I got Bell's Palsy...anybody been through this?

[Chico D]

Hey everybody, I know it's been forever since I've come on here.  How you guys been?  Well I'm still sly, still lovin it.

Problem is, two weeks ago I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy...anybody been through this?  Half my face is paralyzed.  I thought I was having a stroke, but thank God it wasn't that serious.

Something like 50% of people recover completely in a short period of time, another 35% recover within a few months, and the unlucky rest might never recover completely.

I'm very down about this...my life is hard enough and I don't need this....

If anybody is familiar with this, would you say I'm recovering?

My eyes look about even (the affected side's eye is no longer wide open). I can pretty much eat without a problem. I don't slur that much. I can almost close my eye completely on the affected side, however the eyeball still looks up. I can taste food very well. I can drink without a problem. I don't feel any pain.

However, I cannot smile at all. the affected side does not move at all, my smile is still completely crooked. And my eyebrow is frozen in place. It will not move.

Also I jumped on the medications the first day of the symptoms....

[StumpyDave]

My nephew had this.
I think it took a couple of months to heal but then it went completely and had no lasting effects.

A well known British motorcylce racer, Chris Walker, suffered from this too:
http://walkerthestalker.talkware.co.uk/
I can remember he looked a bit (how can I put this) down (?) on one side of his face for a while.  He said that one of the worst things was that his eye kept watering because he couldn't blink properly.

Sorry I can't offer constructive advice but it apparently isn't that rare and once you start to recover, it seems that everything can come back quite quick.

[Chico D]

I just saw the guys picture, he looks perfectly normal....that is reassuring....

[BALDANDRE]

Chico...

BRO, sorry to hear about it...not much "bro-talk" I can give you on this one...

Don't give up hope about regaining the feeling...you don't know about these things...

you're young , a nice looking sly dude and heck WE'VE never seen a smile on ya for that matter ..

and you look fine with the serious look...

I know that doesn't help, but just know it probably is worse on the inside than what shows to the world..

You made it through thinning hair at a young age, worried about it and in the end came out on top by goin' SLY...

I know somehow you'll make the best of this!

Hang tough my bald bro!

[Tyler]

Hey Chico, I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with this.  We're here for you. 

[Chico D]

Thanks guys

[Timmay]

My father in law had this Chico....I think you will be ok in a few months.  he recovered fine with it.  Im sure it is driving you crazy...but hang in there....it will be ok.

Timmay

[jusbnme]

Chico,

I'm sorry to hear about what happened bro.  I've never had to go through anything like that and don't know of anyone close to me that has had it.  I wish I could give you some great story to lift your spirits.  But I will keep you in my prayers and I wish you the best.  Don't give up hope though brother.    Please keep us posted.  If you need to talk anytime pm me. 

[Chico D]

Thanks Timm, Definitely driving me crazy....the fear that I won't recover completely, and the feelings like "why me"?  However, almost everybody I've spoken too has recovered fine.

Well, on the bright side, I must be learning A LOT about myself and life.  I will no doubt come out a stronger person....I just don't need any more strikes against me....

[Chico D]

Thanks Lance...just needed a little lift, and I can always count on you guys for that.

[BALDANDRE]

Well, on the bright side, I must be learning A LOT about myself and life.  I will no doubt come out a stronger person....I just don't need any more strikes against me....

Just don't EVER lose the thing that will get you through it...your upbeat attitude...

 and try to laugh and have a good time when ever you can and just continue livin'...

ALWAYS keep that spirit and sly head held high bro...

THAT will get you to a faster recovery..you hear about attitude all the time in successful recoveries..

Never underestimate its power!

[schro]

Hey Chico,
The Lovely Mrs. Schro's favorite aunt had this a few years ago. It took about a year for her face to regain all function, but once it did we couldn't shut her up!!!!

Seriously, she came out of it fine, just took a little longer than normal.

[Chico D]

Damn...I sure hope it doesn't take a year....how old was she?

[schro]

Up there........mid 60s, but she takes good care of herself. Just a freak thing. Her husband is a doctor and has said the fact it took a year was pretty rare.

[Chico D]

Sorry to hear about that...at least she recovered completely....thanks, Schro