ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Facial Issues => Topic started by: CROOKEDSMILE on April 18, 2009, 05:54:37 pm
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Yep. I am getting brave. Not only did I allow my picture to be taken this week with my kids but I am posting pictures that I have hidden for almost 2 years now because I feel like people can learn alot from them and also have some hope that some more movement does return. I still can't move my forehead and still wear an external lid weight. My mouth is symmetrical and my smile is okay after the liquid facelift. My facial expressions are very limited but I am grateful for whatever I get back. I don't think people truly understand the ramifications and the emotional turmoil along with physical discomfort..........on a daily basis resulting from facial paralysis. I don't want to scare anyone but intend this to be educational and as a form of therapy for myself as I NEVER thought I would EVER let anyone see these. I've learned PATIENCE and 21 months later am still getting twitches every once in awhile which I hope is good. They are in no certain order. I am 21 months post op. I posted a current picture somewhere on the forum if you're interested.
Angie
(oh boy......it's tough pushing the post button.) :-*
(http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m459/spaspoiled/DSCN0041-1.jpg) This is House Brackmann 6. No movement at all. No tone.
(http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m459/spaspoiled/DSCN0374.jpg). THis is cellulitis after removal of platinum eyelid weight. Requires urgent treatment. (eats the skin). Notice alot of time had passed and I have symmetry of my mouth.
(http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m459/spaspoiled/DSCN9893_1.jpg). Bell's Phenomonen upon trying to close eye. THis is a protective reflex for the safety of your cornea. I'm doing my best to close eye.
(http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m459/spaspoiled/DSCN3956_1.jpg) Notice dimpling in chin like a charley horse. Ouch! ALso pulls down the mouth. Botox relaxes this and gives great comfort and improvement in smile which I get every 3 months.
(http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m459/spaspoiled/DSCN0076_1-1.jpg)Surgeon put 1.8 platinum eyelid weight in. Caused eyelid to droop and had to walk around holding eyelid up most of the time to where I could see out of that eye. Finally had weight taken out 3 months later.
(http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m459/spaspoiled/DSCN0361_1.jpg). Doing my favorite thing at our cabins in the U.P. (Michigan) near Copper Harbor. Notice eye patch. Protect your eye especially outdoors. I wore this for 6 months almost nonstop.
(http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m459/spaspoiled/DSCN9945_1.jpg). Surgery paralyzed my swallowing nerve. Didn't eat or drink by mouth for over a month. Lost 20 pounds. Was tube fed. (couldn't resize this for some reason. sorry.)
I'll go ahead and post the current photo. Still very restricted facial expressions and wearing external eyelid weight. 1.0 gram weight
(http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m459/spaspoiled/DSCN5820_1.gif)
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Angie,
To start with, thank you for letting those of us who have not had surgery yet see what could happen. Now, when I look at the pictures I see a very beautiful person. I'm not kidding, you are really pretty and I bet you are that pretty deep inside of you too. That is what people see, how you are inside not outside.
Patty
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I don't think people truly understand the ramifications and the emotional turmoil along with physical discomfort..........on a daily basis resulting from facial paralysis.
Angie -
you have definitely been through a lot and you are definitely to be commended for it. Your pictures tell an amazing tale of the struggle you've been through and the resulting beautiful face you now have. I shall never be as physically beautiful - and my facial paralysis was extremely short-lived.
But, I respectfully disagree that people don't truly understand the ramifications, emotional turmoil and physical discomfort of facial paralysis on a daily basis. There are many on the forum who have dealt with huge issues such as yours - Nancyann and Kaybo are the two first and foremost in my mind. There are also many AN patients who don't participate in the forum who have had these same issues - the article by the ANA board member from Alaska that was in the last issue of Notes is another good example. And while I can only imagine what they - and you - have been through, I think I have a pretty good idea of what it entails.
I think it's great that you are willing to share your pictures and your experience with others to let them know what they may go through; you are a very strong woman. But I also want to point out that life is what you make of it and a positive attitude and a recognition that beauty is only skin-deep are important things to keep in mind.
No doubt about it, you've had a very bumpy road, but I'm sure when you husband and sons look at you they see a extremely beautiful wife and mother - inside and out. Try to focus on that.
Hugs,
Jan
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Angie,
Thanks for being brave enough to post your pictures. I can tell it was difficult for you, but your choice to help others was so good. Seeing the changes you have been through over time will be so helpful to many people.
On another note, I was excited to see that you come to the UP of Michigan. That's where I live! I'm in Menominee County.
Jean
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Hi Angie,
We all have our own little AN journeys to go on, and everyones is different. Yours was unfortunately filled with setbacks, which understandably caused a lot of emotional heartache. Let me say this though. Your story and pictures will do wonders for the next person who wakes up from surgery with a "6". You have come such a long way, and look wonderful on your last picture. But more importantly, you ARE a wonderful person on the inside! Thanks so much for sharing this with everyone, and I know that others will take great strength from your post!
Ernie
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Thank you for sharing, Angie.
I'm very happy that you have worked hard and found solutions for your discomfort. You are very young and beautiful and have a happy life ahead.
That's a successful outcome.
My journey is just beginning, and you give me great hope for a good long term outcome. I know, just surviving is a good outcome, so I'm not disappointed at all, believe me. I have my first public outing today with new AN friends at the brunch and with old friends at Dave's pub gig tonight. Other than the electrician who came to repair lighting and the AAA guy who came to jump a dead battery, no one has seen the new me. They registered a bit of a shock even though they knew I had gone in for surgery.
Continued success,
Nancy
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But, I respectfully disagree that people don't truly understand the ramifications, emotional turmoil and physical discomfort of facial paralysis on a daily basis. There are many on the forum who have dealt with huge issues such as yours - Nancyann and Kaybo are the two first and foremost in my mind. There are also many AN patients who don't participate in the forum who have had these same issues - the article by the ANA board member from Alaska that was in the last issue of Notes is another good example. And while I can only imagine what they - and you - have been through, I think I have a pretty good idea of what it entails.
Jan.
Clarification......I'm not talking about people with facial paralysis. I'm talking about i.e. my friends, hubby, etc. Of course people WITH paralysis understand it..they've gone through it and some deal with it forever.
Angie
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Well, I certainly understand the ramifications - I went into surgery with a fully functioning face and perfect hearing in my AN ear. Woke up with no hearing in that ear and a H-B of 6. 18 months post op, I had progressed to a 5. Now more than 2 years out, I'm probably about a 4, after my 7-12, with hopes of getting to a 3 eventually.
You can choose to look at the glass as half full or half empty. As far as I'm concerned, mine is all the way full, and probably overflowing - and it doesn't bother me that my glass usually has a straw in it! :D I have a lot of other "quirks", as my husband says, and that is just one of them now. I believe it was Ghandi who said "No one can hurt me without my permission". I'm certainly no Ghandi, but I choose to not let the opinions of strangers hurt me.
And, yes, I have had a nerve graft surgery done to try to improve the function of my face, but I like to keep in mind that no matter how much work I do on the outside, no surgeon can change what's on the inside and as long as I'm happy with the inside, the outside doesn't matter so much. That's just the package we come in and doesn't say anything about the quality of the product! I am surrounded by beautiful family members and friends - beautiful on the inside - some of them aren't so beautiful on the outside ( I won't name names! ;)) but that doesn't bother me or change the way I treat them, so I assume the way I look doesn't bother them either.
Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now. I just wanted to let any newbies know that there are much worse things in the world than facial paralysis. You can choose how you let it affect you or not affect you. The important thing is that you survived brain surgery.
Angie, thank you for posting your pictures. I think it's important for people to see how much progress you've made. I think you look great - and frankly, I wouldn't care if you looked like you'd been hit in the face with a bag of nickles, I see the beauty on the inside - and I'm sure everyone else does too.
Lori
please forgive the typos - this computer is having it's own issues today! I'm ready to throw it thru the window!! >:(
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Hi all,
I have posted these pictures to GIVE people hope. To show that even a 6 on House Brackmann does get better over time. I have a beautiful life. I also want it to be an educational tool for people who wake up with paralysis scared to death to see that it does improve. It is hard but does get easier over time with the support of family and friends and faith in God and people who understand. I guess the nurse is coming out in me and I LOVE education when it comes to medical so it is only natural of me to show these and to explain for those that are new w/paralysis the medical stuff and how to best care for the ramifications/complications. Posting my paralysis pictures was just as much a therapy for me as I hope it will be for others. I am working on my full glass and being proactive to get it overflowing again!
Now back to the REAL reason this post started............TO SHOW THAT IT DOES GET BETTER! and LIFE IS GOOD. (especially when I'm catching those huge Pike fish in Michigan. I caught more than my hubby~)
Angie
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Angie,
Amazing pics, and helpful I'm sure to others. You are truly beautiful and clearly you have been through a lot. Thank you for posting the pictures; I know it was hard. BTW, you even looked good with a feeding tube in your nose. What does that say?
Best,
M
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My kids called it my elephant trunk!
Angie
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Angie -
Thanks for the clarification about people like your husband and friends not really understanding facial paralysis. I guess I'm just not the type that really cares that others think - at least not enough to stop me from living my life. And I've always felt that those who judged me for my personal appearance weren't really the ones I wanted for friends in the first place, much less in the end.
When I first contemplated getting a BAHA I had a lot of questions from family, friends, and coworkers about what "others" would think of a titanium rod implanted into my head. My parents went so far as to suggest that if I had this procedure I might never date or get married again - like that was first and foremost in my mind ::) My response was "I really don't care what anyone thinks". If was my theory that if it bothered someone or they didn't "understand", that was their problem - not mine. And as far as potential dates or husbands went - if they didn't like me the way I was why would I ever even consider being with them?
I realize a BAHA isn't facial paralysis, just using it as an example.
Life is full of shallow people - and you'll encounter lots of them. Don't let it influence the way you live your life. Don't let it interfere with the memories - photographic or otherwise - that you make with your sons.
You're doing a great job of trying to see the glass as full - I'm just concerned that you are spending way too much time, effort, and money trying to get there. And I have to wonder if you are doing that for you - or for others who just don't like you the way "you are".
Self-confidence and a good attitude will get you far - with or without facial paralysis. Believe in yourself :)
Jan
Oh, BTW, are you really a nurse? or was that just a figure of speech?
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Thanks Jan for your response and advice,
I am a registered nurse going on 13 years in mostly pediatrics. Most of my career was spent at Arkansas Children's Hospital then left nursing for medical sales at Hill-Rom and got tired of the constant travel. Now I'm a stay at home mom. (in between soccer games, tennis practice, golf lessons, guitar lessons, etc. etc. with the boys) Don't really understand why they call it a "stay-at-home" mom~ (I'm never at home)??? ??? BTW....I adore them.
Angie
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I've always found the term "stay-at-home" mom very interesting - the same way I've always found the term "working mother" redundant :D Funny how no one ever refers to "working fathers" ::)
I never realized you were a nurse - we seem to have a lot of them here: Lori, Cheryl, Debbie (oHIo), and many more I can't recall right now.
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Thank you for that Angie. :-) I think you're way braver than I am to post your post surgery pics--but you looked way better than I did too! LOL I realize even more, though, how lucky I was that I was able to eat, swallow and talk well from the very beginning. Seeing your smile after all that gives me hope that mine will come back too. I'm halfway there...
Vonda
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Wow, Angie. The pictures are amazing. Thank you for posting them. I've followed your problems and frustrations and disappointments over the last year. And I could only imagine what you were going through. Now I see first-hand. I too believe (at least from my own perspective) that most non-Aners don't realize what we with facial issues deal with. In my case, I'm older -- it really doesn't mean quite as much to me (except eating in public). It's just something to deal with. But for you and those who are young like you, I can only image the frustration. Your last picture looks great -- and it's good to finally see Crookedsmile. It's pictures like those that give others encouragement. Thank you. Keep on improving.
David
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And by the way, for someone who is going the every three months Botox route -- thank you. It's given me encouragement to know that there is hope and what I am going through isn't just an exercise.
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Crookedsmile, first, I would like you to change your name. Fabulousbabe perhaps? :D
Seriously, you look great. You've obviously been through a lot the last couple years and I hope before long you're seeing this time period in the rearview mirror.
(Everyone seems to know your story but even after some searching I don't -- was your nerve cut and grafted? Or did you have post-surgical paralysis but an intact nerve? It might help newbies who come upon the photos of your progress to know the backstory briefly.)
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David, I'm glad that you are getting relief with the botox. Thank you for the kind words.
Lilan, I had hemifacial spasm due to nerve compression of the facial nerve. They did a microvascular decompression via retrosigmoid similar to AN surgery. I woke up with complete facial paralysis and a paralyzed swallowing nerve. (went in the very next day for 2nd brain surgery to see if they could relieve more pressure on the facial nerve since the paralysis was so severe) My facial nerve was intact but stretched. All of my research that I did said that if you wake up from surgery with complete facial paralysis (House Brackmann 6) that the prognosis for recovery was not that great and is never a complete recovery. That was true for me as I am a House Brackmann 2/3 at 21 months. A person with delayed facial palsy even if it turns into a full paralysis several days later or even weeks later will usually recover 100 percent. I can send you the article that states this if you are intersted. Thanks so much for the compliment by the way. You are very sweet.
Vonda, Hope you are well! You are the brave one my dear. Probably the only woman alive that breastfed her baby while in the ICU immediately after brain surgery. Amazing and a great mother.
Angie
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Angie and I both had hemifacial spasm. HFS stinks. Really, it reeks. However, it is not as bad as facial paralysis. (David, are you paying attention to potential adjectives here? Stinking, reeking, or perhaps my all-time favorite, odoriferous?)
When I went into surgery, I thought that delayed facial weakness, which is fairly common after HFS surgery, would mean recovery, but that immediate facial weakness meant you would stay that way forever. When I woke up, I knew without being told that my face was paralyzed, and I was immediately depressed. It did not help that my surgeon kept telling me he had a "bad feeling" about my nerve.
However, at 10.5 months post-op I have recovered to a weak HB-3. My facial nerve specialist told me I could expect to recover to a 3, but my goal is a 2 and I believe I will make it. If it takes 3 years, that's OK, it'll still be before I hit 50.
I think it is important that folks understand going into surgery that there CAN be recovery from facial paralysis, and even if not, there are other procedures that can help. I was so relieved to learn about the 7-12 jump and T3 surgeries.
I'm rambling now and should head for bed. Have a good night and a pleasant tomorrow.
Sara
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Sara
Got the adjectives. There is one ahead of odoriferous.
Hey guys. There's something here that Angie just did and Michele did and Debbi did and Nancyann did and Kay did... I may be missing someone. In posting your photo progress you all showed hope for the rest of us who are dealing with palsy and synkinesis. There is definitely different degrees of it but there is progress. And for people like me who get tired of hearing "patience" from PTs and doctors, examples like this make me want to have patience, and keep at it, and go to PT, and do exercises, and put up with needles in the neck.
Phyl, Jim, Steve -- is there a way we can round up all these examples in one grouping to direct facial palsy newbies to? To demonstrate there is hope and that as demonstrated -- it just takes time and dilligence. And maybe others will jump on the idea and keep a photo journal of their progress. I'm going back through my pictures and see what I can come up with. Just a thought.
David
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Phyl, Jim, Steve -- is there a way we can round up all these examples in one grouping to direct facial palsy newbies to? To demonstrate there is hope and that as demonstrated -- it just takes time and dilligence. And maybe others will jump on the idea and keep a photo journal of their progress.
The simplest thing is probably to start a new topic, and put links to each of the progress topics you mentioned. We could also copy a photo link or two from each series. We don't really have the means to create a sub forum or anything fancy like that. We could merge them all together into one giant topic, but I think that would be pretty messy and would lose the thread of the discussions.
I'm happy to take a shot at it if a new topic with links to the progress topics sounds like it would work.
Steve
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It would be a huge benefit to me to see progressive photos of others who had little facial weakness immediately post-op but then declined in the days and weeks following and ultimately recovered. I am keeping a record as my legacy. ;D
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Be sure to include Jeanlea's "Facial Progress" thread. I have sent the link for that thread to lots of people to show that progress can be slow, but spectacular.
Sara
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I am still working on getting my "before" and "after" pictures from Johns-Hopkins. I wanted to put them up here at 1 year, but I had to get them. Then when they did send them, they were just the "before" and they sent them thru the regular mail -I don't have a clue how to scan - even though I think I have one!! They had LOST (never uploaded apparently) the "after" pictures that we took in July when I went back there. I am in the process of taking some for them because they are redoing their website (b/c I suggested - well, I'm sure not just b/c of me- it b/c I told them there were a lot of people accessing it from this site and the complaint was that it was the same pics that had always been there). My intention was not to be on the website - just relaying comments I heard here, but they have asked if I will be on there. I have sold them that I would be honored, but they didn't have to committ until they saw the "after" photos to see if it showed enough progress. (you know I lost some with all the aftermath!) I wonder if Nancy will be up there too?? I think it might be good to have links to that site as well as anything pertaining to the 12/7 (or 7/12) or any other form of treatment...Also, Lori is having incredible results from the 12/7!
K
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Lori is having great results from the 7/12 jump surgery.
Any before and after pics, Lori?
Jan
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Didn't Lori post a series about a month ago?
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I don't think so. I know I'm getting older by the day, but I seem to recall her hat picture, which showed the great post op results.
But I'm not sure I've ever seen a before picture. Someone please correct me - or point me to the thread - if I'm wrong.
However, I do know that Lori is extremely shy, so maybe we'll never see them ;)
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Angie,
Thank you for the posting, as someone who has not had treatment yet, I did not truly realize everything someone with facial paralysis and swallowing difficulties endures (sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words) nor that you can make such great progress from that point. In my case you accomplished your goal of providing additional education and I am grateful for your bravery in posting your pictures because quite frankly, you didn't have to.
Thanks,
Darlene
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Angie:
You are amazing! Thanks for posting those pictures to give so many others the encouragement they need.
Cecile
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For those of you with facial paralysis don't give up. Also do whatever it is to make you happy with yourself. If that entails plastic/cosmetic surgery/Juvaderm for an uplift/face lift/nerve graft/T3,etc. etc...........WHATEVER.......then do it. We deserve it and should never be criticized for trying to look and feel our best. On top of all that it sure is nice to have any help I can get with blinking my eye and drinking from a cup and talking normal and the procedures I have had done and will have done will accomplish these things! Yahoo! Very exciting! I do it for ME! and no one else! My husband, family and friends thought I was very cute with a tube hanging out of my nose so go figure. I don't spend tons of time with my face other than what is required......but I do have to go for every 3 month Botox injections to help with the tightness/synkinesis and I have to do 3 times a day facial exercises and I have to do swallowing exercises to help me with eating as I still choke on foods and blink exercises. Unfortunately these are orders from my facial therapist/speech therapist and they do require time and attention. It does stink! But that's okay! The other procedures are just extras to try to make these functions easier and a bonus is facial symmetry! Just like when a person works out at the gym to lose weight. You lose your drive if after some time you don't lose any weight. You pretty much feel like canceling your membership and going home and eating a bag of potato chips out of frustration. Same thing here....All of these facial exercises and blink and swallow exercises, and shots........you gotta see some improvement or you just want to give up on it!
Paralysis recovery is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO slow and the procedures do make you feel like you're getting somewhere faster than snail's pace.
No one should judge you until they have walked in YOUR shoes! Listen to your own heart and surround yourself with people that support your endeavors. My husband tells me this all the time............"Angie, you deserve it. Do whatever makes YOU feel good and who cares if someone doesn't think you should try to improve the paralysis!" He says.........."It's NOT their face!"
Best wishes and to the BEST recovery from paralysis possible...Cheers!
Angie
Life is GOOD and only getting better.
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Hey all,
It was MEEEEEE who posted a couple pics under "MOE's GIMPY FACED PICS" showing my iguana on my shoulder which was post op AN surgery 8 months and then 15 months post 12/7 pics of me with so so results.
OKAY I'm not gimpy faced, but I sure would like to lift that left lip and smile.
I too am a nurse, ANGIE, so I can relate to a lot of what you may be thinking/going through.
It may seem like a lot of blood, sweat and tears to others as you try to achieve symmetry, and some may think "WHY bother?" You are beautiful!
But whatever floats our boat and helps us feel like we have some CONTROL over this dang paralysis.....Maybe that's part of it too.
And being in the medical profession, we are aware of and somewhat knowledgeable of what is out there. I personally want to take advantage of any medical technology that may help me, as long as it is covered by insurance!
I personally will not give up on my endeavor to get my smile back. It's like this life goal, and keeps me going--- I will be patient if it takes another year or two. What do I have to lose? I continue to work part time, and am still adjusting to living in the northwest.
Plus we live near Seattle, and I got into the network at Univ. WA Hospital, because the doc at Madigan did not want to do the 12/7.
They have a facial nerve injury specialty clinic, which I'm craving to get into (didn't want to say dying) .
I must be PATIENT though, and wait until JULY for my 18 month post op visit.
CHEERS!!!
Maureen
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Yes, that's me - the shy one. :D
Actually, I'm the only one in my house who can operate a camera, so I'm usually the one taking the pictures and not the one in them.
I will have to look around to see where my post AN surgery-pre 7/12 pictures are. I usually just look at them and then move onto the next thing - don't spend much time dwelling on the past and staring at pictures of myself, but if they help someone else, then I will see if I can find and scan them. (Kay, you're not the only one with computer related deficiencies!)
The goal of my surgeries, the 7/12 and the lateral tarsorraphy has never been cosmetic - the goal for both was to protect my eye, as I do enjoy being able to see! I would love to get my old smile back, but if I only achieve blinking, I'm thrilled with that. I've never been one for surgery if it's not absolutely necessary to keep me alive.
Fortunately for me, I've been blessed with good genes that allow my family to age gracefully so I'm not seeing any elective cosmetic surgery in my future. That's my personal opinion and I certainly have no issues with anyone else who chooses to go that route. As a matter of fact, as a nurse, I look at is as job security!
To each his (or her) own.
Lori
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Angie,
I saw your progress pictures last night. I think it is a very brave, fantastic learning tool for other AN ers. I think you look absolutely gorgeous. I personally don't think there is anything wrong in doing whatever it takes both financially and medically to make you comfortable with your face. I was a little upset with some of the responses that you received. Nobody should question your inner beauty or reasons for wanting " the old you back " You are perfectly right, unless you have had facial paralysis you have no idea what it is like. I have paralysis and a BAHA. In no way would I categorize the 2 as being the remote bit similar.
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Amen to that, LAinie. It's all about support.
David
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Thanks guys. Means alot!
Love,
Angie
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I am still working on getting my "before" and "after" pictures from Johns-Hopkins. I wanted to put them up here at 1 year, but I had to get them. Then when they did send them, they were just the "before" and they sent them thru the regular mail -I don't have a clue how to scan - even though I think I have one!! They had LOST (never uploaded apparently) the "after" pictures that we took in July when I went back there. I am in the process of taking some for them because they are redoing their website (b/c I suggested - well, I'm sure not just b/c of me - it b/c I told them there were a lot of people accessing it from this site and the complaint was that it was the same pics that had always been there). My intention was not to be on the website - just relaying comments I heard here, but they have asked if I will be on there. I have told them that I would be honored, but they didn't have to committ until they saw the "after" photos to see if it showed enough progress. (You know I lost some with all the aftermath!) I wonder if Nancy will be up there too?? I think it might be good to have links to that site as well as anything pertaining to the 12/7 (or 7/12) or any other form of treatment...Also, Lori is having incredible results from the 12/7!
K
I just tried to fix a type-o so I don't get why it did this - I've done this before and didn't quote...hhhmmm!
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Hi Angie. I send you wishes for continued wellness and hope that the processes you have endured bring the results you seek. I wish that for everyone here that have tried to deal with post-treatment issues..... we all want to do what it takes to be well.
As we know... "individual results may vary...." There are those willing to go the extra mile to do what it takes to try to help physically/emotionally during this tough road we travel. We know there are those that are content to remain as is, as well. The pictures certainly do help others to show that there are positive things that can happen, even after AN treatment (yes, even for those post-radio, as we know issues can arise there as well). What I want to make sure that newbies here understand is that ... this is not a given. Angie is doing great and definately on a road to wellness. I am also a firm believer, as noted by Lori and others here that its whats on the inside that count. Everyone here is such beautiful people on the inside... and by that radiating from everyone... to me, it doesn't matter what the outside looks like... its the innerds that count. Take that from someone who also has outward appearance issues that others tend to shy from and have lack of understanding of who and what I am.
If the means are there for folks to do what they believe to be the best for them, by all means, go for it... and if not... just remember, the inner person you are is what matters. I'll reference Susan Boyle (who IS a beautiful person on the outside). Folks have noted her outward and makeover attempts, etc for her... but she has a voice of an angel... and that is all that matters. She radiates from within... and who cares if she has bushy eyebrows. I know this is not a good comparison, but I'm trying to relay what she radiates from within.... she has stunned the world with the gift of her voice, when others were mocking her outward appearance when she is extremely content with who she is..... and that is what you all do here.... by sharing, by caring, by being there for each other.... the inside will win over many by how you project it.
wellness wishes to all that endure....
Phyl
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I have paralysis and a BAHA. In no way would I categorize the 2 as being the remote bit similar.
As I said in my post, neither would I.
Direct quote "I realize a BAHA isn't facial paralysis, just using it as an example".
I was simply trying to say what Lori and Phyl both said - only they apparently said it better :)
It's what on the inside that counts. Facial paralysis or no facial paralysis. BAHA or no BAHA.
Jan
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Phyl,
Thanks for the reminder... I need to tweeze my eyebrows! :D
Lori
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Phyl,
Thanks for the reminder... I need to tweeze my eyebrows! :D
Lori
thwack! Back on topic, girlie!
I want to send angie continued wishes and looking forward to further updates as time goes along... and from many of you as well that are also enduring facial issues. Hoping all remember to project from within, regardless of what the outside looks like.... we are much more attractive when the true, giving souls that we are (and I know that there are MANY good souls participating on this site!) are shown.
thanks again angie and all..... :)
Phyl
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angie, you are so courageous to put those pics up! they will help many. i refused to be photographed at all for the entire first year post surgery. looking back i think i was a little foolish for not doing so. i still have a hard time with it and im 4 years out. people who knew me before can tell but those who did not would probably not know if i didnt tell them. i still despise the changes. i also have recently come to botox for the facial pain but it took the loss of 5 teeth and ha! a crooked smile before that was even suggested. i would post a pic of myself but im really computer stupid and dont know how. you are really quite beautiful! so glad youve come so far too. btw i love the elephant trunk thing. i think the kids understand and accept better than most of the adults. they just dont get it. even doctors dont! it was wonderful of you to share. it will ease the fear in the minds of alot of folks. thanx so much. kerri
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I love this support group. It has gotten me through SOOO much.
Hugs and Kisses to ALL!
Angie
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Hi angie,
thanks for understanding that your recent post was modified.... truly appreciate your understanding.
As things have been going back and forth between some site users in this thread, we ask that everyone kindly take it off the forums and to PM/emails. If there is an issue with this request, please email any moderator (Sgerrard, Jim Scott, JoeF or myself) as our inboxes are always available to users here should there be any issues.
If the recent conversations continue in this thread or carry over to any other discussion thread, the related thread will be locked. Nuff said.
angie, please keep us updated on your facial progress as its so important to so many here that will gain from it. :) Pls be well and again, thanks for understanding.
Phyl