ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Facial Issues => Topic started by: JLR on October 10, 2017, 03:13:48 pm
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Hi All, Have had 5 sessions of acupuncture for my facial paralysis. The therapist now recommends electric stim. I'm a little hesitate as I've read it could cause more problems. Has anyone had this done. Thanks, Joan
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I had electric stim but it did not help. I am now going to a facial nerve therapist (25 years post op) and I have made great strides.
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I started facial therapy. Hope this works. I understand it's not a quick fix - can take many months. I'm glad your therapy has been successful.
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Hello, I am four months post-op. I have gone to facial acupuncture three times, too. I plan on continuing to go every week. My surgeon suggested yesterday electric stimulation to exercise the facial muscles. I have no idea where to go to have such a thing done. The physical therapist I saw was not helpful. I only went twice and he told me I did not need to come back until my facial nerve started to grow more. Who do I go see for a facial stimulation? Are there physical therapists who specializes in facial paralysis? Or do I see an occupational therapist?
I told my surgeon that I had read controversial information about electric stimulation. He was not aware of any controversy. He thought it would help with muscle atrophy. I’m not sure what to think.
I wear an eyepatch to protect my cornea. The left side of my face is paralyzed. And I’m a classroom teacher who is going back to work in the beginning of August.
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Hi, I'm posting about your eye not about the Electric stim. Do you patch your eye all day? Have you looked into trying a scleral lens or a soft contact lens? Feel free to ask questions and or research the lens info on the eye posts on this site. I'm at work now on break so can't write more now. Jill
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Hi All,
Just jumping in to implore you to be CAREFUL about electronic stimulation to the face after AN surgery. Do your homework and see a facial specialist.
ANA's Medical Advisory Board has always cautioned against this treatment, but please consult your specialist about your specific case.
We have a great article in a recent Notes newsletter and a webinar on the topic.
If you are interested, please email Holly at support@ANAUSA.org
Allison Feldman, CEO, ANA
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I just watched the ANA Facebook webinar (that was linked on a different thread here) that discussed facial stimulation and I’ve decided against pursuing it as a treatment. I am sticking with acupuncture. It can’t hurt.
Also, I’m about to research scleral lenses. Much gratitude. Having my one eye covered has helped my cornea repair itself/recover, but it is very difficult walking around with a pirate’s patch.
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When I had acupuncture the acupuncturist said Elect Stim would work etc. I was hesitant luckily. In my research the elect stim would and could cause more facial Problems. My surgeon too said I should try it and didn't hear anything against doing it. He was wrong. I then went to another doctor who said elect stim would make my Synkiness worst. Anyway I had facial therapy a few times with therapist. I have been doing it everyday but I have noticed only a couple of improvements and my face seems more slanted which isn't good. I'm just at wits end. A small percentage of the tumor was left on the facial nerve. I can't imagine if the entire tumor was removed. It's been 20 months since surgery. I suppose I'm very lucky as I could be worse. Regards, Joan
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A small part of my tumor was left behind, too. It was supposedly left to prevent my facial nerve from being affected. However, the left side of my face is paralyzed. I may still have to have gamma knife radiation. Scream!
I am marching on with my new reality. I realize things could be much worse—of course, but it is still difficult. I’m emotional, tired, deaf in one year, and not as cute. I worry mostly about my vision. I knew I would lose my hearing on the one side. I’m a classroom teacher and love my job, but I need all my senses to manage by classroom.
My dry nose will be interesting come cold and flu season.