I ... have ... returned

[Taylor]

Well, well
I just had the second stage of the cross-facial nerve graft plus muscle transplant.
I had the the muscle transplant from my inner thigh to the bad side of my face on Tuesday the 24th.
It was a 5 day hospital stay for me.
I couldn't wait to get out of the hospital and now i'm bored out of my mind here at home.
Right now I have a plastic splint that is hooked to the bad side of my mouth and sewn to the top of my head.
That has been there since surgery...and comes out in about 5 days... i'm counting the days. haha
The splint is to keep the muscle contracted and the stitches that are on that side of my ear from pulling and ripping when i talk and yell at my mom.
About a year ago I had the nerve surgery where DR. BORSCHEL (best doc ever by the way) took a nerve out of the back of my leg, sewed it to the good nerve in the good side of my face, and ran it along my upper lip and to the other side where it had to grow until the muscle transplant surgery.
I shouldn't get movement back for another six months from now because the nerve has to grow into the muscle and start working.

Overall, it's been a very busy year for me.
My family moved about 25 minutes from where we were too.

Has anyone had this surgery or heard of it?
-Punk ass Taylor

[yardtick]

Yes Taylor I have heard of it and I am going to need the surgery myself.  I have a facial neuroma.  I would like to know how long was your surgery? 

[Taylor]

the first stage was about 6 hours i believe
and a year later
the second stage was 8 hours.

[nancyann]

Hey Taylor:  So glad to hear everything went well during the surgery.     WOW, I did not know about the post op splint you have to wear.
                  And I thought the 'jaw bra' was annoying, I can't imagine what this thing is like.    You hang in there Taylor.
                  It will all be worth it in the end, it's just getting thru the healing part.   

Always good thoughts,  Nancy

[Palace]

Taylor---Welcome Back,


I haven't been on here for four months, myself.  (all busy with medical stuff)  It's nice to see you back.  You must be almost a legal adult by now---almost 21.

It's "old home week."

You have lots behind you now and to better part to look forward to.  Congratulatons, Dear Taylor!

We are all going to make our Valeintine's Day special.  Be good to yourself---something special for Taylor.



Slap me 5 kid,



Palace

[Larry]

Good to see your getting there Taylor.

laz

[Brendalu]

Taylor,
Welcome back.  Prayers and good thoughts were answered!  Keep on keeping on.  We are all here for you.
Hugs,
Brenda

[leapyrtwins]

Taylor -

I have never met you but I've read great things about you on this forum from those who have.

It sounds like you have been through a lot, but from your post, I can tell you have a positive attitude.

Keep hanging in there.  Healing takes time, but you are moving in the right direction.

Best of luck with your continued recovery,

Jan

[Captain Deb]

Hey ya lil' punk a$$!  Easy on the Mom yellin! Still got the lime green skull scarf? Hope you are wearing it with much piratey pride and pirattitude.
You hang in there, babe--you got more guts than most folks 3 times your age.

A big squishy hug from your Auntie Capt Deb

[chelsmom]

Hey Girl,

I'm glad you're home and able to yell to (not at) your mom.  Sorry you're so bored.  It won't be long and you'll be out and about going full speed.
In the mean time take it easy and get the rest you need to heal. 

I think of you all the time and keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Take Care....Michelle
 

[chrissmom]

Hey Taylor,
Looks like you and Chris are both recovering from surgery again.  This is #7 for Chris.  What is your magic number? Six months really isn't that bad.  It's been over a year since Chris had the anastomosis for his face and it is slowly coming back.  We are seeing tone and now movement.  The facial nerve specialist said that slower is better.  Hang in there...we're thinking of you and wishing you all the best for a beautiful recovery. Be nice to your Mom, I know how she feels.

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Taylor;

It was encouraging to read that you're receiving the transplants that will enable you to regain the facial agility you need.

The process sounds less than enjoyable (O.K., I'm being polite) but your attitude is awesome.  Your parents should be proud of you.  Your indomitable spirit will serve you well as you go through life.   

Many prayers are going up on your behalf for a successful transplant and a full recovery.    Now, 'don't be a stranger' here! 

Jim

[Gennysmom]

Hey punk a** Taylor!     Nice to see you again!!!!!  It was so great to meet you and your mom in Philly!  I'm crossing my fingers and wearing pirate gear that you'll have a ton of success from this reanimation!!!  Let us know how everything is going!!!!!

Hugs!

Kathleen

[Captain Deb]

Hey Taylor--hope you are feeling a little better today, me dear.  Just a few words from your wise old Auntie Capt here.

No matter what we look like on the outside, true beauty lives on the inside and is reflected in the spirit of love with which we treat our fellow inhabitants of the planet. In the end, it is our actions and the generosity of our compassion, not what we look like, which makes us whole human beings. Constantly finding fault with others and complaining about our own lives is what's ugly. You have a sweet, sweet spirit, Taylor, and your whole life ahead of you.  Please don't get cynical. Use this experience to make yourself and that spirit stronger, more generous, and more compassionate.

Big Huggles!

Capt Deb

[jerseygirl]

Hi Taylor,

I hope you recover faster than usual and get the facial function back! Let it be the end of this AN; hope it's all over for you and it is just the wait time. Hang in there. I was also very bored sitting home; I had hemiparesis and there is not much you can do with that before it tires you out. I watched lots of TV and read books and magazines - things I could not do before the surgery. Try that, maybe, that'll work for you.

                   Eve