any – her longest period to be free in the past 25 years.

No matter how much coughing, sneezing, congestion, lack of sleep, off schedule eating, etc., she never had even a symptom of a seizure. To my way of thinking, I believed a miracle was taking place and she could be free for a lifetime – until the violent seizures returned. Upon discussing the situation with several doctors, there could be a scientific explanation. When a virus invades a system, the brain is not exempt from an alteration of the chemical balance. In Anissa’s case the effect was positive. But, like the doctors said, who wants a viral flu to in turn get only a temporary reprieve of seizures! While I agree, it certainly was a great help to have her free of seizures during that time of sickness. My faith seems to be stronger as a result of that experience.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV

The latter part of March, I began supplementing Anissa’s diet with Beta Hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a Ketone Powder that could hopefully get her body into a state of ketosis. Since she was never able to tolerate the high fat, low-carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet, nor withstand long periods of fasting which could induce ketosis, this supplement seemed ideal. BHB salts has 12,000mg in one scoop, composed of Sodium beta-hydroxybutyrate 1190mg, Calcium beta-hydroxybutyrate 690mg and Magnesium beta-hydroxybutyrate 315mg. All of the ingredients seemed perfect for Anissa’s optimum health. It has been noted that Beta Hydroxybutyrate can cross different important barriers to be able to be turned into energy at all times. One of those barriers is the brain, which seems to know to let it in, creating a heightened mental acuity. Whether ketosis is taking place can be checked by using special urine test strips such as Ketostix. Also, the breath may have an acetone odor.

Just two weeks after Anissa began taking the supplement, a news bulletin was published by the Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy. It stated: “Thomas Sutula, M.D., Ph.D., and his team found that the administration of 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose (2DG), following a traumatic brain injury can significantly reduce the subsequent development of post-traumatic epilepsy in a rodent model.” Since Anissa has experienced so many blows to the head due to seizures, I researched the composition of 2DG to compare it with the BHB supplement.

Basically, they seemed identical in performance. It let me know that I was on the right track in the time of experimentation with my daughter. After being on the BHB for one week, she had LAB Testing done. It was perfect – first time ever since she was born. Seizure activity remained but the duration of the worse kind that lasted 9 to 12 minutes was shortened, lasting 2 to 3 minutes. I kept her on the BHB supplement for just two months. Hopefully, the positive change will remain stable until God fully perfects Anissa’s brain from ALL seizure activity by His Excellent Grace!

Note: Now that I am in a waiting period with Anissa, it’s a perfect time to share your personal testimony of His Excellent Grace on our Guest Post for others to see. Glorify God!

Submit your story to blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net or mail to Logos Life & Light Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1732, Ormond Beach, FL 32175

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