ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Facial Issues => Topic started by: salamander on June 06, 2009, 02:19:22 pm

Title: One SMALL movement; one BIG accomplishment
Post by: salamander on June 06, 2009, 02:19:22 pm
Hi everyone,

I am now just over 7 months since surgery.  The doctors lost the signal from my facial nerve at the end of surgery, but said it was intact.  I was House Brackmann Grade VI after surgery.

This week I have a TINY movement upward of the corner of my mouth when I smile slowly with my lips closed.  Yippee.  It is very small, but definitely there.  Of course, I am now constantly practicing and looking in the mirror.  It is amazing how thrilling something like this is for us ANers!!

Smiles to all (well, kind of),

Samantha
Title: Re: One SMALL movement; one BIG accomplishment
Post by: Jeanlea on June 06, 2009, 02:38:56 pm
Samantha,

Great news!  I can understand how thrilled you are with a tiny movement.  After surgery I was a grade VI also.  Now I can smile.  It might be as big as before but it is definately a smile.  I still am finding small improvements, like when I flare my nostrils there is a tiny bit of movement.  Hope this is the beginning of many more movements to come for you.  Thanks for sharing your good news.

Jean
Title: Re: One SMALL movement; one BIG accomplishment
Post by: nancyann on June 06, 2009, 03:11:55 pm
Samantha,  I am so happy for you ! !   This is wonderful news ! !
I never got movement back,  so I can imagine the thrill you must be feeling !
(I had the T3 done & am very happy with the results,  but MOVEMENT,  this is
a big thing ! !).

Continued healing my friend,
Always good thoughts,   Nancy
Title: Re: One SMALL movement; one BIG accomplishment
Post by: Kaybo on June 06, 2009, 03:32:26 pm
Samantha~
SO GREAT to hear - I am so excited for you!!   ;D

Title: Re: One SMALL movement; one BIG accomplishment
Post by: moe on June 06, 2009, 03:33:32 pm
I too am happy for you :)
You have proof that there is function, albeit small, and that is a great accomplishment.
Keep practicing, moving, exercising those face muscles!
Maureen
Title: Re: One SMALL movement; one BIG accomplishment
Post by: Adrienne on June 06, 2009, 04:07:47 pm
I can imagine what JOY that would bring!  CONGRATS!  VERY happy for you!  Hope it continues on an upward trend!

Adrienne
Title: Re: One SMALL movement; one BIG accomplishment
Post by: saralynn143 on June 06, 2009, 05:39:59 pm
How well we know what huge accomplishments these little movements are. I noticed a tiny movement by my nose at three months, and like you, a movement at the corner of my mouth at six months. At about nine months I saw symmetry at rest.

I am so excited for you. Keep us posted so we can continue to celebrate with you.

sara
Title: Re: One SMALL movement; one BIG accomplishment
Post by: dmseibert on June 06, 2009, 06:34:40 pm
WOO HOO!!!! ;D  I know I am waiting for that day to come for me. CONGRATS!!!  I am almost 3 months post-op now and noticed movement at the side of my nose about a week ago... Hope everything keeps getting better for you!!!!
Title: Re: One SMALL movement; one BIG accomplishment
Post by: mimoore on June 07, 2009, 06:30:26 pm
Oh Samatha!
What a wonderful thing! Keep it coming!
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO for you.
It's like Christmas morning - what a gift.
Michelle  ;D
Title: Re: One SMALL movement; one BIG accomplishment
Post by: arkansasfarmgirl on June 08, 2009, 11:49:15 am
Yay for you!!!
Title: Re: One SMALL movement; one BIG accomplishment
Post by: lori67 on June 08, 2009, 12:10:39 pm
Samantha,

That is a BIG accomplishment!  Great news!

It is funny that we get so excited over something most people take for granted.  I remember the first time I noticed some movement, I came running out of the bathroom, yelling for my husband.  He thought something was wrong - I just was so excited that something was finally moving.  I've learned to tone down my enthusiasm a bit so he doesn't have heart failure every time I notice something moving!   :D

Lori
Title: Re: One SMALL movement; one BIG accomplishment
Post by: Jim Scott on June 08, 2009, 04:19:38 pm
Samantha ~

Yes, even a small movement is a big accomplishment for some post-op AN patients -and we celebrate that accomplishment with you!  Congratulations!

Jim
Title: Re: One SMALL movement; one BIG accomplishment
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on June 09, 2009, 09:16:38 pm
Great news!
DHM