Today marks my two-year anniversary of contracting Bell's Palsy.
Though I have made significant progress in the last two years, I am still not fully healed and have come to terms with the fact that this is my new normal.
My bell's side (left side) is still wonky. While my smile has mostly returned, I can see the difference in my face. I do not look the same as before, and my eye always looks wonky when I smile.
I continue to get what I call Bell’s headaches, which come in the form of nerve pain in a large patch on the left side of my head.
I still have wonky days where I can feel my face drooping, especially if I am stressed or tired. That is also the time when my words jumble and do not come out as intended.
My left eye is perpetually dry, with excessive tearing. My left nostril doesn’t like to behave. Both are especially irritating when I'm eating. But, hey, I’m no longer drooling, so that’s a win!
On good days, I can do a weak whistle. I suppose I can deal with that. I used to have a strong whistle, and the day I found out I could no longer so was rather devastating, so at this point, something is better than nothing.
I have to concentrate when speaking to avoid biting the inside of my cheek.
Sometimes words will catch when I am speaking, and although I know which word I am looking for, I have to pause and wait for my brain to catch up before continuing.
The writing does not come as quickly as it did before my diagnosis. That has been one of my biggest struggles.
Another struggle is that while experts speculate about the cause or potential treatment, doctors have no clear understanding of B.P.
Hopefully, someday that will change.
Anyway, I just wanted to share an update and say that while this brought me down for a bit, it did not stop me. I am making public appearances again. I’m back to doing lectures. Any, while my releases may come slower, I am still writing and doing what I love.
~ Sherry
Though I have made significant progress in the last two years, I am still not fully healed and have come to terms with the fact that this is my new normal.
My bell's side (left side) is still wonky. While my smile has mostly returned, I can see the difference in my face. I do not look the same as before, and my eye always looks wonky when I smile.
I continue to get what I call Bell’s headaches, which come in the form of nerve pain in a large patch on the left side of my head.
I still have wonky days where I can feel my face drooping, especially if I am stressed or tired. That is also the time when my words jumble and do not come out as intended.
My left eye is perpetually dry, with excessive tearing. My left nostril doesn’t like to behave. Both are especially irritating when I'm eating. But, hey, I’m no longer drooling, so that’s a win!
On good days, I can do a weak whistle. I suppose I can deal with that. I used to have a strong whistle, and the day I found out I could no longer so was rather devastating, so at this point, something is better than nothing.
I have to concentrate when speaking to avoid biting the inside of my cheek.
Sometimes words will catch when I am speaking, and although I know which word I am looking for, I have to pause and wait for my brain to catch up before continuing.
The writing does not come as quickly as it did before my diagnosis. That has been one of my biggest struggles.
Another struggle is that while experts speculate about the cause or potential treatment, doctors have no clear understanding of B.P.
Hopefully, someday that will change.
Anyway, I just wanted to share an update and say that while this brought me down for a bit, it did not stop me. I am making public appearances again. I’m back to doing lectures. Any, while my releases may come slower, I am still writing and doing what I love.
~ Sherry
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