Post- Op Hemifacial Spasm Surgery

Hi Jae

You've probably heard this before, but this is a BIG operation and only patience and time will see you fully recovered.  You have done very well to return to work so soon after surgery and your body is probably rebelling a bit because it still wants you to be resting.   It is unusual to have spasms which are worse than before the surgery, so this is a bit concerning but not necessarily a bad sign.  My surgeon told me that it takes 4 months to recover fully and that spasms can take even longer to gradually disappear.  It's great that you are making progress and my best advice would be to really give in to your tiredness whenever you can.  It took me around 3 months to have any energy after my surgery and it was probably nearer to a year when I felt completely me again.  Hope and pray that all will be well for you.  I know some people have been prescribed vitamins etc as they recover but not sure if they actually do much good unless you are proven to be deficient.  Take care and get well soon.

Hi Jae,

thank you for telling your story and sharing your concerns with us- and well done for having the surgery- a big decision in itself. Sorry to hear that your hearing isn't brilliant.

 A year after having the op myself, I now see the surgery is a beginning rather than an end-I very much wanted it to be a definitive " conclusion"  after all the years of stress and anxiety that preceded it, but I've learned that it takes time to get well and strong again-and especially to truly believe that its been successful.  I know what you mean about spasms returning post operatively with increased strength. This was certainly my experience for the first few weeks after the op, and this was tough- ( it must be hard also for you). Keep your" chin up" though as you don't have any real evidence that it hasn't worked. It's common for spasms to persist for months after the operation ( my experience certainly) and normal to see every one as further evidence of failure, but this is distorted thinking as you can't know how it will be in 6 months. Stay optimistic. We hope to hear good things from you about your progress in the months ahead.

Hi Jae,

I had MVD surgery three months ago at Jefferson U. Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.  I was fortunate to awake from surgery spasm-free.  I must agree with you that the recovery is rough.  I was dizzy and nauseous when I first came home.  I did not use a walker; however, I did have a shower chair.  I was dizzy for two solid months and did not drive or return to work until two weeks ago.  I still experience a loud ringing in my left ear but have not had any hearing loss.  I just saw my surgeon yesterday for a check-up.  He told me that it takes a year to bounce back from this kind of surgery.  He also told me that some patients continue to have spasms after surgery.  I am 64 years old and would not consider having the surgery again.  Recovery was much more difficult than I anticipated.  Hang in there, be patient, and hopefully your spasms will subside.  Try to get as much rest as you can and allow your body to heal.  I will keep you in my thoughts and hope to hear that things are improving.  Wishing you all the best!

Sue 

Well it's been over three months and I am moving forward. My spasms are still therre but I do now have moments of peace. My vertigo is gone except for when I was working too hard in the yard this past weekend. Then I just stop and rest. My hearing comes and goes I cannot be in places with loud background noises. I have to put cotton in my left ear. Ido have alot of ringing at times. But the good news is I can sleep now and I am just trying to go with the flow.