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Five years ago at age 47, Mike unexpectedly developed epilepsy. His first seizure could have taken his life, happening while driving down the Interstate. Since then he has had numerous seizures, which he likes to refer to as “Flopping around”. If you know Mike you know He loves to joke around. But humor aside, his epilepsy is a serious matter. Seizures can be life threatening and certainly life altering. He had to give up a successful career as a meat cutter and is no longer able to drive. Side effects from the medicine are no fun either.
Unfortunately, Mike’s seizures are not well controlled with medicine. After two particularly bad months this summer, his Neurologist, Dr. Knappenberger, recommended he go to the Epilepsy Center at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. After many tests and a week long stay in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, his Neurology team recommended he have an Intercranial SEEG. This is a brain surgery that places EEG probes directly into the brain to precisely determine where the seizures originate from. This is done to find out if he can safely have a second surgery that can remove the area to hopefully achieve seizure freedom or at least reduction in frequency. Without this surgery, the likelihood of seizure improvement is unlikely with medication alone. Although scary, Mike wants to do whatever he can to have a chance at seizure freedom and getting his life back.
Mike is a loving husband, father, and worlds greatest Papa to his wonderful two grandkids. He is a hard working employee at Ace Hardware and loves Montana and all the outdoor activities it has to offer.
We are asking for help in paying for travel costs, medical expenses, and unpaid leave while he has the surgery and recovers. His Dr. estimates he will miss about six weeks of work, and he used up all his paid time off at the last trip to Mayo. His surgery is scheduled for December 18th, and then he will be admitted to the hospital where they will induce seizures. Last time it took 5 days, so our hope is to be discharged in time for Christmas - but who knows. If we get successful results, the second surgery will happen some time next year.
Thank you so much for your consideration and contributions if you are able. Everything helps!! Please share if you would like. We will post updates as we can.
Unfortunately, Mike’s seizures are not well controlled with medicine. After two particularly bad months this summer, his Neurologist, Dr. Knappenberger, recommended he go to the Epilepsy Center at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. After many tests and a week long stay in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, his Neurology team recommended he have an Intercranial SEEG. This is a brain surgery that places EEG probes directly into the brain to precisely determine where the seizures originate from. This is done to find out if he can safely have a second surgery that can remove the area to hopefully achieve seizure freedom or at least reduction in frequency. Without this surgery, the likelihood of seizure improvement is unlikely with medication alone. Although scary, Mike wants to do whatever he can to have a chance at seizure freedom and getting his life back.
Mike is a loving husband, father, and worlds greatest Papa to his wonderful two grandkids. He is a hard working employee at Ace Hardware and loves Montana and all the outdoor activities it has to offer.
We are asking for help in paying for travel costs, medical expenses, and unpaid leave while he has the surgery and recovers. His Dr. estimates he will miss about six weeks of work, and he used up all his paid time off at the last trip to Mayo. His surgery is scheduled for December 18th, and then he will be admitted to the hospital where they will induce seizures. Last time it took 5 days, so our hope is to be discharged in time for Christmas - but who knows. If we get successful results, the second surgery will happen some time next year.
Thank you so much for your consideration and contributions if you are able. Everything helps!! Please share if you would like. We will post updates as we can.