Personal HFS History - Cynthia Thayer
I first noticed some strange feelings on the top of my head way back in 1978. By 1982, I was having twitching around my left eye, and received a diagnosis of Hemifacial Spasm from a neurologist, and a recommendation to try an experimental procedure, i.e. Botox® injections.
The idea of having needles put in my face (Botox® injections) seemed far worse than the affliction, and so I refused at that point.
By 1990, the condition had increased in both area and severity and included my eardrum, so at last I capitulated.
Although I had the usual neural paralysis to the affected injection site areas, and looked a bit strange, including a lop-sided smile after the Botox® injections, it was a relief not to have the full spasms and the racket in my ear.
In 2003, I had a three-week period of double vision right after the injections, and was growing weary of the same old thing - the afflicted area growing in size, the weariness from the constant muscle actions, and injections on a regular 5 or 6 month basis, so I gave serious considerations to my neurologist's suggestion of surgery. Dr. Earl Consky of Toronto recommended Dr. Tymianski.
On 08/24/04 I had an MVD with Dr. Michael Tymianski at Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto (Canada) and I'm pleased to report that I am "SPASM FREE".
I had a 10-day headache afterwards, some balance problems, and then developed Bell's Palsy, but these eventually passed. I was able to return to work full time within six weeks feeling rested and ready to go!
I have been left with a salty, metallic taste Left Hand Side of my mouth, the afflicted side, and my balance is not 100% yet, but this is so far down on the list of important considerations in my life that I am able to ignore it. The important thing is that phrase:
"SPASM FREE"!
Permission granted the HFSA to post Personal HFS History on website.
Cynthia Thayer, October 17, 2004
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