Cheza,
Wow where did our new “Jan D� come from?
![Smiley :)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/smiley.gif)
What
a gem to find you a link to somewhere there in England. (
What a great forum this is!)Cheryl R is correct- exercise should
not start until the first signs of movement. Gentle surface touching of the face is recommended to stimulate. (Are you feeling touch ok?) If you have the touch sensation then also try heat.
I have read that
some people do not get any movement until month 6, I was told it could take anywhere from 3 months to 3 years for resolve (“Years!�… I gasped) … At 3 months and 5 days (not that I was counting or anything
![Roll Eyes ::)](https://www.anausa.org/smf/Smileys/classic/rolleyes.gif)
) I had my first mm of movement. Do not try to mold the face into a smile or aggressively message it until there are signs of movement as this may cause synkinesis later.
Go to the link Jan D has given you. If this is not geographically close to you - see if that clinic knows of a PT closer to you. This little book they produced there might be a good resources for you to own- there in GB.
http://www.dianafarragher.co.uk/bookform.htmAlways remember the pen is mightier than the sword. Try to walk off any anger or frustration and
then sit down and write to your surgeon. Explain your frustration and why you need assistance getting to a PT. Perhaps provide some samples and testimonies of others who had success with this (website, books etc)
Document all your discussion with your physician. In the socialized health word it is best to fight bureaucratic paperwork with paperwork. (I was once a government employee... I can go on and on about it but I won’t… just advise, “document, document, document� everything.
Be patient and know you are not alone in this battle.
I am currently trying to get physio in the USA PNW – with not many leads. Believe me when I am done with this (and even if I have to fly out of state with some ANA buddies) – word will be out that that my region has a shortage
and need for these sort of trained therapists… and surgeons (and/
or their support staff) should have more follow up responsibility to their patents.
Are there other AN patients you can network in England with?
Hang in there Cheza!HUGS!!
Keep moving foreword!
4
P.S. Stay clear of caffeine and alcohol until there are movement signs- as these DO effect the nervous system. No doubt my new coffee consumption was increasing the synkinesis. I have cut back and I am now getting
some better muscle control of it. I am thinking that patients should stay clear of caffeine and alcohol until they are in the clearing of post op symptoms (Especially bells palsy)