I posted this on facebook when I figured out I forgot that yesterday was my recovery anniversary, and thought I would post here as well. Thanks to all of you for the kindness and support you have provided over the past three years.
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:14)
This verse comes to mind because I realized that I completely forgot that yesterday was the third anniversary of my microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasm. It's been a long and slow, yet miraculous journey since awakening to unexpected left-side deafness and facial paralysis.
I am very grateful for the healing I have had, considering that at my post-op checkup my neurosurgeon, "had a bad feeling about my nerve" and recommended a surgeon closer to home for nerve jump surgery.
Highlights have included recovery of 85% of the hearing in my left ear, a platinum eyelid weight, better than expected improvement in facial function, some disturbing come-and-go spasms caused by nerve regeneration and most recently, a return of TMJ and a brand-spanking new bite guard.
Thanks to my family and friends for love, support and prayers. A big shout out to the Washington University Facial Nerve Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and Physical Therapy. I am deeply indebted to my online friends at the Hemifacial Spasm Association and the ANA Discussion Forum for information and support. I can't wait to see what the next year will bring!
