It’s Not A Stroke
It happened to me. In February of 2023, I woke up one morning, started getting ready for work as I normally went about my day, and something just didn’t seem right. As I was brushing my teeth and went to gargle with mouthwash, water was leaking out of the sides of my mouth and I couldn’t seem to spit as I normally did. Not only that, but as I was washing my face, water was still getting in my one eye, even when I thought both eyes were closed.
Something wasn’t right. Was I having a stroke? Without hesitation, my husband took me to the emergency room and it was then that I was told I had Bells Palsy. A quick exam and CT scan verified this diagnosis and although very relieved it wasn’t a stroke, it was still very unsettling. I was sent home with a prescription for a steroid, eye gel and anti-viral medication and was advised to begin that regimen right away. I was told, because it was caught very early on, my prognosis for a full recovery was a good one.
All Going Down Hill
Within the next few days my face continued to droop and my eye was fully unable to shut. After learning that Bells Palsy was rare and typically a result from a dormant virus and/or stress, I started researching how to help my recovery. It was scary, uncomfortable and of course, I felt ugly and embarrassed by how I looked.
I decided I was going to go about my days normally and continue to go in the office for work. I didn’t want to bring on more stress by sitting around worrying about if and when I would recover. However, during free time I did research and learned some things that I think really did help. Do I know for sure if these things helped me recover 100% at around the 11 week mark – no. However, I do believe they helped with the stress, pain and possibly the nerve damage that caused the facial paralysis.
Things Are Looking Up
Now I say I recovered 100%, because when you look at me, I look normal. However, I do notice during moments I’m sick or stressed, I feel a tightening in my face. Do I worry it will come back – unfortunately, yes. When I find myself going down that rabbit hole of worry, I quickly change gears to do something to relieve the stress.
Getting diagnosed with Bells Palsy is scary. There isn’t much information out there and the unknowns are unsettling. So, with that said, if my routine helped me, maybe it can help others, too. At least, it can’t hurt. Below was a typical “day in the life with bells palsy” for me. I purchased some things off of Amazon that helped, so below I’ve attached these products, as well. Bells Palsy is not fun at all. It’s something I never saw coming and I’m sure you didn’t see it coming, as well. Sending good vibes, stress-free days and a quick, hopefully, full recovery your way.
My Bells Palsy Routine:
- Took a B complex and B12 supplement every day
- Gua Sha Stone massage with Tumeric Face Oil every night before bed
- Refrigerated Face roller every morning
- Red Light Therapy and Massage every chance I had with my Sola Wand
- Wore an eye patch during day at especially when sleeping. I found these particular ones worked best
- Joined a FB Bells Palsy Support Group
- Practiced Controlled Breathing and Meditation
- Took baths with lavender Epsom salt