I had a hemi-facial spasm for ten years before plucking up the courage to have surgery. I was told by a neuro-surgeon in London that it was dangerous and that the results could be very disappointing. After reading an article a couple of months ago in a newspaper I relaying exactly what I had been going through I found out that the surgery is safe and has a high percentage of cure.
I contaced the surgeon Prof Hugh Coakham at the Spire Bristol Hospital in Bristol UK and arranged an appointment. After the initial MRI Scan i was booked in and the surgery done. Iam now after ten years spasm free and cannot believe it. Prof Coakham was wonderful and I cannot thank him enough.
If you have this condition please consider surgery it is the only cure.
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Hi Chris - Thanks for sharing your story and becoming a member of our site. Would you be willing to write a "Share" article about what you've experienced? It could help other people not feel so alone. I'd be happy to help you with this if needed, but if you want to explore this just go to our home page. You'll see a big orange box that says "Share" and you just click it and a template will pop up for you to fill out. It's easy to do, and could be really helpful. Thanks for considering it! Pat
April 28, 2010 - 7:04pmThis Comment
Hi Val,
April 27, 2010 - 12:47pmI'm delighted that you continue to be spasm free. (And also a wee bit jealous) I'm a pretty rare case and currently fit into a small percentage of people, the theory from the american and canadian doctors is that there must be another artery or vein thumping away somewhere. However the prof says he had a good look around.
The prof came to check on me everyday and calmed my fears from the minor complications I had, so would recommend him or his team to anyone who reads this.
Weirdly when I eat a meal the spasms go away for 5 to 10 minutes. Have you every noticed that?
I've yet to hear from another HFS person who experienced this.
Pretty good feeling having control of your whole face isn't it!
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Hi Chris
April 27, 2010 - 2:27pmI am just hoping that it lasts and does not come back but feel hopeful. I did not have the going away when I ate but it did go away when i worked out at the gym really hard which was also weird. I also found that deep breathing helped like in Yoga but it depended on the severity of the spasm at the time.
I hope it all goes well with you, please keep in touch and let me know how you get on.
It's a great feeling having control of my face it's been so long.
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Hi Chris
Sorry to hear the spasms have come back. I am now without spasms for nearly a month and hope that it stays that way. The prof is a legend and really likes to help people. Hope all goes well
April 26, 2010 - 7:42amThis Comment
That's wonderful news, I am so glad you are cured!!
April 13, 2010 - 10:45amCoincidentally, I have, today, been to see my GP regarding the very same operation after reading a similar article in the Daily Mail concerning the very same professor. I was always led to believe that there was no cure until I read this article.
Were you having botox injections prior to surgery and if so how long did you have to wait for them to wear off before the oeration?
I hope you continue to be spasm free forever.......take care
Linda Dickinson
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Weird to hear people commenting on the article that was about me! lol I am indeed the chap from the Daily Mail article.
April 26, 2010 - 4:33amI'm very pleased that it has helped more people be aware of this hellish condition that can be cured. Sadly for me my spasms have come back worse than prior to surgery. It happened roughly 11-14 weeks post surgery. While it can take up to 3 years for spasms to die down it is unusual for spams to return with this strength so late in the day (I know this from speaking to other HFS patients).I've spoken to the Prof since and he seemed convinced he'd done all he could however has said he will take a look at another MRI for me, in the event something isn't quite right. The prof is a legend despite what happened to me. I'm just hoping he is still willing to help.
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Anon - What a wonderful feeling it must be for you to be spasm free after 10 years. Thanks so much for writing in and sharing your thoughts and story with us. Can you tell us more about what this means to you? For example, are you feeling more adventurous now? A sense of relief? A desire to change some other areas of your life? Please let us know, and congratulations on your successful surgery.
April 12, 2010 - 6:42pmTake care, Pat
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