I don't have permanent Bells Palsy, but I have had it three times on the same side of my face. The first time was when I was 15, then again at 23, then again at age 38. Each time I lose more and more function in the right side of my face. The last bout left me with a twitching eyelid, my top right lip smiles upward whenever I blink my right eye, and the right side of my neck hurts and locks up whenever I smile too wide, or if I am really tired. Sometimes my neck muscle spasms and locks up on me for no reason and it can be painful. I saw a Neurologist and she said if the neck pain and locking becomes intolerable that she can inject me with Botox to calm the nerves. Apparently this time my nerves overgrew where they were supposed to go. I live in constant fear now that the next bout with this condition will leave me unable to smile, drink liquids. I still can't swoosh mouth wash without cupping my mouth with my hands to create a tight suction seal. I know another Bells Palsy attack will come. I get them every ten or so years. I almost had a complete mental breakdown on the one year anniversary of my last bout with Bells. I don't know how you manage with having it for four years. I am so scared to lose what function I have now. The Neurologist estimated that I have just under 70 percent of my facial function on the right side. I consider myself lucky to have this much function after three bouts. Each bout took six months to a year, this time even longer to gain all of my facial function back. Hang in there. You're not alone. I hope you can recover in time.

I have permanent bells palsy.. can't say you'll get used to it because even if you try, people would just not let you hear the end of it. Good luck.. I wouldn't wish this on anyone

I have had bells palsy for 23 years.. so I guess it's pretty permanent..
Can they just find a cure for this already, I mean as mentioned people won't let you hear the end of it. The worst part is when people tell me about pills or antibiotics they take because they recently got it. Well it won't work with me cause mine's permanent..

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. Sending positive thoughts your way.

I've had Bell's Palsy for almost a yr...I think it's permanent! I'm in constant pain on my rt side..my teeth hurt when I'm upset and my face twitches...my life has changed drastically...good luck to you

I have had Facial paralysis for over 8 years. I guess it was Bell's Palsy that I woke up with in 2009. I tried the best neurological doctors, advice, accupucnture treatments and various other treatments including eye and lip surgery in an attempt to look better. It is a very difficult situation for me because I lost my front tooth on the good side, making it harder to pronounce words and eat.
Only those with facial paralysis can relate, My eye leaks, I have synkinesis, which causes my eye to close when I bite and my eye to leak when I salivate. I can't raise my eyebrow or right corner of my mouth. at rest I look OK. Whenever I speak or eat or try to use my face to make an expression it looks bad.
I can only go forward and accept this as a permanent situation. I will be trying some newer techniques (cutting some nerves in neck area) in order to alleviate some of these conditions.
I'm sorry to see so many people suffering with such a debilitating situation that is so misunderstood and non-chalantly treated by most others.
I have noticed that most people and friends say it doesn't bother them to look at me or converse , however I have been slowly losing relationships with some so-called friends.
I find my peace with a spiritual relationship with God and don't look to man as a source of empathy.
I ve been told many times "Your Fine" by people that are trying to dismiss or attempt to make me feel better.
I can hope that someday I will be able to smile again, If not in this life, Hopefully in the next.
I pray for each and every person that has to deal with this difficulty.

I'm so many of us are suffering and so wish someone can assist us. I"m still suffering 10 and half years later and now my mouth pulled skew on Good Friday, so i'm stressing even more, which cause me more pain. I am trying to take one day at a time and to find a way to lessen the pain and effects. Less stress helps but I have no choice but to work.