Isaac is Home!

As for me I shall sing of Thy strength;
Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Thy lovingkindness in the morning.
For Thou hast been my stronghold
And a refuge in the day of my distress.
Psalm 59:16

Isaac is home!

He was discharged for the hospital Tuesday following an MRI "just to be certain". The doctors are satisfied that nothing of a neurological nature is causing his symptoms. The consensus points to a diagnosis of pseudo-seizures which can be triggered by many circumstancial stressors and manifested through acute physical symptoms. The physical symptoms, in turn, exacerbate the condition and often present as epilepsy-related. We are learning more about both the cause and effect of these episodes and Isaac is gaining insight into managing them and warding them off in the future.

We, as a family, thank you for your prayers. We cannot wrap words around the tangible peace we have experienced through your intercession. Our God is bigger because of where we have journeyed. We have seen an amazing swirl of the outpouring of His grace through the Body around the world. We are certain that our perception is quite limited compared to His and the far-reaching effects of His purposes!

We are so grateful to God for the way He has literally carried us. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you," from Isaiah 43 is what we held onto when we felt like we were drowning in a sea of unknowns. "As you walk through the fire you will not be scorched, nor will the flames burn you," is a promise we claimed when things felt pretty hot.

In closing, let me share about our exit conference with the doctor. He told Dennis and me , in Isaac's presence, that Isaac had shared with him yesterday, the reason for his trip to Paraguay and about his faith. Turning to Dennis and me, he asked if we shared the same beliefs. When we confirmed that we were coming from the same place, the doctor then asked if he, a fellow-man-of -faith, might ask Dennis to pray in closing. "Oh, you're a Believer?" I asked, to which he replied, "Just a humble servant of the Lord." Because of the physician's foreign name and ethnic background, I felt it important to know to what God we were praying. "Jesus Christ?" I asked. "Absolutely!" was his response! We bowed our heads, held hands in a circle and prayed to our God Who is able......Who is able to do exceeding, abundantly beyond!

Monica for the Scheidt family

"The Lord has done great things for us and we are glad!"
Psalm 126:3

Isaac update 9:00 8/7

Thank you for continuing to pray for Isaac. He had some twitching yesterday but no full episodes like we have seen previously. He seems to be getting his strength back to some degree although his many visitors have worn him out somewhat (that's what big brothers are for right?)

Today we hope to be able to do an MRI to see if that sheds any light on what is happening. Other than that, its very much a waiting game. Please continue to pray for wisdom for the doctors and my parents, and for peace and rest for Isaac.

Isaac update 8:15 8/6

last night... 8/5

Praise God for Dennis and Isaac's safe return! Isaac had a slight episode in the plane from Brazil to Miami. Our Atlanta doctor had us take him directly from the airport to Scottish Rite where the neurologist was able to observe another 50 minute incident of shaking.

His vital signs and all test results thus far are good. They plan to observe Isaac overnight, see a few more doctors and do a few more tests including a chest x-ray because of his cough (often the result of congestion after being in bed several days). They are removing some of the medications which must be done slowly and letting him rest. He is physically exhausted. Please pray for a calm night.

- Diana for the Scheidts

Praise! Isaac Update 8/3 8:30

Dennis has arrived in Paraguay!

Another email from my Mother:

Isaac has been released from the hospital!

Received an email from Dennis that he and Isaac are together at the hotel. Isaac's release means that he has been seizure free (with medication) for 24 hours and that he will be able to travel, as planned on Saturday (arriving in Atlanta on Sunday). We are so thankful for your prayers and that Dennis is now there to participate in decisions regarding our next steps.

monica

PS Just got a phone call from the missionary in Paraguay (b/c they couldn't get through on the hotel phone) telling me that Isaac ate a good dinner and then went off to bed. Tomorrow he and Dennis will see the doctor once more so he can make his final assessment regarding Isaac's flying on Saturday.

Isaac update 7:00 8/2

An email from my Mother:

Praying friends

We were able to get through to Isaac's room again this evening. The challenge of connecting via phone involves redialing many times (for 20 to 30 minutes) until you get a "breakthrough". There are not many lines gong into the hospital so they limit the calls to 3 minutes. It was totally wonderful to hear his voice although he was quite medicated.

Kelly, one of 3 team members who have taken turns being with Isaac around the clock told us that the EEG went well. The minor abnormalities that they saw were insignificant and could have been the result of movement during the test. They have removed Isaac's IV so he is receiving medication by mouth to manage the seizures. Apparently they have slowed down in frequency and intensity today. PTL

I have been in touch with a doctor here who is helping us formulate the next steps of evaluation when Isaac returns. She has been most helpful in ascertaining what we need to find out from medical personell in Paraguay. She will call Isaac's doctor in the morning to obtain copies of the test results, medications, symptoms, etc.....oh, and did I say that she speaks Spanish flluently?!?! Isn't God amazing?

Pray Dennis though the night, please. Ask the Lord to let him sleep on the plane. His flight was an hour late leaving Miami, but he should be in Buenos Aires by 9 in the morning, then arriving in Asuncion by late afternoon. And pray for sweet sleep for all the team who are working, praying and growing so much!

"All the ways of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth."

monica