facial paralysis and depression

[CROOKEDSMILE]

I am taking Lexapro 20mg but it doesn't seem to be working very well. Yes I am a wimp and this facial paralysis thing has kicked my butt. I am 13 months post op and really thought I would have more recovery by now and feel like 13 months would be enough to fully or at least be on the road to a nice recovery by now. I would love to see pics of people at 13 months with an intact nerve with some recovery to where I could at least gauge my recovery. I know we are all different but those of us with a stretched nerve have similar recovery rates I would guess. I REALLY am losing sight of things here and was wondering if there is a better drug than Lexapro?

[saralynn143]

Hey Angie,

Yes, this thing is hard and no, you are not a wimp. Facial paralysis stinks, no two ways about it.

I do want to let you know that I thought you looked pretty good in the pictures you sent me. I would like to look as well as you do, but then I'm nearly a year behind you in recovery time. Don't forget that we are our own worst critic. Also keep in mind that there are instances of great recovery in the two-year time frame.

I don't know for sure about medications, but I do know Wellbutrin works well for some women, and does not have the pesky weight gain side effect of some SSRIs.

When is your next doctor appointment?

Sara

[mimoore]

Hi Angie,
I am taking 20mg of Prozac. It is working well for me with no side affects. I know I need to mix up my routine or I will go nuts. I went and had my haircut and my toes done and today I feel good. Sunshine and fresh air help, so does exercise (walking counts) get those endorphines rushing and the blood flowing.
I understand, this can get so depressing. I am trying hard to be positive, it does help with healing. I read the Secret and there is a section on healing. They talk over and over again how laughter does and will make you feel better. Go and rent some dumb funny movies, get some popcorn and enjoy. It's worth a try.
I also got this good book: Deadly Emotions, understanding the mind-body-spirit connection that can heal or destroy you. Author is Don Colbert, MD.
Feel better {{{big cyber hug}}}
Michelle 

[Jeanlea]

Hi Angie,

After my surgery in Sept. of 2005 I had complete facial paralysis on my left side.  At three months post-op I had the tiniest bit of movement.  By 13 months I could make a tiny smile.  Now at nearly 3 years I have a fairly good smile.  My picture shows me post-surgery earlier this summer.  I think I had the most return of movement at around 18 months, but I still continue to feel zaps and see more movement still.  I feel good about my face now.  At my 6 month checkup my doctor told me my face wouldn't come back!  Needless to say I was devastated.  So all the movement since then has been fantastic.  I try to focus on the all the things that I am able to do, which is anything I want.  My face is merely  cosmetic.  Okay, it did take me awhile to get to this point in my thinking. :-)  Acceptance of where I am facially has taken some time, but I'm okay with it now.

Hope you continue to see changes.

Jean

[saralynn143]

Jean, that was a very comforting post. Thanks for sharing.

Sara

[jazzfunkanne]

Hi there i am from the uk and there is people on the british site who have seem improvments in there face after 3 years its a very slow and long recovery, you might not even notice the small movements that are taking place other people see it more than us sometimes, hang on in there.

[nancyann]

Hi Crookedsmile,  (sorry I'm responding late, I was away on vacation).   I understand all too well how you are feeling.   It usually takes 3-4 weeks before you'll begin to feel the effects of an antidepressant.  Everyone is different, so your doc can try other ones if Lexapro doesn't work.   I also take Prozac 20 mg.   

As Jean already wrote,  recovery time is a slow process, which is a PIA.    Maybe talk to your neurosurgeon or ENT surgeon re: the options that are best for you.

Try to keep a peaceful heart during this trying time.

Always good thoughts,   Nancy

[Debbi]

I think that it is quite common that people need to try several different anti-depresants to find the one that works for them.  And, it can take up to 8 weeks to get the full affect of some ad drugs.  If the current prescription isn't working, definitely talk to your doctor about possibly trying a different drug.  There are SO many AD drugs on the market now - I am sure there is one that will work for you.

In the meantime, try to get outside as much as you can - being in natural light can help feelings of depression. 

I am only 3.5 months post op, but I do know what you mean about the facial issues.  I had friends out this weekend and we took a bunch of pictures - I wanted to cry when I saw how awful my smile looked.  However, I know it is better than when I first got out of the hospital.  I try to remember that I am NOT my smile.  I'm still the same person I was before I got this silly looking face.

Hang in there.

Debbi

[Kaybo]

Angie~
Of course you are not a wimp - different people deal with things differently!!  I certainly would have saught (is that a word?) out couseling or medicining during this whole process if I ever would have turned down the depression road.  Things like that were invented to HELP people!  I am home now if you want to give me a call!

Debbi~
I certainly understand about the picture thing - it is kind of easier not to think about it until you see a picture, isn't it?  Especially when you are having so much fun with people who don't care that you look funny and you can be more the "old" you around them...at least you can see improvement already!   

K

[Debbi]

Kay, you are so right - I do tend to forget all about it when I am with friends.  Seeing the pictures is a bit of a wet blanket...

Debbi, sporting my pirate smile