Coping With Bell's PalsyThis section is a place to share stories about Coping With Bell's Palsy Below are entries of those who have already shared their stories. We hope that you find their experiences helpful to your own situation. You may also Help others by sharing your story. To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Just got the News 
I had been having pain on the left side of my neck around my ear for about 3-4 days. I had also been feeling very tired and somewhat lightheaded. I thought I had a ear or sinus infection so I went to my ENT on a Friday. She said she saw some congestion but no ear infection so she prescribed an antibiotic. She also said I could possibly have TMJ; I had it years ago. So I went home to rest and take my meds. The pain around my neck and ear was awful. I suffered through the day on Saturday and took alot of Advil. That night when I went to bed I felt tingling in my lips. The next morning I got up and looked in the mirror and I freaked out! My face looked contorted and when I smiled it was only half a smile. It was hard to close my left eye. I remained as calm as I could and got dressed and brushed my hair. I went downstairs and got some coffee. My lips were somewhat numb. I went to my husband who was working outside and told him that something was wrong. I knew by the way he looked at me he felt the same. So off we went to the ER. They took me in immediately. My blood pressure and heart rate were normal. The nurse checked movement in my arms, legs and feet. She asked me to smile, etc. and she said that she believed I had Bell’s palsy. She said she had it 20 years ago. I told her that I remember my grandmother had it. She went and got my husband and when I saw him I started to cry a bit. The doctor came in and asked questions, etc. He said he too believed it was Bell’s. I was releived that I didn’t have a stroke but was not looking forward to facing this challenge. He prescribed Acyclovir and Prednisone and assured me that I would be fine in time. It is Monday as I type this. I feel the Prednisone has helped with the pain in my neck and when I looked in the mirror this morning I didn’t look as contorted as yesterday. Forming my words is a bit difficult and because I wear contacts I had to take the one out of my left eye and put a patch over it because it was annoying. Guess I will have to make an appointment with my eye doctor. I called my ENT to tell her the news so we’ll see what she has to say. I know that it is too early to tell if I am going to have any permanent damage, but hey, this is scary stuff! I can only pray that I will overcome it.
October 2008
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