LIVING WITH BELLS PALSY

[Mark Joel Lane]

 

I never knew anything about Bells Palsy until I got diagnosed about 10 days ago. No one knows what causes this condition and most folks recover in about 6 months. There is no cure. I've researched it like crazy. I just developed symptoms over night after a terrible ear ache. For those who don't know..Bells Palsy is a neurological disorder of the facial nerves,(7th cranial nerve). It is basically a paralysis of the facial muscles. I have it on my right side. I can't blink that eye.

So here I am..Day 10..But who's counting. After extensive research, I realize I do have many of the classic symptoms so I'm adjusting best I can. I can't eat. drink, or kiss normal. SURE I can still eat but slower and in smaller pieces so as not to drool, I can't spit or pucker up in my unique way . More hugs in order I guess. No more triple Whoppers stuffed in my mouth. I suppose that's a good thing anyway

I seem to be supersensitive to some loud noises. Even showering, it sounds like Niagara Falls or Bushkill Falls in the Poconos .. As bath water pours in, it feels like I'm canoeing down the rapids with Meryl Streep.

My "B" and "P" sounds come out like I'm poofing as does my "F" words. No more cursing I guess. I'm blowing as I say these letters. If I yelled "FIRE" I could blow it out. I talk like Elmer Fudd at times now. I daught I daw a puddy cat

I've seen smuch on line with treatments that might help the symptoms..everything from certain vitamins, supplements, herbs, chiropractors, facial massages, electrical stimulation,moist heat,

magnets..MAGNETS? Sure I want to have a  POSITIVE CHARGED outlook about recovery ..but magnets? Hey. I'd call an exorcist if I really thought one would help. But I have my appetite and can still eat a Peter Lugers steak if I so desired, albeit cut in smaller pieces. Keeping my eye moist at work with drops and wash and eye ointment at night has not been fun..AND I'm wearing an old fashioned pirate patch on my affected eye before going to sleep. Yo ho Ho. Hopefully one day, maybe I can wear it if I ever act in The Pirates of Penzance.

 

[TeeBubbaDee]

Sounds like you are going to have a rough six months or so Mark. Best wishes to you and got my fingers crossed that your condition comes to an end in record time.

[darroll]

Hope you are feeling better....... Soon..

[Merry]

Definitely hope you're feeling better soon!

[Westerly_2]

My mom had it about twenty years ago. It did not last too long, and it hasn't come back since. So I will know how to act if I get it. Be confident it won't last forever. You can advise others later.