7 mo post-op & happy new year to all

[calimama]

Hi All,

Just wanted to wish everyone here a happy new year.

For those of us who got through our diagnosis and treatment in the last year (me included) -- GOODBYE 2008!

I am enjoying extendied holidays with my hubbie and little one and reflecting on the year that was, and the one to come.  I am 7 months post RS surgery today, and feel great despite my lingering issues (facial and of course SSD). My face is coming along SLOWLY... i don't think i saw any movement/improvement for the first 5 months, and then just a tiny bit of movement in my cheek, along my jaw. Just in the past few weeks i find that i can FINALLY see some of front left tooth, maybe half of it now, and even a speck of my second tooth past the front one. I feel like i have put in the hard time of healing and now am finally getting some recovery in my face. The corner of my mouth turns up a little (mona lisa style) when i smile. My eye still won't close, but after recovering from mean double vision at around 5 months, i don't complain about my eye anymore. I manage to take pretty good care of it, although i never did get the eye lasher curler or mascara to work for me. One day...

The SSD is manageable, although there are a few times when it is pretty nasty (combined with tinitus), but most of these situations are avoidable, or temporary, so OK.

Anyway, I hope that those of you who are still struggling in the early days/weeks/months post treatment can hang in there ... things do seem to get better over time. Don't give hope and keep smiling.

Happy 2009.

Trish

[MAlegant]

Hey Trish,
Thanks for the update.  Yes, all of us 2008 "alumni" are happy for a new year.  I'm so glad your face is making progress.  I wish you continued good health and a very toothy 2009. 
Best,
Marci

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Trish:

Thanks for your encouraging update.  I know you've had some obstacles to overcome this past year and I'm very pleased to learn that you've met and surmounted most of them.  Your admonition to those recently into the recovery stage is appreciated and certainly accurate.  It really does get better!  maybe not 'perfect' - but definitely better.  A happy 2009 to you, too. Trish. 

Jim

[Kaybo]

Trish~
Eyelashes are the least of your worries now - it took me almost 13 years and not having itty bitty kids to have time to try it!!

K   

[wendysig]

Hi Trish and Happy New Year!

I'm very glad to hear you are starting to see improvement with your facial problems -- 7 months seems like a long time to be struggling with these issues but I know it takes a long time for the facial nerve to regenerate.  You have a wonderful attutude and I hope now that you have started to see improvement it helps to keep you going.

2008 was not so great -- hopefully 2009 will be very fine!

Best wishes and sending healing vibes your way,
Wendy

[leapyrtwins]

Trish -

You are to be commended for all the things you've overcome in 2008.  And as Wendy said, you have a wonderful attitude.

I hope 2009 is a better year for you - and for everyone else on the forum who is still struggling.

Hugs to you,

Jan

[MKLady]

Hey Trish,

Happy New Year and I'm right there with you about 2008.  Glad to see it go!  January 2008 diagnosis, April translab, so I'm about 8 months.  Just a little ahead of you.  I didn't have any movement until 6 month and my progress sounds exactly like yours.  I can see the front tooth, the one right next to it and now I can see just a little of the next one.  So hang in there it won't be long until you see that one too.  By this time next year maybe we'll have big ol grins    

Congratulations on your progress.

Susan

[sgerrard]

Hi Trish,

I would like to add my thanks for your participation here, and your great spirit and attitude in the face of adversity. Especially that wicked double vision, thank goodness it cleared up. One tooth a month sounds like a good plan to me. 

Best wishes to you and Cali for a good year in 2009.

Steve

[mimoore]

Hi Trish!
2008 don't let the door hit ya in the butt on the way out! Good-bye! Hope and happiness for 2009! Cheers to a healthy, fantastic 2009.
I am so glad to hear about your recovery. Slow just doesn't begin to describe facial recovery but it is happening so celebrate.
Michelle 

[Keeping Up]

Congratulations on 7 months - and cheers to a wonderful new year!

Up for a playdate?  I think I am running out of questions for now as I am getting much more comfy and happy about just waiting... but I am sure we could chat about something.

Take care

Ann