Post-Treatment > Cognitive/Emotional Issues

Psychologist, Psychiatrist or other?

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Sonia in Sydney:
I am 5 weeks out from my acoustic neuroma removal with great success. I had a 4cm tumour completely removed which has left me with a right side facial paralysis and deafness/tinnitus. I have 2 young children and an extremely supportive network of friends and family but still feel I need some support for my emotional well being. I am finding it hard to deal with how my face currently looks and adapting to this new state of appearance. I still nap in the afternoon as i am so tired which makes me so reliant on those around me which is also tough. My husband has been amazing but I feel so unattractive, especially as i can't wear makeup, i don't have a smile and my right eye is not quite the same post tarrosophy. I would like to see someone professional who understands the emotional state of those with facial paralysis. 

Can anyone suggest what type of help I could seek, I have had recommendations of both psychologists and psychiatrists though not sure which would be more suitable. The male psychiatrist has experience in dealing with facial palsy though i do feel speaking to a female would be easier for me personally to relate to.

I would appreciate your views.       

Kaybo:
Hi Sonia!
I can't really address your questions about the doctors, but I want you to know that you are not in this alone!!  I had surgery over 19 years ago (I was 25) to remove a "huge" tumor and then had a stroke on the operating table.  I was left with right side facial paralysis (from nerve damage not stroke), SSD and no use what so ever of my right side.  It was quite a journey, but I have worked hard and overcome (or adapted!)!!  My husband was my ROCK and I now have 3 beautiful daughters and have been able to do many things that they told me I would never do again (I'm about to leave for exercise class now!).  It is not always easy and it is especially hard to have a face that doesn't work right anymore BUT I've learned that the people that REALLY care (& IMO the ones you should surround yourself with), truly do not notice the outward appearance - the inner beauty truly shines thru!!
I would love to chat with you more - if there is someway we could iChat or FaceTime (that's kind of funny! ;D ;D), I'd be more than happy to do that!!

LMK!
Kaybo :)

bethtretrault:
A psychiatrist can prescribe meds. A psychologist or clinical social worker can do talk therapy. Why not try a practice that has both in case you would benefit from medication. I think therapy is a great place to start. Good luck  :)

Mimispree:
Sonia:

It's so good to hear from you.  I have often thought about you and your husband Andrew. 

I have the same right-sided issues as you and I understand how hard it is to look in the mirror.  It does get better as you come to terms with it.  I have written this before, but I have noticed that my husband looks at me with more love since the surgery than before.  He still see me and he's glad I had the willingness and courage to go through the surgery.  I'm sure your husband feels the same way. 

I too miss wearing make-up, but I just haven't been able to figure how to put it on yet.  I'm hoping someone will post some tips.

Perhaps, if your facial nerve wasn't severed it will slowly, that is s-l-o-w-l-y heal.  I have read posts where people says it was 16-months before they noticed a tingle or movement.  Someone said it took two to three years and they were back to their old face. 

The great thing is that your surgeons got all of the tumor out.  Oh, I had the gold eyelid weight and a lower lid stitch and it's great.  I only wish I did it sooner, so I suggest you talk to your team about that.  It can always be removed when your facial nerve heals.

Hang-in there.  Everyone says it will get better and I believe them.

Love,
Michelle

Mimispree:
I saw a Neuropsychiatrist and did talk-therapy for two years in conjunction with anti-anxiety medication when I was first diagnosed.  After two years I felt pretty good so I stopped taking the medication and everything was fine because the therapy worked.

A few weeks ago I started taking my anti-anxiety medication again because I was getting too depressed with my recovery struggles.  I'm glad I did: Getting through the day is easier for me and my husband.  My dark thoughts are not quite so dark.

I'm sure your medical team would like to know how you're feeling and may suggest a good person to help you.

My thoughts are with you.

Love,
Mimi

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