ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Facial Issues => Topic started by: nancyann on December 01, 2007, 09:08:26 am

Title: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on December 01, 2007, 09:08:26 am: Hi guys - I just got home from my mom's. WHEW !!!! What a surgery !!!! It took 10 hours, but remember I also had the bilateral facelift, browlift ( & the unnecessary but vainly wanted eyelid surgery). I was 3 nights inpatient instead of 1 because they accidentally tore my left cornea (good eye) during surgery.
Right now the left half of my lips are stretched across the mouth & the right side of my lips are at about a 40 degree angle. I couldn't open my mouth at all post op & had to use a catheter to drink water & take liquid antibiotics, etc. I still can't open my mouth wide, but can eat soup, yogurt, mashed banana (mom gave me a bunch of her chicken soup to take home - I've been living on it the past 4 days at her condo - MMMMMM good!).
The droop is gone - YEAH!!!!! & of course it will take about 6 months to look normal; so I'll return to work in 4 weeks a 'work in progress'.
The platinum weight is in my right eyelid, so it's still swollen, but no redness so far (YEAH!!!)
I would highly recommend the temporalis tendon transfer to those with chronic paralysis, just be prepared - this was NO walk in the park !!!!
Thank you all for your personal emails to me - I can't write individually because my vision is still blurry & I'm very tired, but wanted to let you all know I'm doing great right now & I so appreciated seeing all your notes of concern when I logged on !! I MISSED YOU GUYS. !!!!!
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: berniejfnp on December 01, 2007, 09:12:58 am: Nancyann,

Welcome home!! Have a good recouperation. I am sure the forum members feel the same, what a trooper you are.

Bernie
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on December 01, 2007, 11:07:43 am: We missed you too Nancy!

Welcome Home!

Gentle Hugs (I bet you ache all over...)

4
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: cookiesecond on December 01, 2007, 11:28:50 am: Hi Nancy,
I am so glad things are heading in the right direction for you!!!! You are a great source of inspiration for this group and we are praying you'll soon put all this behind you.Take care and keep us posted when you feel like it. Aren't moms great?!
Hugs and prayers,
Lynn
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on December 01, 2007, 12:26:24 pm: Mom's are the best!! Thank God mine (age 82) is still spry enough to have taken care of me the past week (she even held her airobics class Tues. & went to her card game yesterday - & won $3.00!).
Hey 4 - aching all over my face - my lips burn on the right side - I took an oxycodone 5 mg about 12 noon so I'm feeling better now, just a bit woozy. I'm needing the pain meds less & less, about 3 times a day now. Alot of itching too (good sign, healing is taking place where the stitches were).
Thanks again to EVERYONE !!!!
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on December 01, 2007, 01:24:17 pm: Three cheers for Nancy and her amazing 82-year-old MOM!

Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray!

4
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: jerseygirl on December 01, 2007, 03:37:29 pm: Nancyann,

Welcome home after surgery! I miss your posts! Good luck in your recovery.

Eve
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Captain Deb on December 01, 2007, 05:58:47 pm: Welcome back, Nancyann!
Here's a special puppy dance to help you heal!
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/Captdeb_photos/dog_rover_dancing_saturday_night_fe.gif)
We're all so glad for you to put this surgery behind you now, so relax, let your Ma pamper you a bit longer, take it easy and please know that we are all sending you healing thoughts and good enerygy.

Be well,

Capt Deb(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/Captdeb_photos/pirate2.gif)
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on December 02, 2007, 07:16:24 am: I too will do the puppy dance !!
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Brendalu on December 02, 2007, 07:18:35 am: Welcome back, Nancyann!

Updated picture in six months. The countdown starts................... So happy you're back and well and itching!

Hugs,
Brenda
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on December 02, 2007, 07:40:57 am: Brenda: I'll have to get a 'Mona Lisa' outfit to go with the 'Mona Lisa' smile!!! Thanks for all your good thoughts!!
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: er on December 03, 2007, 12:17:49 am: Hello Nancyana,

Sure was glad to hear you are doing ok. It sure is nice to have someone take care of you. That will mean your going to be like your mother at her age. Nice!
My prayers are with you to heal fast. let us know if you have amy problems with the p. weight.
eve
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on December 08, 2007, 03:56:41 pm: Hi everyone: Well, it's been a week since I returned home. My lips are starting to look more normal, the right side is still swollen & there's a dissolvable stitch that is visible on my lower lip that is annoying but is less thick. My face is still swollen, but less so. The droop is still gone, which is the best part of this whole ordeal.
My right eyelids are still swollen from the platinum implant - I don't need to put the lubricant in as much, maybe 4-5 times a day.
All in all I'm very happy with the surgery & progress I've made in healing.
Unfortunately I am smoking cigarettes again, but am cutting down as I know this slows my healing.
Well, that's it for now.
Always good thoughts to everyone, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on December 08, 2007, 10:24:27 pm: Nancy,

RE
Ã¢â‚¬Å“ Unfortunately I am smoking cigarettes again Ã¢â‚¬?

:-\

OK Canadian mother bear coming on here... NO NO.. NO NOÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ NO Ã¢â‚¬â€œ donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t cope with stress this way. Go get some hard suck candies to get through this. This is the last thing your body needs right now- you need good nutritious stuff in your body. (ok ok hard candies are not nutritious but these are sure better than cigarettes)

I know this is a very difficult time Ã¢â‚¬â€œ 2 major surgeries in 2 years Ã¢â‚¬Â¦ but Nancy you just got to get through this without cigarettes.

IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ll bet because of all the bruising, swelling etc that you are staying home and being a Ã¢â‚¬Å“shut inÃ¢â‚¬? (MMMM?) Ã¢â‚¬Â¦ and I understand this completely.

Can you do any exercising at home?
* Stationary bike
* Palates ball,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_ball
http://pilates.about.com/od/buyingequipmentetc/p/PilatesBall.htm
A Jane Fonda work out video (Gads I AM dating myself here)
NancyÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ your heart and lungs will love you for doing this.

Today our Portland OR group met for ANA support meeting. One common thread was how important exercise is for the healing process and how important it is to get all the blood circulating. Smoking will only inhibit your healing process.

Nancy I think if you really set your mind to it you can heal from this surgery (mentally, physically and spiritually) without cigarettes.

YouÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re AN family is here to get you though this Ã¢â‚¬â€œ and telling us that you gave in to Ã¢â‚¬Å“the packÃ¢â‚¬? is the first step. The second step is to toss Ã¢â‚¬Å“the packÃ¢â‚¬? Ã¢â‚¬Â¦ and do what you can to be a strong individual.

HUGS

4
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: TP on December 08, 2007, 11:10:03 pm: Nancy, I am so happy your surgery went well! I missed you and your words of encouagement. I hope these next several weeks that you are able to heal and feel much better. Big hug to you!
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on December 09, 2007, 07:51:40 am: Thanks TP, & everyone that have sent good thoughts my way.
Well 4, what can I say? I have a bunch of excuses in my bag, like any addict. I've given up other 'bad habits', this one is the toughest. Been smoking 34 years, & I really do enjoy my cigs - it's not like I wanted to quit, I did preop because I worry about the breathing when I go under anesthesia. I'm not smoking as much as usual, but, no, I won't be quitting, just not ready for it....
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Desilu on December 09, 2007, 12:20:21 pm: Hi Nancyann,

Glad to hear that you are doing well! You are always so positive and up-beat, you are an inspiration to many, including myself. Please keep us posted on your progress. Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Joef on December 09, 2007, 12:49:16 pm: Nancy ... as I ex-smoker ... 20+ years ... quit in 2001 ... I understand ...

I used the patch to quit .. its not full proof .. and you still need to tackle to habit of smokin ... * for about 2 years I did very little fishing or stopping after work for a drink with the guys* because both of these involed smoking! ... but you can stay on the patch for months.. while you break these habits..... I was a year before I could go thu the day with wishing I had a smoke ...

Glad you got your eye weights back! .. sounds like your on the recovery road.... and stay clear of potholes!
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Captain Deb on December 10, 2007, 12:27:20 pm: I'm with 4 on the smoking thing I have to say! A great reason to stop this time. Will certainly speed up the healing process. I'm almost 20 years stopped and grateful for every second of it. I quit sans patch/pills/acupuncture. Cold turkey. I wanted my lungs back. Food for thought..........

We love you, that's all,

Capt Deb(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/Captdeb_photos/pirate2.gif)
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on December 10, 2007, 12:33:09 pm: Patch didn't work for me, I smoked with it & my heart started jumping to a different beat..... I quit pre surgery with the Chantix, worked great. When I'm ready to quit again I've still got the chantix..... I KNOW, I KNOW, quit while I'm ahead; just not ready guys......
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on December 10, 2007, 01:43:08 pm: Nancy,

Two of my very favorite aunties and my step-mother were smokers.

They gave me arguments similar to yoursÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ as to how they enjoy their cigarettes and they donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t really want to quit.

Auntie #1 died in 1990 Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Lung Cancer
Stepmother Ã¢â‚¬â€œ died in 1995 of Leukemia
Auntie #2 died in 2006 of intestinal cancer

They have missed out on watching their grand nieces, nephews and own grandkids growÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ and are very much missed.

You have been through such a battle with your tumor- why add gunk to your body that will only precipitate more tumors to grow elsewhere in you body? (With a higher chance of the pathology not showing benign the next timeÃ¢â‚¬Â¦)

Nancy- I hope you and I are still conversing back and forth for years to come on this forum - reminiscing about music from the 70Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s and issues that pertain to us in our 70Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s.

If you canÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t do this for you than do it for your 82-year-old Mom (who is going to need you)Ã¢â‚¬Â¦ and your ANA buddy in Oregon ;D.

Cheers,

4
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on December 10, 2007, 07:17:51 pm: The doc left a staple in behind my right ear. I'll call the office tomorrow. Hopefully it can wait till I see him 1/9/08? There was also a stitch left in at the back of my head on the right, but my neighbor, a recovery room nurse, took it out for me. Wonder if she does staples? There's alos a piece of stitch on my left eyelid, just the knot part, I tried to remove it, but since my vision was blurry I missed & cut the extra line & left the knot. Oh boy.....

I'll see my PCP Thurs., 12/13 to get the staple out (YEAH); This morning I took out the white stitch sitting on my lower lip - feels much better!
The nurse I spoke to at Johns Hopkins was very apologetic, even though it wasn't her who took out the staples & stitches....
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: TP on December 11, 2007, 09:09:13 pm: Several weeks after my AN was removed I found a piece of a stich in my forehead. I had no idea that I had a hallow on during my AN surgery. I found another piece of stich in the back of my head a few weeks later. It was actually fun finding these little surprises. I look back and I guess I didn't scrub my head very well after my surgeries....I didn't have much feeling in my head and I was concerned that I would pull my scar area.
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Joef on January 11, 2008, 11:13:24 am: I'm posting this images for Nancy.... of before and after surgery! there is still some swelling, but she looks great!!

(http://image2.frappr.com/pix2/i/20080111/4/1/4/41482a3915a6240b3112ca829376a2de0_large.jpg)

(http://image2.frappr.com/pix2/i/20080111/d/4/e/d4ebb6e00e92b824eb9f3b76567846650_large.jpg)

(http://image1.frappr.com/pix1/i/20080111/a/1/a/a1ab37675eff3393a98752480e41ad5b0_large.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on January 11, 2008, 11:25:19 am: Joef: Thank you so much for posting the pictures for me. I'm 7 weeks post op, so healing continues. The doc said the results will continue to improve for 4-6 months post op. I think it's important for those with chronic facial paralysis, with no chance of nerve recovery to know there is help out there.
Remember folks, my facial nerve was cut, reanastamosed, but I never regained any movement, never had the 'tingling' for 17 months.
For those whose facial nerve was stretched, etc., people have begun to have movement after 2-3 years.
This surgery is for those who've had paralysis for a long time or know there is no chance of nerve recovery.
Also, Dr. Byrne told me recently 1 patient needed to have the tendon 'tightened' after 1 year - he doesn't know why the tendon stretched, other patients hadn't had that happen, but he wanted me to know I may need some 'tweeking' of the tendon down the road (fine by me).

Oh, besides the TTT surgery, I also had a platinum chain placed in the upper eyelid, lower lid tightened, a facelift, browlift, eyelid surgery, & chemical peel lower eyelids; so this was my EXTREME MAKEOVER !!

Thanks again Joe
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Joef on January 11, 2008, 12:30:14 pm: I would say the MAKEOVER was a success! ... Glad I could help ... if anyone else has photo's to post .. just drop a line ... a fishing line that is ;)

ps... the pictures actually are residing on http://www.frappr.com/acousticneuroma
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: lori67 on January 11, 2008, 01:21:47 pm: Nancy, I would say that's a success also! You look amazing!!

And it's not just the "Mona Lisa" smile on your lips, but your whole face is smiling! I hope things continue to get better for you! You've been through a lot!

Lori
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 1wareagle on January 11, 2008, 06:37:14 pm: NANCY YOU LOOK GREAT!!!!! :) I was not expecting the change, this early, to be so dramatic. You could be a poster child for this procedure. I hope it continue to get better every day!

Ellis
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Jeanlea on January 11, 2008, 08:23:32 pm: Nancy, what a success! Now you look as great on the outside as you looked the whole time on the inside. I didn't realize it would be such a nice smile. You must be so happy with the results. Thanks for sharing with us. (And Joe's help, too.)

Jean
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: TP on January 11, 2008, 09:04:59 pm: Nancy, these pictures are awesome, you look fantastic. I am so happy for you. I know you are tickled. Your face looks great and it looks like the Dr did a few other things too. ;) Your paralysis is more severe than mine. Does your face still have any pain? My paralysis hurts when I talk a lot during the day. I find at night I just want to keep my mouth shut and let my face relax!

Thank you so much for posting these pictures. You are beautiful but we've always known that of you because your beauty starts from the inside!
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: sgerrard on January 12, 2008, 12:46:22 am: Pucker up, baby, here comes a smooch!

The transformation is really quite something, it is as if you have become your own daughter. There is one thing the doctor can't take away, though, and that is the wisdom and strength that gleams in those eyes - and no, I don't mean the eye goop. Your courage and good humor are extraordinary and admirable, and an inspiration to all of us. I can only hope I would do half as well in a similar circumstance.

Well done, you look lovely, and it couldn't have happened to a better or more deserving person.

Steve
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on January 12, 2008, 06:25:14 am: Thank you so much for the kind words everyone. The stress from the AN complications had really taken a toll on me, both physically & mentally. I feel like I got my face back, now I look like my signature picture again, which was taken in 2003.

TP: yes, I also had a facelift, browlift, eyelid & chemical peel on the lower lids. My face use to hurt when I talked alot also - I'd have to hold up the AN side so people could understand what I was saying - that is not the case anymore - no more pain at the end of the day (I'm still getting shooting pains in my face from the surgery, but they only last a few seconds).

Steve: you are such a card! LOVE your sense of humor!

Now, if only we can do something about the eye issues.... Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on January 12, 2008, 11:46:57 am: Nancy,

I personally think you look beautiful Ã¢â‚¬â€œ but hey I thought you were a beautiful person even before seeing your up close photos - just on how your represent yourself to others on the forum with your caring and positive words. :)

I am still using the double-sided-sticky-taped eye weight each day (so fiddly ::)) Ã¢â‚¬Â¦ but have reduced taping under my eye to just evenings now (i.e. now only droops with fatigue). Ã¢â‚¬Å“IfÃ¢â‚¬? I am going to need plastic surgery I know just who I need to call as a coachÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ as one of these days, with all this sticky tape, on my face I am bound to come Ã¢â‚¬Å“ungluedÃ¢â‚¬? LOL :D. I am trying tobe a patient patient as the facial nerves SLOWLY re-grow and heal.

You are a real trooper- not to mention a pioneer for the rest of us who are dealing with facial issues and hoping for solutions. Thanks so much for being SO brave, posting your photos and sharing this wonderful success story with all us ANÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ers.

We are very lucky to have you on this forum! :-*

Cheers,

4
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: pattibobatti on January 20, 2008, 03:30:53 pm: Hi Nancy,

I just saw your pictures for the first time! You really look great. Boy, does that take me back when I had all that done, too. You will see that the face will continue to improve. My cheek was up high lke that for awhile. I know Dr. byrrne told you, but eventually that two sides will become even.

You really do look great! Congratulations!!

Patti
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on February 08, 2008, 01:33:05 pm: Nancy.

Joef posted the link to this on another thread- today.

Seeing these pictures of you again - is so encouraging. It gives us all some hope when we need it most.

I just want to tell you that I think you are awesome!

Winking at you ;) (both voluntarily an involuntarily when I chew here - PST lunch break)

Cheers,

4
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on February 08, 2008, 05:21:29 pm: No, YOU"RE AWESOME !!!! The swelling continues to go down. I'm so happy I had this done!
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Tisha on January 22, 2009, 12:54:43 pm: Wow, Nancy Ann.....I am so impressed. What an inspiration for those that are experiencing paralysis. You look fantasic, you look 20 years younger and I'm not joking! Big congratulations for you!

Tisha
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on January 22, 2009, 02:46:59 pm: Tisha: Thank you so much - I feel like my old self again. I was really amazed at how much my face aged 1 year after my AN surgery - between total paralysis & the stress/depression that went along with it. The swelling in the picture is gone now (it's been 12 months since the 'after' picture was taken), & you can hardly notice the scar along the nasolabial fold !
Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: ppearl214 on January 22, 2009, 02:54:59 pm: OMG! Nancyann! Look at you! How the heck did I miss this!?!! Shame on me! *smacks self*

You look absolutely fantastic! But, heck... you are fantastic anyway! Thanks for sharing this with everyone and what an inspiration for those researching T3.

Congrats hon! I'm so tickled for you! And glad to see you back.

xox
Phyl
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Jim Scott on January 22, 2009, 03:18:26 pm: Nancyann:

I'm way late to post on this thread so, contrary to my usual verbosity, all I'll say is that you really look great and I'm very happy for you. :)

Jim
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on January 22, 2009, 05:20:35 pm: Isn't this an old thread that was resurrected?? Before today's comment by Tisha, it was dated February 8. 2008...

K

PS - I do think Nancy does look incredible BTW - I think we need to see NEW pictures!!
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on January 23, 2009, 07:09:08 am: Thanks everyone. Yes, K - the after pictures are a year old (wow, does time fly !). If I can only figure out how to post a picture, I would ! Joef had posted those for me last year.
Always good thoughts everyone, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on January 26, 2009, 10:29:42 pm: So Nancy is there a 1 year anniversary party in the planning?

DHM (aka "4")
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: leapyrtwins on January 26, 2009, 10:53:54 pm: Joef ???

Where are you ???

I want to see new pictures of Nancy, too! ;D

Jan
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: yardtick on January 27, 2009, 09:08:36 am: Did read party....food....I'm there ;D
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: chrissmom on January 28, 2009, 12:39:50 pm: Hey Nancyann...

How did I miss this ! Congrats...you look great. Is that eye feeling better now ? We have a snow day today so I thought I'd catch up. I guess I missed this because Chris was having his facelift at the same time you were celebrating your anniversary !

Chris had the sling op Dec. 12, spent the night in the hospital and recovered quite well. Chris has a bad tendency to scar so we are closely watching the incision near his mouth. He compensated by growing a beard. All his male college friends seem to be girzzly looking right now...its the new look...you know. So he fits right in. The droop is gone.

The most amazing thing happened after the surgery... He said, "look what I can do". He moved the muscles on that side and it was really obvious ! We told the surgeon and his response was that it had nothing to do with the surgery but when the weight of the muscle was taken off by the sling, the underlying muscles could now function. He can't wait to show his AN doctor in March. We now have some hope for more reanimation.

Happy for you Nanc !

Rita
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on January 29, 2009, 10:43:54 am: Hi Rita: hope all is well by you. I am so glad to hear about Chris' face coming back to life ! WHOO HOO ! ! ! ! !
I'm still having eye surgeries. Waiting on the insurance to have a pyrex tube inserted so my tears stop running down my cheek !
Other than that I'm doing great.

Hey guys - I have pictures if someone wants to give me their e-mail address I'll see if I remember how to send pictures by e-mail, then you can post them here. A pre-thanks if anyone has the time/knowledge !

Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: sgerrard on January 30, 2009, 08:30:06 pm: Nancy's new pictures, celebrating her mother's 83rd birthday, her 1 year post T3 surgery, & Thanksgiving.

(http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m447/sgerrard_01/IMG_0002.jpg)

(http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m447/sgerrard_01/IMG_0003.jpg)

Personally I think the short hair cut is very cute. ;)

Steve
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on January 30, 2009, 09:09:33 pm: Nancy~
SOOOOOOOO great! I love them - you look so awesome & SO much like your mom!!

K
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on January 30, 2009, 09:22:33 pm: Oh Steve: Thank you so much ! ! I still have another eye surgery to go ( & I want my 'elephant' right ear pinned back - another story)
Hi Kay, Yes me & mom, one in the same...

Always good thoughts, Nancy
ps: you can see the sun rising on Thanksgiving Day 2008.
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on January 30, 2009, 09:24:29 pm: Nancy~
I also meant to say that I LOVE the new do!! Very chic!!

K
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on January 30, 2009, 09:33:06 pm: You are too cute Kay ! I've decided to grow my hair a bit to do a page boy (it'll hide the ear thing)y
Okay with you Steve ? More the Audrey Hepburn look....

Thanks again for the good thoughts ! Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on January 30, 2009, 09:35:26 pm: Nancy~
I didn't notice your ear - what is up with that?

K
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on January 30, 2009, 09:42:39 pm: Look at the pictures Kay, the right ear sticks out further than the left (non AN) ear,
it's been like that since surgery...weird, huh?
do you think I might be being picky ? Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on January 30, 2009, 09:49:34 pm: Well, maybe a little but it is your ear and you've done a LOT to improve everything so you have a right to be picky! I saw in your response to someone else that you are still having eye surgeries...how's that going? I still don't have a weight in right now. We are letting that eye "heal"...In the course of these check-ups, the occuloplastic dr. (who i really like) discovered that my "good" eye is messed up and I have thyroid eye disease (Grave's Disease - like Barbara Bush) so I guess I am destined to be a bugged eyed old lady with a distorted face!! ;D I told the Dr. that I REALLY didn't need anything else to distract from my face!! Looks like more surgeries down the road but these will stink b/c I will FEEL them!! Oh well, we'll get thru it!

K
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on January 30, 2009, 10:02:31 pm: Hi there Kay - How long before you get a weight ?

My platinum weight is 1.6 Grams - good fit.

My (hopefully) final surgery is to have a pyrex tube implanted from my inner eye through bone to my
sinus to stop my tears from building up & dropping on my cheek.

Always good thoughts, Nancy

ps: STEVE, YOUR SIGNATURE PICTURE CHANGED TO YOU WEARING YOUR PERFECTLY STITCHED BLUE HAT ! !
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on January 30, 2009, 10:07:13 pm: We will wait as long as we can so it can really heal up. Since i have had SO many surgeries on that very sensitive skin/area, if this one were to "slip" like the last one, he wouldn't be able to do another and they would just have to start sewing that eye up. I REALLY don't want that - one eye that is getting smaller and one eye getting more bugged!!

K
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: leapyrtwins on January 30, 2009, 10:07:59 pm: Nancy - and Steve - thanks for the new pictures.

They are fantastic! Looking good, Nancy ;D

Jan
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on January 30, 2009, 10:18:20 pm: Jan: Thanks baby !

& Kay: I finally got the platinum weight 16 months after the gold one was removed due to allergic reaction.
It does seem like the eye problems are the hardest to solve... I have the same problem with the size of the
normal eye vs. AN eye - the AN eye looks bigger.

But, as you already know, we are happy, alive & full of love ! Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: chrissmom on January 31, 2009, 12:57:56 pm: Wow, Nanci...You look great ! No scars...it's amazing ... Chris has got to see this. Maybe he will post.
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on February 03, 2009, 02:09:33 pm: WOW

Nancy you look fantastic!

OH and what do you all think of Steve's new knit hat? Adorbale is our sunny disposition Steve. I wonder if he wears in when he is public speaking... such a wonderfully bold fashion statement he is making... If we see PNW'ers suddenly in the trend of knitted hats- we know who the trend setter is. ;)

Nancy your postive attitude is amazing.

Thanks for sharing your pics.

DHM
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Dfcman on February 04, 2009, 11:23:13 pm: Yeah, thats pretty amazing. No scars or nothing. You look great!

Cheers,

Chris
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on February 05, 2009, 04:24:45 pm: Hello everyone: Thanks again for all the supportive words ! & Chris, I do have scars, you just don't see them in the picture - I have the crescent moon scar by the corner of my lips; & b/c I needed extra pulling, the doc put 2 extra slings on my lips, so there's a couple of 'bumps' on my lips.
When I had the 'after pictures' taken on pg. 2, Dr. Byrne said my scar was too red, so I used a scar diminisher with silicone for 6 months (2-3 months longer than prescribed).
I am so happy with the results.
&, the best news: I passed my vision test today at the DMV ! ! WHOO - HOO ! ! ! Got my new driver's license.

Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on February 05, 2009, 04:41:51 pm: so did you tell them about one eye open? ;)

K
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on February 05, 2009, 05:34:32 pm: Oh K: Great sense of humor - actually, I was so nervous I didn't even remember to inform her of my talent ! ! I didn't have to - the woman who called my name was a sweetheart,
I did have a little trouble with the vision test, I kept having to refocus b/c of the blurriness - but I guess I did good enough ! !
What a weight off my shoulders !
Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: lori67 on February 06, 2009, 12:21:48 pm: Nancy-

First of all congrats on the license renewal!

Second, you look fantastic! I like the new coif too - it's really cute! And your mom is in her 80's? She does not look like it at all! You must age gracefully in your family - she looks good!

The pyrex tube in the eye sounds a bit painful to me, but I'm sure you won't be awake to feel it. Let me know how that goes - I've never heard of it, but I have the problem of my AN eye dripping all over my face too. Looks like I'm half crying. So, that may be something to look into at some point. On the bright side - at least you'll be microwave and dishwasher safe! :D

Lori
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on February 06, 2009, 11:33:55 pm: Hi there Lori,
You are right about 'microwave safe' ! & you are right about me going under general anesthesia for this procedure.
I'm so tired of the tears falling on my face, as I'm sure you are too. The 1 issue I had to think about before making the
decision to have this surgery is that every 6 months the pyrex tube has to be replaced (It'll be done in his office, & it is painful).
BTW, my mother is in unbelievably good shape for 83 !
Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on March 02, 2009, 01:11:41 am: I had the pyrex tube put in. I thought the tube came out (2 days post op). so I called the doc's emergency #.
He called back & had me take off the bandage - what a relief ! ! The pyrex tube is stitched into the inner corner of my eye,
so the tube is in place & my eye looks great ! I did some 'cleaning up' of my eye. & all is well.
Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: jazzfunkanne on March 02, 2009, 03:19:24 am: gawd your mum dont look any where near 83, you both look great
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: lori67 on March 02, 2009, 10:35:33 am: Great news, Nancy!

How was the procedure itself? I know most things seem like nothing compared to the initial brain surgery, but I hope it went well.

Lori
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on March 02, 2009, 11:46:10 am: Hi Lori: I was put under anesthesia at 8am & woke up at 10:30am. Just a tiny bit of bruising near the inner corner of my eye. There are 2 little stitches on the side of my nose & 1 at the inner corner of my eye.
My tears build up but they're not running down my face, they are slowly draining down the tube !
I thought the tears would drain quicker, we'll see how it goes over the next few weeks. The sutures come out Friday.
I'm happy !
Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on March 21, 2009, 10:08:15 pm: The pyrex tube implant is doing great ! ! I'm transitioning from Refresh lubricant to Refresh Celluvisc,
the lubricant clogs the pyrex tube, so I use the lubricant at the most twice a day.
My eye doesn't fill with tears that fall onto my cheek anymore, I am so happy with this surgery ! !

Always good thoughts everyone, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on March 22, 2009, 06:35:42 am: Nancy!
That is SO awesome - glad you finally found something that is working for you with the eye issue. How about nights?

K
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Jeanlea on March 22, 2009, 07:55:34 am: Nancy,

I don't know how I missed this thread for so long! Your new photos look amazing. I'm so happy for you. And you got your eye under better control, too. Wow. What an inspiration to others. Thanks for sharing.

Jean
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: sgerrard on March 22, 2009, 11:42:10 am: Nancy, I am happy for you. A pyrex tube implant sounds pretty strange to me, but if you say it helps, I am happy for you. ;)

Steve
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: lori67 on March 22, 2009, 12:53:29 pm: Quote from: sgerrard on March 22, 2009, 11:42:10 am
Nancy, I am happy for you. A pyrex tube implant sounds pretty strange to me, but if you say it helps, I am happy for you. ;)

Steve

Steve,

Like anything anyone has done around here sounds "normal"? :D

Lori
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on March 22, 2009, 05:18:39 pm: Hi Everyone ! Thank you for all the good thoughts.
I am so happy with this tube in, tears don't run down my face anymore,
I'm also getting use to Refresh brand Celluvisc.

K: I'm still using the NITEYE moisture chamber every night, it really is so good for my cornea.
It does seem funny having a small pyrex tube implanted to drain my tears - you're right Lori, "what's normal?"
I'm grateful for whoever invented this device !

Other than that, my brother was visiting from NY, & I was going to swim in the Atlantic Ocean with him,
(I've been afraid to swim in the ocean since this last surgery), but it rained the whole day !
Oh well, I know I'll be ready come summer (the water will be warmer too - I'm spoiled).

Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on August 30, 2009, 06:24:59 pm: Hi everyone: I'm visiting with my family in NY & my nephew Anthony is helping me with the photo bucket. Here are some pictures of my family & me. they're a little blurry, I hope you don't mind!

(http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/zz67/ntedone/8-30-2009/PICT0317.jpg)

(http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/zz67/ntedone/8-30-2009/PICT0307.jpg)

(http://i814.photobucket.com/albums/zz67/ntedone/8-30-2009/PICT0342.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on August 30, 2009, 06:53:13 pm: GREAT pictures, Nancy - thanks for sharing them!! So glad you are getting some R & R!!

K
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on August 30, 2009, 08:55:16 pm: WOW NANCY! You look great!

My favorite is the bottom photo.

You are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing this.

DHM

P.S. You have grown your hair out- I like it. :)
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Desilu on August 30, 2009, 11:09:33 pm: Hi Nancy,

I think you look great! I am lovin the new hair style, I think it looks awesome. It's always nice to be with family, enjoy your visit. Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: leapyrtwins on August 31, 2009, 06:42:49 am: Nancyann -

thanks for the new pics. You look fantastic! ;D

Jan
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on August 31, 2009, 09:30:59 am: Thanks everyone - my family say I look better in person than pictures (of course I agree !).
This evening my best friend from high school is coming by - haven't seen her for 15 years !
Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: saralynn143 on August 31, 2009, 10:47:09 am: If you look better in person than in these pictures, then you have to be a stunner. I love your short curly 'do.

Sara
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: moe on September 01, 2009, 09:41:41 am: Looking GOOD Nancy!
Thanks for sharing!
Maureen
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: ppearl214 on September 01, 2009, 01:45:07 pm: Nancy,

shame on me for trying to get caught up with everyone... and I have to tell you... you look absolutely fantastic! Truly!!!!!!! "you've come a long way, bebe!" :-* :-* :-*

xo
Phyl
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on September 01, 2009, 02:22:57 pm: YEA for me ! !
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: TP on September 01, 2009, 02:49:19 pm: Nancy you look wonderful. I know you are having a blast visiting your family and friends. Enjoy your vacation and safe travels home!!
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kate B on September 01, 2009, 06:20:59 pm: Quote from: nancyann on September 01, 2009, 02:22:57 pm
YEA for me ! !

You have lots to celebrate!!! Thanks for sharing the pictures. I love the new look. You have come a long way girl.

Kate
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: yardtick on September 01, 2009, 07:58:01 pm: Oh Nancy, what a beauty!!! This is the first thread I open today and see your beautiful face! :-* :-*

Anne Marie

PS Nice pictures of the the family also ;)
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on May 10, 2010, 07:02:44 am: Jill: I don't know where the before/after pictures on pg. 2 went, but on pgs. 4 & 6 there are pictures of me post T3.
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on May 10, 2010, 09:31:28 am: In my eyes NancyAnn is an AN hero.

DHM
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on May 10, 2010, 10:44:00 am: You are so sweet DHM, thank you (but what do you think happened to the before/after pictures Joef posted for me on pg. 2 ?? I wanted Jill to see them....)
Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on May 10, 2010, 11:18:02 pm: Quote from: nancyann on May 10, 2010, 10:44:00 am
(but what do you think happened to the before/after pictures Joef posted for me on pg. 2 ?? I wanted Jill to see them....)

Joef... Joef... are you there?

DHM
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Joef on May 11, 2010, 04:33:37 am: I'm not sure if "frappr" exists anymore !! (at least not in the same format) , stand by, I will do a little research
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Joef on May 12, 2010, 09:49:51 am: to domain frappr.com still seems to be gone.... :o
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on May 14, 2010, 04:04:00 pm: thanks Joe for trying - I really appreciate it. Unfortunately I didn't save the pictures in my email... (duh....)
Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on May 15, 2010, 09:45:45 am: Joef,

Can they be re-posted by editing that original thread with photobucket- instead? These are great photos ... hate to loose them

DHM
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: odirish on June 26, 2010, 05:58:03 pm: I haven't been around for awhile, but I just found out abour Dr. Byrne and the T3 surgery. I just made an appt. for Sept 1st and sent pictures of
myself that he requested. I had my AN surgery in 1995. I had a cheek implant a few years later and loved it. It has since dropped and the droop is very
noticeable. :'( I hope I qualify for the surgery. I'm told that my insurance should cover it. Lucky for me that both my DH and I both have medical
insurance, so what 1 doesn't pay, the other will. I am so excited. I thought this was a new procedure, only to find out that you all knew about it
a long time ago. I guess I need to check in more often. Can I ask...what percentage of recovery would you say that you've had? I am told that my
nerve was not severed during surgery and I had a 30% recovery of facial motion. Hopefully if I can have the surgery, I'll get more back.

I'm rambling ;D ;D

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on June 26, 2010, 07:09:43 pm: Hi Mary Ann~
I had the T3 - I had NO movement before I had the T3 - now I do!! ;D I had some complications after the surgery - which only one other patient has had - or Dr Byrne thinks that I would gotten even more movement back. I certainly have a "Mona Lisa" smile now - MUCH better than before! BTW, I had my AN surgery in 1995 also & the T3 in 2008...LMK if you have any questions and tell Dr. Byrne HELLO for me!

K ;D
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: odirish on June 27, 2010, 02:27:41 pm: What exactly do they do in the surgery? Did you have to stay overnight in the hospital? Will I have to be off work for awhile? ??? ???
I know, lots of questions. I saw another video of a boy who had the nerve graft surgery. I'm going to ask Dr. Byrne which (if i qualify)
would be the better of the 2 for me. I won't see him to Sept. It seems like forever. ::) I guess if I waited 15 years, what's another 2 months. ;D
Do you have before and after pictures? I have my before, and hopefully I will have afters to post. I never get my picture taken, I hate it!! I currently have some movement. I went to Pittsburg to see a guy who does facial exercises. He told me that my nerves are not dead, just need to be woke up. He had me hooked
up to a computer and when I would try to smile like he told me to (without my teeth touching) you could see the line go up on the graph paper. He also
told me to keep trying to blow up a balloon.

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on July 01, 2010, 08:24:16 am: (http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/447/tedonenancy220080109131.jpg) (http://img153.imageshack.us/i/tedonenancy220080109131.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Hi guys: my nephew put this up for me. I'll try to find the other before/after photos. (thanks Anthony !)
This picture was taken 1 1/2 months post op. I still had swelling around the face.
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on July 01, 2010, 09:34:02 am: Nancy,

Thanks for re-posting these pics. This gives others hope...

You are truly and inspiration. :)

DHM
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Jim Scott on July 01, 2010, 01:46:33 pm: Nancy ~

Congratulations.....and what a visible difference. Thanks for letting those who are struggling with 'facial issues' see that there is 'light at the end of the tunnel'. It is much appreciated.

Jim
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on July 01, 2010, 04:00:09 pm: Hi there Jim: I had posted this picture January 2008 but it somehow got removed so my nephew posted it for me again.
I'll have him post more recent pictures the end of July (I forgot my camera to computer hook up piece..).
Hope all is well by you.
Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: jilljpower on July 09, 2010, 12:19:00 pm: Quote from: nancyann on July 01, 2010, 08:24:16 am
(http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/447/tedonenancy220080109131.jpg) (http://img153.imageshack.us/i/tedonenancy220080109131.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Hi guys: my nephew put this up for me. I'll try to find the other before/after photos. (thanks Anthony !)
This picture was taken 1 1/2 months post op. I still had swelling around the face.

You look amazing!!!
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: odirish on July 22, 2010, 07:29:36 pm: Hi, haven't been here for awhile. I have an appointment scheduled with Dr. Byrne in Maryland for sept. 1st. I do have some movement, not much.
I had to send pictures of myself (it was horrible) They said if i don't qualify for the surgery they will let me know before my appointment. I
haven't heard anything yet, so I guess that's good news. At one time, I had a cheek implant, and I really liked it. It lasted about 6 years. When it dropped,
it fell hard. :o

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: moe on July 22, 2010, 07:49:39 pm: Hi Mary Ann,
I had the cheek implant surgery this past May 13, but the doc at UW in Seattle used the masster nerve as innervation to the muscle. I am still waiting on the verdict on that ??? They took some thigh muscle and transplanted into the cheek, along with the nerve and blood supply. 8 hour surgery.

Should see movement in mid August, the 3 month point, and then I should be able to train myself to smile by biting down. I will post pre/post pics.
This surgery is called gracilis free flap surgery. I was very blessed to have this procedure, not too many do the surgery.

Possibility for you to have something like this?
Maureen
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: odirish on July 28, 2010, 10:15:24 am: The cheek implant I had was gortex. It was like a sling to pull up the muscle. I really liked it, for as long as it lasted. I will keep your latest surgery in mind and ask at my appt. if i were to be able to have it done in combination with the T3. my DH and I both have medical insurance, so what one doesn't pay, the other one should. My biggest concern is how long I would be off work. How did that workout for you?

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: moe on July 28, 2010, 04:49:05 pm: Hi odirish,
My surgery recovery time from the gracilis flap surgery was a couple of weeks, I would say. Depending on what kind of job you have you could easily do office/desk work. My leg where they took the muscle was painful, but I didn't use narcotics, just tylenol and motrin. They say 4-6 weeks though, until you can use that leg in exercising and such.

I did develop a leg incision infection which was unusual, but my luck ::) Apparently the dis solvable suture didn't agree with my skin.

That has resolved.

Since I had lost facial muscle tone through the years, this was the best surgery for me.
Good luck with whichever way you go! I'm almost to the 3 month point where I should see movement........
Maureen
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: leapyrtwins on July 29, 2010, 07:05:55 am: Mary Ann -

Kaybo had the T3 with Dr. Byrne and had great results.

Jan
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on July 29, 2010, 11:06:42 am: Moe~
How does what you had done and the T3 differ? The more I read about your surgery, the more it sounds a lot the same. The main difference I can see is that they took tendon from the OUTSIDE of my thigh. I get movement from clenching down also. I, however, had immediate results as far as my smile didn't "droop" down anymore and had some movement right away - more as the days went by and the swelling went down.

Just curious! ??? ??? ???

K ;D
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: KimLyle on July 31, 2010, 09:56:30 am: I was wondering if you have the surgery done on both sides or just the paralysis side becuase the doctor I was talking to said some people get it done on both sides and I was confussed why someone would have it done on both sides??
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: KimLyle on July 31, 2010, 10:18:40 pm: BY the way ur pics look amazzing :D
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: moe on August 02, 2010, 09:44:43 pm: K~
Good question about how the T3 differs from the gracilis flap. They took l muscle with the nerve and blood supply from my inner thigh muscle, transplanted it into my cheek area, and then used the masseter nerve and other blood vessels to connect to what was transplanted! The masseter nerve then progresses 1mm/day through the grafted nerve from the thigh and that's where they get the 3 month wait period.

Very confusing. The verdict is still out, BUT I am noticing movement now in the cheek muscle, and it is supposed to accelerate. At this point, when I bite down I can see my cheek muscle move a little. I need to follow up to find out the time frame. The goal is a spontaneous smile. I'll post pics a bit later for an update.
Sorry for the hijack!
Maureen
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Joef on August 04, 2010, 05:38:51 am: Quote from: nancyann on July 01, 2010, 04:00:09 pm
Hi there Jim: I had posted this picture January 2008 but it somehow got removed so my nephew posted it for me again.
I'll have him post more recent pictures the end of July (I forgot my camera to computer hook up piece..).
Hope all is well by you.
Always good thoughts, Nancy

any pictures posted on the old Frappr page are gone... it seems that Frappr is gone!!
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on August 04, 2010, 11:49:53 am: Hi Kim: I had a facelift on my non AN side when I had the T3 done. the reason is when they pull up the AN side, the other side will not be symmetrical (especially if you're older, I was 51 at the time of the T3 surgery).

Moe: great news on the movement in the cheek area !!
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: KimLyle on August 04, 2010, 08:17:40 pm: Thank i was just confussed when he said that they only covered one side...I was like i think i only want one side done lol thanks :)
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: odirish on September 01, 2010, 05:31:41 pm: Hi, I had my appointment with Dr. Byrne today. I will have the T3 done alone with a new weight in my eyelid (something that is not so bulky). I am having a brow lift, a under the chin lift and my left side of my face lifted. I will have an out of pocket expense. I was told less than 50%. (50% of what?) There was no way I wasn't going to have the left side lifted. I am 58, and my left side would have looked saggy after the operation. When it's done, I will post a picture. ;D I almost forgot to add that he told me (if I understood this right) that he will transfer the muscle above my upper jaw bone and connect it to the upper corner of my mouth.

Moe...how did you make out with your surgery?
Nancy...what about you. Are you happy with the results after all this time?

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: moe on September 01, 2010, 08:19:44 pm: I have my 3 month photo on FB, I'll try to copy here.
I've got my muscle movement when I bite down, and it looks good! Lots of facial exercising, biting down to smile, and eventually I should be able to spontaneously smile Roll Eyes
We'll see. I still favor the good side when talking. Need to learn how to move that whole side of the face again, after 4 years of paralysis.
Hope the photo goes through on my FB page. ;D You'll see my profile pics, one last summer in Oregon, and a 3 month post surgery. My face is ALREADY doing more movement, so I'm pleased, ecstatic, but lots of work to do!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?profile=1&id=100000882310860
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on September 01, 2010, 08:29:11 pm: Mary Ann~
Did you not just LOVE him? I love that man! I just have to say that everytime I say his name!! ;D Did you tell him Nancy and Kay sent you??

I am VERY happy with my results and I didn't have near the work you are going to get - I bet you will be even happier!

K ;D
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: odirish on September 02, 2010, 11:14:23 am: I found the facebook link...You look amazing!! Dr. Byrne seems pretty nice. I had to wait 1.5 hrs though, he must have been running way behind. I asked to see before and after pictures, but they aren't posted on the website. I didn't get to tell him that you sent me, but I will (promise). Now I'm just waiting for the scheduler to call. Do any of you know if they have anywhere on site where my husband can stay overnight?

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on September 02, 2010, 02:07:50 pm: My sweet hubby just stayed in the room with me & helped take care of me...and it was paid for! ;)

K ;D
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: odirish on September 02, 2010, 03:06:01 pm: Thanks, I told my husband that I thought he could stay there also. His brother lives near there somewhere. My guess is maybe 20 mins. away. just finding your way around from the hospital to his house in Columbia might be a bit stressful. Maybe they could pick him up and he could spend the night at their house. I am getting the left side of my face lifted also o make everything look even. Can you tell me what the cost was just for your procedure? You can send me a PM if you feel more comfortable. I'm told my insurance will pay for it. I should have asked. I am having the muscle at the tempel connected to the one at the corner of my mouth. I thought you said they took something out of your leg. They didn't mention that. Do you have the gold weight in your eyelid? He is going to substitute that with something not as bulky looking.

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on September 02, 2010, 03:40:42 pm: Mary Ann: I, like Kay, am so happy for you ! Having had the T3 done has made all the difference in the world ! & it gets better & better each year !
I had alot of extra work done too - believe me I felt like I went through hell & back but would do it all over again for these results.
My mom stayed with me in the room. After being discharged, for a week I had to stay near the hospital, we stayed at the Hilton (I think it was Hilton Gardens or something like that). They have a kitchen area - my mom walked around the block to Whole Foods & bought me broth, etc - anything I could suck through a tiny catheter at first then a straw.
Mom also took care of applying ointment/dressings for that week. The last day before we left I was still looking pretty beat up but was able to manage to walk around the block with her. (the hospital pr people helped me with booking at the Hilton - we just took a taxi to the hospital when it was time to have the staples/sutures removed).
I remember I had to pay something like $12,000. up front, but then my insurance paid back quite a bit of it (I guess they realized only a handful of surgeons are doing this procedure). I think I only ended up spending a few thousand after all was said & done. (Believe me it would have been worth the $12,000 - even more !).

I wish you all the best, continued healing my friend. Always good thoughts, Nancy
ps: you will be using a baby toothbrush for awhile when you're ABLE to open your mouth enough - ugh !! but worth it like I said !
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: odirish on September 02, 2010, 06:11:37 pm: Whoa!! $12000!! They did tell me my insurance will cover most of it. They also said I will probably pay less than 40 or 50%. So far I haven't been told about paying anything up front. My husband and I both have medical at our jobs, so I'm hoping that picks up the majority of it. I guess if I have to pay anything up front, they'll let me know for sure ;D I live an hour from the hospital, so I'm going home after I get discharged. Your procedure sounds painful :o. When I had the cheek implant, my face swelled up like a basketball. It took over two weeks for the swelling to go down. I forgot about the pain from the surgery :-\

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on September 02, 2010, 08:49:50 pm: Just got in...I certainly wouldn't mind telling you how much I paid but I have no clue. I had to pay to get my "good" eyebrow lifted so that they were symmetrical and I think that was 2-3K but insurance took care of everything else. Yes, they took tendon from my leg - i would double check if they are still doing that. I understand how that helped (gave him more tendon to work with) but for me, the recovey from that was just as bad or worse than the rest!! :P However, you have to remember that I don't feel the paralyzed side of my face so that helped!!
I had a gold weight and Dr. B put in a platinum chain (which is thinner) but it "slipped" and so they had to remove it. I actually don't have a weight right now because we were trying to give my eyelid a break and hopefully strengthen it up a bit...

K ;D
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on September 03, 2010, 09:50:40 am: You see ? Dr. Byrne treated us all individually depending on our needs: He didn't use tendon from my leg. I was told he just cut the temporalis tendon & swung it through to attach to the cheek for bite-down smile... so there you go !

As far as eyeweight, Dr. Byrne did put in a platinum chain weight but I had it removed b/c I needed a a heavier one (he put in 0.6 gram & I needed 1.6 gram). I love that he used the chain b/c as Kay said it is thinner & less noticeable. Now I have in a regular platinum weight (which works to a point, gravity & all ! lol...).

Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: odirish on September 03, 2010, 12:18:10 pm: I am supposed to get the platinum chain also. I was told they will take the tendon from the temple just as Nancy had. They
still haven't called about scheduling. How long did you have to wait for your surgery after your initial consultation? I know...I
sure do ask alot of questions. ::)

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on September 03, 2010, 03:13:18 pm: My appt. with Dr. Byrne was the beginning of Oct. 2007, & I had a choice of Nov 20 or sometime in Dec. - I took 11/20/07 So it was about 1 1/2 months from meeting to surgery. I did tell him at my initial (& only) appt. I wanted it done, there was no hesitation. It all depends on his schedule....
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on September 03, 2010, 04:27:55 pm: TEMPLE????? ???

I actually went to scheduling from the exam room!! I made it very clear that I wanted it in March (my consult was march 19th) or the first of April b/c May is so busy with the end of school. I told them I had to be all healed & ready to care for my girlies full time as soon as school ended (end of May). Every day we picked, there was some reason that kept one of the 3 of us from being able to do it. I was beginning to think we would have to wait for the fall and then she found the following Friday! He doesn't even usually do surgery on Fridays, but for some weird reason had that day blocked off for surgery...which was actually better for us since we were travelling so far!

K ;D
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on September 05, 2010, 12:28:53 am: Hi Mary Ann: I needed 2 months off from work after the AN surgery & 1 month off after the T3 surgery.
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: odirish on September 05, 2010, 01:56:18 pm: I was off work 11 months after my AN surgery. I had dizziness, balance problems etc. My Dr. didn't even want me to go back, because i work in a dusty enviroment. I talked him out of that. He did tell me that if just once I have issues with my eye (on the job), he's taking me out of work. I think I could handle a month off work for T3 surgery.
I wanted to schedule right away, but she was out to lunch. I still haven't heard from them. I will call Tuesday. I want it done before Christmas, preferrably the sooner the better. ;D

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: odirish on September 08, 2010, 02:51:34 pm: The scheduler called. I will most lilely have to pay 10 to 12,000 before my surgery. :o I don't have that kind of money. She will call tomorrow, and I will get a breakdown of the cost. I never expected that. I may have to cancel.

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on September 08, 2010, 03:28:30 pm: Oh no! Is that money that they expect you to pay up front & then reimburse you or YOUR out of pocket??

K :-\
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: odirish on September 08, 2010, 04:45:01 pm: That's my out of pocket. :o

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on September 09, 2010, 03:20:34 pm: That's what I had to pay Mary Ann, but, like I said, I did get a big chunk of it back. Maybe see if they will work with you re: a payment schedule ??
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on May 11, 2012, 07:10:26 pm: This is for Jane re: T3: check out pg 7 of this topic - you will see my before and after (7 weeks after) pictures. There are other after pictures too, I'm just not sure which pages...
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Tanyajames1 on February 04, 2013, 04:18:31 pm: Hello, my name is Tanya. I just had T3 surgery done at John Hopkins with Dr. Byrne. Great doctor & whole staff, nurses, anesthesiologists, etc, were so good to me. I had the surgery done just a little under two weeks ago. I read alot of comments from two women, Nancy & Kaybo if you guys are still out there...I seem to have symmetry at rest after surgery must still have apparent swelling. I have paralysis on left side of my face which most affected the lower part of my face. I had Bell's palsy 4 years ago during my last pregnancy & never fully recovered. If you're out there, just wondering how long for swelling to completely subside.

Any info would be greatly appreciate. And like Kaybo, doc took tendon from my upper thigh to use as an extension.

Thank you!!!
Tanya
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: nancyann on February 06, 2013, 12:40:35 pm: Hi Tanya, nice to meet you! So happy for you. You are still in recovery phase, even though all the staples/sutures are out. When I went back to have my 'after' pictures 7 weeks later, I still had swelling (my picture is in Dr. Byrne's before/after facial animation - I'm the one w/ the blue/black striped shirt). I can't remember how long it took for the swelling to subside, but at least we know 7 weeks out it's still there.
I had the procedure a little over 5 years ago, and people say my face looks even better, don't know if they're just being nice or what, but I'll take the compliments!
Always good thoughts, Nancy
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Tanyajames1 on February 06, 2013, 08:10:07 pm: Hi Nancy! Thank you so much for your reply. Yes! I know who you are, you're the 2nd before & after pic on Dr. Byrne's website. When I started my research several months ago maybe almost a year, I found him online & decided to meet with him. Finally met with him in Oct 2012 & I came across the ANA forum in November & then became a member but never made any posts until now. It was then that I came across your posts which were really motivating & uplifting. I did see your pictures that you posted on the Forum & you look beautiful! God bless you!! You were certainly one of my inspirations. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm only 2 weeks post op & feeling much better now, just doing my best to recover & heal properly. I know this will take time. This kind of support is awesome! Thank you soo much!!!! I also reached out to Kaybo & she replied to me right away. It's so comforting to communicate with others who have been where I am right now. Dr. Byrne is pretty awesome, I'm happy he was the one to help me.

God bless you.
Best regards,
Tanya
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Kaybo on February 09, 2013, 04:22:07 pm: Tanya~
So great to talk to you yesterday!! Hope you are surviving the snow! I know that you will do well with this recovery process...& remember, it may seem like forever now but really, it is nothing in the whole scheme of things!! ;) I wish Dr Byrne's office wouldn't have misplaced my photos so I could be on the website too!! :-[ Oh well!

Good luck and Blessings!
K ;D
Title: Re: Post Temporalis Tendon Transfer
Post by: Tanyajames1 on February 16, 2013, 09:53:05 pm: Thank you so much Kay! I'm so happy I spoke with you & thank you for your emails! You are a true inspiration. Incredible how I don't know you personally but yet feel so comforting talking with you. So grateful! I hope to speak with you soon.

God bless you!
Best regards,
Tanya