Health Update - I have Bells Palsy - What It Is & My Recovery Plans

In this episode, we share some recent health concerns with you, my diagnosis, and what the recovery path looks like after discovering I have Bells Palsy - What It Is & My Recovery Plans.

Towards the end of July 2021, I was working in my office when I noticed some odd things happening to my face. To be honest, me and weird face things go hand in hand, but this was weird even for me. I noticed my left eye drying out terribly, and when I went to crinkle my face it wasn't responding on the left side. When I got home I asked my wife to check if something was in my eye, and there was. She then asked me to smile. And I couldn't. Houston, we have a problem.

It was early enough in the evening where I was able to go to the Convenient Care right up the road from me. When I checked in at the desk, they put me at the highest level of triage, as there were concerns of a possible stroke. I went into the office, and performed all the stroke tests. Push, pull for arms and legs, finger squeeze, hop on one leg, it was like a field sobriety test! I was shocked they didn't ask me to do the curly shuffle!

The staff at urgent care wanted me to go to the Emergency Room, but eventually we agreed that making an appointment to see my regular physician in the morning would be sufficient. When I went to check in, the next morning, they had inadvertently double booked the Doctor, so I needed to come back later in the afternoon. I left and went to my office for a bit, and brought my co-workers up to speed.

Later in the day, when I finally got into the doctor, he confirmed that it was not a stroke, nor a seizure, but definitely Bell's Palsy.

What is Bell's Palsy?
Bell's Palsy is a facial paralysis or facial palsy of the nerves on one side of the face. Bells Palsy Symptoms can include the loss of facial control, the inability so fully smile or frown, blinking is affected, and in some instances, facial drooping can occur.

Is it Life Threatening?
It is not. It's annoying as hell, but not life threatening

Can You Recover?
There are 3 recovery potentials. The first is a full recovery within 2-6 weeks. The second is full recovery within 9-12 months. Beyond 12-months, recovery is unlikely. My Bell's Palsy Recovery Journey looks to be split between medication and potentially physical therapy.

What Causes It?
Per the Mayo Clinic:
The exact cause is unknown. It's believed to be the result of swelling and inflammation of the nerve that controls the muscles on one side of your face. Or it might be a reaction that occurs after a viral infection.

Side note, a certain recent vaccination has also been linked to triggering Bell's Palsy

Current Status and Recovery
Currently I am on a couple medications to try to address the situation, and I have follow up tests and appointment to rate my condition. I'm not going away, I'm not shutting the channel down. I may have an eyepatch on in some episodes if my left eye is really bugging me. I haven't lost motor control or my faculties, and beyond being irritated at the situation, I'm doing ok.

THANK YOU
Since I posted about this on Twitter, the outpouring of support has been tremendous. Thank you all for your messages, kindness, and support.

#BellsPalsy #FacialParalysis #FacialNerves #BellsPalsyRecovery #BellsPalsyTreatment

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