Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Guest Post - Living with Bells Palsy

Sometimes, life strikes you with one of its lightning bolts, just like that.  One of my cousin's husbands  wrote this back in February, shortly after he was diagnosed with Bells Palsy. Sometimes, you just don't know what life has in store for you - you just have to make the best of it.  I have posted this without any editing.  But, I couldn't get the color of the font adjusted, for some reason, so I apologize for the appearance.  That's what I had to do to make it visible.  I could have retyped it but I don't love him THAT much - only kidding.

I'm happy to say he's shown slight improvement over the past few days  - but still has a long road to travel.


My cousin-in-law (is that a word) loves to write.  Maybe one day I can talk him into blogging - in the meantime, it would be great if you could show him some love.



                                 LIVING WITH BELLS PALSY
     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  normal. 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. .My wife says I sound like Elmer Fudd or Daffy Duck at times..at least she didn't say I talk like Goofy.
     I've seen so much on line with treatments that might help the symptoms..everything from certain vitamins,acupuncture, supplements, herbs, chiropractors, facial massages, electrical stimulation,moist heat,
 magnets..MAGNETS? Sure I want to have a positive 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.

9 comments:

  1. Awww - what great humour you have - bless you - I wish you Love and healing - please keep that humour :)

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    1. I will pass the love along to my cousin's husband. He's my friend as much as my cousin is. Thank you!

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  2. My BIL had Bell's Palsy. He got better in less than 6 months. Not sure if anything he did helped him get better. I think he just got over it.

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    1. My cousin's husband, I think, has come to that conclusion. He will just have to tough it out. I hope he does recover in less than six months.

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  3. I've heard of Bell's Palsy. It sounds terribly frightening. I'm so sorry you have to deal with it. Neurological disorders can be very frustrating, but it sounds like you have a positive attitude. I believe that a year from now, it will all be a memory and you will be the stronger for it. Best of luck to you.

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    1. It was frightening to my cousin's husband - this is his "guest post" - he thought he was having a stroke when it struck him at work. But tests in the ER indicated Bells Palsy as did tests done in the days afterwards. Thank you for stopping by and I will pass your good wishes along to him.

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  4. Before we got married and before we conceived our oldest child, my husband developed bells palsy also after an ear ache. He took around 4-5 months to recover and we are always very careful about it since the risks of getting it a second time are very high when you've gotten it once. Every now and then there is a slight tilt to his lips on one side or his eye slants downwards when he is over tired but those are the only signs of his having had it.

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  5. How wonderful of him to share with your readers! He says it so lightly although it must be very frustrating. He has done a huge positive for me! I have many medical problems but Bells Palsy is not one of them. You see I woke up one morning when I was 32 and freaked at the sight in the mirror the right side of my face was drooping. As I waited for the Dr. to call, juice drizzled out the corner of my mouth. Long story short it was temporary and his story lifted me up showing me so much more could be wrong. Bless him.

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  6. Love that you have chosen to write about this. What strength you show. Perhaps a blog would be a good outlet and source of support? Wishing you all the best. BTW I had a customer w/ BP and he was a high spirited, strong individual that despite being in his 80's and struggling with the BP kept a part time job at the electronics department of a big national chain. He relished being around people despite the challenges. Here's to your future successes!

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