ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Facial Issues => Topic started by: saralynn143 on November 25, 2008, 08:57:32 pm
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I had my (roughly) 6-month follow-up today at the Facial Nerve Center at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Neely put me through some facial gyrations and punched the numbers in his computer. The magic number is now 46, up from 12 in July.
I have a "great snarl" (wrinkling nose). He also said my cheek is trying to move, it just isn't quite there yet. He was pleased with how my eye weight looks. I have movement at the corner of my lip and in my chin as well.
That moves me from a V to a IV on the House-Brackmann scale, although according to Dr. Neely, that scale is terrible. I just tonight figured out that he is the Neely of the Neely-Cheung Rapid Grading System (see http://www.entusa.com/bells_palsy.htm#The%20Neely%20and%20Cheung%20Rapid%20Grading%20System), which is what I assume I scored 46 on.
I told Dr. Neely that I had found some very inspiring posts on this site that showed people with beautiful smiles even though it may have taken three years. He reminded me that there are many things we can do if Mother Nature doesn't take care of things to my liking. I told him that I thought Mother Nature was going to do the job, and he said that he does too.
I see him again in March. Hope to have just as big a jump on the scale then!
Sara
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That sounds like a great doctor's visit. Your attitude is excellent. I hope your recovery follows suit.
Marci
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Sara~
So glad you had a good visit! I'm sure the improvement will be just as good or even BETTER next time!
K
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Hi Sara,
Congratulations! Great news from your doc just in time for Thanksgiving. It sounds like you are finally on the road to a great recovery.
Best wishes,
Wendy
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I forgot to put in that my word-of-the-day for yesterday is "paresis." I asked Dr. Neely the difference between paresis and paralysis and he said that paresis is partial paralysis.
I have changed my signature line accordingly. I am now a "facial paresis patient." I don't know why that makes me feel better, but it does.
Sara
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Sara,
That is fantastic news! I also like that you are feeding yourself positive words like paresis instead of paralysis. I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Now you have more to celebrate!
Susan
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GREAT Sara!!
keep jumping!!
Hrissy
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Sara,
What a great story... very happy for you... 46 and counting... getting there with the gracious help of Mother Nature.
Trish
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YAHHOOOOOO SARA!!!!!!!!
Sara I like your new word paresis, I have been using it all day. My husband rolled his eyes ::) and laughed. I said "Hey it's the small things in life that make a difference". Like the tiny movement in my cheek and corner of my mouth, life is good!
I am so happy for you Sara.
Michelle ;D
I tried to do the Neely test but couldn't down load it... any tips?
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Excellent news, Sara ;D
From what I've learned on this forum, facial nerves can take a long time to regenerate, but it sounds like you're making definite progress.
I know it's probably very hard, but be patient.
Keep the faith,
Jan
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Michelle, I have a Mac and did not even try to download it. (Besides, I am fortunate enough to see Dr. Neely himself!) When my husband the computer guru has a minute I'll ask his advice.
Sara
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Thanks Sara... I would like to take the test.
Michelle ;D
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Great news Sara. On a day to day basis we tend not to see the improvement. But at 6 months -- wow! Just think where you'll be 6 months from now.
David
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Michelle, Phil was able to download the program with no problem. However, when he opened it he said he did not know what it was asking for. It was designed for use by doctors, not patients. You might ask your doctor about using it next time you see him, or send the link ahead of time.
Sara
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Thank you Sara & Phil!
Michelle ;D
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Sara -
I just now saw your post and wanted to say "Way to go!!" I know how slow this all feels. I am so glad that you are seeing some progress, and that your doctor also sees it. I am keeping fingers crossed that you'll continue to see more and more improvement.
Debbi, sending you smiles
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Sara,
Great to hear about your progress! Is that 46 out of 100? If so, you've really made a great jump from 12 to 46. Just awesome!
Jean
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Yes, it is a scale of 100. If I make a similar increase between now and March, it would put me at 80! I'm not going to hold my breath for that, but it sure would be nice.
I wonder what the average person would score. I bet a perfect score of 100 would be uncommon.
Sara
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Sara,
I just got back in town and was elated when I read this. I had tons of time to sit on the beach and meditate and pray and I always include my friends on this forum. Glad to know God is listening and making things happen! I know you must be so happy. Take good care of yourself.
Angie