Blessed

This is my other amazing neurologist at Mayo Clinic Hospital...in Phoenix, AZ.... Dr. Bert B. Vargas. This man rocks not just how he does his work, but his attitude is like a real friendship, caring soul who pushes all cards to make EVERYTHING happen for his patients. 

I flew into Phoenix in the middle of my vacation in FLORIDA, to see him for my normal injections. But the scheduler didn't have me set up for both, just the Botox one. Which has ALMOST always done great work on my surgical site on my head from all 3 of my brain surgeries. But I've had a couple mighty failures when this DOC wasn't the one able to do it. And price was paid. So we had hilarious stories to share starting with my drama or the last one I had by someone else that made me visit the ER at least 5 times from however she did it wrong. This doc knows my surgical area, where to put more and less, and gentleness. Then when found out I was not scheduled for the nerve block, he told me to hang tight in the waiting area, see what cancellations come up, or short appointments! I was more then willing, otherwise he had me booked pronto for the next morning at 7:30. 

He came running out to bring me back, excited he could do it all in one day, little time. We both are just so humbled and honored by the other-which makes it all so much more amazing. The docs I have there that care like that-Him and Dr. Joseph F Drazkowski, I will never part with until both retire- no matter which Mayo I live closest to! 

These are the types of neurologists of all types you should have. The caring ones that know you by name, and history. These people are people that matter and receive more than 5 stars in my life!!!

Blessings to you all....any questions....I am always open!

Blessings,

Hetty Siebens 

Close to my 5 yr Anniversary of 3rd AWAKE brain surgery

Very Painful 1st day 24 hours after the in depth grids were placed in.
Trying to smile to show my love to all!

WIRED UP from Hetty Siebens on Vimeo.

Jesus Heals

Epilepsy took a toll on me-for the past 2 years, 10 years, really all my life. But these last 2 years hit a toll - one that I thought I'd never make it thru--but God provides. Even when we do waver or think He has busted out on us---deep down we know better, which is why we bawl everytime we try to be BIG and tough and not need HIM!! We need Him for every thing-- or we wouldn't be breathing. I have been blessed with my 2nd go around family - we all love our Lord strongly-help pick the other up when down. Unfortunately when basically born with illness, the other very well- that person is doing most the "helping Up" in life. So illness is stressful as ever for us-- but is also beyond so for our family-- just remember that.

Gratefully since the two year battle of severe body pain I had after my 3rd awake brain surgery- I've gained blessings yet lost others due to the extreme cut out-- but have been healing from the extreme pain over the last two years-and almost instantly when we moved back to AZ-- for that I am ever so grateful!!

Finally cure epilepsy-now what

Fibro WHAT???

Seizure Free now--but severe pain?

How long? Week, month, year...forever?

I'd rather have my seizures back....

Epilepsy my whole life-just out of control when I had my child..she still loved me so much.

My 3rd brain surgery was done awake-so they got almost ALL---my brain is now confused.

Healing Steps

Amen!!!


Tory's 9th birthday was such a blessing!!! Yes, she got the great gifts she loves... got the amazing family from mom and dad and uncle to her cousins and aunt she loves dearly!! She got all that love she adores-and was able to return it!! She is such a precious jewel from our true gift-Jesus Christ. He blessed us big time with such a precious soul like Tory.
I felt deep emotions for the first time in a long time. I just had to figure them out. The first were elated "happy" tears-that I was so well for THIS birthday for Tory. I've always put together good birthday's and great history of them all. But this was the FIRST since her birth I was seizure free-very well for. That grabbed tears of joy, as I took the pictures I had taken and made music videos. Her smiles were so amazing.
Then came tears of loss. Loss of time. Loss of what I would have done over the years had I been more "well." This struck me because I was going on a field trip with Tory. We had been counting down days. Yet the night before, Tory had the "if I can go" statement. And that shook me. Who told her I wasn't going? Did she not want me there? So I asked her why she still wondered if I'd make it. And it was because of how sick I have been over the years-not able to do as much, or always follow thru. My heart sank. She was so sweet about it. Just making sure I feel good and my head doesn't hurt bad from surgery. But THIS IS MY KID. I love she loves me like that. But she shouldn't worry if I am going now. I am well-and will strive to make it all. We just hugged and talked about the prior years. I let her know Jesus has His arms always wrapped around us.... and if anything changes, she is sure one strong kid with an amazing heart thru Christ. But give any worries to HIM and talk to me!!!!  :)  It was a great field trip after that.
It is amazing what having a long term illness can do to how other people live. It is something when is healed, that has to be talked about-on how all are feeling about it now. Big change both ways.
She is such a doll. But is also amazing what is in their thoughts-which is why Jesus likes us to pray. To love-to yoke-to bring up-and to LISTEN.
Sometimes can be hard to listen to your 9 year old when you already have your directions in mind. But we sure need to.
Love you all....


In His Grip,


Heather


@AliveinMe @EpilepsyCures

New Year- New Focus for ALL

It is now a whole New Year-- WOW!! It has been one crazy year for me... but still, very blessed. Back when my ex still had "our" daughter finally visiting him in the summer- this year it was a disaster. He has a new wife that is so controlling and jealous- so eight days I went without hearing back from my daughter-- mind you- who also has epilepsy. But I yes, was aggressive-- and talked directly to him about that. Led him to asking me and my husband (who has raised her) -to have him adopt her. That stress always causes seizures with me. More than I already have. We also decided in February to go forth with my third brain surgery-- to control seizures on perhaps one medication, not six. So we waited on the MEG test- it finally came up in November- in the same state where I had my baby girl- and my ex and his new wife live. So seizures they needed came on easily and quick-- that was an AMAZING test! Helps them see, after you've had brain surgery a couple times- or if it is a first even and it might be close to something important-- where seizures hit- how close to certain areas it shows-- helps map what they can and cannot take out. I then blissfully came back from AL with H1N1--- and was down for about a month. And that led to my B12, iron, and Vitamin D going low again. When I got better-- just in time for my birthday-- I had a great birthday. I also was able to finally go visit my dear friend @jasonmitchener --who had a rare neuromuscular disease and was paralyzed from shoulders down, on a ventilator. Would always visit and be inspired by his amazing stories-- even thru his illness-- while living in this tiny room-- of two, with a curtain. I went up on the 17th, he had passed away late the 16th-- made it thru my birthday he always remembered on the 15th. My heart was wrenched. But I know he is in a Better Place-- with Jesus. 
Now we are still waiting on the surgery date for me-- but I am excited. Gotta get thru the New Year-- and have all neurologists back in offices here, MN, and FL-- for conference. Then we will see what way is the best way. Half awake brain surgery-- or just subdural in many areas again. Mayo is one amazing hospital.
I have been thru all old and brand new medications... looking for any advice or feedback, I can sure help with that... and just know, if brain  surgery isn't an option- there are amazing devices to come, not the VNS or RNS. But more. So keep the faith. New Year is always a New beginning. As is every new day!! Reach for every star you wish to-- you can do it!


Blessings to you all!!


Heather Siebens  @EpilepsyCures and @AliveinMe


http://www.causes.com/epilepsycures
http://epilepsycures.ning.com


Psalm 116:1-2    I love the LORD because He hears and answers my prayers. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!!


Happy New Year!!!!!