My first question is - is there a typical time frame as to when he may see improvement
Does anyone have any pointers on how to eat? He is so tired of milkshakes and soups. And as of today he has lost 20 lbs. I'm at a loss on what to do to help.
I had my AN removed on 10/21/12. I'm almost three months out. My neurosurgeon said that he didn't mess with my facial nerve. The only nerve he actually had to cut was for my ear, causing ssd. However,I'm paralyzed on the left side of my face. I was told it would be at least six months, and that's because when the nerves experience trauma, it takes a while to recover. So tell him not to worry. I was in the hospital a total of 3 weeks. I was in one hospital, then another for physical therapy, and then another stay at the first one. I had a second surgery to drain fluid.
When I got out, I could barely walk and that was with help. My whole left side was affected. My meds had to be put in apple sauce because I had a hard time swallowing and drinking any liquid. My whole left side is not like it was. I lost 15 pounds in the hospital because I couldn't eat a lot of things.The first month is hard. I still drink most with a straw, but I can eat mostly like normal. My face is still paralyzed on one side. I have a hard time with my eye. I went from walking with help and a walker, to a walker, to a cane with help, to a cane and now I walk on my own. Granted I look like a drunk, but It's always improving. So on't give up and let him know that it just takes time. And the alternative is definitely not an alternative.
I'm still waiting and recovering and I have felt how he's felt so I know how he feels. Just tell him to be patient and that it's ok to be upset.