Bell's Palsy

[livingwith]

I had a migraine for 4 days when I finally sought a Dr’s intervention. He gave me steroids and an antibiotic. Two days later, I started showing symptoms of BP. I look like I had a stroke because I couldn’t move a muscle from my forehead down through my neck. My right upper arm is also weakened. The intense pain in my ear comes and goes, and I can’t help but wonder if this will ever stop.
Trainer, teacher, person…My profession is a trainer, and I don’t know of anyone w...Read the full article

[pasquelt]

Try to be patient...I had BP when I was 18, it was my senior year, I was working 40 hours a week and going to school too. To top off my stress I got BP in November (1998). It began with a migrane on my left side, behind my head and down into my neck causing some stiffining. I woke up on the third morning of the terrbile headache and could not feel my tounge or nose, after going to the doctor I was diagnosed with BP and given steroids. I could not use my left side of my face for about 1 month and then slowly I got to use a straw again, close my eye again, and be able to look at my self in the mirror with out crying...you're 2 weeks in, so just have hope and you'll probably be better very soon. It took me 3 months to be completely back to normal and my senior pictures were beautiful! Have faith! You can try shock treatment too, my doctor didn't want to in my case but others have done it :-)

[patch]

Hi, I was diagnosed with BP on Easter Sunday. Looking back, there were signs. I look just horrible. I can't drive yet either. Be sure to keep your eye lubricated. If not you could get an ulcer in/on your eye and that would be real bad. Pick up some patches at Wal-mart. NEXCARE OPTICLUDE ORTHOPTIC EYE PATCH. About $5.00 and they are skin colored. The patch bends well and stays on well but is easy and painless to remove. The patches come 20 to a box.

This a great forum. I have found out I am not the only one with severe pain. I have gotten some great tips from reading others testimony. Be patient, God only gives us what we can handle. Somehow, we will use this experience to help others. Be strong. Use a straw, massage your face, keep that eye covered and lubed, thank god for each and every day a stroke didn't take you home, thank God for the time you have with your loved ones, and thank God for all the blessings he has given you. Look around, think, I bet you don't have enough fingers and toes to count your blessings.

This is not to say we can't cry or be in pain, or even feel sorry for ourselves. We all need a shoulder to lean on, to feel safe. Do that. Find a strong shoulder and pray, God wil ease your stress as you are comforted by family and friends.

[Debbie B]

Hi , I'm a mother of 4 and a hairstylist, so I can understand your feelings. I've had BP for almost 9 months now. You will feel anxiety, grief and anger I did and still do. I still cry sometimes because I don't feel like the person I used to be. I even took down some photos from the wall because I didn't want to be reminded of the "old me ". It sounds crazy but true, everyone goes through the psychological differently. I've been out of work for the 9 months, and eventually lost my job because I couldn't get a handle on my feelings. Keep your chin up, and think positive some people recover faster than others. So go to physical therapy and see a neurologist. My arm still is right, and sometimes my hearing is crummy at best. There are alot of things I've read about today that can help people like us. I wore a patch over my eye at night so that my eye would be relaxed, so not to strain it. It was hard on my kids also, they didn't know whether to be afraid of me, or to pity me.
It will get better, how much ? , I wish I had the answer for that. But stay positive and get as much rest as you possibly can and don't overdo it. Good luck and keep me posted on your progress.
Debbie B.