Hi, Bryan ~
Thanks for posting during this somewhat stressful time. You know its appreciated.
I was pleased to learn about the positive evaluation on Pam from the otolaryngologist (ENT physician) but was a bit dismayed by the neurosurgeon's opinion that she wouldn't make a full recovery, which, I assume, pertains to regaining full facial mobility. I would definitely ask him how and why he came to that conclusion. Perhaps - and I sincerely hope this is not the case - the facial nerve was irreparably damaged by either the surgery or the AN. Whatever his rationale, he
has to have
some basis for his negative evaluation. Why did the ENT doctor have a different prognosis? Naturally, you want to go with the more positive medical opinion but you have to be realistic and not raise false expectations for Pam. The only way to do that is to have a serious talk with
both doctors to try to find a consensus and, one hopes, a more positive prognosis for the eventual return of Pam's facial mobility. It sometimes takes awhile, but others have experienced much success with regaining their facial mobility. Sometimes, if the nerve isn't really damaged, any facial paralysis is quite temporary...anywhere from a few days to a few months. We've seen all ranges of recovery from the folks who post here.
From this vantage point I can only offer hopes and, more importantly, prayers for your wife's full recovery. She seems to be progressing quite normally, so far. Let's hope that continues - on all fronts.
Jim
