John:
I came late to the thread but as usual, the gang was there to offer some words of hope and solace. I'm glad to see you managed to recover a more positive outlook, despite the glacial pace of your facial mobility returning. I can't even imagine the frustration you deal with on a daily basis and I share your innate impatience so you certainly have good reason to get annoyed and vent a bit. As you know, we get it, even if we don't all share the exact same problems.
I was a bit dismayed to read that you went back to smoking but relieved to read that you're quitting. I smoked for over 30 years, starting as a dopey teenager who wanted to look 'cool', but I finally quit, cold turkey, 19 years ago and never looked back. During my many pre-op tests, a CT scan showed that my lungs were perfectly clear, which was a pleasant reminder that I did the right thing before it was too late. For what it's worth: I had a few days of 'withdrawal' when I quit but nothing I couldn't handle. The habit is mostly mental and once I made my decision to quit, I was determined not to go backwards, and I didn't. I didn't gain weight, either.
Again, John, good to see that you're forging ahead and realize that nerve issues can take a long time to resolve but you've done all you can and now it's a waiting game. You know you're free to vent here whever you have the need. As I said, we get it.
Jim
