Anissa’s Story – Post #25 – Major Medical Decisions And Listening Prayer = Good Results.

As a follow up of yesterday’s Post #24 and the awesome experience I had in connection with “First Lady” Barbara Bush’s compassionate heart, my prayers now go out to her beloved family in feeling the loss of her gracious life.

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens … therefore 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 … and well-pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-8 NKJV

Sometimes a lack of knowledge can cause those still living to suffer in their mortal body. After exhausting all pathways of treating the seizure activity in Anissa with anti-epilepsy drugs, we were advised to consider a surgical operation of her corpus callosum. This procedure, known as split-brain, would separate a broad band of nerve fibers that joins the two hemispheres of the brain to keep a seizure isolated and from spreading throughout her brain.

Upon hearing favorable reports from other parents who took their child for such an operation to the Augusta Medical Center in Georgia, we decided to take Anissa for an evaluation. In 1987, an appointment was made for her with the neurosurgeon, Dr. Donald King. (Since one of his patient’s story was in our book, Victorious Survivors, he had previously ordered 15 copies to share with others.) Therefore, Dr. King was sensitive to our need to work closely with a physician who is compassionate to our needs and willing to try various types of therapy. It was his opinion that Anissa would not be a good candidate for the corpus callosum surgery because of her combative behavior. He told us that in the meantime, he’d keep her name on his special list for any new experimental drug program that might be beneficial for the types of seizures she was having.

Because of the extreme behavior problems that Anissa experienced after the severe drug reaction just several months before, Dr. King prescribed Mellaril (thioridazine HCI), in minute doses, in hopes to correct her loud screaming, explosive excitability and impulsivity. After several doses, we realized she was making the same kind of “pointless” motions which had originally alerted us to the reaction she had at six months of age to the drug Phenergan. After researching the chemical makeup of those two drugs, we were shocked to learn that both contained the same antipsychotic component – phenothiazine, which should never be given to a child under two years of age! It was then we understood that Anissa’s brain suffered seizures as a result of the drug causing a chemical imbalance rather than structural damage.

“When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil.” Proverbs 2:10-12 NKJV

This knowledge that I gained only made me more adamant in finding a formula that will counteract what that antipsychotic drug might have caused in the chemical balance of Anissa’s brain. Evidently, God wants the same results and could be the reason why we are recipients of “open doors – signs — wonders” 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’a Story #26 – Road Trip & Awaiting The Anointing…

god is my healer

By the year of 1988, we had once again pursued all avenues of medical help in search of healing for the uncontrollable seizures that 21-year-old Anissa battled against. Since surgery was not recommended, we knew it would take a miracle breakthrough supernaturally or discovery of new anti-seizure remedies.

The following three years greatly challenged our faith but prayerful warriors helped us to keep a proper focus. The only positive value I have seen from a violent seizure is an altering of Anissa’s brain chemicals when no medication works. One time, I prayed she might have the kind of seizure that would change things when she was so out of control with a loud voice and very little sleep. Our nerves were worn thin and I cried out desperately to the Lord for an answer. A vision appeared before me of two arms with outstretched hands surrounded by a glorious light coming out of heaven toward me.

Several hours later a Pastor’s wife called me regarding a meeting they were attending in Crystal River, directly across the state of Florida from our home. She explained that while in their time of prayer that morning, a vision of our family kept coming before them. The Pastor asked if we could bring Anissa to the meeting to have the minister, Dave Roberson, pray for her as there was a strong healing Anointing upon him. In desperate need of a breakthrough, my husband and I put everything on hold, pushing past the speed limit to make the evening meeting. To this day, I can still hear Anissa’s non-stop loud voice during the 2 ½ hour drive.

Once there, I stayed in the car with her while my husband attended the meeting until the time was right for me to go in alone when people would be going forth for prayer. As I waited in line with others, the minister was going to everyone but me, until finally I was standing alone. Then coming to me he said: “You probably wonder why I kept passing by you, but the Spirit of Prophecy was upon me and all I could see over you was Healing.” After explaining our situation and Anissa’s diagnosis of Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, he looked over to our Pastor and his wife asking them if this was the girl they had mentioned to him. After nodding ‘yes’, Dave Roberson then began to prophesy: “The Lord has shown me that you have taken your daughter to all the best medical doctors, as well as noted healing ministries, but the Anointing has yet to be given for this kind and it isn’t that far off!” He then wanted me to bring Anissa into the meeting for the elders to pray over her.

“But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why could not we cast him out?’ And he said unto them, ‘This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.’” Mark 9:27-29

Afterwards, the loudness of voice stopped and we had a peaceful drive home with quietness in Anissa during the weeks that followed – another experience of His Excellent Grace!

To contact Anissa’a 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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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.