Almost 2yrs and

[linny]

 I still have facial paralyzes, I dont droop I have like a snarl  and my eye still half closed and waters when I eat. I am so upset with this I get depressed and I wander will it ever go away?/Aug. 2006 had 2 surgeries and was told about 6 months my face would be back to normal.     People  think Im mad at them I think because one side of my lip snarls up even when I smile It doesnt move.(except my eye closes) Its just weird and I hate it.  Anyone else keep paralyzes  this long?? http://[color=brown][/color]

[Kaybo]

Linny~
HI!
I almost didn't write this because I certainly don't want to be discouraging... the right side of my face has been paralyzed now for 12 years (I was 25 when I had surgery).  I don't like the way my face is, but I just try to concentrate on all of the wonderful things I have since I am still alive and around to enjoy life.  I am certainly not wanting to minimalize your feelings, nor am I just one of those sunny, rose-colored glasses type girls - that just how I choose to cope.  It makes me mad when Dr.s tell you that it WILL come back because each body is different and reacts differently to the stresses caused by AN.  I would definitely prefer "usually;" however, I will say that the Dr.'s were pretty up front with us about what "could" happen but my hubby & I weren't really prepared b/c we didn't think all those "worst case senarios" could happen to us.
I have just found out about the T3 surgery that Nancyann had done and I am pursuing that to see if I can get my smile back -- PM me if you would like to know more about that or just like to "talk."
K

[ppearl214]

Hi Linny,

I am so sorry that you still endure.... as I know many here do. I wish I had an answer.... but I don't.  I can share with you one thing that works for me... not for all, but does for me.... I try to put a positive twist on things when someone looks at me funny.  For a "snarl" lip, maybe tell them you are working on your best Elvis impression... or when folks see me with my brown or gray metal  cane, I tell them I opted out of the purple paisley print cane as it tends to clash with my wardrobe... or if folks see my poor body doubled over (as I tend to walk that way), I tell them I am doing my best Aunt Bessie impersonation as impersonations are the best form of flattery (she was in her 80's when she passed).  I know this definately doesn't work for all... but, for me, I find if I take something that brings negative or depressing thoughts to me, I force myself to see the "glass 1/2 full" aspect.  For me, I find trying to take a postive and/or humourous approach to what tries to bring me down does help.

All I can do is send you infamous huggles... and hoping others (such as Kaybo has done... and K, I've been following your blog, hun! ) can bring you some sort of solace as to how they handle it.....

Please hang in there.... I can relate to being looked at funny... but I tend to look back at everyone else funny too (kind of my own retaliation).

I know none of this came out right, but I hope you understand what I'm trying to say... I think I flunked and if I did, I'm sorry....

Phyl

[nancyann]

Hi Linny:  sorry to hear of your troubles;  sounds like you had a nerve graft?   Most people on the forum who have synkenesis, the snarl as you put it,  go to a facial nerve therapist for treatment & it really helps them.  I think if you look into the bell's palsy website you'll find it under therapists - they have listed therapy centers in the different areas of the US.   Many people have gone to Jackie Diehls (?sp) - who is excellent - I think she's located in the midwest area. 
In Nov. 07 I had the T3 surgery as K mentioned: Temporalis Tendon Transfer - I have complete facial paralysis, never had the nerve graft.  My right side is still paralyzed, but this surgery got rid of the 'droop', I if I bite down hard on my right side I get a closed mouth smile.   I think Dr. Byrne has done this on others who've had the nerve graft, he's at Johns Hopkins.

Write back if you have any ques., or just need to vent - we know how you feel.

Always good thoughts,  Nancy