Face aches and droopiness

[mandy721]

Having reached 7 month post-op, Ken has seen no improvement in his face.  He is scheduled to see both neurosurgeon and neurotologist later in the month to review 6 month MRI.  In the meantime, he says that the paralyzed side of his face aches  and he feels that is is getting droopier.  He tells me that he now frequently holds the right cheek when he is talking.  He is very discouraged by this and I wonder if any of you have had similar issues.

I know that there is still hope for some recovery of the facial nerve, but it is hard to see him suffering with this, especially the eye related issues.

Thanks,
Miranda

[saralynn143]

I'm sorry that Ken is having such a hard time. My face used to feel bruised all of the time, but that was before any movement came back. Now just once in a while.

The facial nerve specialist that I saw told me that he could discern movement three months before I could see anything at all. Hopefully Ken's doctors will be able to tell him the same.

Keep the faith,
Sara

[Debbi]

Miranda - so sorry that recovery of the facial nerve is going so slowly for Ken. I know how maddening, frustrating and, yes, depressing that can be.  Hopefully the doctors will have some wisdom and hope to offer. 

hang in there.
Debbi

[nancyann]

Hi Miranda:  sorry to hear about Ken's paralysis.  I have permanent paralysis (had the T3 surgery done 2007).  The droop does get worse as time goes on.
Hopefully he will get movement back & the droop will reverse itself.  I never had 'pain' on the AN side, but soreness from having to speak alot due to my job(yes, I remember holding up the side of my face to be understood).
Will keep prayers that things improve.
Always good thoughts,  Nancy

[CROOKEDSMILE]

I didn't get my 1st tiny movement until 9 months post op and I mean tiny. I had to have my cheek in the right light to see it and had to look REALLY hard but I could see it budge. My EMG showed much better improvement then what I could see on the outside. Has he had an EMG? Give it more time. I am nearing 3 years post op and it has taken every bit of 3 years to get a decent smile back. I'm also blinking without a weight. I woke up with total facial paralysis after surgery. Hope this helps. Trust me I KNOW the agony that he is going through. I had NOTHING at 7-8 months post op but right at 9 months it started at my cheek then movement started coming in at a quicker rate after that.
Angie