I didn’t get shampoo in my eye today…!!!!

Thanks to modern technology and the iPhone, I was able to have a “virtual” appointment with my Stanford surgeon and his fellow while I was in the mountains… and they think they have a diagnosis for me explaining why I was having so many changes in my facial appearance and its function. They believe that I have an uncommon, underreported phenomenon called Delayed Facial Nerve Palsy – and that it is treatable. A miracle, if you ask me. While I was in the hospital, they thought I had aseptic meningitis but I tested negative for it. One of my surgeons co-authored a medical study on Delayed Facial Nerve Palsy. The report drew the conclusion that a pseudo aseptic meningitis diagnosis predisposes patients to this virus. After a long phone call with the doctors and using my iPhone to send about 15 pictures of my incision, ear and various facial functions (i.e. smiling, winking, raising my eyebrows), they were confident with their diagnosis and even went as far as to say, “Adri, we’re going to get you your smile back.” Music to my one, good ear.

With the help of five new medicines, my doctors set the expectation that most people get better within six weeks to 1 year, but I am already noticing improvements. Instead of waking up every morning with double vision and some new facial weakness issue – and the fear that comes with the unknown of getting worse, I am waking up better. I didn’t get shampoo in my eye when I showered this morning implying that my eye was able to stay closed. Again, a true miracle in my opinion.

Thank you for following the blog, and for your support and prayers that have helped me get back on the path of recovery. I can’t wait to see you when I’m back from the mountains, and hopefully show off my fixed smile!

(Side note: Don’t you think I should call Apple and tell them about how the iPhone helped me? “There’s an app for that.”)