I did make a full recovery. I still feel a tiny bit of numbness on the apple of my cheek, but it is only noticable when I think about it. I also think I still look slightly more lopsided than I did before, but I'm certainly not complaining! Here is a pic from last Christmas:
The only other remotely interesting update I have is that I was pregnant last year, and terrified of having a relapse. You know from reading the literature that you are more likely than the general population to get BP again once you've had it, and you also know that pregnant women are more likely to get it, in theory because of the immunosuppressed state your body maintains while pregnant. I did inform my OB immediately that I had had BP in the past when I became pregnant, but there were no precautions we could take - it was just a wait and hope situation. One afternoon I felt like my face felt... funny... a little numb, slightly less responsive, and I went into full panic mode thinking that it was happening again. But it all turned out to be the fears of a hormonally charged mind, as BP never developed and the next morning I returned to feeling completely normal. I had no other scares throughout the remainder of the pregnancy, and I delievered a healthy baby.
I found it interesting that I could have lived through BP before and still be so nervous about getting it again. I mean, it is most definitely something that is livible, though life is so much easier without it! I think it really speaks to the adaptability of the human mind: when we have BP we go through a full mental process in order to cope with it, and as we heal, we return to "normal". If we ever get it again, I imagine the coping process would have to happen all over again, but at least we would know some of the more simple quality-of-life adaptations (like eye-patches!) to make immediately.
What I want to say to anyone reading, and to myself if I ever get BP again is this: it is going to be ok. One way or the other, it is going to be ok. You cannot control if or when you heal, but you can control how you feel about yourself, and you can control the simple adaptations that you need to make in order to make yourself physically as comfortable as possible. Focus on those things that you can control. And reach out to anyone you see with BP, because we know how difficult it is, especially in the beginning!
12 comments:
Thank you so much for your blog. I was just diagnosed with Bells this Tuesday I am 37 weeks pregnant and it has knocked the wind out of my sails. Reading your blog has lifted my spirits, thanks for taking the time to write about it and document your experience!
Hey, I ran into your blog today. This is my second time getting bells palsy, this time on my left side. The last time I had it was 2.5 years ago I'm my right side. I went to the doctor Nd they gave me steroids. I also started massaging my face and took vitamin b12. This all seemed to work for me and three weeks later I had recovered 100%.
This time I caught it early. I'm on my third day and already taking the steroids and b12 with massages every chance I can. The only problem this time is that I can still move my face. It's not a full paralysis. I hope to recover soon and I'm staying positive. Thanks for your blog and you look great! Smile all the time because it sucks when you can't smile at all.
diagnosed on 2/22/12 with bp - started prednisone right away - the twitching on the affected side of my face is driving me nuts. He goes from my brow to my nose to my lips, cheek etc. all the time and I'm only a few days into this condition. Is that a good sign or not? I'm 49 and never been sick, now this! I am a college professor and now my speech is impaired. This really stinks
Johnette
I am on day six of BP and hating it. Coworkers have been poking fun at it and my boyfriend saw my acyclovir bottle, thinks I have herpes and dumped me.
Johnette - the twitching was a really good sign for me!
Randi - your bf wasn't worth keeping anyways, if that's what he did!
Y'all keep your chin up. This experience with strengthen you in ways you can't imagine.
My Husband is on day four and he is really struggling with this. He is on his steroids and I have been helping him with drops and taping his eye shut at night while he sleeps. He refuses to get a patch but instead purchased 2 pairs , one dark and one amber sunglasses.
He has been wearing them for the glare. His mouth started drooping on the right side yesterday, so now he is having problems eating as well. He goes back to work tomorrow and is worried. I will show him your blog It might help him along.
Thank You so for sharing your experience, it's so nice to know that when this happens we are not alone! Bless You!
Amber, your blog is very heartening. I got BP 2 weeks ago, much as you described. I've been on steroids (which don't help after about the first 10 days) and I've been doing massage and exercises. A good one is to say the vowel sounds loudly (a is easiest for me, progressively harder to u). The headaches are awful.
I'm often allergic even to micropore tape so instead used sterile pads, a patch and a fine silk scarf tied across both eyes at night and during the day. The silk feels really good and lets my good eye relax.
My other comment is that the docs say there is no evidence of a connection with stress. In my case at least, I think it was part of the picture as my family (me, my husband and our 18 year old son) moved countries after an extremely busy year at home, work and school. BP brought me to a halt 2 weeks after our big move. Lesson: learn patience, take care of yourself and take the time needed to recover.
I am experiencing bells palsy for the second Time. I had it 4 years ago and recovered completely. Now i am 25 weeks pregnant and completely freaked out when the left side of my tongue became numb because I almost immediately knew it was happening again. Then when the excruciating pain behind my ear started I was positive of my diagnosis and went to the emergency.room because I was scared for my unborn baby. The doctor, pharmacist, and obgyn all told me that valtrex and medrol are safe during pregnancy which is something I never would've guessed. I still hate taking this medicine while I am pregnant but am slowly getting better
I am experiencing bells palsy for the second Time. I had it 4 years ago and recovered completely. Now i am 25 weeks pregnant and completely freaked out when the left side of my tongue became numb because I almost immediately knew it was happening again. Then when the excruciating pain behind my ear started I was positive of my diagnosis and went to the emergency.room because I was scared for my unborn baby. The doctor, pharmacist, and obgyn all told me that valtrex and medrol are safe during pregnancy which is something I never would've guessed. I still hate taking this medicine while I am pregnant but am slowly getting better
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.
I recently have some difficult conversations and I did what a lot of people do when they want to know how to do something. I googled it. I came across Dr Williams herbal medicine on blog-site so many people with Bell palsy and dystonia thanking him about his good work. I also have dystonia. I wasn’t running all over God’s creation with every man I could find but here I am. I have felt bad about myself for so many years now because of my dystonia status. I obviously still have some self-accepting to do but I want to thank Dr Williams for everything he have done for me,after taking Dr Williams medicine i was completely free from cervical dystonia within one month of usage, I think what you are doing is so admirable. you have helped me a lot! I want to definitely reach out to you and thank you for your amazing work. You are a good person, and an extremely talented man. You have helped millions with your herbs, and have really inspired me,and i pray you still continue doing the good work.you can also email him on drwilliams098675@gmail.com for help
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