Hi, Linny:
I'm sorry to learn that you aren't back to your old self, a year after surgery.
The weight gain must be frustrating. You probably already know that weight gain often has more to do with diet and exercise than anything else. However, my primary care physician told me that surgery sometimes 'rearranges' hormones and can affect your metabolism, for better or worse. I lost over 30 pounds prior to my surgery due to a severely decreased appetite caused by the (AN-related) loss of my sense of taste. 14 months later, I'm just beginning to notice a slight weight gain. I intend to make sure I don't gain back more weight than I should, even if I have to give up some foods or (gasp!) exercise.
Your continuing facial paralysis must be even more discouraging. It would be for me. Unfortunately, this sometime happens to AN patients, whether they're treated with surgery or radiation. If your doctor told you the facial paralysis would be gone in six months to a year, he probably assumed that if no facial nerves were cut during surgery, the nerves would resume functioning. Obviously, he was wrong. Nerve regeneration can take
years and even getting the facial nerves to begin functioning again following a long period of inactivity can be problematic. If you haven't already, you should speak to your doctor about this. Vestibular therapy may be your next course of action. Meanwhile, watch your food intake and try to get some form of exercise to help the weight problem as well as help keep you fit.
You've really been through a lot. We wish you a full recovery and better days ahead.
Jim
