All in regards to epilepsy care at Mayo

Posts tagged ‘brain-resection’

Amen Journey

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These lines are so beautiful, yet so real, so tough. But yet I know in the tiniest, minuscule way, what it is like to be beaten. And it was twice as hard for me then, as for I didn’t know Jesus yet. Heard a little about Him, but from the crazy soul that also took his hands to me. So who do I trust? Who do I look to and believe in. Well, sadly, the whole situation didn’t have me running to find Jesus then, it took a year of countless, and unliveable overdoses to get me to call to Him.

My ex and I had no commons. No love. No connection. Sadly, we just had decline from the moment we eloped. All negativity from what was the first song we listened to together after we said I do with strangers, to the night he beat me. First night in our new apartment since my move to Killeen, TX, where he was stationed. My fourth day in TX. He had a lot of built up anger, guilt and stress. Anger I had him in such a predicament in life from where my epilepsy took me when we got pregnant. Anger he had to stay with me due to being pregnant …even though I told him otherwise. Guilt for continuing to cheat on me while I was in Phoenix, first awaiting for my 1st brain surgery, and just after it. His stress I’ll credit him for being listed and unable to talk to me about going to Iraq in the beginning of 2003. But this is life. We both had a deck of troubled cards, but to place lives of loved ones on the line for ones own happiness?? What world did he come from??? We HAD a one year old together, I am just not sure how one could let their anger bust like that. But, I do know for a fact, it runs in his genes… His dad was one anger induced soul. I am sadly, very happy he is no longer a part of my child’s life. Signed her over completely to me in 2009. Sad to show who was wrong. Who felt guilt. Who couldn’t put up a fight for rights, when one didn’t have them, and really didn’t want them from the heart. Only greed and anger.

He took his fist to me night of October 6, 2002. And I didn’t know what to do. We were phone- less. I knew no one. The neighbor believed in backing up soldier to soldier. I didn’t sleep a wink. But thankful my daughter didn’t hear one peep of all that ruckus … And somehow slept so soundly thru it all, like Jesus was cradling her in His arms- guiding her to walk on water thru the storm. She arose, as happily as usual. And her mama did her best to not show any fear. But Lord did I ever brake.

I had to take him to the base that morning, as for it was my car we had- and he wasn’t going to be using it. And he also wasn’t going to be coming back that evening. I had no idea what to do, who to talk to, as for I didn’t know a soul. First person I called was my neurologist. I had to make sure he’d get me clearance papers noting that even though I had just gone thru my 1st brain surgery, I was still a perfect case to handle being a mom. He has always been one amazing Doctor, who saw that thru, made sure I was ok- and saw me thru the disastrous year to come from it. He supported me like I was his one daughter. He saw my struggle with my one daughter and couldn’t have imagined that. He despised my ex. My other phone calls were to a friend I was connected to thru my work from the Marriott for years, he was like my uncle. He listened to all my marital issues, and helped me see clear thru it all. He had this “perfect” life, knew this Jesus guy, and was happy. He was also the one that connected me with my husband of today. How rare is this? So I briefly spoke with who was my friend then, but my husband today, told him what disaster I came upon. Last one I spoke to, my mother. As for she doesn’t deal with reality well. She wouldn’t listen to my truth, and was in denial anything really happened. That is sadly my family. Tory is the one at that point who kept me as sound-minded as I would possibly come. As for I was on a sick cycle carousel ride, and it seemed I just couldn’t get off. Not even for the life of me.

So after the filing of all that occurred, the pictures being taken both on base and at the police department…. They took his keys away, and he was no longer aloud in or on our apartment grounds unless appointment made and with an officer of higher ranking. He only did that once, and not to see my daughter. But to beg and plea I don’t charge him with anything. So my mind was running fast pace, I was so confused, hurt, in anguish. My first answer that came to mind- phenobarbital overdosing.

I was placed on so much of it when pregnant with Tory, it was the first thing that snapped into mind when I felt I was losing my mind from it all. I needed to numb my pain. Shut off lights per se. And whatever the consequences, so be it. I had no faith then, no Heaven nor hell knowledge. Just thought there was an exit door. And a lot of phenobarbital would get me there.

Well, normally at my dose intake, it would take lives. But I guess He did, and does have more plans for me, as for I am still here, breathing, heartbeat, and three brain surgeries and so much else later, able to retell my story. As the parent of Tory, able to tell you how God worked so many wonders for her and thru her, I have no room to begin to tell you. She is like an angel, living here on earth. Placed in my life to keep little me safe, well, and searching until I find my Lord. And did she ever get me there.

We went thru so much together, she really has no idea at this point in her life. Just a little I’ve told her here and there. But I became her sole parent, which felt like a direct gift from God. It wasn’t something I was fighting for. It was something He just gave me overnight. Thru all my struggles I had really no clue until then how close Jesus and I really were and are.

Fast forward, my overdosing began in October of 2002, and didn’t end until October of 2003. That year was rough. I was raising my daughter completely on my own, not partially. I was living day to day half awake, or completely blasted from overdosing Phenobarbital. I was dating my husband of today, which was a lot more than I ever thought looking back, that I could handle going thru, putting myself thru everything I did. But I am so gracious to God I did. He is my everything. My air, my rest, my life. Without him, I probably would not be typing right now. As he snores, with his hand on my typing arm. �� God gave me all these precious jewels, even before I knew Him, as for He knew what was lying ahead- and knew my family couldn’t handle it, wouldn’t be there. He gave me these tough Angels that could deal with rough souls like me. How one can look back in life at the lowest part of their life, toughest, yet have such amazing vivid memories their cherish? Not usual you hear of someone saying their overdosing year was full of amazing memories….. Sounds nuts, but is so true.

I knew come 3rd hospitalization, really, since the 1st, I would never see my ex again except at court hearings. But it was that October that rolled around and I snapped. He had called me from Iraq, which led to an argument as to why did he ever do what he did? Beat me a year prior that had me in such a predicament in life. Well, out of no where he was in denial now. He was denying he had done that after e-mails and phone calls of sorry’s. Well, that call on October 18th , 2003… Hit me hard. Like a stone at a glass house- I shattered. And my answer, was the months worth of Phenobarbital I had not been taking, as for I hated it. But I also didn’t rid of it, I psychologically stored it up for a big thundercloud day. And he was my thundercloud.

The brisk morning of October 19… I popped half my bottle, which was around 4500 Meg’s of death calling me. I called a friend, we went to the gym together and then took our kids to the mall. Had I not taken a friend with me, I wouldn’t be here still. After we worked out, ending roughly around 11 am, I began to feel the fall of my pills, and I just wanted more. More cloudiness. More thought my mind might completely exit even. I never once put my child’s life into range of thought. I just really figured all would be okay, really the same without me. That is what being beaten does to you, brain surgery, phenobarbital. Just up the dose almost 10 x’s.

We were at the mall after I sucked down the other 4500 mg’s of Phenobarbital. My mind was blown. I was not on earth anymore. I bought items for Tory, twice. No idea. My friend knew I was “out to lunch” and didn’t know what to do. So out of no where, except the grace of Jesus- I picked up my cell phone and called the number to my neurologist that he called searching for me on one night in July, gravely concerned of my well being. I called that number, his wife answered. I felt so bad. I didn’t even know the definition of full sentence. She quickly gave the phone to her husband, my doctor. And he advised me to quickly get up,to their Emergency Room.

I told my friend. But told him I had to go home and get ready first. I really had no idea if I even strapped my baby girl into my car or not- but sped out and swerved going 80 in a 40 street. Almost running a red. It was like life flashing before my eyes. Little do I remember from when I got to my apartment to when I found myself on a gurney at my Mayo Hospital. What I do remember is seeing HIM, hearing HIM, and calling out to HIM right before they went to pump my stomach- life got so dark…. Then a light glowed. It was like Him saying, ” this is your second chance” when in reality it was my billionth chance. I had been seeking Him at this amazing church in Chandler, AZ…. went there because the sign had a purple tone to it. But it wasn’t the color talking to me, it was Jesus. And His plans were so Devine , so beautiful…plans to prosper- for good and hope. Not disaster. Jeremiah 29:11 The 29th is the date I got out.

I went thru every step of destruction. Code blue, heart stopping, stomach pumping, CPR. Coma. But it was like Jesus was truly physically with me, but no one could see Him but me. He was my life support. And when I arose, it was like there was not a huge overdosage of Phenobarbital running thru my blood, but His love, His blood, His truth running thru them instead. My head was instantly so clear. It was like I was a totally different soul. When in reality, I was. As for just before my heart stopping is when I called out to Christ…. I asked for a billionth chance to do it all again, except WITH HIM this time. And I’ll figure it all out thru Him, with Him, for Him. He hears these cries. Some more obvious than others. But baby Christians are coddled for sure. But if He hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here. He if filled with so much love and grace for me to screw up in every way possible … But to fight for me? Why? He loves me … You, us… Unconditionally…and that is a fact I have lived thru a million times.
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He gave me a heart. I thank Him for that. I love people. I hate struggles. I reach to help. You aren’t alone. If I wasn’t, you aren’t. His plans are beautiful. He gave me the glory and honor of marrying this amazing person he set in my life in such an interesting fashion- the date my ex beat me, five years prior. We we’d on October 6, 2007. Took that day and showed how are Lord beautified it. We conquered Satans actions by having the most amazing marriage after complete destruction….and a child of our own, she has always seen as Daddy since she was barely 2. She sees no differently. He orchestrated it beautifully. How really could I ask for more? You’ll see me complain about my health. But I try to see these days, this particular month more often. That way I know when to shut up, and just glorify Him. His peace has been done, and I am ok with all brain and pain issues. He gave me this family. I am so gracious. Cause I am one who didn’t deserve it.

So much I can’t explain in a blog, so much I wish I could share. But that is as compact as I can get it. I am gracious He gave me all of you.

To God be the Glory, Honor, and Praise to our Lord!!

In His Grip,

Heather/ Hetty Siebens

 

<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/141508461″>Grateful To God For You</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/aliveinme”>Hetty Siebens</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to,give you future and a hope.

Psalm 91: 14-16. The LORD says p, “I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on me, I will answer. I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them My salvation.”

Psalm 106: 1-3. Give thanks to the LORD for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the LORD? Who can ever praise Him HALF enough?
Happy are those who deal justly with others and always do what is right.

Romans 15: 13. So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep up you happy and full of peace as you believe in Him. May you overflow with hope thru the power of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 1:29 for you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him.

 

Awake Brain Surgery #3 Finished Complete-in ICU

THIS WAS THE MOST AMAZING SURGERY OF THE 3 RESECTIONS I’VE HAD DONE-TOTAL OF 6 TIMES BEING OPENED! I RECOMMEND THIS OVER ANY BRAIN SURGERY-ANY DAY-AS LONG AS YOU AREN’T FEARFUL… AND CAN TAKE SOME PAIN TOWARD THE END! WAS AMAZING!!!!

To God Be The Glory!

Heather Siebens

Don’t Fear Auras, KNOW THEM

I am so grateful my neurologist clued me in on what were my auras, what were not, what were seizures- and my neurosurgeon was able to take the first set of the worst ones out in my 2nd brain surgery, then 3rd awake brain surgery. My Mayo Hospital in Phoenix, AZ always continues to strive to give you a GREAT Quality of life, if not more.

Blessings.

In His Grip,

Heather/Hetty

To God be the Glory, Honor, Praise.

Thrilled

Flexible

I had an amazing appointment with my awesome neurologist Dr. Joseph F. Drazkowski at Mayo Hospital here in Phoenix, AZ. I was able to walk in with such cheer and smiles… which comforted HIM BIG-after we hugged he was able to sit down in relief!! Relief of no seizures this time!! No awful side effects or loss of sight or memory etc. It is honestly amazing how much the doctors heart truly is in it for the patients as well-which we always need to remember. I have seen this awesome neurologist for over 8 years, been thru so many “answers” together, that didn’t fall thru-yet we kept pushing forward, as Drazkowski knew we’d find an answer! He always had great positivity, and I am ever so grateful!!

We were able to share stories of what was going on in the eight weeks of recovery for me. What all I was doing. How quick I recovered. How exciting this is. Compared it to the 2 prior resections, in amazement!! We shared time with family during holidays- (which is always a fun story!!) He loves to see if I do make it thru family SEIZURE FREE!! We all know that can be stressful!!! I sure do!! It was great talks of past times I was so thankful for- Jesus guiding me to call him the night I overdosed so much I shouldn’t be here. He very much took care of that. This is one neurologist that truly never gives up on anything. Which is why when Obamacare begins to light up, and will show any change in seeing him, or his pay-anything… my blood begins to boil!!

So to end our talk about that… Obamacare-and how all the docs at Mayo would like him to kindly change his mind and focus on happiness of foreign countries or getting oil prices back down, whatever… he had to show me one of the new annoying implemented papers for it…. AT EVERY APPOINTMENT I am supposed to sign this paper that yaps about how many times the doc washed his hands-TWICE, answered questions, had on jacket- etc…. etc.. Even have a nurse that scopes the floors to interrupt and ask herself to double-check, like a cold call. Just thought this was ridiculous! People know how to call Patient Care, and my neurologist took care of me with one complaint I had about the doc prior him one time two years ago!! This is childish.

I have grown up… haven’t you? More paper, more trees, more trash. God only knows what this will do with the Obamacare even more.

Either which way, without it fully in control, last Tuesday, I had a marvelous follow-up with my neurologist Dr. Drazkowksi, who means the world in neurology, psychology, and care to me. I will not gamble that!! The White House looks like they need repetitive letters!!

Blessings all!! Pray you all are well!! Those who aren’t– Mayo is amazing!!!

In His Love,

Heather Siebens  @AliveinMe  @EpilepsyCures

http://www.twitter.com/AliveinMe

http://www.twitter.com/EpilepsyCures

http://www.youtube.com/Hetty4Christ

http://hiswill4me.blogspot.com

http://manyepilepsycures.blogspot.com

http://www.causes.com/epilepsycures

Medical Choices

Patient 4 Life

Heather 4 Mayo

I want to have medical CHOICES. Don’t you? Overall, when you have a cold, it doesn’t matter as much where you quickly go to get something to put that sickness at quick, recoverable ease. But when things begin to get out of control, in an illness that you need a great specialist for– you want, and need choice.

I went all my life, as an epileptic. I am not overly sure why others cannot find ways to find the great coverages I have. But you have to speak up-reach out-press for what you want. Not let others control who you are, what you can have and more, or settle for less and not run that extra mile. I went many years seeking correct help, well-known places, but nightmare doctors. I was finally blessed with an amazing neurologist here in Arizona at Mayo Hospital- Dr. Joseph F. Drazkowski- whom is a epileptologist, and one who reaches out to care for everything that interacts in his patients life- the care he provides.

He was there for me in the beginning, with the excitement of my first brain surgery. He also knew my marriage then was very rocky. He is one who has psychology background and can tell just by conversation. After my 1st brain surgery, he had appointments set up for when I would come back to visit in December 2002- as for I was moving to Texas where my ex husband was stationed. It wasn’t quite two months after that brain surgery in August that year, that my ex beat me, and Dr. Drazkowski was there by phone legally and medically, and honestly as a comforting caring doctor… letting me know it was all going to be okay.

It was at that point he turned into more than just a neurologist. He was a psychologist/psychiatrist even though he made sure he directed me to see both regularly. He was also one on his behalf, as my neurologist – who cared, yet needed to know why all of a sudden I was very addicted to my Phenobarbital, and how much. He kept close eye on me. Frequent appointments to make sure I was still stable. It was close to one last large amount- when I sent a call into him, and he heard how much I must have taken… and had me taken up to Mayo Hospital to begin a slow detox and change of medications. Which was the best turn of my life. I found Jesus. I really started my relationship with whom is now my husband. I was an amazing mom, from that day on… I knew what was wrong and right. It just took a neurologist with care and patience.  One who wouldn’t throw it over his shoulder or fear anyone holding him liable for anything. Truly pressing forward for the wellness of the patient. I already went thru the nightmare of neurologists wiping their hands not knowing what to do-so this just touched my heart for good.

And it didn’t stop there. He always cared for my family and their well-being. My daughter, and her epilepsy… as he would make sure she had a wonderful pediatric neurologist here in the Valley. And he would even check her tests out and let me know what her activity was like compared to mine. Then come upon brain surgery choices for me… he truly cares. He really goes thru all testing first, all of the Mayo Neurology board several times… to make sure the next step is the keen step. Is it the step to take or is there a more suitable answer, for the patient and family.? Then when the answers come back to him-he is ready to rock! And his excitement for this 3rd and last brain resection was awesome. I thank God for specialists like him.

Overall, specialists like Dr. Joseph F. Drazkowski will not be of choice! If ObamaCare goes the way it was planned, then amazing docs like my neurologist, and neurosurgeon and so on from Mayo Hospital will either retire early, or hopefully still somehow open private “cash” practice, or go overseas as my family has thought about. But I love America. I love it Free. I love it United. I love it by Choice. I love it, in God we Trust. Where here shall I trust now? I have Freedom care, God’s Care… I don’t need Obama’s directly. I love the choice I have today. Don’t you?

I won’t stand in any line for my health. One that is any, and a different doc each time. I will do what I have to. For me, and my daughter.

Blessings to you all…

Heather J Siebens

http://www.twitter.com/AliveinMe

http://www.twitter.com/EpilepsyCures

http://www.causes.com/epilepsycures

http://epilepsycures.ning.com

http://manyepilepsycures.blogspot.com

Precious Tory

Who should answer our healthcare questions?

Dr. Draz

If anyone, anywhere in the U.S.A should truly be relied upon to answer our questions on what the heck is going on with our healthcare needs, fall outs, and NOW completely incorrect, drastic decisions it should be the head of departments at Mayo Hospital in Phoenix, AZ;  Rochester, MN; Jacksonville, FL.

I have watched this nation now go from choice- to being directed soon. And I thank God so much that HE made sure- HE made sure that my wonderful, brilliant, caring, insightful doctors at Mayo Hospital made sure I was able to proceed with my 3rd brain resection for Epilepsy. It was my 3rd, and my last one and was also done by my amazing neurosurgeon, Dr. Richard S. Zimmerman, and was done awake!! The technology they have is too far along to be held back by the government. To have the government direct us where to go, or allow us when to have tests done, or who to see… and sad part… not keep hospitals like Mayo Hospital moving forward with keeping their technology up and running and new technology and devices to come– on the horizon and in the hospital.

What would you do if you had your illness fixed at a remarkable, well renowned place, yet the government wants to drag us down to “socialistic” country and tell us where and when to go, and what we can have done??! Where is the freedom in this free country? We are free to choose. Free to work. Free to choose where to find which type of insurance we desire. If our work or personal work doesn’t provide it, I always looked at, even with a pre-existing condition, as a sign from God- to proceed to another job out there- He had other plans. As well as my husband did for me when I was really ill and not working. And today, because of that, I sit here now seizure free due to Mayo Hospital, Phoenix, AZ and my husband’s choice of new jobs and insurance we saw them provide. He could have had his own company, but sometimes we give up one, at least for a while, to embrace and conquer another… and watch how it was a true amazing choice, truly blessed!

We all have had choices. We still do now. What is yours? Mine is always, no matter how much I still owe Mayo Hospital after this last intense brain surgery, to continue going there for the rest of my life… and/or as long as they continue to stand strong against what ObamaCare has up its sleeve. If it turns out to be similar to what military medical care is like, you are looking into long waits, and doctors you won’t remember, and all medications of all kinds refilled more free, less care, that are less price. Therefore if someone is taking a cheap, overdosing painkiller-instead of referring them to psychiatric or psychology, they will just fill and refill the bottles. Brilliant. Mayo is far from that.

I plan to continue seeing my neurologist I see today, as long as he is still around. Along with ALL my other specialists there! Mayo is on fire to have Obama work with them, if he is willing. As for they care all about the patient and the quality of their life.

If you care about yours-family, friends, anyone’s… stand up!! Contact Mayo and see where YOU can support them as well to keep them the same tomorrow, as they are TODAY!

http://www.mayoclinic.org/development/

http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2010/5604.html

http://www.causes.com/epilepsycures

Blessings to you all!! Stand together in freedom, not reform. For us all to remember we are all free to give, to take, to endure! Reach out- let’s see how we can all keep this going, so Mayo stays going full speed!

In His Grip,

Heather J Siebens, patient and supported of Mayo Clinic

Phoenix, AZ

Twitter AliveinMe  and EpilepsyCures

Alive and WELL