So. Calif. Facial Nerve Center or Therapist

[chelsmom]

Hello All,

I am trying to find a great Facial Therapist or Center for my daughter Chelsea.  I have read your posts about how beneficial facial exercises have been for some of you and think at this point she needs to try this approach.  She has been seeing a speech therapist that has been using 'Vital-Sem' electrical stimulation for several months.  Chelsea had her first EMG yesterday-14 months post-op from her last surgery and it showed zero nerve innervation.

Those that might have read about Chelsea's AN history might remember that she had a 2 stage surgery along with 28 FSR treatments in 2006 when she was 17 years old. She had no facial paralysis after all this.  Then in 2009 she had significant regrowth and had another surgery.  This left her with right side facial paralysis HB-4.  Her surgeon has been monitoring her every three months and now wants her to seriously consider the 7/12 jump.  She wants to wait.  So, can anyone suggest a Therapist or Center here in So. Calif.  I was ever thinking or emailing Jackie Deihls (sp) and asking her for a recommendation but not sure she will respond.

Thanks for any help you can pass on
Michelle

[Cheryl R]

I think Jackie would respond to you as she is such a nice person and wants to be of help to those who do need it.       She knows that not everyone can make to her location.          Chelsea is also smart to wait as there can be movement long after one thinks it is past time for some people.         Jackie does not see people till close to a year post op so can have a better idea of how it is going.                Do you need her email address or phone no as I can pm you with it?                  Cheryl R

[Debbi]

I completely agree with Cheryl. Email Jackie and see what she says.  She is very responsive to phone calls, too.  And, in my experience, she is very generous with her time and will answer as many questions as you ask. 

I remember Chelsea well.  What a lot for a girl her age to have to go through.  I hope she is in good spirits!

Debbi

[MCLARKE46319]

So sorry to hear the latest about Chelsea.  I haven't been on here in awhile and didn't know it grew back.  My daughter Meagan had a facial retrainer which helped her for 3 yrs after her surgery.  She had improvement for up to three years and now has a cute smile on her face.  Not a full smile but a very cute smile.   I think it was worth going to her.
I will keep Chelsea in my prayers.

[jilljpower]

Hi Michelle,
I am so sorry to hear about what your daughter has gone through.  I too, have facial paralysis, but apparently my nerve is still intact even though I have not had much improvement in the year since my surgery.

Next month, I am going to San Diego and have an appt with Dr. Mehta who is a facial nerve specialist.  The website is californiafacialnerve.org.  I personally am interested in the tendon transfer to help my mouth/smile.  It seems that Dr. Mehta does 7/12 as well..  Good luck to you and your daughter.

Jill

[Darren]

I was looking into the facial nerve center as I'm in San Diego-- I have kaiser though and they won't accept them because they are a private practice.  I can't afford out of pocket to do faciial retraining.  Anyone have any advice or can I force Kaiser to cover it because they don't seem to care or think I need it.  I'm 14 months post of and a HB grade 3 with synkinesis.

thanks,

Darren

[4cm in Pacific Northwest]

Sorry I missed this post - until just now

(I am in the thick of renovations and I have not been on the forum in ages )

Easy answer to your question...

This is THE place I recommend
http://californiafacialnerve.org/meet-our-team.htm

My NMFRT therapist is Wanda Crook... om that team. She is FAB!!!! She make trips up here to serve us Oregon patients- quarterly. I actually called Jackie Diels and she recommended Wanda to me... next thing we knew Wanda was presenting at out local ANA support group meeting here in Oregon... and now she is serving others in my group.

DHM

[Jan D]

I am working with Wanda Crook, as well.  She is wonderful and has given me exercises that have proven to give me more improvement than I have had in literally decades!

I also have Kaiser and am working through that arduous process.  Kaiser has offered me nothing, but I'm not giving up on at least some reimbursement for the facial retraining. 

I will send you her contact information in an e-mail.

Jan D

[chelsmom]

Hi Everyone,
Thank you for all your responces and good wishes for Chelsea.  I will be contacting the San Diego Nerve Center this next week about Chelsea seeing Wanda. It's a beginning.

Thanks again,
Michelle