Facial swelling

[micca82]

Hi, everyone

I came here for your help. Please, any info is helpful.

I'm approaching 14 weeks post-op. My face is still numb and paralyzed. I was fortunate to not to have any facial droop (I'm still somewhat worried it may start drooping at some point). I have constant 'worm crawling' feeling under the skin, but no movement.
A couple of weeks ago, my mother in law told me that my paralyzed side of the face look a little swollen. I really didn't pay attention to this, but today I was looking at myself in the mirror and saw that my 'natural eye bags' under my AN side eye is not there when my good eye still has it. This led me to believe that my AN side face is swollen compared to my good side.

I really don't know what to think of this. I discussed this with my husband and he doesn't think doctor will know anything about this. So I've come here to ask around. Maybe one of us ANers can help me.

Should I be concerned about this? What could be the possible explanation of this facial swelling? It's not too obvious, but I'm so worried! The surgery removed all of the tumor, so I don't think it's due to the tumor.

 Please help-

[saralynn143]

I'm a little puzzled why your husband would think the doctor won't know anything about it. The doctor is a specialist with years of education, training and experience, and probably has seen all kinds of post-op reactions. Give him a call in the morning.

BTW - the worms under the skin feeling is a good thing. It always preceded new movement for me. I saw my first movement at three months, just about where you are now, a tiny snarl at the side of my nose.

[psmix]

I also have an unresponsive facial nerve at about 23 weeks post-op. I have just a very slight droop (a little bit more when I'm tired.) A few people have commented about swelling in my face. I think it's actually just that the muscle tone is slack so my face looks a little bit fuller in places that it normally doesn't. I also have less noticeable circles and bags under my "bad" eye (thank goodness, since ointment makes it impossible to keep any kind of concealer there!) I think that might have something to do with the skin there being super hydrated. I'm using ointment in my eye 24/7 and often get a little gooey under my eye.

I agree that you should check with your doctor if you're worried. He or she will be able to tell you if the appearance is normal for your paralysis.

[Jim Scott]

Micca ~

I concur with the previous posters.  Your facial swelling should be brought to the attention of your doctor.  Please do so.  That is your best path to find both answers and, hopefully, relief.

Jim

[Cheryl R]

I have had more than one AN surgery and it seems I had some swelling issues past most of them.       They went away on their own but lasted for some time.   Like 3-4 mos.           Any questions can ask your dr and I must have asked mine but can't remember if did.           
                                               Cheryl R

[micca82]

Thank you everyone for your replies.

I saw neuro-opthamalogist on Tuesday for my eye check uo, and he says it's lack of muscle tone and nothing to worry about.
I couldn't get an appointment with my neuro surgeon who did my surgery. I am meeting up with him in early august.

I have another concern now and it's really breaking my spirit. A couple of days ago (14 weeks post op), I saw that my upper moth area is pulled to my good side a little bit. I'm so so so depressed about this. Things only seem to get worse. I am really trying hard to stay strong, but sometimes it's just too hard.

What is happening with my mouth? Does this mean my face wont get better on it's own?

I am so sorry for being a downer. I miss my mom so much today. She passed away 6 years ago when I was 23. When this AN thing happened to me, I was relieved to know that my mom didn't live to see me like this. But today, I wish she was right here next to me.

[saralynn143]

Micca, it does not mean that your face will not improve. This is, unfortunately, the roller coaster also known as recovery from facial paralysis.

Here is a link to a post I made at 7 months post-op (http://www.anausa.org/smf/index.php?topic=8405.0). Scroll down about halfway to see my picture at 3 months and 7 months. I am posting these to show you that my face also looked swollen at 3 months, and that even at 7 months my mouth pulled to the good side. You can see in my avatar picture (although it is small) that things had evened out by 14 months.

I've been where you are and I know how hard it is to be patient and strong. I wish I had something better to say than "hang in there." The crawly-worm sensation is a good thing - it always preceded new movement for me.

[HJY]

Hi!
The 'swelling' appearance can sometimes be poor lymph drainage and a light gentle massage in different strokes down the face can help. When the paralysis occurs there is a loss or reduction of tone in your face muscles and because they 'sit' differently it can look like swelling. The lips being pulled to the good side is just a neuromuscular outcome of the paralysis. If you have a tug of war with six people on one side and a two year old on the other the rope will pull to the stronger side. It's the same with facial muscles - more so around the mouth. You'll probably notice it when you talk and try to smile.
The 'crawling' feeling is a good sign!! I know it seems so long but it WILL get better! Hang in there!

Take care,
Heather