ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on September 23, 2007, 10:30:17 am
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4 ½ weeks post surgery. This morning I was noticing very subtle changes in my face as I had my head to the pillow and I was holding a hand mirror. Never did I know how excited I would get to start seeing some wrinkles appear and bags (to match the other eye) on my facial palsy side.
I lay in bed and opened and closed the palsy eye (however blinking is not there yet ) but of course once I got up (and walked around) the open/closure action in the palsy side stopped … but hey it was "a sign� that it can function and was not just “the palsy roll� of the eye.
This morning I notice that my mouth was less droopy on the palsy side and decided to brave using a straw (which I have not been able to do since surgery) and I sipped my ENTIRE glass of Carnation instant breakfast through the straw. I think I am almost there now- to start puckering up and blow kisses. (Smirk tease)
The non AN folks say “oh that is nice� but some how I think my AN family , on the forum, might want to have a little celebration party with me here.
Cheers,
4
:)
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I am so happy for you! Celebrate as much as you can. Small goals eventually turn into big ones! It takes time but it will slowly turn around. My philosphy has been be as positive as you can and you find many blessings. The bad things seem to go away quicker when you look for the positive things in your healing process.
I also had an AN the size of yours on my left side. It is 15 months post op for me and I have a slight smile. Lately my nerves around my left nostril quever. I grab my husbands finger so he can feel it and he says it feels like a little bunny nose. So my goal is that those nerves are doing something and hopefully will pull my smile up a lttle more.
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We all understand 4cm and TP!! YIPPEE!!
'Tis time to celebrate, it is. Kathy
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Hi 4cm,
Great to hear that things are starting to move again! Just take one day at a time. Each day is a blessing and we have to be thankful for it. TP is right, keep a postive attitude. I pray that you have continued healing and make a full recovery. Ann
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4 cm here too ..
(I would go to DQ (Dairy Queen) so I could practice straw use ... :o
Practice makes perfect right ! ;)
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I didn't even have facial paralysis - just numbness - and still had to use a straw for months! Not any more......
Paul
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ALRIGHT ! A reason to drink some beers today.
congrats ! Thats awesome.
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4cm:
Indeed, this is a cause for celebration....and doesn't time get away from us? It seems as if it were only yesterday that you were weighing your options regarding surgery, surgeons and facilities. Now, you're over a month past the surgery and recovering apace. Wow!
Your observation that folks personally unacquainted with the post-operative demons of AN surgery are nonchalant about your progress is as poignant as it is common, based on posts I've read here. However, most of us having had a somewhat similar experience, we can both relate to and appreciate your optimism. May the healing continue - and may you soon reach full recovery. :)
Jim
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4 cm, yes it's time to party! Each little step along the way is a reason to celebrate. The people that don't really understand these small changes haven't had to live with not blinking or smiling so they can't truly understand. But we do! I wish you continued movement.
Jean
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Hi 4,
I understand your excitement. I will be 3 weeks post-op this Thursday and I can’t move the right side of my face a bit. I imagine my excitement when I will see a wrinkle or the smallest resemblance there of. Congratulations! My favorite saying…..and you have to say it with an Italian accent with a strong roll of the R…..…….ROMA NOT A BUILT IN ONE’A DAY!
Adrian
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YAY Adrian!!!! :)
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And yay 4, of course!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)
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I think I need to re-clarify. I cannot move the right side of my face. I can imagine the joy I will have when I will be able to, even just a little. I congratulate 4 in having movement, even if it is just slight. Baby steps to a full recovery. Keep us all posted on your progress, 4.
Adrian
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4,
I think you are progressing great! I didn't see any movements for 8 mts. Now at 9 mts it's still getting better, but I'm still not able to blink. At the rate you are going you should be able to blink your eye by 8 mts.
Hang in there,
Ellis