Bell's Palsy

bonnie1965

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Has anyone here ever had this? I woke up with it last August 15th. It really challenged me in many ways. I am mostly recovered. Would like to hear other's experiences. Thanks
 

gingersmom

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Originally Posted by Bonnie1965

Has anyone here ever had this? I woke up with it last August 15th. It really challenged me in many ways. I am mostly recovered. Would like to hear other's experiences. Thanks
Please do a search on TCS for Belle's Palsy, and read thread started by GingersMom.

I had it for the 2nd time this December and chronicled my treatments and subsequent recovery here on TCS.

I recovered fully within two weeks, each time, specifically through cold laser treatments provided by my acupuncturist.
 
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bonnie1965

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oops, sorry! I looked but didn't find. Will look again. So glad you are better!
 

kaleetha

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My Mom had it when I was younger. I don't recall too much about it, but I do remember that she had to take some medication for it, and then she recovered within a couple of weeks.

Vibes for the rest of your recovery!
 

MoochNNoodles

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My Grandfather has had 2 or 3 bouts with it. I remember watching him do the treatments at home when he had it the first time. I had to be about 6 or 7 at the time.
 
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bonnie1965

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Originally Posted by CarolPetunia

A teacher of mine had it in high school. Do they know now what causes it?
Medical professionals believe it is caused by the Herpes Simplex I virus which most people have been exposed to. The cause of Ramsey-Hunt syndrome, a cousin to Bell's, has been positively as the virus which causes chicken pox.

My symptoms came on slowly beginning with a terrible ear ache and veritgo. The next morning I woke up with the left side of my face immobile. I could feel it but couldn't control it. Other people thought if it didn't work, it must be numb - not the case.

It truly was an experience. Thankfully I was not in school for the summer. I did work every day and made myself get out in public on my days off.

People on the buses would look at me as though I were contagious. Clerks at stores would not meet my eye. Once incident sticks out: was at a nearby mall looking for a kitchen rug. When I went to checkout, the young cashier was talking to his friend and used the word "retarded" in his conversation. Then his friend gave him the eye and cashier noticed me, turned red and mumbled something. Young fool. I will be forever grateful to the woman on one bus who asked me what I was reading and listened to my slurred speech while we talked about the author. She was not at all disgusted and didn't patronize me. Never once commented on my taped-over eye.

I still am not back to 100% 9 months later. The worst was over after about 6 weeks; just in time for classes to start again. My left eyelid doesn't always respond at the same time as my right, that eye still waters more. My smile is a bit crooked still. My left ear cannot stand cold which stinks because I love being out in the cooler weather. Have to wear caps now
Most people don't notice it but I do, especially when I am tired. My eye doctor noticed when I bought my glasses. Said he sees hundreds of cases a year.

I also watch other people's faces more closely. Also those on TV. Law and Order CI wrote Jamie Sheridan's Bell's into the script.

I have always been really hard on myself as far as my looks go. I have a new appreciation for and definition of the word "beauty".

Didn't realize I had so much to say about this! Thanks for listening
 

katiemae1277

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Gosh, I couldn't imagine going through that, you are so brave for dealing with it in the way you did
I would surely have holed myself up in the house. I'm glad you're almost completely recovered!
 

gingersmom

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Originally Posted by Bonnie1965

oops, sorry! I looked but didn't find. Will look again. So glad you are better!
I'm glad you are better too! (Should have put that in my first post, sorry!)



Belle's can be so devastating - I recommend cold laser therapy to ANYONE who gets it! Two weeks, 10 visits, means: full recovery!

By the way, if you have not already done so, please add an Omega Fish Oils supplement to your daily vitamins - it will help to prevent it from happening again.

Did you get a chance to find and read my thread?
 
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