Personal HFS History - Elaina Brabant
I have been experiencing HFS on the right side of my face since 1996. When my dad died unexpectedly in late 1997, it dramatically advanced from an eye flutter and pull at the corner of my mouth to a full HFS. I tried Botox once, and it was a horrible experience. My face "melted", and three months post-Botox, the spasm returned, but my face droop had not improved. At five months post-Botox, there was little improvement, and I was diagnosed with permanent nerve damage - AKA the droop would never improve. In researching Botox, I learned that in rare cases it can last for more than one year, and I prayed that I was one of those rare individuals. My prayers were answered, as more than one year later, I experienced a full recovery. Since then, I've consultant other neurologist and refused all Botox offers.
Two years ago, I consulted a neurologist at a well-known medical facility, and he told me of the surgical procedure and highly recommended Dr. Jannetta. I reached the point last Fall where I am ready to take that step to get my life back to normal. After several reschedules, as it became necessary to wait out the holidays to get a reasonable airfare to Pittsburgh, I met with Dr. Jannetta and his staff on March 18, 2003. They are WONDERFUL, and they spent all the time necessary to answer my many questions. It made me much more comfortable with the
procedure. Scheduling the surgery will take some planning due to family and work commitments, but my goal is to have the surgery later this year.
Elaina Brabant
Permission granted the HFSA to post Personal HFS History on website.
Elaina Brabant, March 20, 2003
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