Andy Morrison, the former Manchester City captain, has returned to co-commentary for the club's matchday live coverage, five and a half months after being sidelined by Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. The 55-year-old posted a health update on social media describing how his recovery has left his specialist "amazed".
Rare condition
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is triggered by a virus in the facial nerves and can cause facial paralysis, blistering rashes near the ear, severe earache and hearing loss. Morrison was diagnosed with the condition earlier this year. He said he did not get out of bed for four weeks and could not speak for a month.
Return to commentary
Morrison revealed he had returned to work with City's matchday live team. "It was fantastic to be back," he said. "Felt the voice was strong enough to go back and do co-commentary today. That's my first time back in five-and-a-half months."
He praised Ali Mann for making it easy and described the game as enjoyable, although he admitted struggling with some words and names, including Ryan McAidoo, who he said was "hugely impressive in the second-half".
Specialist amazed
After celebrating his birthday with grandchildren and family, Morrison saw a specialist on Wednesday. He said the specialist was "really delighted and amazed" at his progress from a House-Brackmann grade six to a four on the facial nerve grading scale. The specialist believes that within a year Morrison will regain the ability to blink and will no longer need to tape his eye down at night.
Ongoing symptoms
Morrison still needs juice to help him swallow, has no taste on one side of his mouth and the entire side of his face remains numb, meaning he has to drink through a straw. "But if sucking through a straw is the worst-case scenario, then so be it," he said. He added that he will not post another update until he sees his specialist again in three months.
Staying positive
"I had some really dark days in this conservatory but I stayed positive and this too shall pass, everything passes, good or bad, everything comes and goes and sometimes you just have to dig in and get through it," he said.
