8 Year Bell's Palsy Anniversary

Today marks 8 years that I have had BP.

This is not me (because I would not allow my picture to be taken at the time) but this is pretty much what I looked like when I first got it...



A lot has changed since then, thankfully, but I still have a lot of residual effects lingering. I have come to terms the fact that hubby and kids will never know the me before BP; same for a lot of my new friends I have met since I got it.
I now spend a lot of time educating and consoling people with BP. I put together a PowerPoint presentation a few years back in college. I will work on getting it uploaded and on here.

Timeless Tuesday - Time Heals All Wounds

I guess you could say that time truly does heal all wounds.

I have had Bell's Palsy for 7 years and one day. I say one day because yesterday (04/27) was my SEVEN year anniversary of being diagnosed.

I cannot believe it! The first time in all these years - an anniversay has passed and I didn't stop and write a journal about it... but... here I am doing so... it's just a different journal entry than any other anniversary of my BP.

I did think about it a few times last week but only long enough to process in my head what the precise date was.

I still suffer the residual affects of my BP... but it's just 'me' now. So many people I have met over the last 7 years never knew the 'me' before the BP. Oh, how I do miss the symetrical smile I had, life before crocodile tears and constant twitching of my eye and mouth and the stares I get from having such an affliction... but this is me... love it or leave it.

Thanks for listening to me ramble yet another year...

Bell's Palsy Anniversary

Current mood: depressed

Today is my 6 year Bell's Palsy anniversary.

This is a presentation I did on it a couple years ago:[VIDEO]

What a Great Week!

Wednesday (02.06.08) I had a doctor’s appointment with a new doctor because mine is very small-town like, unprofessional and careless. This new doctor is excellent to say the least. I was referred to him by my bariatric bypass counselor because he is excellent with post-surgery care. The doctor that I was seeing was neglecting my diabetes and I just got to the point of being fed up. The new doctor is going to be working with me very regularly to get my insulin doses to a point that they keep my diabetes under tight control. This new doctor has also had the gastric bypass surgery that Doug and I are going to have. Not only did he have it, but his wife, mother, father, two uncles and three cousins have all had it. I was so shocked to hear that! It is very nice to finally have a doctor that is for the surgery, rather than my previous doctor who was ultimately inattentive to my needs.After my appointment Wednesday I took Addison to the Oakland Mall and met a couple Café Mom friends (Rose and Theresa). That was a fun afternoon.

Thursday (02.07.08) was great too! The doctor that I met Wednesday referred me to a neurologist for my Bell’s Palsy. This neurologist was very optimistic that Botox treatments would work successfully. I am very, very eager to get the process rolling!

Saturday (02.09.08) was a blast! I took Addy and met up with a couple café mom friends (Rose and Wendi) at a mall that I have never been to (Great Lakes Crossing). I have never in my life seen such an amazing mall. It was huge and fun and had tons and tons of stores. I was like a kid in a candy store.

Weird, random things, facts, habits, goals…

Current mood: creative

I have a hard time sticking to a budget, finishing a project (sometimes even starting a project because I am perfectionist and I don't want to start it until I know it will turn out perfect), I am not goal oriented, I am not ambitious at all and I love making lists. I cannot sing. I am right-handed.
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I absolutely LOVE being a wife and mommy. I kissed A LOT of frogs before I found my prince- online. I married Mr. Elliott on Memorial Day, May 30, 2005. I found out I was pregnant on January 26, 2007; and gave birth to my miracle on September 2, 2007 (one day before Labor Day). I loved being a daughter; mom passed away November 13, 2006 (it's almost a year now) and dad March 10, 1990. I never really knew what it was like to be a grand-daughter; most of my grandparents were gone before I was born. (Just some more reasons to go through with the surgery- to ensure I meet Addison's children and hopefully their children…). It's great to have two brothers- but I always wanted a sister. My (living) role model is my aunt- Debbie- she has a great marriage and raised a wonderful son. I do not have many close friends; but I'm looking into making some that live nearby. I have a ton of cousins, nieces and nephews; some I don't see often enough, some I see nearly daily. --
Doug and are must be insane- a 2 month old and no protection. We tried for a few years with no luck; but that doesn't mean that it can't happen again. Addison is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Some people say one miracle IN Heaven, one miracle FROM Heaven (referring to mom blessing us with our child). I always wanted to be a mommy; I couldn't picture myself doing anything else.
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I hate:
Wash rags- I use a bath puff thingy. Poor grammar and/or spelling.People that come to this country and then do not make any efforts to learn English.
Having to hold my breath just because someone didn't feel like taking a shower or wearing deodorant.
People not turning their clothes the right way before washing them.Bad service at a restaurant.Customer service not being what it used to be.Know-it-alls with irrational reasoning's.
Door to door evangelists.People who call over and over and won't leave messages.Dreadlocks.Bodily emissions in confined spaces and/or public places.I harbor an extreme dislike for chat rooms.People who blow their horn at you the nano-second the light changes to green.No toilet paper or paper towels in public restrooms.People who dress to the nines to go to Wal-Mart and bring their kids with their crusty noses, dirt rings around their necks, faded dirty clothes, and dirt crusted feet in flip flops; I consider this a form of child abuse- these parents should be horsewhipped.Guys who wear wife beaters in public- just wife beaters, nothing else for a shirt. They are called UNDERshirts for a reason.People who oppose random drug testing at jobs.
My two favorite seasons being the shortest of the four.Boy bands.Going from Halloween straight to Christmas with no mention of Thanksgiving.
When I'm in a line and the person behind me is stepping on my heels.
Hypocrites.An unorganized refrigerator or cupboard.People making obnoxious noises- like constantly sniffling or talking on a cell phone at the movies.(Most) cats.
People who pick their noses, and/or butts, in public.The use of "X-Mas" in place of Christmas REALLY bothers me for some reason.Political campaigns.Jay Leno.People who call Child Protective Services on someone just out of spite.People who use the word 'nigger' and think it's acceptable.
Leaving an empty hanger on the rod when you take the clothes out of the closet.
People who rationalize their smoking habits.Pronouncing gyro 'jy-ro' when it's actually 'yer-ro'.My child not having any grandparents.
Waking up to the sounds of lawnmowers and leaf blowers.Having to repeat something in a conversation because they weren't paying attention.
Target commercials.Parents that do no control their children in public.Women who have child after child and expect US to pay for the medical, food and cash for whatever they want to waste it on.Loud vehicles.
Getting drunk for the sake of getting drunk at the company Christmas party just because the boss is paying.
Strangers who do not have the human decency to say "thank you" or even acknowledge you when you hold the door for them, or wave when you let them go first on the roads.
Telemarketers.Getting over-hard eggs when I ask for over-easy.People making noises while eating or chewing gum.Static on the radio or TV.The cost of gas, insurance, diapers and formula; you think they charge so much because you can't live without these things?People who call you simply out of boredom.
Homophobic's
Not knowing how to soothe a crying baby.People who buy animals, only to get rid of them a week later because it was harder to take care of them than they thought.Stay ay home moms with nannies.People who claim they care about you but cannot find time in their busy schedules to attend your wedding or worse- will they attend your funeral?
…do I sound like a complete neurotic bastard yet?
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Both Doug and I are going to get bariatric lap-band surgery. Please don't judge until you really know what it really is- feel free to ask questions. We were going to keep this a secret- but we will need support from friends and family. We have our first consultation appointment soon. I have diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I also have a blood mutation which can cause dangerous blood clots. I have anxiety issues. I have polycystic ovary syndrome (it was a miracle Doug and I conceived without the fertility medications I thought we would have to use.) I have HPV which caused precancerous lesions on my cervix a couple years ago. I have to have them frozen off. I have persistent Bell's palsy. I am supposed to wear a Tens Unit all day, every day to TRY to correct it. That's a pain in the butt to say the least. I have plantar fasciitis (problems in my feet) - I am supposed to wear moon boot thingies to bed every night. I have arthritis in both knees, one more so than the other due to a sand volleyball accident a few years back. I have horrible teeth; I'm sure dentures are in the very near future, literally. Geeze- what a list; and the sad thing- I'm sure that doesn't cover it all.
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I love smoked oysters; so much so that I can eat two cans in one sitting. Then I get all grossed out and ask myself why I just did that. When I was a kid I used to think they were as nasty as the liver and onions mom would feed us- until one day dad made us close our eyes and plug our nose and doused our mouth with this scrumptious thing that I later found out was an oyster. At first I tried to deny that I liked it, but the pleasure on my face showed I was fibbing. My other favorite foods are: steak, alfredo sauce, bacon and brownies- the most unhealthy things in the world. I suppose that's why I NEED surgery, nothing else has worked. I really hate: onions, green peppers, miracle whip, liver, fish, sloppy Joes, jello, bologna, Sheppard's pie, peas, coffees that the serve nearly everywhere these days, you know- the nearly espresso kinds, grapefruit, radishes and coconut among other things.
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My second toe is longer than the first and my baby toes curl in. I do not go outside barefooted and I did not let my foster children do so, nor will I allow Addison outside without shoes. I really do not like sandals on kids either- I don't find them to be safe- especially to an infant that's just learning to walk. I have a red blotch for a birthmark on my right forearm. I have a 'beauty mark' on my right upper cheek; it's cute and all until that damned thick hair pops outta it every so often.
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I take the laptop to the bathroom. I have a cell phone; but like most of the people I know- I do not carry that everywhere I go (including the bathroom). I LOVE my DVR- I don't know what I would do without it (my recordings, which I prefer to watch commercial-free- are: Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, ER, October Road, Notes from the Underbelly, Saved, Rescue Me, Nip/Tuck, Hell's Kitchen, House, Big Medicine, Biggest Loser, Desperate Housewives, 'Til Death, Supernanny, Nanny 911, Trading Spouses, Wife Swap, Dr. Phil, Extreme Makeover, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Kitchen Nightmares, baby shows, weight loss shows, home remodeling/designing shows, good God, thankfully they all do not run in the same season. I LOVE my camera even more. I'm sure I bother people with my excessive camera use and the amount of pictures I post. I do not own an iPod.

Bell's Palsy

Bells Palsy

I am a 24 year old, fairly healthy female. Today is my two-year anniversary with right-sided Bell's Palsy. I have been told that spontaneous recovery is not probable for my condition. After a few mobility tests and CT scan results to rule out stroke- I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy in an Emergency Room in Lansing, Michigan Saturday, April 27, 2002. At which time I was given Prednisone for 5 days. As well as Valtrex- twice a day for 10 days.
I was discharged to home with those prescriptions to take and no advice as to why I got this and how to get rid of it. I was told to follow up with family doctor on Monday as well as consult an Ophthalmologist. Of which both I did Monday, April 29, 2002. My family doctor just told me to let the 'viral infections run its course'. I was into the same doctor the week previous on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 and was diagnosed with an ear, nose and throat viral infection. So both the ER physician and my family doctor chalked my condition up to the infection diagnosed on the 23rd. (But through research of my own I have concluded that an accident that I had in which I fell on my face could be a probable reason as well. The date of that accident was 2-9-02 -- 11 weeks prior, and was on left (unaffected) side of face. Accident was diagnosed as 'head injury- contusion/ concussion.) As well- stress could be a factor.

My visit to the Ophthalmologist concluded that my sight was as normal as could be expected. They were worried about dry eye because the affected right eye would not close on its own. The Ophthalmologist prescribed eye drops-Lacrilube, and recommended getting a patch to wear at night.
Over time I went through several stages. At first my right eye would not close, over several months progress was made to the point I was able to blink normal. Then it got to the point that it was over-blinking. Then to the point at which, I thought it was back to normal, but yet again, not blinking enough. I went through the stages of my eye watering. Often throughout the day I would feel tears drip down my face, only from the right affected eye. For the first year or so I had to use straws to drink fluids. After time I thought that I must have gotten used to the right side of my mouth not functioning. I started slow, drinking out of small holes like bottles, and gradually moved up to drinking out of cups. Still to this day I sometime drip all over my chest. As well, persistent headaches that would last up to and beyond two days.
About a year of suffering and trying to get used to my condition I thought was more than likely permanent. I started doing research of my own, since my family doctor really didn't have any answers for me. I asked my family doctor to refer me to a Neurologist after reading that a lot of Bell's patients go to Neurologist's. I had my first appointment in October 2003. At which time they diagnosed me with Hemifacial Spasms and discussed some methods, one of which being Botox injections. Meanwhile they sent me home with a prescription for Flexeril (muscle relaxer) to get the spasms to calm down as well as the hope that something could be done for my condition. Referring to the possibilities of Botox injections. They mentioned that my facial spasms were in the very corner of my right eye and at the right corner of my mouth. I called these my twitches. Throughout the many stages of my first year with Bell's I would feel these twitches, usually in my eyelid. At first they were very persistent and irritating, over time they went away- or so I thought. I obviously got so used to it I didn't even know it was still going on. After that diagnosis I paid more attention to my facial movements as well as asked friends and family to let me know when something ‘odd’ is happening to my face.
My second appointment was to have a MRI of the brain performed October 21, 2003:MRI of the brain:Indication: Diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy year and half previously. Persistent symptomatology. Also presents with headaches. Question intracranial etiology.
Comparison: none
Findings: Ventricular and cisternal structures are normal. There are no areas of abnormal signal intensity throughout and there is no focal mass or mass effect. Overall brain architecture is within normal limits. No MRI evidence of intra or extra-axial hemorrhage. No extra-axial fluid collections. Visualized vessels demonstrate normal flow void. Paranasal sinuses are clear as are the mastoids. Orbits are unremarkable.
Impression: Unremarkable MRI of the brain with specific attention to the right 7th nerve which does not show appreciable abnormal enhancement or masses along it’s course.

My third appointment to the Neurologist was in December 2003. This time they asked how the Flexeril was controlling the spasms. My opinion was that it wasn’t doing anything to help. As mentioned earlier I was paying more attention to my spasms/ twitches, and I noticed, more so at night, that my right eye would twitch- a lot. The Neurologist them prescribed me with a new drug- Clonazepam working my way up from 0.5mg a day up to 3mg a day over a two-week time period. I referred to the Botox and was told that they were reluctant to do that procedure because it has the possibility of doing more damage than good, and that it is only temporary.

After the third appointment I returned in early March and, again, was asked how the Clonazepam was working. This time I told them that I did not want to continue using this drug. I was not sure if it was the Clonazepam or something else, but referenced muscle twitches were all over my body. Several times throughout any given day I would suffer muscle twitches at several areas of my body. It was not persistent to any particular area. It would be in legs, arms, feet, hands- anywhere- up to and beyond 20 times a day. At this time the Neurologists prescribed me with Neurotin. I started off at 300mg at bedtime and worked my way up to 2- 3 times a day, a total of 1800 mg a day, gradually over the four weeks.

My next follow up appointment is the first week of May. I have not seen or felt any progress from any of the prescription methods that they have tried. In whole, I feel worse. Throughout my life I have been fairly healthy and not on any prescriptions other than antibiotics here and there. Now all of a sudden I’m being tried on all these new drugs. Most of these making me feel as if I am ‘drunk’. They keep me down and sleepy. Besides having Bell’s Palsy I have knee problems with both knees, especially the left. So for that I am on Motrin 800mg for inflammation, as well as Vicodin for pain when needed. In late August 2003 I was in the Emergency room with a persistent headache that lasted nearly a week. I didn’t want to chance that it had something to do with the Bell’s Palsy, so at that time they preformed another CT scan- no findings. Two and half weeks ago, 4-9-04 I had to go to the emergency room for severe back pain (in which I did nothing to bring about). I was diagnosed with simply a muscle spasm and was given more Vicodin and more Flexeril to ease the pain and sooth the tightness of the muscle. I have never had a pinched nerve and do not know what it feels like. But if I had to describe the symptoms I have- I would say it feels like a nerve is pinched. The past few weeks have been debilitating. I have since put a hold on my search for employment as well as dropped out of college courses for the time being. I followed up with family doctor on 4-20-04, at this time x-rays were preformed, again, no findings.
I guess I am at a loss. I don’t know why my body is fighting against me. I’m really not convinced that taking all these new prescriptions is working and/or for the best. It almost seems like they are bringing on more conditions. IE- the headache that lasted a week and the back pain that is going on lasting three weeks- neither of which, again, I did nothing to bring on. I am a student and try to work full time as well. At this point I have lost all esteem, energy and motivation to do anything. I took a semester of trying to just go to school and not be employed. I am having a hard time finding concentration to focus on college. Struggling with my schooling, employment and health are not working. I am thinking that I need to find a better resolution to my health than having various medications tried on me. I am at a loss and do not know who to turn to and what might help.

5 Year Bell's Palsy Anniversary

Current mood: sad

Well today is my five year anniversary of Bell's Palsy.

Click here to watch a presentation I did on Bell's Palsy

I sometimes wonder if, even though it never fully went away, that I might get it again. Pregnant women are three times more likely to get it than non-pregnant women; and they tend to get it in their third trimester or within a week after delivery. So the wait is on until I can find evidence that I can't get it again since I still have it. I have a residual effect called synkinesis and because the nerves regenerated incorrectly- I would have to undergo surgery to repair it. So since the nerves have regenerated incorrectly and incorrect function is still function, the nerves still work, which makes them vulnerable to get another bout with bells- I think. It probably doesn't make sense that I am even worrying about it but I guess it boils down to the fact that my husband has never known me any other way, normal, and my child will not either. When I first got it I was devastated and it took a lot away from me. I just would like to be fortunate enough not to have to go through that all again. I pray.

Diabetes, Fertility & Bell's Palsy

Current mood: good

Diabetes:
For three or so years prior to this time last year I did not have decent health insurance and it probably went undiagnosed for quite a while.
Last year after Doug and I got married I enrolled into his medical insurance. Shortly thereafter I went to my first doctors appointment and received the call a week later and was diagnosed with Diabetes.
I was promptly prescribed a very small dose of Lantus insulin injection. That was not enough to bring the numbers down. My insulin was then tripled and that was still not enough. Then a pill was added and again- not enough. Another pill was added and that turned out to be a fiasco. It landed me a 4- day stay in the hospital with Colitis (bleeding in the colon). Well needless to say I never took that again.
Well I was on my regime of Lantus insulin in the morning and one pill in the morning and one in the evening for the past year. I have been miserable. My sugar levels have been out of control, I constantly have highs and lows and feel horrible. The medicine Ive been taking does not do a bit of good.
Recently, through the advice of my fertility doctor- I was referred to see a Diabetes specialist. I had my first appointment Monday and now I am on cloud nine!
The doctor changed my Insulin and ditched the pills. It might sound pretty dreadful that I now have to give myself four shots a day- but at this point I am willing to do whatever it takes to get my diabetes under control.
I now take one small shot of fast-acting insulin at every meal, and one large shot of long-acting insulin in the morning. The best part is I no longer have to fill up my own syringes- I now have insulin pens that I carry with me everywhere I go. It's very convenient.
I will be in constant contact with this new doctor to make necessary changes in my doses to get where I need to be.
I am extremely happy that I am now with a doctor who believes that it is just a matter of time before he can get me on the right track. In medical terms an A1C level is an average level of sugar over a 2-3 month time span. I started out in June 2005 with a 9.1 A1C level; I am now fluctuating between 7.5 - 8.1. I need to get down to around 6.5 to continue with fertility.

Fertility:
As mentioned- I need a 6.5 A1C level. I have a way to go but Im getting there.
Doug and I have been trying to conceive for two years now. I have a few issues.
I went in for my yearly in September 2005 and had abnormal results which ended up being abnormal cells on my cervix which ended up being precancerous cells. I had the cells frozen off in October 2005. Come to find out later that the doctor that performed the procedure did a lousy job and now I have some issues with my cervix.
Since then and still wondering why I hadnt yet gotten pregnant I pursued a fertility specialist to find the reason.
I had my first appointment sometime in January 2006 and had a wide range of procedures done over the last few months. In conclusion I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome which prevents me from ovulating which needs to happen to get pregnant. I also found out that I have polyps in my uterine lining- which may or may not have an impact on my fertility- time will tell.
During one of my procedures the doctor commented on the job that the other doctor had done in my cryotherapy (cervical freezing) and said that I might have to be artificially inseminated to become pregnant. Time will also have to tell on that one.
At this point the schedule is to get my A1C down to 6.5 at which point I can start taking the pill Clomid to induce ovulation. We will try to conceive then and if that does not work artificial insemination (AI). If AI does not take I do not know what we will do as we really do not have the finances to pursue other options

Bells Palsy:
As some of you know I have had Bells Palsy since April 27, 2002. I have been though a lot trying to get my face back to normal. A few years ago I saw a neurologist and all they want to do is prescribe medications like muscle relaxers and such. Recently I contacted someone to possibly do surgery to repair the damage. At my consultation appointment I was told that surgery is not an option for me- that my case was too severe in the beginning (which is why it has lasted as long as it has) and I am now too far gone for surgery. I was devastated but soon relaxed when I was told that there are other avenues to take to try to get back function. I went through a series of testing and went back for another appointment a week later. I was at that time given neuromuscular stimulator (e-stim) to use. For 6-8 hours a day I wear these little sticky pads- two above my eye and two below my bottom lip which send a series of 12 shocks through the nerves in my face every 7 seconds. The hope is that this technique will revive my degenerated nerves and with this and possibly the future use of Botox injections- I might just regain some facial function on the paralyzed side of my face.
If you would like to learn more about Bells Palsy please feel free to view a PowerPoint presentation I made recently for a college presentation: (which I will post later since I cannot find the link right now).

Bell's Palsy: Stricken Without Warning, Saving Face, The Significance of the Human Smile

Trauma out of the blue, it can affect anyone, at any time. Imagine waking up one day unable to move one side of your face, it is drooping to one side. More than anything, it is nerve-racking, literally!

For a long time the origin of Bell’s Palsy (BP) was unknown, however scientists believe that BP results from a viral infection that inflames the facial nerve.

The condition was termed as an idiopathic facial paralysis.

Pathologists use the term ‘idiopathic’ to describe an ailment whose cause is not well understood, and which is treated by addressing the symptoms rather than the underlying problems.

The term ‘idiopathic’ also refers to any condition that is personal and distinct.

BP is thought to be caused by a viral infection of the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve).

However, BP has many other ‘possible’ causes such as trauma, nervous system disease, metabolic, tumors, or toxins.

BP is a non-progressive, non-contagious, neurological condition that presents the severe, yet temporary, onset of weakness on one side of the face.

When the muscles are paralyzed, you cannot smile, you drool slightly, you sometimes bite your cheek when you chew, you cannot close your eye, and quite possibly slurring of your words.

There is often numbness or pain in the ear, face, neck, or tongue in 50% of the patients.

This rare disorder afflicts about 40,000 Americans each year.

Approximately half of all newly diagnosed BP patients recover in a short period of time, the remaining recover within a year.

The recurrence rate is between 10-20%.

Signs and symptoms-preceded by fever, pain behind the ear, stiff neck, weakness, numbness or stiffness of the affected side.

Causes

Diagnosis

Possible complications

Probable outcome

Treatment, medications, acupuncture, e-stim,

Cure rate

The Significance of the Human Smile

The Significance of the Human Smile

Trauma out of the blue, it can affect anyone, at any time. Imagine waking up one day unable to move your face!

The date was Saturday April 27, 2002. I awoke around 12:00 p.m., awaking so late because I had a late night out with friends the night before. When I woke up I did a few chores around the house, noticing that I was fatigued rather easily and also incredibly hungry. Around 1:30 p.m. I threw on some clothes and a hat, and headed out for some lunch.

I went to a diner for lunch, ordering a glass of water and a burger. I sat there and began drinking the water, noticing that I couldn’t drink out of the glass without some of the water dribbling down my face. It felt bizarre, like I couldn’t quite seal my lips around the glass enough. I was starting to get a little aggravated, shortly my food arrived.

I started to eat, observing that I couldn’t fit the burger in my mouth; it felt as though my lip was in the way. It felt like I had just been to the dentist and was injected with a huge amount of Novocain. My entire mouth was numb and it felt like my tongue was too big for my mouth. I struggled through to finish my meal; I seemed to have struggled so much that I was starting to break a sweat just trying to eat! How strange was that? I must have sat there trying to eat for close to an hour. When I got up to leave I felt exhausted.

Arriving at home I just tried to forget about the odd ordeal that I just had merely trying to eat a meal. I went to my office to try to relax. I sat at my computer and some research. Soon enough I had forgotten how hard it was and my mind felt at ease again.

Shortly thereafter I started feeling this immense pain in the back of my neck, as though my neck could hardly hold the weight of my head atop. I chalked all the feelings of frustration, anxiety, pain and fever to the ear, nose and throat infection that I was diagnosed with four days prior.
After some probing around on the computer I was again exhausted and decided to lie down and get some rest that I was sure I needed. I must have fallen asleep for a brief time, but was shortly awoken again by a phone call from a friend. I invited the friend to come over even though I was not in the mood for company.

When my friend arrived I asked him if he noticed anything different about me. His response was a simple, “no.” Obliviously he mustn’t have been paying close enough attention. Although he did mention that I was talking to him as if I had a handful of marbles in my mouth. After my company spent about an hour at my place I politely asked him to leave, because I had grown tired again and wanted to sleep some more. The thoughts in the back of my mind were that I might have Mononucleosis (Mono); a condition that I have heard very little about. However, what I do remember, from a friend that had been diagnosed with it several years back; was that you sleep- a lot.

I lied down once again, this time awaking in pain. I couldn’t seem to find a comfortable position to lay my head in without severe pain, associated with a migraine and pain behind my ears. I stood up and went to the restroom. As I entered the washroom strait ahead was a mirror. In which I caught a quick glimpse of my face. All day I had not even once gazed into the mirror, if I had I would have probably noticed my condition much sooner.

When I looked at myself in the mirror I noticed that my face had a droop to it; it is drooping to one side. When I would smile only one side, my left side, would rise and form a smile. I quickly began poking and prodding at my face as though I could make it work, nothing was happening. More than anything, it is nerve-racking, literally!

I quickly telephoned an urgent care center and explained my condition; no one knew what I should do. The only thing I could think to do is to go into an emergency room.

I hurriedly showered, rather, tried to shower. When I attempted to wash my face and hair I noticed that all the water and soap was running into my right eye. I was terrified, what’s happening to me? I can’t close my eye!

I quickly got into my car and rushed as fast as I could to get to the closest emergency room. By this time it was after 7 o’clock at night. It was a dark, rainy and gloomy night. I could barely see to drive to get myself to the hospital.

When I arrived at the emergency room I tried to the best of my ability to describe the symptoms that I was experiencing to the receptionist. The woman must have thought I was crazy; the things that I said must have sounded so extraordinary.

I was quickly admitted and checked over. The next step was a cat scan of my brain. From what I hear, most people in this condition feel that they might have had a stoke. A stroke was soon ruled out after the results were returned. The next hour or so consisted of a battery of testing. The assessment that I underwent was similar to the sobriety tests that police officers give to accused drunk and drivers along side the road. More than anything I was getting agitated, curious to why they were making me do the experiments that they performed.

After approximately three long hours of testing, waiting, more testing and more waiting; a physician’s assistant came to me with my discharge papers. “Ma’am- you have Bell’s Palsy (BP)”. Tears rolled down my face. I suppose the only word that I caught in her sentence was ‘palsy’. Nearly everyone has heard of Cerebral Palsy, I though I was going to be paralyzed for life!

The physician quickly informed me of the diagnosis as, “nothing to be excessively worried about”. Gave me my discharge papers, prescriptions and sent me on my way. I went to the hospital pharmacy and retrieved my medications, got into my car and ‘tried’ to drive myself home. The doctor had put drops into my eyes and covered one eye, the eye that would close. Now I had to drive with just that one eye. The five minute drive home felt like an hour.

When I arrived home I called my mother to notify her of what had happened. I was in emotional disarray. My mother had all sorts of questions for me; many of which I could not answer, because I didn’t get any of the questioned answered for myself at my trip to the hospital. There began my journey.

That evening was a Saturday. All I was told from the hospital to do for follow-up care was to see an eye doctor and my family physician as soon as possible. And, of course, start my medications. They didn’t inform me how my life was about to change.

The next morning I went to breakfast with my family. The initial hardest thing was trying to simply speak my order to the waitress; next, the inevitable task of eating. I began eating at 9 o’clock in the morning; we didn’t leave the restaurant until after 11:30 a.m. It had taken me over two hours to consume my breakfast. Not to mention, no one told me that I would have to drink my hot coffee with a straw!

For a long time the origin of Bell’s Palsy (BP) was unknown, however scientists believe that BP results from a viral infection that inflames the facial nerve. The condition was termed as an idiopathic facial paralysis. Pathologists use the term ‘idiopathic’ to describe an ailment whose cause is not well understood, and which is treated by addressing the symptoms rather than the underlying problems. The term ‘idiopathic’ also refers to any condition that is personal and distinct. BP is thought to be caused by a viral infection of the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve). However, BP has many other ‘possible’ causes such as trauma, nervous system disease, metabolic, tumors, or toxins. BP is a non-progressive, non-contagious, neurological condition that presents the severe, yet temporary, onset of weakness on one side of the face.

BP is generally preceded by fever, pain behind the ear, stiff neck, weakness, numbness or stiffness of the affected side. When the muscles are paralyzed you cannot smile, you drool slightly, you sometimes bite your cheek when you chew, you cannot close your eye, and quite possibly, you slur of your words.

Possible complications
Probable outcome

Treatment, medications, acupuncture, e-stim,

This rare disorder afflicts about 40,000 Americans each year. Approximately half of all newly diagnosed BP patients recover in a short period of time, the remaining recover within a year. The recurrence rate is between 10-20%.

My Bells Palsy Story

My Bells Palsy Story

The date was Saturday April 27, 2002, I awoke around 12:00a.m., awaking so late because I had been out until 5:00 a.m. at a friends house having a few drinks. When I woke up I played around on the computer for a while. Around 1:30 p.m. I was starting to get a little hungry so I threw on some clothes and a hat, and headed out for some lunch.
I went out for a burger and a beer. I ordered a Bud Light in the bottle and a glass of water (with a straw for the water as usual.) I sat there and began drinking the beer, noticing that I couldn’t quite drink the beer out of the bottle without some of it dribbling down my face. It felt weird, like I couldn’t quite seal my lips around it enough. Then I would take a drink of the water without any problems. But when I went back to take a drink of the beer, without fail, I couldn’t. I was starting to get a little frustrated. Soon after my food arrived; I had ordered a burger and fries. I started to eat, noticing that I couldn’t fit the burger in my mouth; it felt as though my lip was in the way. I struggled through to finish my meal and beer, I seemed to have struggled so much that I was starting to break a sweat just trying to eat. How strange was that? I must have sat there trying to eat for close to an hour. When I got up to leave I felt exhausted. I left and went back home. Arriving at home I just tried to forget about it and relax. I laid on my bed and played some more on the computer. Soon enough I had forgotten how hard it was and my mind felt at ease again.

To Be Continued