ANA Discussion Forum
Archive => Archives => Topic started by: jan pentecost on June 05, 2005, 10:18:40 am
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Can I get some info from those of you who have gone thru surgery for an AN.....have any of you recovered from the paralysis? If so, how long did it take and how long before movement started showing itself??
Maybe this is normal but I am beginning to regret having the surgery and not opting for radiation then surgery...if the radiation didn't work. My doctor did tell me that having the surgery would not help my quality of life...that effects would take me back a few steps. I have some movement with my upper eyelid and it closes at night....but sometimes during the day....it can be so painful.
ANother thing I have noticed is that 1 month out, my dizziness is more so than after surgery. Is that what any of you experienced or are experiencing?
I am not letting this bring my spirits down...(or I am really trying not to let it)...but my doc states this is not pernament...that the nerve conduction studies during surgery showed full movement. I guess I am impatient.
I just need some honest, truthful info from those who have walked in my shoes...
Thanks so much,
jan ::)
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Hi-
I had facial paralysis after surgery and they also told me that the nerve look good during and just after surgery. My left side was almost flacid within 24hrs of surgery. I slowly progressed over about 2 months. now I have a minor decrease in movement on the left side, I am the only one who notices it. the left eye is still dryer than the right but I rarely need drops, mostly when I am real tired. the left side of my tongue still does not have all its taste buds back but I can taste and enjoy food, don't taste salty things as much.
Please hang in there because it will get better!!
Cheryl
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Did you say how long ago your surgery was?
My daughter is only 16 years old and four weeks post op now from AN surgeries. University of WA Medical Center April 2005. She actually had two surgeries within weeks of each other, for her 4.5 cm tumor.
Not much facial weekness before surgery, just dizziness and some hearing loss...but after surgery a lot of facial problems. We feel fortunate because we can now see small improvements in her face the past two weeks...but everyone says this recovery is slow. ...this is frightening to everyone that has had to go thru this...you just don't know what to expect since everyone heals differently...but most say that the face comes back eventually.
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I had surgery on January 12 to remove my 2 cm AN - left side. I woke up with complete facial paralysis on the left side. Within 2 weeks, I started to see minor movement at the side of the mouth. Six weeks after surgery, I had almost full movement back in my face. I still don't make tears on the left side, but my eye blinks on its own and I rarely use drops during the day. I still put lacrilube in my eye at night, but I don't wear a patch over the eye. Keep your spirits up - it will get better. The thing to remember is that everyone is different and heals at different rates. :D
Laura
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I am now nearly five months post-op (right-side 1.5 cm AN removed translab on Jan. 18, FSR Oct. 2001) and experienced facial paralysis 4-5 days after surgery. I was immediately put on steroids for three weeks and sought out an eye MD right away for eye care. My right eye would not close on its own for over two months and I had to tape it shut every night and applied Lacrilube constantly.
I will see my eye MD tomorrow (6/7) to see if my eye is where it should be. I no longer have to tape it shut and have to alternate between wearing contacts and glasses throughout the day as my right eye still gets dry. It has improved so much though :) I have also been seeing a physical therapist who has been specifically working on my facial movements (I had another physical therapist to work on balance and strength). I still have asymmetry on the right side (facial features on the right not totally balanced with the left) but it, too, has improved. Hang in there as I can relate to being impatient with this healing process, too amidst having a good attitude :)
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I had surgery in September for a 2.2 cent tumor (translab). I have facial paralysis on the left side. My eye will not close and I only have half a smile. Had a EMG test to see if there was any hope of improvement, Doc says no chance. Has anyone had a weight put in? Did it help, was it painful, etc??? Am battling major depression and tiredness.
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It is 2 years since my AN surgery. I have a half smile and some movement on my AN side but I find not being able to smile properly puts big barriers between me and other people. So on 21st July I will be having the first stage of a nerve graft operation. This will be covered by my medical insurance as it is regarded as reconstructive surgery and not cosmetic surgery, although the qualifications of the surgeon I think are as a plastic surgeon.
I don't know how the financial side works in the USA.
I hope you get the answers for you and good luck,
Bluestar
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My question to all who have facial paralysis...did your doctor tell you after surgery and after nerve conduction tests whether your face would be restored? My doc told me my nerves were totally intact according to the nerve testing they did during surgery....but due to the trauma of surgery and swelling....he told me it would be from a couple of weeks to months. It is now two months and I have occasional twitching...
I guess I am impatient and want my face back....NOW!!!! (I am high upon my pity pot but just for today))
Thanks muchly
jan
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I find myself having a pity party daily. I am impatient with my self for having to ask people to repeat themselves,( I am deaf on right side) I have facial paralysis, my eye is dry, and often blurry. There are no support groups in Arkansas and I am so frustrated I could scream!!!
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Mine is starting to come back after 4 months. My smile started to change about 3 weeks ago and is now close to normal. It just started working one day. It is so slow that only those that didn't see me regularly noticed. One day I noticed too and it was a great feeling. 2 weeks ago my cheek muscles started to work a little. I just hope this all keeps improving.
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I had a 2.2cm vestibular schwannoma removed almost 2 years ago. The docs monitored my facial nerve and said it was intact at the end of surgery. The right side of my face was completely paralyzed for 6 months. I distinctly remember waking up one morning and feeling the slightest twitch at the corner of my mouth. I have progressed slowly since then. I went to see a facial neuromusular retraining specialist a couple of weeks ago, and it was a great decision. She used an EMG machine to show me what nerves have already come back, and she designed an exercise routine I can do on my own. I am already seeing a difference.
She also recommended I investigate bandage contacts, which are high permeability contacts that protect the eyes and reduce the need for drops. I am checking into those within the next couple of weeks. She said it can take up to 3 or 4 years for the facial nerve to regrow after injury.
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Be patient. I had a 4cm AN removed in June 2004. I can sort of smile and people tell me they don't notice anything is wrong with me when they look at me. My eye does not blink, water or shut all the way. I can tell there is a BIG difference and I think people are just being nice or didn't know me that well before the surgery.
I noticed movement at 4 mo and it has increased very slowly since. I still do not have full sensation on the AN side of my face and my nose doesn't run on that side either.
Hang in there. It's tough and I've had a lot of ups and downs emotionally.
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Well, it all finally got me down and I have gone thru major ups and downs. But I did get voluntary movement at the corner of my lip (left). My mouth no longer droops on the left side...it evens is turned up more than the normal side...probable hyper. I woke up Monday and just noticed I couold control movement...what a wonderful thing to experience after having a part of my body not respond to any voluntary commands.
My eye is driving me bonkers..am going in for a gold bar unless movement progresses. Others tell me my left eye blinds now and then...I can't tell.....so that is encouraging. No tears at all, tho and I hate that my left nostril doesn't run. 'Thanks for sharing
jan
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This is a follow up to my previous post. I went to the optometrist and got a bandage contact for my dry eye. It's amazing! For the first time since surgery almost two years ago, I made it through the day with a completely clear eye. And, I didn't have to put drops in every 20 minutes or so.
The contact lens brand is Focus Day & Night, and it's available in a power of 0.0, which means it doesn't change my vision at all (there's another brand called Accuvue Advance, but it is not available in a zero power). The contact is used with a lubricating drop called Aquify, which is designed for contact lenses. It's essentially like having a soothing wet sponge over your eye.
I plan to take it out and use Lacrilube at night, even though it's supposed to be okay to wear all the time. If you're having problem with a dry eye like I was, you may want to check this out. You may have to explain it to your optometrist, but it's worth the effort.
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Great news Jan. I know what you mean about the joy of being able to do voluntary movement. I am also up and down a lot but also very hopeful that I will continue getting better with time.
I had the gold bar put in last week and the surgery was a breeze for me. Only took about 45 minutes and though not perfect, my eye does feel better. The swelling went away within a few days and I am starting to look symmetrical again.I also have no tears still and the left side of my nose does not run. I am wondering what that might be like if I catch a cold this coming winter ???Will it be a one-sided cold?
Best of luck to you and keep us posted on your progress. Sherry
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Hi Jan, the movement on your mouth is a great sign. I had my surgery in sept 04 and it took 7 months for me to get any movement. Now I have no droop, my face looks symetrical, I even get a pretty good smile when I work at it. It takes time and I think everyone is different. I know it's hard and boy do I have my bad days but you are on your way. I also had the weight put in in July and I like it overall. I have to put less drops in during the day and it is less dry when I wake up (I still tape it down at night). Good luck, keep your chin up (no pun intended) ;)
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Why does tongue numbness remain for a longer time than all the rest? Is this true for you, or is each facial recovery different?
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Boppie - I agree. It has been 8 mo. post surgery. My tongue and cheek are still somewhat numb. The inside of my cheek(AN side) and my bottom lip constant have lovely bite marks!ouch! ;Dluv2teach
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Jan. My AN side has gone up "too far" and is now higher than the good side. My smile is crooked and my eye closes when I talk or eat. People say it doesn't show unless I mention it first but I am very conscious of it and wonder if this is how it will stay. Anybody know the answer?
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This is called synkinesis and as the nerve healed not quite right ,it causes the muscles to move wrong. It can be controlled a little with some work but probably not gone completely.
I have some also. Look under www.bellspalsy.ws and there is some info under the fascial retaining on it. Cheryl R.
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I looked on the www.bellspalsy site and it was interesting to read what was going on with my face. It certainly is synkinesis. There were exercises to do but I read on "our" Forum that it wasn't always wise to do them because they could cause synkinesis. Confused now and wondering whether it continues to get worse or if this is it. Has anyone had facial therapy, did it work out OK?
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Wind6: You said you had a gold bar put it in; I have a few questions regarding to that because I am planning for that as well. Do you recommend to have a gold bar put it in? How was that feel like before and after surgery?
Do you have to wear a special kind of glass in addition to the gold bar? My eye is killing me right now, I can't see clear, always blurry because of the ointment. Do you look as if you eye drool a little? Please write thanks. Van,
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Kimmy: Facial therapy is a great idea, and a facial neuromuscular therapist can help you eliminate synkinesis with a well designed exercise routine. Be sure to go a therapist that has been trained by Jacqueline Diehls, who is the leader in this area. They are listed on the Bells Palsy site.
Terri
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I'm 15m post-op and still have total facial paralysis. The facial nerve was intact but did not stimulate after surgery. Still, the doctors told me it would probably recover in 6m. An EMG at 8m showed nothing. The follow-up EMG at 12m showed no change. No twitching, no nothing.
I'm getting acupuncture but there's minimal progress and only during the treatment, not at any other time. What I would give to have problems like twitches or asymmetry!
I can close the right eye if I think about it but it doesn't blink. I have 2 tear duct plugs so that I don't have to use "Refresh Liquigel" constantly. I wear a clear "bubble" shield on my eye during sleep and put 'goop' in my eye.
An aquaintence, and fellow AN-er, wears temporary weights on his eye everyday and seems ok with it.
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I have a question about facial paralysis. I'm 8 months post-op with facial paralysis and numbness on my left side. My facial nerve was intact after surgery. I haven't had an EMG done though. I am often feeling twitches and other feelings in my face. At 3 months I noticed the slightest movement on my face. I have a little more movement now, but still no smile or real blink. If your face doesn't come out of facial paralysis at all do you still feel the twitching? At 6 months my doctor told me my face would not come back. Reading some of your posts I see that it can take a very long time. Guess I just want some reason to feel that things will still improve.
Jean
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Jean why no emg? My post surgical testing indicated that my facial nerve is intact it's my trigiminal nerve that is my problem. From what I've learned they can test to see where the facial nerve is. I was originally told that they would consider doing nerve grafts at the one year mark if my face didn't come back. Unf. the nerve causing the problem I've been told can not be fixed :o( Hoping it will still regenerate some.
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How many others have problems with the trigimenal nerve? I have the numbness that really bothers me. Have you been told that nothing can be done? How about your eye is it numb? Karen
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How many others have problems with the trigimenal nerve? I have the numbness that really bothers me. Have you been told that nothing can be done? How about your eye is it numb? Karen
I'm telling you Michelle, the sensation will not come back all at the same time nor will it come back evenly. It will more then likely start to come back in small little patches that you won't notice unless you look for them. Are you looking for them? I know are about 9 months post op right? I think you're at the perfect time to start lookin'. Pick up a 12 pack, soda or beer, your choice, lol, and through them in the fridge. At least once a week pop one out nice and cold and BEFORE, lol, you open it, slowly run it along the bad side of your face and look for small places that you might be able to feel it. I do this and only have a small place near my the outside of my eyebrow, a little bit on the middle of my cheekbone and a small strip between my face and my ear that runs verticle along with a small area on the side of my nose. What I'm getting at is, I think in the last couple months is that those spots that I mentioned have gotten a little bit bigger(maybe 10-15%) over the last 3 months or so but would never have known without looking for it.
Tom
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Oh how I wish it was that easy! I feel hot, cold, pressure and movement. I don't feel if you stick a pin in my face, my tongue feels hot cold and pressure but no taste and feels swollen. It still feels like a lot of novicane shots from the dentist office. I'm anxiously awaiting my appt next month with the surgeon to get his take, but think I already know the answer :(
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In response to duongvan and the gold weight.I am 5 weeks post op from a 2.5 cm translab.During the surgery the surgeon had to cut my facial nerve.They decided at that time to put a gold weight in my eyelid.Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be heavy enough and my eye only blinks halfway on its own.I am using drops during the day and lacrilube and a plastic wrap patch at night.My opthamologist said he would have put in a heavier weight if he had done the surgery.I didn't wear eyeglasses before the surgery but since have bought a pair if frames and just had a non presciption lens put in.This seems to help by acting as a barrier against wind,dust air conditioning etc.
Hope this is helpful.
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I have a platinum weight in my left eye. My eye also does not blink all the way closed. My dr. said if he put heavier weight in my eyelid would be droopy and half closed. The weight is basically only there so I have full closure at night so I don't have to tape my eye shut.
My facial nerve was cut during my surgery my dr. gave me 12-18 months for my nerves to rejuvenate. At my one year appointment in May, he told me nothing is happening and my facial paralysis is permanent. As some of you already know I will be having some reconstructive surgery in August '06 to hopefully get some relief from the paralyis and my permanent frown.
Again, as some of you already know, the facial paralysis has been the worse part of this whole experience, for me at least. And i have suffered some serious through self esteem issues. And i am not trying to be a downer or rain on anyone's parade. But during the first 12 months, i would get sensation and twinges in my left cheek, and i also thought it was a good sign, but now that i know its not coming back. I really think its only the nerves misfiring. i really had my hopes up, until i saw my dr. at one year.
Denise
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Hi Denise,
When I went to my 6 month check up my doctor told me that my face wouldn't return to normal! Not what I wanted to hear. I also get the tingly feelings and shocks. Don't really thinks it's doing anything. Did your doctor do anything special to tell you that your nerves weren't working? My doctor just looked at me.
I'll be waiting to hear how your surgery goes in August. I'm sure you'll feel much better after it's done.
Jean
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I have a platinum weight in my left eye. My eye also does not blink all the way closed. My dr. said if he put heavier weight in my eyelid would be droopy and half closed. The weight is basically only there so I have full closure at night so I don't have to tape my eye shut.
My facial nerve was cut during my surgery my dr. gave me 12-18 months for my nerves to rejuvenate. At my one year appointment in May, he told me nothing is happening and my facial paralysis is permanent. As some of you already know I will be having some reconstructive surgery in August '06 to hopefully get some relief from the paralyis and my permanent frown.
Again, as some of you already know, the facial paralysis has been the worse part of this whole experience, for me at least. And i have suffered some serious through self esteem issues. And i am not trying to be a downer or rain on anyone's parade. But during the first 12 months, i would get sensation and twinges in my left cheek, and i also thought it was a good sign, but now that i know its not coming back. I really think its only the nerves misfiring. i really had my hopes up, until i saw my dr. at one year.ÂÂ
Denise
Hi Denise,
I have a gold 2 gram weight in my right eye. I was told my face would have movement after about 15 months but within 12 months my consultant said it won't come back so he put me down for reconstructive sugrery. this was in march by may i had the surgery to conected the remaining part of the nerve upto the nerve that controls the tongue also i had the weight put in. It's been a month today since the surgery. My face has lefted up more so now i don't look so lopsided. Still the eyebrow is lower than the left. The surgeon said it should take about 3 months for mine to come back.But the only thing stopping it from coming back is the muscles. He said that if that is the case he will need to replace those cheek muscles with some from under my arm.
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Jeanlea,
All they did was come in ask me to smile and felt the left side of my face while i tried to smile. So to me it didn't seem like much of an exam, but they are the experts.
My facial nerve was stretched thin, and my tumor was emeshed in my facial nerve like speghetti, so that is why they cut the nerve. I am was so depressed when they said that the paralysis is permanent. I am really hoping this surgery in August helps me feel better about my looks. I hate to meet new people especially when they have no idea about what happened to me, I hate looking like a freak.
Okay, I am done feeling sorry for myself today, its Monday, and its only 8 a.m. and my day already sucks. I don't need to make myself feel worse.
Denise
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Denise,
I know someone on another message board who had work done on her face after the AN surgery. Her smile was very droopy and now she looks great. You will be happy with your surgery I think.
Jean
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To my friend Denise:
Charles Manson looks like a freak. You do not. You look like a pretty lady with a soon to be fixed facial injury. Try to look at the bright side, insurance will pay for your face-lift but they sure as hell won't pay for mine!! The wrinkles on my AN side are twice as pronounced as the ones on my good side.
Thinking of you, your older wrinkled friend, Kathy
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Hey Guys,
I am new to this forum. I read the comments of other members and they shared about their post-op facial paralysis. What was the facial paralysis due to facial nerve damage? Was the facial nerve crushed, streteched or cutted during surgery?
For those who had significant cut of their facial nerve, what are the chances of recovery and how much facial motor movement can be regained? Has anyone of you who had significant facial nerve damage experienced significant facial motor movement recovery? If so, was there any treatment to enhance recovery?
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Kathy
You are a SUPER person. Your post made me laugh. I keep telling Darren after August, i will lookl 20 on the left side and 45 on the right, and that he will only want to stand on my left side. He tells me to hush up.
Jeanlea,
I am hopeful for the Aug surgery. I have been emailing with Kathleen Mc, she had a similar surgery.
Vincent,
My nerve was cut due to my tumor being emeshed in my facial nerve like speghetti. My tumor was quite large at 4+ cm, cutting the facial nerve was my only option, in order to get all the tumor out. As my dr. said I have had one of the least optimal results he has seen in a long time for an AN patient. It sucks, I get pretty depressed, but when i am depressed i come on this sight and it helps for me to vent. It also helps because even though i have to deal with this face, unfortunately, there are others on this site, who i think have a tougher time, with migraines and vertigo, and not being able to work.
I hope that last statement came out alright, and I didn't offend anyone. This is a great website and the people i have emailed with and the ones i have spoken too are SUPER!! and extemely supportive.
Denise
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Well, maybe this little story will make you all giggle some I had GK in April. In the middle of May I went to get my hair cut. I told my hairdresser about my problem, because I wanted him to be aware of the pin sites and such. He asked me about my ailment and I said,(condensed version) well along with this and that I have some facial numbness on the left side. He said words to the effect that he noticed my drooping face on that side and that must explain what he saw. I just looked in the mirror and thought, well, I don't know what I thought...since I don't have facial paralysis!! That was like a stab to the heart!! :'( Guess I need a face lift....
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Sue:
Bet that made your day (or not) !! Humor gets us through this. Have you been looking in the mirror ever since? I sure did after I read your post. Thanks alot!! Damn, I need a left sided face lift.
Have a good day everyone, Kathy
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No you don't Kathy, you look awesome!! I would never have guessed you went through the same surgery as I did.!!!
Denise
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Vincent: When the nerve is totally cut (or in my case essentially removed) during surgery there is no healing that will make it function again....unless the doctor reattaches the ends during the inital surgery in hopes that it will eventually work. Think of the facial nerve as an extension cord between your electic saw and the outlet providing power, if it's totally cut it doesn't work.....if you splice the ends back together and wrap it in electrical tape it might work and it might not. If the cord (or nerve) is only damaged the saw may work and may not (or the face may have movement and may not). The doctor's can replace missing nerve with other nerve from elsewhere in the body and in time it may function to a certain degree but not necessarily exactly the way the facial nerve did....and so on.
I find it interesting the some doctor's tell people that thier facial nerve was cut during surgery and that the facial movement may return in time, how could that be when the nerve isn't attached to the brain anymore?
Kathleen
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Kathleen,
They did try to reattach mine, only it did not take. So there was some hope that it might reconnect. I don't think my drs. mislead me or gave me false hope. I did that to myself. He said IF it does reconnect it will take 12-18 months. I heard it WILL reconnect in 12-18 months.
Denise
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This is for Denise. I had the 12/7 tongue/facial nerve graft done two years ago a month after my surgery. The doctors knew my facial nerve was severed. Like yours the tumor was all involved with my facial nerve. Do you have the numbness? I also have a gold weight. If you would like to talk to me e-mail me back at ikeeyes@hotmail.com. Karen
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Denise,I hope your surgery goes well.What is the recovery time for the nerve graft? I too have been told ,IF the facial nerve regenerates after they tried to reconnect it.My docto ralso told me about your type of procedure as an option for the future.
I live and work in the same neighbourhood and find myself looking in the other direction when I pass people I know through work but who don't know what has happened.
I am getting tired of people saying "you look great" when I don't feel that way...(that's my self pity for the day)
The only good thing that has come of the paralysis is that I have a great "poker face" now.
Take care and I hope the waiting for your upcoming surgery isn't as stressful as waiting for AN surgery.
Jacobs
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Jacobs,
I get the "you look great" comment from my coworkers. It used to really bother me, but I recently saw some pictures that my sister took after my surgery when I was in rehab and you know what, I sure look better than a year ago. Some of these people came to the hospital right after my surgery, so they now i think maybe they are right. :P Try not to get down on yourself, we look different and I guess we need to get used to that. I know it's hard believe me I still have a pity party at least once a week. But I am sure we will get through this, we have to! 8)
I am here for you if you need to talk. You can email me at smithdl3@hotmail.com if you want.
Denise
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Hi Everyone:
I am new. I had a 4cm schwannoma removed April 13th which makes me about 8 weeks out. I had excellent nerve conduction before, during and after my surgery and while the tumor was surrounding the facial nerve, it apparently peeled off easily. Unfortunately, 3 days after surgery I developed right sided facial paralysis that continues unabated.
I have better symmetry and I can slowly close my right eye about 3/4-7/8 of the way and can now close my lips and sometimes not drool out the side when I swish after brushing but mostly I am pretty paralyzed. I have no cheek, eyebrow, mouth movement or basically ANY voluntary movement as well as severe dryness and some double vision and facial numbness (trigeminal root 2)
I am soooooo discouraged to hear that this may never heal or may take a year or more. I was feeling normal before the surgery and now I am deaf and paralyzed and have some balance issues.
Does anyone get better? Does the state of your nerve matter in the recovery (barring it being cut)?
Sorry to be such a downer...I guess I am just having a bad day.
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Amymeri,
Welcome to this very selective club. I had a 3.5 tumor removed in September 05. Mine was very "sticky" and wrapped up in the facial nerve. I woke up from surgery with facial paralysis and numbness. I didn't get any movement until 3 months post-surgery. Now I have very limited movement. My face looks symmetrical when it's at rest. I think more and more of it is coming back, but it is very SLOW. Nerves are slow growing. You may want to search on here or elsewhere for information on facial paralysis that does not start right after surgery. I think the chances of that kind coming back are better.
I know it can be discouraging. I was also in good shape and not noticing any problems before surgery. You do learn to adapt though. I'll keep you in my thoughts and hope that you show improvements. It's a study in patience.
Jean
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Amymeri,
My drs. said your nerve regenerates itself about 1 inch per month, and the nerve is about 7 inches long. It is a slow recovery. I emphasize the word slow. I wish you the best in your recovery. You have to be patient. I am not that patient of a person, so this first year has gone by extremely slow.
I am finally starting to come to terms with how my whole AN surgery went down, and I still have issues with balance etc...., but I cannot change the fact I didn't go in when I was having dizziness issues and headaches and hearing loss, I wish i had maybe then I wouldn't be at this point in my life, but as they say sh** happens and you have to make the best of your situation. I don't have all the answers. What I do have is the support of my family, support of my friends both in MN and on this message board, and other than wanting to look like before, I really can't ask for more.
I am very hopeful for you that your nerve will regenerate. Your's was not severed and that in itself is a HUGE deal. My was severed, and my paralysis is permanent.
I sincerely wish you a fast recovery, and hope you have a great summer!
Denise
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Amymeri,
I just wanted to say that its okay to have bad days and its okay to vent about it. What we all have been through is very traumatizing. Of course we will have days when we feel mad,sad,scared....on and on. I think the main thing is though, do not give up hope! My face was fine for about two hours post-op, then all of the sudden it felt like it was melting away. Upon leaving the hospital I was a House-Brackmann 6...at six months I was at 2-3. Today I am a solid 2. My eye is still the worst but I will deal with that and be grateful that I have my life.
I am not sure if you saw my follow-up post or not but I am now experiencing a re-growth. I am in "wait and watch" mode. I have to admit...the thought of fighting my way back through facial paralysis again is one of the scariest parts. I have been on that emotional roller coaster again since I was told two weeks ago. I know I have the "tools" required to handle this and I believe all who have been through it have those tools also. Sometimes we just have to dig deeper into the bag to find the right ones.
Hope this helped a little. Much love and Hugz, Sherry