An AN test!

[Rc Moser]

OK, I think I have found one measure of recovery after AN operation.  How many can whistle??  That's the test!.   I can pucker and feel my lips forming, but not sound (whistle sound that is). Not quit there yet. After three years I am starting to have noticeable lift on my AN side. I heard or read somewhere, but can't remember where it could take up to 10  years for total recovery??? anybody else read anything on this or was I just DREAMING!?!?!?

[tony]

Yes there was a recent post that reffered to a ten year time line
- but I think she meant 100% and so recovered that there were no real
issues to contend with day to day. You may get back to 95-6% in a few
months - or sooner depending on the nature of the surgery.
Trick is to grow gently and not push too hard, too soon.
Good Luck
and Best Regards
Tony

[Pembo]

Nope, can't whistle. One of my exercises this month from my facial PT is to blow up a balloon. That is pretty hard to do when you have to hold one end of your mouth closed.

Todd, my facial pt, said that recovery can happen over many years. He had a patient who he saw 15 years after facial paralysis and she is seeing recovery after therapy. Don't give up the faith....

[HeadCase2]

  It took about 6 weeks post-op for me to be able to whistle again.  And a bit longer to whistle on key (hit the right notes).
Regards,
 Rob

[Joef]

whistle!! .. man, I'm just happy I can drink a glass without dibbiling !!! 

the first time I was out after the surgery, I ordered a beer with a straw!! ..

[matti]

I am 8 years post op and still recovering. Last November, the tightness on the AN side of my head and face began to loosen up and now it feels normal again and I have alot more movement in my cheek.  I was given an MRI, just to be sure nothing new was happening, and everything looked great.  Never give up

I still can't whistle, but this last year I was finally able to blow out the candles on my birthday cake

Cheryl

[Jeanlea]

Whistle - no still can't do that.  I'll be happy when I can drink out of a glass without having to hold my lip up.  Or eat ice cream without having it run down my face.  And of course I don't know it because I can't feel it.  I can almost smile a tiny smile now though.  The corner of my lip will turn up just the tiniest bit when I try smiling.  Thirteen months out now and still hoping. 

Jean

[Battyp]

My son loves to blow straw wrappers at me...usually the big kid in my blows mine back but we found out I can't blow  LOL  Of course he thinks it's grand.  I can't whistle like I used to.  Not loud enough to call my dogs in.