Rather than starting a new post, I thought I'd just add to this one ... I just returned from my second visit to Jackie this week. The progress has been terrific! I have no more pain in my face and most of the spasms and hyptertonicity are gone, gone, GONE!
This trip was 2 days, 5 hours the first day and 3 the second. Started with an evaluation to see what had changed since my last visit in February. We then started doing some "fine tuning"... I still have a little bit of spasm in my neck and forehead, so am doing some additional stretching work on those areas. My cheek has almost completely settled down so there is very little pulling up on that side of my mouth now (yay!) I have made very good strides on the synkinetic movements (chin, mouth, eye) and came home with some new stuff to do to continue retraining those muscles. What really surprised me was how much better my right eye is now. When I was there before, that eye would try to close every time I moved my mouth - talking, eating, etc. Now, the eye is staying nice and wide almost all the time. I can still feel some pulling on my lower lid, as if that little muscle is still trying to make the eye squint up when I talk or eat, but it is SO much better! I am learning to control the chin dimpling very well, too.
I wish I had not waited quite so long to go see Jackie. However, I am thrilled at the progress. Don't believe me? Take a look...
Here is what I looked like in February when I closed both eyes (the right eye still doesn't always fully close)
Now, here is the photo that Jackie took this week with the eyes closed...
Here is what happened in February when I tried to do a closed-mouth smile...
And now in September...
By the way, I am 2 years, 5 months post op. I hope that this helps some of you out there who are trying to deal with facial problems and synkinesis. NMFR works, BUT only if you work at it. For me, the results are worth every minute of the work!
Debbi
