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"NOW TWO TIMELINES OF AMY'S STORY"
........DETAILED VERSION BELOW HAS
PICTURES..................
FEBRUARY 18, 2010 "COMPACT VERSION"
Update February 18, 2010 from Amy:
I’m so beyond late for an update that no type of
apology would suffice.
On top of taking great care of me the past 5 years, Dwight has
been so
diligent and faithful to keep everyone apprised of my status.
What a
blessing you have been in my life. Thank you, Honey.
I just really wanted to do a quick recap so that anyone checking
out our
website could get the gist of what’s been happening the past 5
years without
having to read the whole blog. Dwight did a great job but it has
gotten so
long that we hate to ask people to read the whole thing.
So, here goes:
On February 18, 2005, I flew to Orlando, Florida to prepare for
my son’s
return from Afghanistan. As a bonus, two of my nursing school
buddies
and I were going to do a mini reunion/girl’s getaway. I wasn’t
feeling well
the day I left and was acting a little strange. Enough to worry
Dwight but
not enough that he stopped me from going. He was going to have
me go to
the doctor when I got back. The next morning, after pounding on
my
bedroom door and calling me on my cell, my friend, Vickie
Meadows, got
into the room where I was staying and found me face down after
having a
seizure. I was having seizures and not regaining consciousness
in between.
She and her husband, Chip, called the paramedics and Dwight.
There were
more than a few miracles that day. My husband got a quick flight
to Orlando
during Daytona 500 weekend just for starters. I wasn’t alone.
Even if I had
stayed home, Dwight would have been at work, Elizabeth at
school, and I
would have just continued to seize very probably until I died or
was severely
brain damaged.
I was taken to the hospital that I used to work at when I lived
in Orlando.
They found that I had several angiomas (a malformation in some
of the
blood vessels in my brain, also called a Cerebral Cavernous
Malformation)
in my brain and the one in the right frontal lobe had a small
bleed, very
probably causing the horrible headache the night before and the
seizures.
They agreed to allow Dwight to drive me back to Orlando on
Monday
morning. The seizures were on Saturday. So, off we go for the
shortest
10 hour drive of my life (I was VERY confused) and the longest
10 hour
drive of Dwight’s life. We make it back without incident and the
next
day are at the neurosurgeon’s office. After testing, he admits
that he is
reluctant to operate because he felt that the angioma was too
difficult to
get to. My neurologist is kind of old school and she takes a
“wait and see”
approach. I lost lots of memory function, both short and long
term and had
enough cognitive deficits that the recommendation was made that
I was not
capable of working as a nurse for the foreseeable future. This
was devastating
to me. I loved what I did. I felt called to what I did. I was
trying to finish my
bachelor’s degree so that I could become a nurse anesthetist.
For the next 2 years, I was plagued with multiple migraines per
week and
lots of confusion/memory loss/foggy thinking. My neurologist was
content
with my status. I/we were not. Through the Angioma Alliance, I
was able
to find a doctor with a lot of experience with angiomas. He felt
strongly
that at my age, it was a pretty sure bet that it was not if it
would bleed again,
but when. It was amazing to see all of my mind that God did
restore during
those two years but the gut feeling we had that this wasn’t over
was difficult
to ignore. So, on March 15, 2007, I had brain surgery at Emory
University to
remove the troublesome lesion. I can honestly say that I have
complete peace
that the surgery was the right answer and I was able to wean off
the seizure
medication over the next year.
Now for the parts we didn’t know about. What seemed to be fairly
routine
brain surgery according to the surgeon started us on a journey
that we never
thought of in our wildest nightmares. One of the risks of mostly
any surgery
is nerve damage. After the surgery, I continued to experience
significant pain
in my face beginning at the temple and coming across to my eye,
above and
below it to my upper teeth. Chewing was excruciating, as was
talking. Even
reading, which was very difficult cognitively anyway, would
cause me a great
deal of pain. The surgeon’s opinion was that they knew nothing
of it, I was
probably just drug seeking, call somebody else. I began trying
to figure out
what was wrong. I took so many Advil that I began to have a
reaction to it
every time I took it and had to stop. I don’t tolerate narcotics
well at all so
taking them just pretty much stopped life. They started me on
Lyrica, which
I still take, but honestly, the side effects of it have been
worse that the original
seizure meds. The past 3 years have been something of a
nightmare to say the
least. I had no diagnosis and didn’t know where to turn. I
finally researched
the internet and found The Face Pain Association. I wept as I
read other
people’s stories. My problem had a name. It terrified me even as
I felt relief
that I wasn’t crazy. Trigeminal Neuralgia, also known as the
suicide nerve.
The most painful condition ever documented, given it’s name
because more
people commit suicide from this particular nerve pain than any
other chronic
pain condition. They also said that for my type of TN, there was
pretty much
nothing that could be done other than to try to manage the pain
with medications.
There are surgeries available but they almost never work and in
fact, stand the
chance of making it worse.
I wish I could tell you how easy it’s been to trust God during
this time. I so
admire and truly aspire to be one of those people who can just
“Trust God”
with no doubting or questioning. But that’s not me. I’ve cried,
I’ve screamed,
I’ve begged. It’s so hard to lean on the everlasting arms when
you truly would
slice your own face just to have the pain stop. I’ve had those
moments. I’ve
had those days. And guess what? Real life still goes on no
matter what.
People still don’t like you. Kids still go their own way. Even
“perfect”
husbands can't do it all. I praise God that we are not a people
without Hope.
My mind gets boggled at those who try to do this life without a
loving God.
See, the truth is, life on this earth is going to happen. That’s
the world we live
in. As a believer, we aspire to that place called heaven where
pain and heartache
cease. But during the meantime, we gotta live in the here and
now too. I’m so
glad that the only God, Jesus, who ever came down to meet us in
our time of
need found me. Oh how my heart aches for everyone who’s hurting
to find Him.
He’s there just waiting. Your hurt doesn’t have to be physical
like mine. He’ll
meet you no matter what, no matter where. Just call His name.
I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t long for the day when I can
have even one hour
with absolutely no pain. I’m human. But I can tell you that
there’s One that I
can pour my heart out to and get relief for my weary soul even
in the midst of
my pain. I’m so thankful for the ones God has sent into my life
to minister to
me and hold my arms up when I’m weak. It’s so humbling, but I
know I couldn’t
have made it this far without you all.
So, what now? Well, tomorrow, on my 5th anniversary of being
found on the
floor that morning at my friend, Vickie’s house, I’ll have
surgery again. It seems
my lucky number has been pulled yet again. Something totally
unrelated to all of
the brain/pain stuff. One of my parathyroid glands has decided
to grow it’s own
little non cancerous tumor so we’re gonna just let them take
that puppy out. I’ve
been joking that cracking my skull wasn’t enough, now they want
to slit my
throat! I know. Another case of my sick humor. As usual, Dwight
will be doing
an update on my progress for everybody. I’m hopeful that some of
my pain may
be alleviated by getting this little annoyance removed. Dwight
is always more
hopeful than me but I’m trying to stay optimistic.
I feel like I have so much more to do before I’m called Home. I
continue to pray
for my complete healing. But I’m also trying to enter a place of
peace where I stop
asking God, “Why?” and just ask Him, “What? What would you have
me do when
everything I ever thought I was going to be is gone?”. That’s
the real question.
How can I bloom here? Whom can I serve here? All I ever dreamed
of is not
possible if this is where I stay. Show me, Lord. I pray to give
others Hope.
To lead you to the one true Healer. Jesus is His Name.
"DETAILED VERSION STARTING OVER
5 YEARS AGO"
February 22, 2005 Tuesday 8:00AM
This past Saturday at 7:30am I got a call from Vicki Meadows in
Orlando.
Amy had flown down Friday night to spend the weekend with Vicki
and
another friend Marilynn and to go to an Army meeting Saturday
coordinating
the coming home of Amy’s son Paul and other troops from
Afghanistan. Well
in the call Vicki said Dwight I can’t wake Amy up and in the
background I
heard the paramedics sirens. A few hours later I was on a plane
and at 1:45 PM
B’ham time I was with Amy. It turns out that she had three that
we know of
Grand Mal seizures that morning. When I got there she didn’t
remember much
but she was glad to see me. She was admitted that afternoon and
they started test
and put her on an anti seizure drug. Amy had very little memory
of school and
work. She didn’t know why she was in Orlando. The MRI showed a
cavernous
angioma behind her right eye. Well Sunday was a better day she
got up and
walked. By Monday morning I was on the road to B’ham with a
confused wife.
Today we are going to the neurosurgeon’s office. We appreciate
everyone’s
prayers and the wonderful staff at Florida East Hospital. They
were all amazed
that Amy was going home. I told them if they knew how many
people had been
praying they would know this was a God thing. We will always
remember Kim,
Crystal, Julie and all the others at Florida East that made a
very tough time easier
with all their love and kindness and especially Vicki and Chip
who I now know
why Amy loves them so. It was my first time to meet them. I will
give updates
regularly and you all keep praying for her speedy recovery. She
said this
morning that she wanted to go to class today. She said she’s not
sure where it is
but she doesn’t want to miss.
Got to love Amy.
February 23, 2005 Wednesday 8:00AM
Yesterday was very exhausting for Amy. At 2:00 we went to the
neurosurgeon’s
office. We didn’t have a clue on who to choose. As with this
entire ordeal we
have simply trusted God to put us in the right places and with
the right people
for Amy. We met Dr. McRae. Turns out he goes to the Church Of
The Highlands.
He took all the time Amy and I needed to go over her condition.
He proceeded to
tell us Amy has not one but two areas. The first behind her
right eye probably
didn’t cause the seizures and we might just leave it alone and
not do anything to
it because at this time it looks like it is not causing any
problems. The other is on
the back of Amy’s brain and is probably the culprit. Dr. McRae
said it was an
easier problem to fix. We will have an EEG done this morning and
that will help
the doctor make a better decision on where we go next. By the
way Amy and I
were thrilled when Dr. McRae said he believed in the power of
prayer and asked
if he could pray for Amy. We laid hands on Amy and the Dr.
prayed a powerful
prayer of healing over Amy. Amy was insistent on going to
statistics class at 7:00.
We had to look the address up because she couldn’t remember much
about
the class. I was not in favor of this but did it any way. I
talked to the professor
before the class and explained about Amy and he said he would
help any way he
can. Amy had a really tough time in class. She came out dejected
and exhausted.
I’m leaving now to take her to the neurologists office, Dr.
Pearson. Please,
please continue to pray for Amy and everyone involved. We know
God’s hand is
on her but she will have a lot of adjusting too. The doctor also
told her she
couldn’t drive for a year.
God bless you all for prayers and love for Amy,
Dwight
February 23, 2005 Wednesday 3:00PM
Wow, another eventful day. First of all Amy and I are so
grateful for the
calls and emails. It is very hard for Amy to return all the
calls just yet. Amy
and I went to Dr. Pearson this morning. On the way down Amy said
she was
feeling kind of funny. I was very concerned. Dr. Pearson was
wonderful and
good. First we went in and Amy did the EEG. I almost got a
picture on my
cell phone of her in her red cap with all the leads coming off,
but she caught
me. After the EEG we went into the office and talked with Dr.
Pearson. She
asked how Amy was feeling and said did she realize she had had
four
seizures while the EEG was being taken. Long story short. The
continual
seizures is why Amy’s mind is not back. We got some more
medications
which is suppose to stop them. We then did a MRA to see how the
front
tumor, which is the real culprit, is connected. One way you can
operate and
another you can’t. Pray. Amy is home now in bed. She can’t be
left alone
for a week until we see how the new medicine is working. So we
are lining
up sitters which is easy. Who wouldn’t want to sit with Amy.
Someone
mentioned to me that Amy didn’t seem the same and they were sad.
I told
them on the plane to Orlando Saturday morning I didn’t know if I
was going
to get to hug Amy ever again. I’m so thrilled to have her safe
at home with
all of us to watch God do a work in her and hugs too. The peace
that we
have is an answer to all of your prayers. Every doctor we see or
test we
take there is a peace that only a child of God can explain. Not
sure about
Sunday if Amy can make church but we will try. We have an
appointment
on the 3rd of March with Dr. Pearson to see what the next step
is.
Thank you for your continued prayers and faith and love for Amy.
The next bit of news or progress I will post another report.
Dwight
February 24, 2005 Thursday 8:00PM Amy’s Birthday
The calls, cards, flowers, emails, visits, food are wonderful
for Amy and all of us. Today is Amy’s birthday. She had a
headache this morning but much better this afternoon.
The prayers are so needed and appreciated. People we
have never met are emailing their love for Amy. Here is
a birthday picture of our girl. Much love, Dwight
February 25, 2005 Friday 5:30PM
We let Amy just rest today. I enjoyed coming home a couple
of times during the day to check on her. She was smiling sitting
up in bed. Beth is home from school and stayed home today.
Amy seems to be doing better. This really all hits hard
sometimes. Amy just a minute ago started balling in the
kitchen hugging Beth. She ask about Justin, her friends son
who was in Iraq. Beth said momma Justin was killed two months
ago. Amy had no memory of spending days with Beverly helping
throughout the funeral. It was like she had to grieve all over
again.
She remembers a little more each day. But not fast enough for me
The doctor called today letting us know that a special CAT scan
is scheduled Thursday the same day another EEG is going to be
done. We will know much more then. Thank you all for everything.
Amy, Dwight and Beth
February 26, 2005 Saturday 6:30PM
Amy feels a little tired in the mornings. But today I noticed
that she
seems to be more alert and not as head achey. It’s been just a
week
since she got sick. It seems like a year ago. Wow what a
difference
in Amy from a week ago. Every time I look at her I’m so grateful
she is here. We increased her medication today and that will
remain
the same till Thursday. Keep remembering her.
Thanks again. Prayer is powerful. Dwight
February 28, 2005 Monday 8:30AM
Amy went to church yesterday. It was wonderful to have her there
and for her to get all the hugs. She slept most all Sunday
afternoon
with a slight headache. The pills make her nauseated so this
morning
at 2:30AM she needed milk and chocolate cake. So did I. Lots of
visitors and food and prayers and emails and cards. How great
this is
for Amy. She feels so close to everyone and to God also. Her
courage
has taught me a lot.
Love to all, Dwight March 1, 2005 Tuesday 6:30AM
Amy didn’t need cake last night, but I did. Early this morning
she
said, half asleep, I think I feel much better today. It hit me
this
morning that Amy and I started our prayer ministry and website to
minister to others. But it is completely turned around. We are
getting emails though the site from many other states from people
pouring
their hearts out to Amy. Half of the emails are from people we
have
never met. What a powerful experience this is. Amy and I
send our love to everyone. We are simply overwhelmed.
Yours in Him, Dwight and Amy March 2, 2005 Wednesday 5:30PM
Amy is in very good spirits. Here is a picture of her studying
cavernous hemangiomas on the internet. Thursday the 3rd is
the test day at St. Vincent’s Hospital. She knows so many are
praying for her and her faith is an example to us all. Her
medication makes her tire easy still but she is doing a little
more
each day. Amy and I thank everyone so much for everything.
March 3, 2005 Thursday 5:00PM
I don’t think this report will surprise anyone. If you remember
the doctor told me last week that the MRA showed arterial flow
to the front hemangioma. That suggested brain surgery will be
necessary.
Today the CT scan showed venous flow which means no surgery
if the drugs work. Well on the EEG today Amy was having no
seizures.
So that means the drugs are working. The doctor said she still
had
abnormal brain activity and I said welcome to my world. But the
other great
news is that all the memory loss, slurred words, dropped words,
fatigue and headaches are most likely from mixing the two anti
seizure
drugs. So we are weaning one off. The doctor said it was
possible in two
to three weeks Amy could be back at work. Praise God. Wow. I’m a
little speechless which would be hard for some to believe. But I
think
Amy and I just want to thank God for the power of prayer. And to
thank
the prayer warriors that have had Amy on their hearts for almost
two weeks
now. Later: We just found out that a pastor and his wife from
Tanzania
fasted for two days for Amy’s recovery. We are humbled by all of
this today.
We all have so much to praise God for in the past, today and the
future.
March 7, 2005 Monday
Amy has spent the last few days resting. She was on the phone
this morning taking care of UAB. She is simply not ready for
school. She is in good spirits because she knows there is no
hurry.
She is looking forward to work. Everyone at Carraway has been so
nice to Amy and that has meant so much to her. Amy is trying to
catch up on phone calls. Emailing is hard for her as is anything
that requires a lot of concentration. To do this tires her. But
this
is also getting better everyday with the adjustments in
medication. This
weekend Amy looked at all of her cards though and I read a lot
of the
emails again to her again. We are so encouraged because of how
far
she has come in just a little over two weeks. She and I both
will
never forget the response from all of you. Too many to thank at
this time but we will do our best.
Yours in Christ, Dwight and Amy
March 14, 2005 Monday 6:00PM
Amy has had a great week. I am learning to adjust to being
chauffeur.
We are still eating left over church food “the best kind.”
Thursday
Amy goes back to the neurologist Dr. Pearson. We don’t have any
complaints. Amy’s memory is coming back daily. Church Sunday
was awesome. Amy had such a great time seeing everyone. We ate
out with the Schweigerts after church. Amy’s son Paul arrived in
the
USA today from a year in Afghanistan. We are all thrilled.
Everyone
at Carraway has been so great to Amy and they are waiting for
her to
come back to work in about three weeks. Emails keep coming in
from
all over. I will let everyone know Thursday afternoon about our
Drs.
visit. Many thanks to everyone. Dwight
March 19, 2005 Saturday 3:00PM
Great week! Great day! We spent the night in Nashville Friday
night
and Paul landed in Nashville Saturday morning. As you can see a
long awaited reunion. Amy’s doctors visit went great. Amy had a
lot
of questions. Dr. Pearson’s answers were all what we wanted to
hear.
Amy did ask if she could ride her Harley again. The doctor said,
You
are asking a neurologist if you can ride a Harley? But she said
Amy
can do anything she was doing before in weeks to come. Amy is
focusing on work in a couple of weeks. So much thanks to all of
you
who are keeping up with Amy. She has been a real trooper and her
attitude is great. Amy was at my office last week and took her
shoes
off and put a foot on Martha’s desk and said I want to show you
the
most beautiful socks from White Flowers I found in my drawer and
I
don’t even remember buying them. Martha started laughing as we
all
did and she told Amy that she had given them to her three weeks
ago
on her birthday. There is a two week time period Amy might never
get back but her memory is getting better everyday. Amy loves
all the
cards and emails. So if you haven’t said hello to Amy go to
“Contact Us”
and send her a note. Thanks for being a part of our journey. Amy
and I
give God the glory for all He has done.
Dwight and Amy
 
April 8, 2005 Friday
Well a lot has been going on in the Elliott house. A couple of
weeks ago Amy had a 24 hour EEG. The test show no seizures
but some abnormal activity. Dr. Pearson gave Amy some new
drugs. Amy is afraid she is taking more drugs than her 92 year
old grandmother. The doctor is trying some new things because
Amy’s lack of memory is not coming along as fast as we want.
She had to turn in her resignation at Carraway hospital. That
was a
tough one. She had her first speech therapy Tuesday and
will go for a few more weeks. Monday she starts mental therapy
at Healthsouth Rehab. All in all Amy is coming along. Be praying
for her constant migraine headaches and for her mental processes
to
be restored. It’s been 8 weeks now and the reality of all of
this really
hits hard sometimes. We are both still putting our faith in
God’s
ultimate plan for us. In a few more days I will try and recap
and let
everyone know how the new medications are doing. All of you will
never know how much it has meant to Amy and me the love shown
to us in so many ways.
Yours in Him,
Dwight
April 19, 2005 Tuesday 7:00 PM
Amy’s headaches are so much better. Tonight she starts doubling
the dose on
her anti-convulsing drug. A few more weeks and she can drop the
other
anti-convulsing drug that we believe is causing a lot of her
problems. Amy
will be re-assessed in cognitive rehab on Thursday. Her results
from the day
of testing from her neuropsych test won’t be available till May
3rd. Whatever
the results she will still be smarter than I am. Yesterday she
and her good
friend Debbie Claudio from Cleveland Tennessee went shopping and
to the
Cheesecake Factory. I dropped by as they were downing cheese
cake with
whipped cream on top. Today I came home and saw an empty tray of
brownies
and I asked her, How many of these did you eat today? And she
said, which
time? We just love all the emails and calls. They keep our
spirits high. God
bless you all.
Dwight and Amy
APRIL 26 Tuesday 8:00AM MESSAGE FROM AMY:
To all of my friends:
I have wanted to enter a message to you all for quite some time,
but either I
haven’t felt up to it or I have run out of energy in my day and
not gotten it
done. Well, all in the Lord’s timing.
I cannot tell you all how you have ministered to me over this
period of time.
Some of you several times, partly because you have emailed me
more than
once (special thanks to Joanie in Florida, mine and Dwight’s
favorite retiree,
who gets the all time award for sending me
the most encouraging emails), and some of you because in the
beginning
I read the emails and then promptly couldn’t remember them. What
a joy
to read them over again and “rediscover” them again. OK,
sometimes again
and again! Yes, it was a little freaky at times.
This has been the strangest experience of my life. A lot of it I
am still in the
process of figuring out. You know, those of us who are believers
(and some
who aren’t) have all been told, “You could die today”. And of
course, we
know that we could but who really believes it? Know one can
really grasp
that concept. Maybe for the person next door or down the street,
but it can’t
happen to me. Even now, I still find it difficult to believe. I
thank God that
I was where I was when it the seizures happened and that He did
let me
wake up. I am grateful that I get to spend more time with those
I love and
have more time to do more for Him.
I used to think people were selfish when they prayed to have a
crown when
they got to heaven. I now understand that the crown we earn is
not for us,
but to have something worthy to lay at Jesus’ feet when we see
Him. I pray
to have more time to get more jewels to lay at His feet when I
see Him.
What a glorious day that will be! Just hopefully not quite yet!
I can’t tell you all how you’ve ministered to me over these past
couple of
months. Some of you I know and others I have never met. What a
joy and
a privilege. I pray that you will all know more of Jesus and
that I get to
see you again or meet you someday.
I am glad to finally get the chance to speak. I have never been
good at
letting Dwight do all the talking! My love and admiration for
him has
grown beyond my wildest expectations through this experience
(not that
it wasn’t there before!) You never really know the depth of
someone’s
character until something like this happens. This is a guy who
has never
left my side. He has held my hand, my head, dried my tears,
driven me,
sat with me, told me what to do when I couldn’t figure it out
(occasionally
to the point of annoyance), gotten me food, medicine for my
pain, and then
gone to work and run his company whether he had slept at all or
not - I could
go on for pages. Never in my life have I had someone love me and
be there
for me completely unselfishly like he has. Truly, Christ’s love
in action.
I think if I could say one thing about this whole experience it
would be that
God has used the people in my life, from you who have emailed me
to those
who have brought me meals and gifts, to those who have dropped
by to pray
or prayed with me over the phone, to show me how much He loves
me.
Every little thing that has been done, I took as a message from
Him to show
me His love for me. Who can understand even the height and the
depth of
God’s love for us as individuals, even knowing what He did on
the cross.
He loves all of us this way. Know that in your hearts and minds
today. This
world will not be without trouble. But He loves us and will
never leave us.
He is just waiting to show us if we will let Him.
I hope to write to you again soon. I am so thankful to be
feeling better and to
finally get to communicate with everyone.
Much love in Him,
Amy
May 9, 2005 Monday 6:45AM
Last week was difficult for Amy. She got the big report from her
all day
mental testing. The report showed that the seizures caused brain
damage
or as Amy says “drain bamage”. The report also showed about a
30% drop
in her I.Q. Well all this sounds bad but it’s only been about 90
days since all
this has happened. The report also said they were hopeful Amy
could
improve over time. As I listened to Amy pray last night she
thanked God
that His hand is on her and He is in control. So Amy’s faith
will get her
through. This Thursday is her Drs. visit. We think she will take
Amy off
one drug since she is now up to full dose on the new drug. So
continue to
pray for Amy’s full recovery and for Amy to continue to have
mountain
moving faith and me too.
Love to all,
Dwight
June 9, 2005 Thursday, Amy's new friend
It has been a while since I’ve given an Amy report. We are very
encouraged
this past week. A few weeks ago on a Saturday we spent the day
at St.
Vincent’s emergency room. That morning Amy was seeing double and
had
a wicked headache. They did another MRI and found a third
hemangioma
behind her left eye. I can’t tell you how discouraging all this
is to us. But the
good news is that Amy has been doing much better after the
doctor weaned
her off one of the drugs. Yes it was causing most of Amy’s
mental problems.
Amy worked at our office for almost a complete day and did
wonderful. She
couldn’t have done that three weeks ago. I can tell you for sure
she is making
daily progress. We have got to get use to the fact that there
are three areas
in her brain that are not good. But we are thrilled at the fact
that the
medications are working so that surgery might not ever have to
be done.
We are now adding another medication and that’s “Sadie” Amy’s
new
Yorkie Terrier puppy. We are still overwhelmed at the continued
love for
Amy from all of you. You all have been the best medicine of all.
Amy and I
are still trusting God for Amy’s full recovery. All pray that
Sadie gets house
broken soon so Amy can quit chasing her around with wee wee
pads.
Yours in Christ, Dwight
Amy and Wendy Speaks "Sadie's godmother"
July 27, 2005 9:00PM
It has been a while since I’ve brought everyone up to date on
Amy.
It’s been 5 months now. We are simply taking one day at a time
and learning to live with the little inconveniences. Amy and I
and
her doctor see the full recovery down the road. Driving now
seems
possible. Amy sees that possibility in the next couple of
months.
Her next doctors appointment to see about driving and going back
to work and/or school is in late August. I plan on then posting
a
lot of pictures and the report then. Thanks to everyone who
checks
regularly for Amy updates. She is really enjoying Sadie and is
also frustrated with all the little things like forgetting
something
or dropping something. Continue to pray for the upcoming
decisions.
Amy and I talk often of all you out there and how much your love
and support has meant to us these last 5 months. Amy can’t drive
but I got her a John Deere. We have bought a home in the country
and that is another project for us. Amy loves to cut grass and
Sadie
thinks the Ford F150 comes with hind leg holders.
In Christ,
Dwight and Amy and Sadie
October 20, 2005 Message from Amy
Somebody sound the alarms!!! Amy Elliott’s back on the road
again!
Yes, that’s right ladies and gentlemen, I am driving again. I
was a
little timid at first, feeling like a sixteen year old hitting
the road
alone for the first time. Excited, a little fearful and all of
my senses
on full alert saying, “Please Lord, don’t let anything happen
because
if it does, Dwight will never let me drive again”. Thankfully,
everyone in Birmingham and the surrounding area has been safe.
How do you say enough thanks to God for all that’s happened this
year. I feel like I’ve come through a “trial by fire” this year
and am
now emerging from it. I thank God for all the progress in
restoring
my mind and body back to him. I thank you all for your prayers
and
support (I feel like I’m giving a speech at the Emmys, “Ah,
thank you,
thank you very much” (spoken like Elvis!) I don’t mean to sound
flippant but I do want you all to know how grateful I am. What a
privilege it has been to have been prayed over and supported by
you
guys. I still have a few small hurdles to overcome, but I know
they
will come in due time. I look forward to what God has for me. I
love
you all, Amy
p.s. We will keep talking. I’ll keep you posted on “what next?”!
January 16, 2006 Monday
It has been a while since I have given an Amy update.
She is
doing well and enjoying life and it’s changes. One set back was
just before Christmas a lady hit Amy’s Jetta in the rear,
bounced
back hit the accelerator instead of the brake and hit her again
slamming her into the car in front. She had a CAT scan to see
if there was any bleeding and there was none. She had the worst
migraine headache for a solid three weeks after that and still has
a head ache and body aches from the accident. We are coming up
on one year since Amy’s seizures. We have had plenty of
adjusting
to do and Amy has done great getting use to the differences
in her daily life. Our faith is in God for her full recovery.
She is
such a trooper. When we get down in the dumps we have to sit
back and be thankful for how far she has come in 11 months. We
both are thrilled when we hear from you through the web site.
Our prayer ministry has developed beyond our wildest dreams. It
has been such a blessing. Our dog Sadie is fun and our country
home is just about finished. Amy and I have worked hard for 6
months on it and as you can see Amy is a great painter and also
a great looking painter. I plan on doing another update around
the one year anniversary of Amy’s medical adventure. With
before and after pictures. She might not like it but I will do
it
any way. I think they are cute. Thanks to all for hanging in
there
with us. We love you all.
In Him,
Dwight
CHECK HER PAINTING SHOES OUT!!!!
ONE YEAR AGO TODAY February 19, 2005
How wonderful it is to be where we are today. Our direction
is
totally different now than a year ago but it’s better in so
many ways.
A year ago today when I got the call that Vicki couldn’t wake
Amy up, mine and Amy’s life changed forever. Day by day, hour
by
hour since then we have been anxiously watching God work.
From
me getting a seat in one hour after the phone call on
Southwest to
Orlando on Daytona 500 weekend was my first sign that God was
in
control. Everyone on the plane happy and going to the big
race and
I was sitting on the front row trying not to come apart in
front of
everyone not knowing what was happening to Amy. So the
pictures
show how all of our prayers were answered. Amy and I can’t
thank
you enough. Your prayers and sweet emails and notes have been
a blessing to us. This hasn’t been easy but what would it
have
been without our faith. Faith allows God to work in our lives
and
the lives of others around us. Amy still has a way to go but
that
doesn’t scare us seeing how far she has come. Much love and
sincere thanks to all of you for being there for us.
Sunday afternoon February 20, 2005
Amy with dog "Ferguson" from the gift shop. It took all her
strength to muster up this smile. I took this with my camera
phone to send to family. At this time she knew family,
friends
and that she was in Florida and not much else.
Last week February 2006
As you can see for yourself God is good. I believe with all
my heart that Amy is where she is today because of the
prayers and love shown to her by all of you. Amy and I
have a more wonderful outlook on life because of the
impact of our friends on us. We are more dedicated
than ever to walk empowered by God to serve Him better.
Thanks for the most powerful year of our lives
Dwight
December 14, 2006 Thursday 6:00AM
Wow, it has been a while hasn’t it. The last 10 months have
just flown
by. Amy and I have settled down and are adjusting everyday.
Amy
has tried a couple of new medications to help with her head
aches.
None have helped. It is a weekly battle for her. We just make
the
most out of the good days and hold on to each other during
the bad
ones. We are so thrilled with our family and looking forward
to Christmas.
Thank you all for continuing to pray for Amy. Amy and I know
that
God is in control and He will use this for His Honor and
Glory. It hurts
so much to see someone you love so much suffer with pain and
uncertainties. Please pray for me to have the strength to
take care of Amy
the way God expects me too. We also know God acts suddenly as
He
has so many times in our lives and we are looking forward to
what He
has in store for us. After the first of the year I will
report again in more
detail. Be in prayer also for the website and our cards we
hand out.
People all over are going to our website and the stories are
remarkable.
No greater joy than sharing God’s love on the web or on the
street.
We are so blessed having you check on us.
Dwight
March 9, 2007 Friday PM
Well we have some news. It has been 2 years Amy has struggled
with the three
angiomas in her brain. She has suffered with migraine
headaches 2 - 5 times a
week, memory loss, confusion and the side effects of the
narcotics and anti
seizure medications. Don’t get me wrong, we are so grateful
where Amy is today.
But we have always struggled with what to do next to help
her. When we pray
we thank God for what he has done and thank him for what He
is going to do.
This week we made a trip to Atlanta to see Dr. Daniel Barrow.
He is a world
famous vascular neurosurgeon. We spent the entire afternoon
at Emory Medical
Center. After a wonderful but stressful talk with Dr. Barrow
we left knowing
this was an answer to prayer. Amy and I knew these last two
years have lead up
to this day and this doctor. In about 3 weeks he is going to
operate on Amy and
remove the largest angioma in her frontal lobe. We have such
a peace about this
under the circumstances. The outcome can not be guaranteed
but God is in
control of it so we know it will be good. Amy has been such a
trooper and I’m so
proud of her. So in about 18 months after the surgery they
will take her off her
medications gradually. As young as she is this will give her
most of her adult life
possibly seizure free and no medications and no possibility
of this bleeding again
and causing more problems. So it will be a morning of surgery
for Amy then
intensive care for 24 hours the about a week in the Emery
Medical Center. So if
you all will pray for Amy and lift her up to God for His
continuing to bless her
with His goodness.
Love to all,
Dwight
March 13, 2007 Tuesday Afternoon
Today Amy is in Atlanta at Emory Medical getting her MRI's
and
lab work for surgery. They scheduled the surgery rather soon.
It
will be this Thursday morning at 10:00AM EST. We are
excited but
anxious too. Continue to pray for the surgery and Dr.
Barrow. Pray
that this is the complete healing Amy has stretched her faith
out for.
We are leaving Birmingham tomorrow afternoon for Atlanta.
Looking
forward to coming home early next week with a healed Amy.
Thanks to all for your concern and love for Amy.
Trusting Him,
Dwight
March 15, 2007 8:30PM Thurs at Emory
University Hospital
Wow! What a day. Amy and I got up early and got her to the
hospital
at 7:30AM. They shaved little spots on her head and put what
looks like
magnetic cheerios in four or five spots. They are used as
markers for
the computer during surgery. She then had an MRI and waited
for surgery.
It was afternoon before she got in. During the whole process
Amy was
calm and ready to get r done. I was a nervous wreck. Dr.
Barrow called
at 4:30 and said all went perfectly. Got to spend a few
minutes with Amy
in the recover room. She was doing great. Her head is all
bandaged but
she looked beautiful. They took about a 3" square of her
skull out on the
top of her head right above her right eye. Two hours in
recovery and now
she is in ICU hooked up to a lot of TVs. High Def I hope.
They are going
to let me stay with Amy in the ICU tonight. I’m feeding her
ice chips
between sentences. She we probably get her own room tomorrow
and we
will just wait and see how soon we can get her home. The
response has
been far and beyond our wildest dreams the last few days.
People from
everywhere have been praying for Amy. Thanks to Shawn,
Denise,
Rachel and Millicent for taking good care of Amy here in the
ICU.
More tomorrow.
Dwight
March 17, 2007 10:00AM Emory University
Hospital Atlanta
Yesterday was a difficult day for Amy. In the morning she was
fine then
she got more tired as the day went on. The right side of her face
started
swelling also. It got worse as the day and evening went on.
Then her right
eye swelled shut. This morning the rest last night helped but
Amy said she
was miserable. The doctor came in about 8:00AM and took her
head
bandages off. That was extremely painful for Amy. Then he
removed a
drain tube from her head and that was easy after the pain
from the bandage
removal. Amy said it felt like he was removing a worm from
her head. We
had no idea of the scar. My mouth dropped open when the Dr.
reveled it.
There is a row of about 100 staples from the middle of her
front hair line
back and then down to her ear lobe. It’s about 10" long. The
good news is
that I can see the swelling going down on her right side but
the eye is still
shut. Amy and I took a walk, one lap, around this end of the
floor and she
was ready for bed. They will take the IV out shortly and she
will be free of
all tubes. Hopefully Sunday we will come home. That is the
plan. Connie
and Paul Schweigert stayed with us the first two days and
they are on their
way to Chicago to see Christy. I hope this is not too much
information but
we are getting so many calls and emails wanting to know how
Amy is doing.
It is a painful process for her but the beginning of a better
time for her. I am
so impressed with her courage. She is an example to us all.
By the way, she
is out of the Intensive Care Unit and has her own room now.
Anyone that
knows me knows I have taken pictures of Amy's head. I
would post a picture
of her head on this site but anyone who knows Amy knows I
would be the
one in Intensive Care if I did. Just come see her when
she's home.
Blessings to all,
Dwight
March 19, 2007 Monday 4:00PM Home
Sunday morning the doctor came in our room with discharge
papers. By
lunch time Amy and I were on the road to B’ham. Amy was
disturbed
that this was to early to go. She was right. She has experienced
unbelievable
headaches and the pill form of medications just aren’t the
same. I called
the hospital at 2:00AM and got a neurosurgeon and he helped a
little.
I talked with the doctors office today and we have a plan for
tonight if
the headaches get worse again. Amy has slept most of the day
and is
up now watching TV. Talking really tires her out. So many
are helping
by staying during the day or with food. Prayer is the answer
and our faith
is there. We met a wonderful nurse at Emory named Jeena
Mathews. She
is from India and a born again Christian. We had a wonderful
talk and she
took great care of Amy.
Thanks so much for checking on Amy,
Dwight
March 23, 2007 6:00PM Friday
By Wednesday of this week we were all amazed at how well Amy
was doing then Thursday it was back to square one. Today is
the
same Amy is dealing with intense pain and sluggishness from
the
medications. Frustrating to say the least. Then to add to our
emotions
trying to get our Dr.’s office in Atlanta to help is not
working. They
say get B’ham doctors to help. Well ours in on spring break
vacation.
And his office said none of the doctors would prescribe what
Amy
needed for the pain. A very helpless feeling. Other Bham
neurosurgeons say they aren’t interested since the surgery
was done
in Atlanta. But a couple of great doctors from our church
helped today.
Ginger Kemp came by the house today and helped with Amy’s
hair.
Food and prayers are pouring in. Amy is the focus but I’m at
the
point of exhaustion from watching Amy suffer, sitting up with
her,
trying to work and the frustration of the doctors passing the
buck.
Continue to pray for Amy and throw in one for me to have the
energy to take care of Amy.
God bless you all,
Dwight
March 26, 2007 Monday 7:00PM
Late Friday night Amy’s pain was way down. Saturday morning
she started
taking less pain medications. Sunday morning she sat out on
the back
porch with me while I built a project. Sunday afternoon Amy
walked
to the mail box and back and that was it, she was exhausted.
Today she
rested most of the day and this afternoon walked around the
house with
me. Tomorrow we get the staples taken out. Amy is very
self-conscience
about her scare and hair. I don’t care. She looks great. We
have high
hopes that she will back to herself in a few weeks. There is
no hurry.
Again we are so thankful. There is not another couple on this
planet
with friends as great as ours. We had a great restful
weekend.
Dwight
April 2, 2007 Monday 8:00PM
Amy is doing a little better each day. Sometimes it seems
like one step forward
and two steps back but even then she is moving ahead. We went
to church
Sunday for praise and worship and left before the sermon. Amy
just tuckered
out. But today she walked up and down the drive way twice and
we sat out on
the front porch and admired all the dogwoods in bloom. She is
really tired
tonight as to be expected. Today we talked of all Amy's
friends and supporters
and how blessed we are. How about Amy's hat?? She has a white
one for Easter
with a big flower on it that Lisa Comfort hand made for her.
April 8, 2007 Easter Sunday
Amy had a great Saturday. She said Saturday morning that her
head felt better
than it had for two years. She said it was hard to explain.
So this morning we
got ready and went to church. It was so nice to see Amy back
at church and
make it all the way through and have a little energy to visit
afterwards. Here
she is talking with Suzanne Shinn, Amy's Arbonne partner and
Julie Garrett
on the far right a nurse friend of hers. Everybody loved
Amy's floppy hat.
Wow it was three weeks ago today that we came home from
Atlanta.
Thanks to all,
Dwight
April 29, 2007 Sunday 9:00PM
Amy is still doing better everyday. She is driving a little
and we went to church
again today. Wednesday we go to Atlanta to see Dr. Barrow for her checkup. We
have lots of questions.
Her main issue now is energy. She still says her head
feels different
and more like she remembers it 2 years ago. Amy is anxious to get
back
to 100%. More anxious than she needs to be. But we all
know Amy. She is
on the phone right now with one of her out of town
friends. She loves all the
attention and it is part of her healing.
We will let you know what the doctor says
and check in in a few weeks.
Thanks for all your emails, visits, calls, cards,
letters, food and most of all your prayers.
Dwight
May 2, 2007 Wednesday 7:00PM "Talk About
Timing"
Amy and I left early for Atlanta today. We met with Dr.
Daniel Barrow mid
afternoon. Amy was anxious and had a list of questions. All
Dr. Barrow's
answers were great but one really hit us in a great way. Amy
asked Dr. Barrow
how large was the angioma and he looked it up. It turns out
that the angioma had
grown in two years to over double in size. Here in Birmingham
we were told we
didn't need any follow up MRI's after two years. That
we would just wait and
do one when something happened. We were told when Amy called
the doctor
saying she woke up heart pounding with tingling feeling in
her feet and hands
not to worry about it or when she called the B'ham doctor
saying she had lost
feeling in the left side of her body and couldn't move her
arms or legs for
minutes, not to worry about it. Well, God promises wisdom and
Amy and I
prayed for wisdom in this decision. It turns out if we had
listened to the B'ham
docs Amy was walking around with a time bomb in her head.
But now it's gone
and Dr. Barrow said she is free to do what ever she wants to
do. Amy and I are
so excited. We are tired today but if I left anything
out I will update this
paragraph tomorrow.
Thanks so much,
Dwight and a brand new Amy
"Dr. Daniel Barrow"
Amy calls him Dr. McDreamy. And where
is her left hand???
August 8, 2007
New 48 hour
EEG test and new car!!!!!!
February 19, 2008 Our visit to Emory Medical
"It was three years ago today I got the call"
Ok, I know it has been a while for an Amy update. I will try and
keep it short
and simple. Today, it will be 3 years since all this started
with Amy's head.
I think the one thing we both didn't count on was how tiring
this would be for
both of us. But we are looking forward to this summer. We have
recently taken
a couple of trips. Amy is pursuing her dream of being a midwife.
She is now
a doula and will be going to El Paso for three months to as she
says "to catch
babies". I will probably take a long cruise or two while
she is gone and work
on my book. The last time we posted an update Amy had just had
the 48 hour
EEG. It showed no signs of seizures but showed some
abnormalities. I'm glad
they didn't do one on me. The purpose of the brain surgery
was to eventually
get off the medications. So yesterday we went to Atlanta and
Emory Medical
to talk about that. We walked out with a plan to get off one at
a time. Amy still
struggles with energy, confusion and restless nights. The
headaches are so much
better after surgery but they cut a nerve or something on her
right temple area and
it is very painful all the time. So that's our next project now.
The last three years
have been unbelievable. The number of friends and new friends
grows daily.
Amy and my faith has grown so much. There is no way to put into
words how
God has used all of this to grow us up in Him. So keep praying
for Amy and
her perfect health and for God to use all this for His honor and
glory. Thanks to
all of you for your calls and emails also. We love them. I know
I'm rambling today
but the trip to Atlanta and the doctor visit took a little out
of me too. Amy has
been
in bed all day today because she was so anxious about the doctor
visit and
anxious about what to expect as she weans off the drugs. So also
pray for
a smooth transition to becoming drug free. She takes a handful
in the morning and
at night also, so we will deal one at a time. God bless you all and
thanks again for
your love for Amy.
Dwight
Amy's son Paul at his and Gretchen's wedding in Pittsburgh in
January 08 !!!!!
Message from Amy!!!!!!!!! February 19, 2008
Also
I'm not sure why it's become so difficult to write anymore.
Maybe I'm tired
of fighting my brain. I need so much to write an update but I
find myself just
being exhausted at the realization of how tough life really is.
Nothing is easy.
Nothing is free. Life is hard. Living isn't easy.
Abundant life isn't easy.
As we sat in the doctor's office yesterday, I watched and
listened to how hard
living and life really is. There was a fellow there with
his wife and she had
been resuscitated after having a heart attack. She has
been left really impaired.
Like a child. He is now her caretaker. He sat and
shared how difficult it was
and how everyone had left because it was to hard to help.
In this world, the flesh, I had nothing but a sympatric ear to
offer him. No hope.
No ability to help his weary heart. This story repeated
itself all over that
waiting room. No hope from this world. How great it
was to share God's love
with him. The only hope we have in this life. The
only chance for an abundant
life. It's hard to see how he can get there. How can
she get there? She smiled
and laughed when I told her how beautiful she was and she teased
him with
slurred speech that she was more so than he. Hope doesn't
come from us. I can't
give him hope. But Jesus can. The Giver of life.
I thank God for all of you. So many of you have helped
take care of me. You
loved Dwight.
Today is three years exactly since this whole "mess" started.
I'm more frustrated
now than I've been all this time. They about scared us to
death about weaning
the seizure meds. And they don't want me to drive while
they are weaning. Or
if I have to, to use "extreme" caution. Frustrating as
hell, I must say. In the flesh,
the nurse practitioner said that the pain on the side of my face
is probably
permanent. Thanks a lot.
But I say "thank God". Thank God we can pray. Thank
God He heals.
By His strips we are healed! I don't pray "heal me"
anymore. I pray, "Thank
God I'm healed". When you pray for me, and thank God so
many of you do,
thank God that I'm healed. That's His business. I
have things God wants me to
do and I can't do them like I am. Man, I thought I'd have
surgery, stop the head-
aches/seizure stuff and I would be off and running. The
old me. Full tilt. Most
people who know me know I go all out. Run until I drop.
Pick myself up and
do it again.
It's not easy being the one who always needs help. Who
can't keep up. So
figuring out that I can't "run until I drop" just sucks the life
out of me. My hands
are tied.
My friend and prayer partner, Mary Adams, told me a few weeks
ago that I put
my self worth in what I do for others and that God wants me to
stop and get His
message for me- All of my self worth comes from what He
did for me, not what I
do for others. She said I need to be still and learn from
Him.
For people who have chronic conditions, it's hard to sit and
learn. It's easier to
ignore everything and just watch TV. Moving is difficult.
Going outside can even
be difficult. But when I finally do, the sweet release
from His presence defies
words.
I get depressed. I get tired. I get mad. I
cry. But when I finally crawl to His feet
with the last bit of grit I have, wow, what peace. "Don't
give up. Lean on me",
He says.
Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will
give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for
I am gentle and
humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For
my yoke is easy and
my
burden is light."
He's waiting for you too.
August 10, 2008 Got to read Amy story
below......
We've seen so many wonderful answers to prayer lately. Amy has
done well after surgery and still getting off medications.
Everyday
is unpredictable but she loves life and keeps pushing on with
trusting
God. Haven't written in a while but not a day goes by that we
aren't thankful
for all our friends.
I'm pasting an email I sent Paige Priestly this morning. If only
you all could
have seen Amy. I'm still laughing and so sorry I didn't have a
camera. I'm sure
the police and Wal-Mart security are viewing the surveillance
footage.
Got to tell you about Amy Saturday night. Well
she had the wedding in Mississippi for
four days. I went over Saturday and we were to
follow each other home late. But Amy
was exhausted. She was so tired the brain
surgery was showing itself with slurred
words etc. The funniest thing I've ever seen
happened on the way home.
Paul and Connie Schweigert drove Amy's car home
earlier. Amy and I left the
reception late and she decided to change into
comfortable clothes at the Wal Mart
near Jackson. She went in in a long flowing
dress with very high heel sparkly shoes
and dangly diamond like ear rings. So I pulled
up at one end of the parking lot
watching for her to come out. She was so tired I
was worried about her. She wasn't
thinking clearly for sure because when she
walked out to the curb looking for
me she was wearing the diamond dangly ear rings,
the high heeled sparkly shoes and
"short short" gym shorts. My hooker wife waved
and I pulled up like a John to pick her
up realizing what this looked like I was
hysterically laughing. But to top
it off she was wearing a Church of the Highlands
"One Prayer" tee shirt.
October 29, 2008 Dwight's Visit to Emory
To make a long story short. Two weeks ago the lab at St.
Vincent's
hospital said my lab results pointed to a pituitary tumor.
Two weeks
later and prayers from around the country I got an
appointment with
a specialist at Emory Medical in Atlanta "Amy's hospital". After
two
weeks of me and Amy planning all the options of a brain tumor in
me the
doctor walks in, sits down and says your test results from
Birmingham
were calculated all wrong and said I was perfectly normal. I
could see
that Amy wanted to argue with the normal part. What a relief and what
an
answer to
prayer.
Gloria!!! What a special lady she is even though she kept
sticking me with needles. The NP for Dr. Adriana
Ioachimescu
who
spent a lot of time with us.
"Amy Elliott"
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