Debbi's NMFR Appointment

[Debbi]

Just a quick update - I had my first visit with the Neuro Muscular Facial Retrainer yesterday. It is a long trek from where we live, so we broke the trip up and stayed in NYC the night prior to reduce the car time yesterday.

I am so glad I finally did this!  The therapist spent about 2 hours with me and went through each exercise in great detail.  I had Willie with me, and the therapist showed him things to watch for with my face.  He confirmed what I already kind of knew - lots of movement back in my cheek and upper lip, but slow going on the rest of my face.  I feel really good about having spent the time with him, though, and now have a whole new set of things I can do to try to get my face as symmetrical as possible and to minimize any "inappropriate" movements. 

Like we all know, this is a process that requires endless patience!

As a bonus, he also put me through some vestibular tests - which I failed!  Turns out that I still can't walk a straight line heel-to-toe.  At least it was good for some laughs.

Thanks for all the good thoughts!

Debbi

[MAlegant]

Hey Debbi,
Sounds like mostly good news to me.  Walking a straight line is overrated.
Marci

[jazzfunkanne]

debbi was it todd you seen? the physio guy on the bellspalsy site

[wendysig]

Hi Debbi,
Sounds like the trip was well worth the effort and I hope you and Willie got to enjoy your night in the City!  I hope the therapist taught you some new exercises that will help you even more -- and I have to agree with Marci -- the ability  to walk in a in a straight line is highly ove      , unless you're planning to do a high wire act anyway  .  My balance has improved greatly, but I doubt I will ever walk in a straight line again.  The way I look at it is that it's just another thing that makes me unique!  Patience and a great sense of humor -- which I know you have both of --  is something we all need an abundant supply of.

Wishing youcontinued good healing,
Wendy

[Mickey]

Hi Debbi! After seeing you from our ANANJ which you looked fine,  meeting at our brunch in Manhattan (approx. 2 1/2 months later) I did notice a big improvement. You looked great!!!  Keep up the good work,  Mickey

[Debbi]

Thanks, guys!

Jazzfunk - the therapist I saw is Don, and he is at the therapy facility affiiliated with Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip.  There is antoher guy named Richard at that facility (Nance sees him). 

Here's an interesting side note - I mentioned to Don that they should have some provision to treat patients using internet and video calling - it would make so much sense.  He was very intrigued and said that he was going to talk to the powers-that-be. 

Debbi

[jazzfunkanne]

that is a great idea debbi, keep us posted

[wendysig]

Hi Debbi,
As always, your have shown your strenght and caring.  You have come up with an imaginative and wonderful idea that could benefit many people.who, like you, don't live within a reasonable distance to much needed professional help. 

Wendy