On 11/11 my mom noted that it was two months to the day since the onset of the palsy. I thought it might be a good occasion for a progress report.
I appear completely normal unless I'm demonstrating or you know what to look for. The residuals are in the apple of my cheek area and mean that I still can't wink with the palsy eye, my nose doesn't wrinkle evenly, I can't snarl evenly, my mouth still doesn't have full tension on the palsy side, and I have some loss of feeling in the apple of my cheek area. My contacts still don't track correctly, and I still remove them and goo up my eye for sleep.
I also still have the sensation of "bruised bones", but only when the cheek is under pressure.
For a while I was getting frustrated at explaining to people how even though I looked normal, I was still dealing with the aftereffects of the palsy. Today a colleague wisely asked about the residuals, and I felt so happy to report on my progress, but to admit that I have a ways to go. That is ok. I'm not being hard on myself, those are simply the facts. But if I never recover another iota, I can live just fine like this - that is how much better I am.
I can make my face twitch like crazy if I massage it, so I think progress is still coming.
My palsy eye seems to tear more easily than my left eye, could these be the crocodile tears Dr. K warned about?
I have a check-up with Dr. K in another month. In the meantime, I'll blog if something interesting happens. I also mean to add the photos that I've been neglecting to add for too long. I'd like to update the sidebar with some good resources for BP sufferers (being a librarian and all).
Oh, and the BP coworker? An incomplete paralysis, and complete recovery within 5 days. Wow!! Ok, so this wasn't me, and may not be you, but remember, they told me 3-6 months for any signs of recovery, and here at 2 months all visable signs of BP are gone. This can be done.
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6 comments:
Hi, I know you wrote this blog a long time ago, but I just wanted to let you know that it's really made me feel better tonight. My Bell's palsy set in about a week ago, as a complication from shingles. I'm 19, so it's really weird that I'd have shingles in the first place, much less that I'm in the 0.2% of people who end up with BP. I thought my situation was pretty sucky, but I haven't had nearly as many eye issues as you had to deal with. I definitely never realized how much I like using the right side of my face... Anyway, thank you for writing about the experience, I really enjoyed your humorous take on the ordeal. :)
Hi!
I've been reading about your BP with interest as I have had it myself for 10 weeks now. It appears that my recovery is slower although it is definitely happening. Still struggling with my eye though and I still get very tired, and of course being January and freeeezing cold really doesn't help.
I was wondering how much more improvement you can report after the two month report. It would really help to know if you made a full recovery at some point down the line...
Thanks you!
Lucy - Good luck and keep strong!
Amber,
Thank you for blogging your experience with BP. I got it two days ago. I was flying from Europe to San Francisco, to take a new job in the US, and I started feeling something strange, undefinably strange, happening to my right eye. The following morning I realized what it was: paralysis. The right side of my face is almost completely paralyzed. Today it started twitching, if only very faintly. I suppose this is a good sign.
I hope you made a complete recovery, and I wish you all the best. Please, do post an update. It would be great to know that you made it!
Castor oil is extremely helpful in the Bell’s Palsy Natural Treatment. It lessens swelling and recuperates the harmed nerve. It fortifies the facial muscles and builds their flexibility. Warm some castor oil in a skillet. Drench a meager cotton fabric into the oil and apply it to the face. Spread the pack with wool to trap the warmth.
If you are feeling a portion of the indications, then you ought to visit your specialist. He or she will give you the right therapeutic treatment. Also there are numerous Bell’s Palsy Natural Treatment that you can use as treatment.
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