Now that I’ve recorded yesterday’s tale about the painting of the little girl, I want to share another serendipitous story. I suppose the first story prepared me for the second one…as if unexpected connections were what I was waiting for. For people behind the scenes to start coming into view, connecting the dots and missing links. It gave me a new hope for that anyway.
About six weeks ago, Yuki, a friend from Art School, emailed me this article. In a nutshell, the article tells how a family worked with the reputable Dr. Barry Sears (who created the famous ZONE diet years ago) in treating their severely brain-injured son with high doses of Omega-3 oils, which are supposed to counteract inflammation of the brain. I had read about this treatment before in another article about the miraculous recovery of the sole surviver from a mine explosion. The truth is, many people have sent me optimistic articles about supplemental and homeopathic treatments that might help with TBI. But all these new ideas, though I’m thankful for them, can get overwhelming, especially as I have to work within the medical boundaries of care homes and hospitals. This Omega Oil treatment did seem do-able though, so I tucked it in my back pocket, even going so far as to bring up the idea to Shawn, the Admissions Director, when we first moved Vernon into his new home at Mesa Verde.
And then Vernon got sick and another few weeks passed…
You may remember another blog post, in which I shared how Talar and I asked the congregation for help with visiting Vernon and administering some light physical therapy? Well, after the service, a man I’d never met before (by the name of Paul) approached me, asking if I’d ever heard of Dr. Barry Sears and his work with TBI patients. Of course my antennae went straight up. He told me he’d email me some information if I was interested. Among other things, he sent me the same link that Yuki had sent me a month before. By the time I wrote back to him, Dr. Sears (who lives a mere 2600 miles away in Massachusetts) already knew about Vernon and was willing to help him. It would just be a matter of organizing things with the doctors and nurses on hand.
Paul has been great, he is truly passionate about this approach. He has communicated regularly with me and tried to reach the right doctors in this new care home, but its been frustrating as no one has gotten back to him. I kept trying from my end, but hit the same walls. In the meantime, I checked out this book at the library across from Mesa Verde. How convenient that they carried it. I admit that I haven’t had time to read it, but I carry it around with me, hoping osmosis will take effect.
No, I don’t know if its actually going to help. But it doesn’t seem like it can hurt. What I LOVE is the idea that this well-known and reputable doctor, one of the few names in the field that I actually recognize right away, knows about Vernon. And that I don’t have to pursue this vague idea of supplemental therapy on my own. Someone showed up out of the blue and helped make it happen. As I keep saying about so many things lately: what are the chances?
It gets better. Eventually out of frustration, I texted Shawn and told him that the doctor and head nurse weren’t returning my calls. Within minutes he texted back to say the doctor on Vernon’s case was actually out of town at the moment, so he moved him over to another doctor, Dr. Cruz, who came with a PA, Dan. “Two for the price of one,” he told me.
Within a half hour, Dan called me personally. I shared my concerns with him and was able to connect him with Paul, who would be supplying Dr. Sear’s studies and successes with him. But it was not a matter of convincing him. He had already heard of this treatment and had several other patients who took high doses of fish oils.
On Friday, both Dr. Cruz and Dan met up with me in Vernon’s room.. This is the first time in our care home experience (this is the third one) that a doctor has met with me when I have asked. Usually they make their rounds at the end of the day because their own office practices are so busy. And both of them came! They were very attentive and careful to listen to my requests. I wondered if the past couple of weeks of pushing for change actually was for a different end: to get the best doctor for Vernon. It turns out Dr Cruz has his office in San Clemente, my home town….even though Vernon’s home is 45 minutes away!
Wrapping things up, Paul and Dan met again on Saturday to organize the treatment. As of then, he is getting low doses twice a day, due to increase as he tolerates things. For a brain injury case, this is late in the game to start, so we may not be able see great improvement. But we MIGHT! And that’s what I’m hoping for right now.
Again, this has been a case of things happening behind the scenes, waiting for the right time…and then HAPPENING. I never would have seen this coming, but my heart expected it.
It feels right. It feels obedient. That’s the best word I can use to explain. Even if its just for now.
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Wonderful… So exciting that Vernon’s Dr is on board! And that Vernon is now receiving treatment with the oils!
Not a coincidence this Dr is from San Clemente either…
I herd someone say once “there is no such thing as Coincidence just “God instance” I like picturing God leaving bread crumbs for us to find our way…each one leading us closer…
Xo praying!!!
Time will tell,Kirsten. I’m not putting all my eggs in this basket, but I love a push forward, especially if it comes with real connections, especially ones I couldn’t have planned! He does seem more alert already…but I’ll keep watching for more. xoxo
Wonderful! A new hope. I’ll pray that there is great success with this new approach.
I don’t know if it will…but it feels good TRYING anyway. I am realizing I’m the kind of person who has a lot of momentum in me…if I’m not moving forward, even slightly, I’m frustrated. So at least it the key to the next room. Are you back from Africa yet?
Hope is good! Praying it works.
I have read both parts, and believe with my whole heart that nothing is impossible especially when it comes to Vernon recovering. There will be more parts to this section of your journey, many of which Vernon himself will be writing about. He will be declaring it to the mountains, “I’M POSSIBLE!” He already is a living miracle. We will continue to be in prayer that everything works together for good. God bless you, dear friend. Hugs.
Allison,
I have been reading your words through this challenge you are all experiencing and know you are all strong enough to get through these challenges. You have such a beautiful family.
I have recently become involved with Nikken, which is the world’s only 40 year old total wellness company. They specialize in research and development and they are always bringing us the newest and the best for our vital wellness. Nikken which has many products with natural energies which could help Vernon’s body heal itself – I would love to get you some information to see if you and your new wonderful medical team would consider including a Nikken blanket or pillow as part of Vernon’s recovery.
I wish you a strong day with improvements for Vernon.
Be well
That sounds interesting, especially if its something external like a blanket. Thanks! You can reach me by email if you like: wunderali@gmail.com He is under strict nutritional watch for dialysis so I can’t change much of that yet, but I’m intrigued by the idea of the blanket or pillow. Please send more information. 🙂
I will send you some information for sure! I am just boarding a plane from LA to Orlando – and will give you info late this evening or tomorrow.
We have seen tremendous improvements in healing when the body is exposed to these products.
Julie
Maybe you should see if Vernon’s doctors would be able/willing to prescribe “Lovaza”. This is the most concentrated form of fish oil; EPA and DHA. I take this for reducing my cardiovascular risk. I doubt that it is indicated for what you want to do but maybe they would be to use it for him “off lable”?
Thanks for that suggesting that, David. I’ll look into it. For now, they are using the brand Dr Sears subscribes. I understand that he will be using fish oil for the rest of his life (providing it makes a difference…and it should make SOME difference at least) so it may be that we will have more choices in the future. Thanks for your recommendation… and its good to know that it is working for your health.
Allison ,
I have suffered with Post Viral Syndrome ,otherwise know as M.E for years now but the one thing that has kept me going and has made life bearable , is a product called Veg EPA. It’s a high dosage of Omega 3 fish oils that without question, help with my brain function and clarity of thought.There is no doubt in my mind that the use of fish oils help to stimulate the brain and possibly heal. So go for it as far as Vernon is concerned. Paul x
Thanks for that Paul. I think of you as a very bright guy, maybe its because of the fish oil after all! Yes, I think it will be good. He is starting on a lower dose but it will jump up soon. HE gets it through his feeding tube twice a day, along with an antioxidant binder. Looking forward to some results!
Glory! God’s timing is perfect, and in that we trust.
I’m just so excited that Vernon is starting this treatment! Praying for MORE HEALING for VERNON’S BRAIN And BODY LORD! AMEN
Allison,
Have not been here in a couple of days but have kept you guys on mind and at Bible study Tuesday. :Prayers are containing for you and Vernon and the kiddos. God bless you and the whole family.
Becky