Debbi's Facial Progress

[Debbi]

So, I thought I'd post a progression of pictures showing my facial progress in six months.  I hope that this will be helpful for those who are currently dealing with this, or who are worried that they may end up with facial paralysis following surgery.  I am still not considered a 3 on the House Brackman scale, because my eye still won't close all the way.  I do, however, have good movement back in the mid section of my face - upper lip, check.  Other people really don't notice the non-blinking eye much, nor do most people notice that my lower lip doesn't move on its own.

So, first picture is me at three days post op, sporting the magic scarf ...


Next picture is me at about two months post op:


Now here I am at about 5 months post op


And here I am at 6.5 months post op.  You can really see the difference here (and if you look close, you can see my Blinkeze, too):



I still have quite a ways to go, but I do have a pretty good smile these days and I am quite happy with that.  The right side of my mouth doesn't life as high or turn up as much, but it still looks pretty good!  Even if I don't regain forehead and chin, I'll be happy.

Debbi, smiling at last...

[yardtick]

Looking good Debbi    Thanks for the pictures.  Very encouraging.

Anne Marie

[texsooner]

Debbi, that is really tremendous progress, especially after the 5 month mark. Great smile.....that gives a lot of hope to me and others that things will continue to improve.Thanks for sharing.

Patrick

[mimoore]

That is so awesome - thanks for the update. It is nice to see a visual. Yes we are all different and progress at different rates but hope is hope.
I am five months and have not experienced any moment in the corner of my mouth, I was kind of thinking maybe it won't ever move but with your photos I have renewed hope. My eye is regenerating (had an EMG) and can almost close, does not blink much though and I hope that the spontaneous blink does return.
Way to go Debbie!
Michelle 

[saralynn143]

Thanks, Debbi. Your smile looks great. I am just a little more than a month behind you and at about the same point as your five-month picture. From the beginning my goal has been to smile again. I can live with the rest. I hope than in four or five weeks I can report the same.

Sara

[MAlegant]

Debbi,
As I said in my PM, WOW    You look great.
Marci

[sgerrard]

Debbi, that is wonderful. I am so happy for you that you have finally gotten the surge forward you have so patiently awaited. I had to do a quick login to say so, even though I am in the midst of some work on the kitchen sink.

I also want to thank you for posting such an important example of facial nerve progress. You guys aren't just saying it, you really mean it when you say it gets better with time (and a huge dollop of patience). This will be inspiring to many on the forum.

Steve

[jerseygirl]

Debbi,

You are getting there! Great progress! By the time we meet, you will be completely back to normal.

                     Eve

[LADavid]

Wow, Debbi, awesome progress.  The pictures really do tell the story.  And like Michelle said, it's great encouragement for others following in your footsteps.  Love to see those successes.

David

[Omaschwannoma]

......arms around you

Awsome Deb!

Still have a long way to go?  Looks like you're almost there!  You will certainly be an inspiration to others with similar issues.  Heck, you are an inspiration to me with my own "issues"! 

 

[Debbi]

Thanks so much, everyone.  It still feels a little scary letting people see some of the "early" pictures - kind of like going naked in public I guess.  It is amazing to me how much of my face still doesn't move, but the part that does makes so much difference. 

I remember my neurotologist teling me that the first nerve to come back would be the mid-face area because that is the shortest part of the nerve.  And, sure enough, that's what has come back.  My chin and forehead still don't move, but I am optimistic that over the next six months I'll get movement.  And, truthfully, if I don't it won't be the end of the world.  (Atlhough I would love to eat a sandwich or a slice of pizza without also eating my lower lip!) 

I would say to all of you who are waiting - well, I know how you feel and all I can say is ... patience.  I got the first little bit of movement right below my eye in my upper cheek about 4 weeks after surgery, and then nothing for several months.   At about 2 months, I got a small (actually miniscule) litle twitch at the corner of my mouth.  And, as you can all see from the pictures, the big improvement has been in the last month.  Have faith, though, and look for the smallest signs. 

Debbi

[wendysig]

Hi Debbi!!!

All I can say is WOW!!!   Great pictures and you look absolutely incredible -- you have really made a lot of progress and although I know that  this has not been easy for you, you've done it with equally amazing bravery and  grace. I am so happy for you and hope things continue to improve even past your hopes and  expectations.  You truly are such an inspiration to all of us!

Hugs,
Wendy

[Tamara]

Looking great, Debbi! And really, since all this has come back, it's just as likely that the progress will continue, right???

Take Care!
Tammy

[NL]

Debbi,

I know your post made everyone smile! Thanks so much for sharing your pics and your fantastic progress in the last couple of months. Showing the full six month progression will help so many people.  I agree with Wendy - you're an inspiration to us all!

Nancy

[Jim Scott]

Debbi:

A slightly tardy note of thanks for posting your 'progression' photos. You're looking great but just as important; you took the time, made the effort and put aside any impulses of vanity to show others that facial issues do resolve - in time.  For that, you are appreciated more than ever.  Thanks!    You're a real asset to this site/forum.

Jim