Post surgery - hearing improvement

[Darlene]

Hi Everyone,

I went for my six week recheck as well as a hearing test and am very happy to report that my hearing levels have remained essentially the same and my speech discrimination actually improved.  Prior to surgery it had decreased to 92% and is now at 96%!   I am very happy.  My face is also showing signs of improvement.  I have a little bit of a smile and my eyebrow is creasing a little so the doctor said I am ready for facial nerve rehab.  The doctor could only tell me a place two hours from my house and that is just too far.  Do you just call a rehab center and ask if they do facial rehab?  Any recommendations welcome, by the way I live in Northern New Jersey. 

Well just wanted to share my good news!   
Darlene

[Kate B]

Glad to hear your great news. That is "child-like" discrimination numbers...Wow. Thank you for sharing.

[Darlene]

Thanks Kate!   
I just read about your son and I am sorry for all he had to go through but am so glad he is doing well!   I just said a prayer for all of you.

Well wishes!
Darlene

[leapyrtwins]

Darlene -

this is tremendous news!!! 

Jan

[MaryBKAriz]

You go girl!

Mary
 

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Hi Everyone,

 I have a little bit of a smile and my eyebrow is creasing a little so the doctor said I am ready for facial nerve rehab.  The doctor could only tell me a place two hours from my house and that is just too far.  Do you just call a rehab center and ask if they do facial rehab?  Any recommendations welcome, by the way I live in Northern New Jersey. 

Darlene,

You do not want to go to any ole physiotherapist. You want to go to one that has been trained in "neuromuscular facial retraining (re-education) therapy" specifically.

Here is a website that lists these
http://www.bellspalsy.ws/centers.htm

If you are still unsure as to who to see I suggest you call Jackie Diels. She was a presenter at our recent ANA Symposium in Chicago. She practices and teaches at the University of Wisconsin, and is also on the medical board for the ANA. She will be able to give you the heads up on who is close to you and does the proper techniques for physio of the face. (She helped me find mine)

H. Jacqueline Diels, OT; Facial Rehabilitation Specialist Neuromuscular Retraining Clinic
Dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine

University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Research Park Clinic

Madison, Wisconsin

608-263-7271

Hope that is helpful.

Congrats on the progress and good news!

DHM

[Darlene]

All,
Thanks for the congrats and the advice!  It was greatly appreciated, I will call tomorrow for a therapist.

Darlene

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Darlene,

?

What was the actual date of your surgery?

How far along are you, in months, since surgery?

DHM

[Jim Scott]

Darlene,

?

What was the actual date of your surgery?

How far along are you, in months, since surgery?

DHM

DHM ~

Darlene's surgery was in July, 2009. 

[Jim Scott]

Darlene ~

Congratulations on your facial progress and, especially, your hearing stabilization!...and thanks for sharing your good news! 

Jim

[m4guzman]

Hi

I went to a facial therapist that was two hours away and he was definitly worth it.  You only have to go once.  he teaches you everything.  His name is Tom Gibbons and he is in Long Island.  It was worth it.

Marybeth

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Darlene,

Please know when I encouraged you to see a neuromuscular facial retraining therapist I was confused as to where you were in the time post op. (I mistakenly thought you were at 6 months)

You need to allow time for the facial nerve to regenerate and neuromuscular facial retaining therapy does not usually commence until after a year from the Facial Palsy onset- or if synkenisis sets in.

Now that this was brought to my attention, by some other experienced AN forum members who were with me at the recent Chicago symposium (thank you  ), I am questioning why you are being referred to therapy so soon.

My big worry is that if you see someone who is not trained or versed on this- they could cause damage.

What sort of movement has come back so far? Can you elaborate?

DHM

[Darlene]

Hi DHM

I have a small crease when I smile.   When I speak it is still noticeably one sided.  I sometimes still slur my words due to the lack of movement.    My eye blinks and will stay shut, although I still have to use drops because it doesn't tear. 

The doctor suggest therapy to prevent synkenissis from setting in. He did say I seem to be ahead of the curve with regards to facial improvement.  Maybe that is why the early referral, I have to admit I would certainly like to prevent synkenissis if possible.   

Thanks for the information, I will definitely question any therapist I choose about the appropriate time frame. 

Take care,
Darlene