What type of doctor do you see to evaluate facial function?

[kmr1969]

Hello all,

It has been a while since I posted and about 18 months
post surgery things are going well for me.

Not wanting to be greedy because I'd say my facial function
is at least 85%, but I wonder if I could be doing more to try
and improve on the minor but annoying facial issues that I
do experience - numbness, tightness, and some minor muscle
control problems.

What type of doctor should I see to evaluate how I am doing
and whether there is something I could do (eg mime therapy)
to get from 85% to 95%?

Again, I am happy with how things have gone so far but don't
want to rest on my laurels if I can be doing something to
help myself even further.

Thanks,

Ken

[Cheryl R]

Ken, it is more a facial therapist who could be of help to you.        This is not the same as a physical therapist.         Jackie Diels in Madison WI is a very well known one.     She is who speaks at the AN symposium.     Many from here have went to her.      I went to her many years ago for the same as you.     I only did a half day session.     Some need to go to a 3 day session with return months later for follow up.     She also has good information on the www.bellspalsy.ws site.          I have no numbness so think others may be able to mention this but my guess is that is not something that can be helped.                        You can also search on this site under search for more info on Jackie.           Her phone no is here somewhere and she has gave names of some who have trained with her across the country.                                             Cheryl R

[LakeErie]

Ken, I am at 30 months and am still numb in my tongue and face. It improved gradually for 16 months but never completely. The remaining numb areas I have are barely noticeable as I have become accustomed to the way it feels. Good luck

[alabamajane]

Ken,,,
, RE: Jackie Diehls,, she gave a webinar first of the year through ANA that is posted on the home website for ANA,, if you are a member, you can access it under webinars from home page,, I attended it and it was very helpful and informative ,, she is a very informed, helpful person,, maybe you would enjoy that..
I too have the numbness; however, I had the 12/7 nerve graft after AN surgery and always assumed most of my cheek/neck numbness was due to that surgery,, was told anyway,not to expect it to resolve and it hasn't completely,, but not too bothersome,, not sure what other type Dr you would see,, so few really "understand" much about the "after effects" of these tumors,,,,  good luck,, Jane

[kmr1969]

Thanks all for the feedback.

I will look into Jackie and do some searching to see if there is anyone here in Maryland that may be able to help.

Whether it works or not, I guess I would just like to know that I did everything I could to try and get back as close as possible to my pre-surgery self.

Hope everyone is doing well in the ANA forum community.

Ken