ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Eye Issues => Topic started by: Mimispree on January 24, 2015, 11:57:35 am
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Hi All:
I'm so excited because I'm going to get an eyelid weight on February 9. However, I have a question for all of you: The surgeon said my eye would close better if he does a tiny tightening of the lower lid because of the droop. However, I'm wondering if it will be a bother if my facial nerve heals someday. Does anyone have any input for me?
For anyone like me that didn't know how one was fitted for a weight, my surgeon stuck three different weights on the outside of my eyelid and let me hang-out for several minutes with the one I felt the most comfortable with, which was a 1.2 weight. My husband said that my eye closed about 80% when I blinked--it felt great! I can't wait to stop wearing my ugly eye patch I made with folded-up piece of cotton and a headband--either can my husband!
Thank you Eye Issues comrades.
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Hi,
I can't speak to getting the tiny stitch in the lower lid as I did not have that done. I did, however, get the same size eyelid weight not long after my AN surgery three years ago. I only kept it in for one year before I was able to have enough closure to have it removed. It was particularly helpful at night while lying down.
I have facial paralysis due to facial nerve being severed during surgery. I did have the 12/7 nerve graft 4 days after AN surgery to enable face to regain some movement. I will say that it takes the nerve 12-18 months to begin healing so patience is key to this whole process. I started seeing slight movements at about 6 months.
Be sure to keep plenty of lubricant eye drops on hand and I found ointment at night helpful. I did not have complete closure either so eye care was of utmost importance.
Not being in the medical field, I don't know how or if the stitching would affect the nerve or regaining the movement ,,, I just know I didn't get it nor feel I needed it for comfort of eye.. Just having my eye close as much as it did was a big relief as you expect.
Good luck to you and let us know how it goes for you! You will feel much better I am sure.
Jane
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Thanks Jane for sharing your experience. I am leaning toward just having the weight implant, so your story helps me with my decision. The "try-on" weight felt so good I was high all day! I am reluctant to have the lower lid stitch because I want to give the nerves time to heal. I had very respected surgeons who have a very high rate of success with the return of the facial nerve, so I'm willing to wait.
Thanks again.
Michelle
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I realized that I have rarely looked into the mirror after my surgery because of the facial paralysis I guess. Well, I took a good look the other day and I changed my mind and I'm definitely getting the lower eyelid stitches. I need it badly and I need it now, and if I'm living one day at a time, why am I worried about tomorrow?
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I am not familiar with the lower eyelid stitch what or how does that help with the eye closing? I am going in on Monday to have a permanent temporary taroplasty done - suturing of the eyelids -closing the eye half way. Has anyone had this done and it did it go would u recommend it?
Feline-Tina
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Hi Feline:
I don't know anything about the procedure you are having done. I'm having a 1.2 gold eyelid weight implanted, but because I have severe right-sided drooping of everything, my lower eyelid droop is pronounced and my eye doesn't not close even with a heavier weight. The surgeon said he would like to do a tiny stitch to tighten up the lower lid so that my eye will close better. The stick-on weight sample felt so good I can't wait to get it. I wear my homemade eye patch everyday, because even the ointment isn't working well for me anymore.
Best of luck! Keep me posted on your success.
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Feline:
Did you have the eyelid suturing done yesterday?
Mimispree
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Yes I did and it went very well under IV sedation
Feline