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Monday, we thought I had a stroke. The right side of my face drooped like it was melted, and I dribbled food and drink and my right eyelid just doesn't work, along with the eyebrow. My face actually sags down on the right like a very old man. But my arm and leg never got into the act, so when I saw the Dr today, I was told I have Bell's Palsy, and that most people get over it after 6 months or so. I'm full of powerful drugs and awash in antivirals, and I'll be that way for a while. Some people get past it in a lot less time, but some folks never quite get past it. There's no way to predict it. So its good news and "who knows" kinda news. I'll keep HRW posted. Looks like I'm going to have a lot of time for slot cars on my hands! I can't leave the house, I look like Long John Silver with a craggy eye and cockeyed grin. All I need is a parrot and a peg leg. I get the eye patch tomorrow.

Boy does this ring home. Last September I too was rushed to the hospital with possible stroke symptoms, only to be diagnosed as having Bell's Palsy. Mine was caused by me catching Lyme Disease. I took the massive doses of pills prescribed & after about six weeks, my face & muscle activity returned to normal. I've been okay ever since. Get well soon!

My mum had Bells Palsy when I getas at uni. Scared the living daylights out of us all. She did make a full recovery in a very short time. And I don't recall her taking huge bundles of drugs (but that could be selective memory).

I can remember her having trouble putting lipstick on for about 3 weeks. So, make sure you choose your colours carefully.

Waay,

Ouch. Bad news for sure. Could be worse. Do what the docs say.

On the parrot . . . . get a towel to protect your shirt.

Hang in there you young whippersnapper, we are thinking about ya.

Hmmm, that is a bummer. I always enjoy your posts so hope it gets better soon.

Might be the time to dust off some old slot car projects.

Chris.

Hang in there Buddy.We've had some experience with that here.It will get better,just takes some time.

Rusty

I too, had a round of Bell's Palsy about 7 years ago. What helped me was to apply moist heat....damp washrag....to the side of my face/neck that was affected. I didn't have any drugs, doctor just said it would go away. I had symptoms for about a month and then was better. Hang in there, heal up.

Bell's is an impingement of a facial nerve, and mine was aggravated by flying from Atlanta to Phoenix and the "ear pressure" thing put pressure on the nerve.

TOJ

What bad luck!
Still, better than a stroke (Thanks,Polyanna; Shut the **** up now!).

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

David.

Hey Waay, as a fellow "Aged Methane Gas Producer" and having my own health problems, I can only echo what the others have said: Do what the Docs say! Also, I like the parrot and the eye patch (yes do get a towel) but I think the peg-leg might be a bit over the top......but what do I know> :think:

Argh, me hearties! I'm thankin' ye for the good wishes and get well thoughts. Its now four hours (how many bells is that?), since the second handfull of pills, and there are some small signs that they are beginning to work. I may be able to do without the eye patch, as I can now hold my eye open with a hat, and if I remember to blink from time to time, my eye won't dry out. I'm lucky that when I lay down, my eye naturally closes and I don't have to wear a moist bandage over it to sleep. My upper lip still balloons out when I try to talk, though, and eating or drinking is exhausting from the effort to keep food in my mouth when chewing or swallowing. But avast! I'm too beamy anyway, my vessel is overballasted. Argh!

Sounds scary! Take it easy Rob!

Sounds like it should be temporary, but a fright none the less. As the Brits say - Keep a stiff upper lip - easier said than done in this case.

Peter, your wicked wit is duly noted, and as the yanks say, "Booga booga!" I love these cross cultural exchanges.