Hi jas,
I too had a facial neuroma, but that was 15 years ago! I had what my doctor called a Translab. The hearing in my left ear was already gone so he wanted to do what was best for the left side of my face. The tumor was just starting to affect the use of my face, I hadn't noticed but the doctor could tell a difference between the left and right sides. I had my surgery in June and by late December, just in time for Christmas I started to see a change in my face. It improved a lot over the next few months and grew stronger over time. My eye blinks, it closes about 95% but it doesn't water/tear at all. Please keep in mind that everyone is different and as it's been 15 years procedures have changed. Before the surgery the doctor said I wouldn't blink and my eye wouldn't close at all but after a couple of years my eye would water again. As it turned out it was the complete reverse.
The most important thing I can tell you is that you will make it through this. As I mentioned before I had my surgery 15 years ago and although I wish I hadn't had to deal with it, I'm doing fine. Been married 30 years this week and have been working at the same job for 12 years.
You are the second person I've corresponded with that has had a facial neuroma, the first person posted to me this past week. Hopefully we can learn something from each other.
Goodluck & please keep in touch, Jill Marie
