ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Facial Issues => Topic started by: tuxedocat on April 11, 2019, 04:10:44 pm

Title: No improvement at 6 mo post-op
Post by: tuxedocat on April 11, 2019, 04:10:44 pm
Hello,

I had a 4 cm right acoustic neuroma resected 6 mo ago (while 24 wks pregnant) with immediate HB 5 facial paralysis after surgery. I have had little to no improvement since this time. I had a facial EMG yesterday that showed really low level activity in branches to eye and mouth, but no movement clinically. However, I am starting to lose hope.  Just curious if others have had facial nerve recovery that started later than 6 mo post op. Thanks!
Title: Re: No improvement at 6 mo post-op
Post by: lablove on April 11, 2019, 09:14:54 pm
Hi Tuxedocat,
Please do not lose hope. Your healing continues & you will slowly improve. I didn't show any great improvement until 8 months or more postop & even today almost 2 years post I am still feeling gradual return to function. I am so sorry you are having to be brave & dealing with this, but we are all with you.
Warmly,
Colleen aka lablove
Title: Re: No improvement at 6 mo post-op
Post by: Patti on April 12, 2019, 05:45:09 am
My tumor was the same size, and I was also youngish (38). After two months my forehead had movement which thrilled the doctor (and me!). The face and eye took several years to get to a point where people who hadn't seen me since my surgery commented on how much better I looked and that my smile and eye closure issue were hardly noticeable. I feel pretty at the age of 56.  Best of luck to you!!!!! You can e-mail me if you want.  Patti
Title: Re: No improvement at 6 mo post-op
Post by: tuxedocat on April 12, 2019, 03:37:11 pm
Thank you so much for the inspiring messages, I really appreciate it! I guess continued patience is the key, however your accounts make me feel better!
Title: Re: No improvement at 6 mo post-op
Post by: MT on April 23, 2019, 11:10:40 am
My tumor was half the size you mentioned (details in my signatures below) and my assessment was HB scale 4 (surgeons called it something between 3 to 4).

I am just 3 days to complete 6th month and guess what, ZERO improvement. Only things that I can assume improved are 1) my ability to swallow food, 2) swelling on face has gone... nothing else. I still can't close one eye, can't open my mouth big enough to take a bite of burger, smile from left side shows I am happily married while the right side is as if my girlfriend just ditched me.

I have been told to hold the horses, wait more 6 months then consider electronic stimulation and upon no results consider facial reanimation...


Wish you good luck!
Title: Re: No improvement at 6 mo post-op
Post by: tuxedocat on April 30, 2019, 02:23:43 pm
Hi MT,

Thanks so much for the reply! So sorry you are going through this also! Yeah, I am still deciding whether to undergo surgery around 8 months post surgery or continue waiting.

However, just a piece of unsolicited advice. Every single doctor I have spoken to (at least 3) recommended not to do electrical stimulation, as it can cause one to have an exaggerated distorted smile (described as a "joker lip"), so if I were you I would not undergo E-stim, even after a year.

Thanks for your response!
Title: Re: No improvement at 6 mo post-op
Post by: ColleenS on May 22, 2019, 11:08:54 am
I did not have any facial issues with the surgery but after radiation things change. About 4 1/2 months after 5 radiation sessions on my tumor that grew back I developed facial weakness, numbness, tongue, and eye affected too. So now I am about 3 months in and I see/feel slight improvements. I have hope but it is such a slow healing process. Hang in there.