ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: Pooter on January 08, 2010, 11:34:17 am
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Okay, so many of you know that I've had facial 'weakness' since my surgery.. It has ranged from complete immobility of my face on the AN side right after surgery and has SLOWLY gotten better over time. I had resigned myself to the fact that it wouldn't get any better and I was ok with that.
Today marks 20 months since surgery, so it was fitting that I had a minor victory this morning. My facial weakness was such that MOST people wouldn't be able to tell (pretty close symetry, etc..) but one thing that *I* noticed that nobody else would was that when I brushed my teeth and washed out my mouth with water my face wasn't strong enough to keep from spitting a little water out as I 'swooshed' water around in my mouth. Again, nobody would really know that but me. And, it was a constant reminder of the AN, surgery, etc..
Well, this morning as I brushed my teeth and 'swooshed' water in my mouth I DIDN'T SPIT WATER ALL OVER THE PLACE! *FINALLY* after 20 months (exactly) since surgery my face was strong enough to keep in all of the water while I 'swooshed'.
Morale of the story? Never, *never* give up hope when you're dealing with facial weakness. It just takes that long (and often times longer) for things to 'strengthen' up..
So, join me in celebration on my mini-victory some 20 months to the day after surgery..
Yea me! (a la London Tipton for those 'Suite Life' fans out there)
Regards,
Brian
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Great news, Brian!
I know exactly what you're talking about. I make a huge mess while brushing/rinsing. Not only can I not keep from dribbling, but I don't have enough muscle "oomph" in my cheek to swish. It's fun trying to tip and shake my head around while trying to get the mouthwash over to that side. I can just see myself requiring a trip to the ER someday when I get dizzy, lose my balance and knock myself out! That should be fun to explain. I may have the first ever concussion caused by mouthwash.
Celebrate your victory!
Happy Swishing!
Lori
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Congratulations Brian, that is such great news. It is so wonderful to get a little anniversary gift when you least expect it, and pleasant surprises make us feel all warm and happy inside. I'll bet your glowing!
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This is fantastic, Brian. Congratulations!!!!
Grace
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Great Gift for you 20 month anniversary!!! Keep up the swishing!
Lynn
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I think you are mistaken, Pooter, this is a MAJOR victory.
Sara
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Yea you! Happy to hear that "the leak" will eventually go away.
Cyndi
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Brian,
Great reading your post. I hope it keeps getting better and better!
Neal
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Way to go, man!! It is the little thing that turn out meaning the most to us on this journey...believe me, I know!! So happy for you!!
K ;D
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Hey, Brian ~
Those small (recovery) victories really do add up! Of course, you have my wholehearted congratulations on the improvement in your facial weakness after almost two years, post-op. Definitely something to celebrate (you decide how) and obviously a real-life inspiration for those AN patients struggling with post-op facial immobility. You've shown that there is 'light at the end of the tunnel' and by doing so, you've made your latest victory one that we can not only celebrate with you but that you've been able to use to encourage others. Definitely a win-win! :)
Jim
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Very happy for your victory, but really laughing at the London Tipton comment. I'm thinking not many will 'get' that one. Made ME laugh anyway........
Lots of Suite Life around this house in the past few years.
Congrats!
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I'm a mom to a 1st grade girl, so oh-do-I-ever get the London Tipton reference! :D
I am SOOOO happy to hear about your hugeonormous (I had to make up a word for this occasion) victory!!! I think it is not only an enormous personal victory, but a huge inspiration to many other people on the board who are still recovering (including, selfishly, me).
Happy swishing!
Lyn
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I have 3 girlies...DEFINTIELY got the Suite Life reference! ;D
K ;)
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Everyone,
Thanks for celebrating my little victory! Let's hope it wasn't a fluke like the 28 degree weather at 10am was here in Houston today.. YIKES was it cold! And, I was pretty sure that some of you (especially those with kids around the age of mine) would get the Suite Life reference..
Thanks again all!
Regards,
Brian
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Congrats Brian...great to hear about improvements. I had to laugh about the swishing...I still leak while brushing my teeth.... ;D
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Brian - incredible news! ;D
My kids are a few years past watching Suite Life, but they used to watch it religiously so I can relate to London's quote and think it's highly appropriate for this situation.
As you say, never never give up hope ;D
Congrats!!!
Jan
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Yea you!
Every day I brush my teeth and have to deal with the inability to forcefully eject and you are right - it is a constant reminder of the tumor, surgery and all this other junk.
My facial weakness is improving but not fast enough for me. I can hardly wait until I, too, can celebrate the spitting milestone!