James' sister

James sister, Johannah, has epilepsy. The doctors have struggled for a few years now to get her seizures under control. It seems they have success for a short time with each medication, then they lose it. I mention all this now because this past week has been especially difficult for her - ending with a grand mal seizure in the bathroom this evening. It is our hope to get her started on the modified Atkins diet - much like the ketogenic diet. Many have been able to achieve seizure control with these diets. Please pray for her safety and for wisdom as we attempt to get her on this diet.


Update 11/16 - We have begun to change Johannah's diet. She's not really happy about it, but we are working on finding "fun" things to include that make it not so drab. I have also added fish oil twice a day and flaxseed oil twice a day - since the diet seems to emphasize increasing the "fats." This last week has gone MUCH better. I can't say whether its the diet, the supplements, or just the many prayers - but she looks and feels much better. She had some seizure activity on Thursday, most likely due to the long activity on Wednesday night with the teens' food drive. But, otherwise, she has done much better. School went much better also. We're not sure if she will pass the 7th grade in the end, but it is our prayer that as her seizure ease up and we can possibly decrease the medication, she will be able to pull her grades up - or, at the least, have a much better year next year. We do really appreciate your prayers.

Update 11/23 - Once again, Johannah has had a better week. She worked hard this week to improve her grades - as they have really suffered lately. She did still get some bad grades on a few assignments, but came through with some remarkably good grades on others. She has to work hard for those good grades, but she's getting there. We continue to try to keep her on the modified diet and continue to give her the flaxseed and fish oil. I think its all helping. We're just moving forward, thanking the Lord for the good days and asking for His help on the rough ones.

Update 12/04 - Johannah has had a rough time since Thanksgiving. We were not faithful to the diet during the holiday and have had trouble getting her back on it. I was faithful, though, at making sure she continued her flaxseed and fish oil. But, she has already had two grand mal seizures this week - which confirms that the diet really does help. So, we know what to do, we just need the means to accomplish it. We covet your prayers.

Update 01/05 - With the holidays over and school beginning to start, we are determined to get Johannah back on the diet. It really seemed to work well when she was on it. She remains on the fish oil and flaxseed oil tablets and I have added melatonin at night. One of the things that helps epilepsy patients is making sure they get good sleep and the melatonin should help. Please pray that the Lord will be with her during this next semester.