I’ve read other diaries and noticed people measuring their facial recovery by literally measuring their face. I measure my improvements mainly by what I can do, and what I look like.

With my upper and lower lips regaining their strength, I can eat bagel sandwiches again.

When the paralysis was in full force, the lines on my forehead stopped before the halfway point when I raised my eyebrow. Now the lines go just past the middle.

Ok, so I’m reporting this a little earlier than week’s end. On Saturday, I felt like I had some pressure in my right ear, like something was going on. When I was taking a shower that morning, I was able to hold water in my mouth while blowing out my cheeks. I couldn’t believe it. All that positive thinking on Friday paid off big time. I am able to press my upper lip down, I can once again drink out of a water bottle without dribbling down my chin.

My vertigo has substantially subsided. I only feel it here and there in certain circumstances. I don’t think I’d go on the spinning 'tea cup ride' at Disneyland just yet though.

The MRI report was negative. No tumors or anything of that nature in my brain. I have copies on hand to prove it. I saw my ENT doctor on Tuesday to discuss the results. He also mentioned again about putting gold implants in my right eyelid to weigh it down to a closed position. I don’t think I’d like that because I use that eye a lot to see with, even if it is blurry.

I get worried sometime that I’ll never be normal again. My face may just be stuck this way forever. I haven’t had even a twitch of any kind anywhere on the right side of my face. I wish there was something proactive I could do.

No change in my condition.

Had my MRI today. It was a very loud, banging machine. Somehow I kept falling asleep during the procedure. I had to have a dye injecting in my vein for contrast. I got to see pictures of my brain and even the 7th cranial nerve. The radiologist wasn’t there to do the analysis, but they should have the results to my ENT doctor by Friday. I have an appointment with the ENT next week.

No movement of my face.

No difference

No progress.

No changes.