16 months post op cross face nerve graft

Things have only gotten better! I was able to make it back out to Boston to see Dr Hadlock and team.  I was given a lighter eye weight, botox, physical therapy, and a plan for some other procedures I could benefit from next spring.  We will do a mini face lift, and also a procedure that will make my nasalabial fold more prominent.  It will be an over night hospital stay.  I will post pictures soon!

It has been over a year now!

Charlie-2 months

Well, It seems like just yesterday that I had my last surgery, yet it has been over a year and I also have a baby.  Crazy!!  Our little Charlie so much fun to have and he is 3 months today


My smile is getting stronger.  I can feel a lifting feeling in my upper lip and also a clenching in my cheek.  It feels SO good!  I am finally feeling human again, like I can share my emotions on my face.  Wonderful feeling!  I am actually OK with my picture being taken now.  This October I will be visiting Dr. Hadlock again to have an evaluation.  She will determine what nips and tucks need to be done.  I may need a mini face-lift and definitely need botox and filler to weaken my strong side.  Also, my eye weight is looking and feeling too heavy, so I will be getting a lighter or possibly no weight.  It seems like this process of making my face symmetrical is a long one too.  It will be around two years from my first surgery for the cross face nerve graft to the nip and tucks coming up.

I'd like to thank Susan for informing me of her surgeries and journey with facial paralysis.  I am glad I can help you through sharing my experience.

Don't mind the baby noises in the video :) 



Video of latest!

So I guess all of these facial exercises I have been doing are paying off.  I now can show two of my upper right teeth when I smile.  I guess I can say I am no longer fully paralyzed :)

click here for video

February 22, 2013

Howdy,



So, it has been a while.  I have been seeing and Occupational Therapist to strengthen what movement I do have and I am slowly getting stronger.  Unfortunately, I am unable to receive botox to relax the non-paralyzed and very strong  right side (non-paralyzed side), due to my pregnancy.  I have heard that I should not receive botox while breastfeeding too, so that is at least another 6 months after baby comes.  Bitter sweet because I am pretty excited about the idea of a baby and also love how the botox helps my strong side look less powerful and therefor helps to create facial symmetry.  So much to look forward to....  Why not now!!!! :)  Being patient is draining sometimes. :)

33 weeks with baby boy!

Who knows when I will post again, being that the baby is due April 5th, but I will.  Also, I will add a video of the movement I have gained.  For now, I will post a pic.

Adios!