I realized I had not really provided an update since July 14th. At that time, I was in the middle of week 4.
Well, now I am working on Week EIGHT. Unfortunately, not too much has changed with my face. Still no pain or discomfort. I'm sure eventually it will come back. For now, I do what I need to each day. Over the past month, I have attended most of my closings. Sometimes the customers will have questions about the condition and we talk about it during signings. Other times, its hardly discussed at all. At this point, I am good either way. I can talk about it or not talk about it.
I think when people would not talk about it before, I would feel obligated to discuss it. Almost like I had to explain why I talk out my right side. Now, I don't care... and never should have cared. I hold a conversation like anyone else. I've actually been told many times that people can't really tell that I have it. In a way, I agree with them because I have adjusted my speech and try to pay attention to certain words... by avoiding them. LOL I'll often just change my the word or phrase just to avoid the 'F's still. So, instead of saying something like 'Fun Friday' I would be more likely to say "have a great time on the last day of the week". Sure, its a longer phrase, but I can say it without any issues.
My biggest indicator that I have Bell's Palsy is when I laugh or smile. Still can't quite let this one go because its SOOO obvious. And since I crack a lot of jokes and like to laugh a lot, its my biggest give away. But hey... I do it anyway. Who can go through life without laughing? Not me!
Since I go out more often now, I've met more people that had Bells Palsy or know someone that did. Recently I was having dinner and a drink with one of our Account Representative's at Bank of America. During dinner, someone approached me and asked if I had Bell's Palsy. As you cam imagine, I was a little caught off guard because I don't know this person. They seemed pretty bold to just ask me instead of introducing themselves first. Naturally, I answer them. Turns out that they recently had it as well. We talked for a few minutes and shared some thoughts. This person had only had Bell's Palsy for 2 weeks. The doctors told him the same information that they told me... except he felt it was more stress related.
Stress related? It could be... but my wife does not buy that for a minute. I don't tend to act stressed.. and I really don't feel stressed... but there is something to that theory because stress can cause many things to happen in your body. I guess that person went to a local acupuncturist and after two sessions he was back to normal. He has no proof that this is was the answer but it sounds like an idea. And right now the only idea I have received from my doctor's is to wait it out.
The thought of needles is not appealing, but I'm going to think about it. What do you think?
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Oh no!!!! I hope you left that in CA. I guess it takes time.
Yeah, I wished I would have left it there also.. but no such luck Loreena.
Keep laughing and smiling my friend, it's the best way to be. Take care John and take it easy with the stress.
I have worked with several people with Bell's Palsy and it seemed after they accepted it as not life threatening and as an inconvenience, it disappeared. Some people show stress in different ways and your wife might not no this facet of stress. Best wishes follow you...
It is stress! Go to a riverbed or anywhere there are nice rocks, gather up some rocks, then take a sharpie pen and make some simple designs, like jagged lines. Then put these around your home next to all of your electronics and then put about 3 of them next to you in your bed when you sleep at night, email me in 7 days.
Thanks JL. I really don't feel stressed but perhaps its why my body has reacted. If it happens to pregnant woman mostly, then it makes more sense.
Appreciate it Paul. I was actually hoping that it would be gone by the time I was back from our trip to California. I'm sure its just a matter of time, right...
LOL Katerina. Sounds like an odd option but maybe after the acupuncture I'll give it a try. Talk with you again in a week.
John - Interesting update..thanks for sharing.
Hi John ~ Good for you to keep on laughing. And right on for that person approaching you. I would definitely check out acupuncture. Worth a shot (no pun intended - they're not shots - they're skinny little needles that don't hurt!).
Liz
Stress whether you believe you feel it or not is a sometimes silent disease and contributes to many ailments that are physical. I think you should check out the acupuncturist to, it may help relieve more than you think. Thanks for sharing John, prayers are still with you!
I had acupuncture done for tennis elbow. It seemed to work and was relatively painless. I'll admit it was kind of weird having someone put needles in you but it really didn't hurt. I think you should give it a try. I had a friend who use to have migraines and after acupuncture she has been migraine free for the last 15 years.
Wow - Didn't realize you were up to week 8 already. I'm not sure about the whole needles thing, but Marchel seems to be a believer. Good luck.
John, thanks for keeping us informed about your condition and informing us about this condition. I certainly hope that you get over this real soon. Keep thinking positively my friend...
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Thanks for the comment Greg.
Elizabeth - Im not sure how crazy I am about the idea of needles either but they dont appear to hurt... you know, from what I have seen on TV. LOL
Thanks Karen. You are right about stress. I've looked into the place the person recommended. Its only $75 an appointment. Can't hurt to check it out.
Wow Marchel. 15 years with no issues.. thats awesome. I have to agree that its a little weird to request someone put needles in you. Appreciate the feedback on the pain though.
Erik - I thought it was a little less than 8 weeks myself. When I went to do this update, I checked the calendar and counted it twice because it seems like a long time. I watched a video of someone the other day who was already at 6 months, but she was also having a few other issues. I'm with you on the needles thing, but I've heard good things and it can't hurt to try it.
Thank you Michael. It was new to me too, but as it turns out, many people I know have had it or know someone who has. Seems to be a little more popular than I though.
man i know this isn't fun for you, but i really didn't notice when we met last week. Of course, I had never met you before then so maybe you do look different than before, but i didn't even really notice. I sincerely hope you are able to make a full recovery though, i'm sure it's a pain to deal with when you're chewing, talking, etc.
as far as the needles go, i'm not a big fan either, but i know several people who have had accupuncture and it's not like getting jabbed with neddles. some even said it was relaxing. they only stick them in just a tiny bit.
just try not to sneeze or roll over suddenly and you'll be fine lol
Thanks John, I appreciate that. I don't look much different. Probably more facial expressions as I try to keep them to a minimum right now. We'll meet a few more times and you'll see.
Thanks for the tip about not sneezing or rolling over. LOL
Just do it! Quit being a weiney.
Who can go through life without laughing? Not me!
Hey John,
I'm glad you're keeping your sense of humor. That helps with many things in life! :)
As far as trying acupuncture, I say "yes". Somehow it works on the nerves. One of my previous co-workers had only one treatment and it cured her from very bad back pain. The pain had been so severe she thought she was going to be forced to have surgery. Plus, one of my relatives had only one treatment on her knee and it cured her of bad pain and swelling. There are no guarantees, of course. However, it sure seems like it's worth a shot.
LOL. Thanks Angelia.
Bruce - You have to keep you sense of humor in all circumstances.