As many of you know, for over 5 months I have had bells palsy . I am happy to report that as of this week I feel like it is 95% back to normal. This has been quite a trial in my life and to be almost done with it is incredibly satisfying. Thanks for all that prayed with me that it would end. I have to be honest there were moments that I didn’t think it would ever go away.
If you don’t know what Bells Palsy is, it is a virus that causes half of your face to be paralyzed. It is hard to explain to people how much this effected my daily life, but here is several major issues I had:
1. Not being able to close one eye.
-Very blurry vision
-Taping my eye shut at night
2. Ear pain
-Apparently there is a nerve in your ear that opens and closes to help shut out noise. Mine was left open. This made it impossible to go to a church service and listen to the worship band.
3. Half smile
-I’m not a big smiler for pictures, but having to work not to smile so I don’t look like an idiot was difficult.
4. Speech impediment
-I had to think through every word I said. I started to learn how to talk well, but I noticed whenever I had to project my voice it was extremely hard. Not to mention it is a huge confidence issue to talk in front of people.
Well that was the last 5 months of my life. Thank God it is over!
Wow Justin- I had no idea! That sounds like it would be really tough. I am so glad to hear that you are doing so much better! I will pray for complete healing.
Hey Justin…I am soooo grateful to read this!! Praise the Lord!
I love you…MOM
My husband just got this for the second time in his life. The first time when he was a teen it left his eye permanently squinted. Now it’s on the other side of his face. It’s awful and he has to wear an eye patch because his other eye is so distressed from all of the tears. I’m glad you’re almost better but I really hope my husband doesn’t have to live with this for 5 months. Since he’s gotten this he has a really hard time eating and I don’t know how many mushy meals I can possibly make.
Also, I couldn’t help but notice that you’re new to blogging. I just started myself a few months back and I really enjoy it. Good luck with your blog!
I am glad to hear this almost over for you and you are doing well. My son-in-law had bells palsey as a baby. I had no idea it was caused by a virus.Do you know what kind of virus or how you picked it up? I am brand new to blogging and have’nt followed your story.
Again, very happy for your recovery!
Hi Justin
I’m pleased to hear that you’re 95% better. I acquired Bells Palsy in 1995. It’s left me with a bit of a lopsided face that everyone insists on telling me isn’t noticeable. Only this morning I was talking to a guy in our village whose face is now straight after three months with the illness. After four years and losing my job and not much improvement I was determined that my face was not going to get me down. I began a freelance journalism course – five years later my first book of which I am the co-author was published. I am now more confident and seize opportunities and have learned (although sometimes I lapse) what’s important in life – I’ve learned to base my self esteem on who I am, not my looks. My story about Bells Palsy was published in ‘Woman’s Own’ earlier this year as a result of making contact with the charity called CHANGING FACES.Good luck.
Wow, Justin, I had no idea. I’m SO glad to hear that you’re doing better and will pray that you continue in complete health. Thanks for sharing.