sorry sister, don't know much about this. I'm sure someone will be able to help out. hugs

I had "Bells Palsy", its a virus. Are you taking anything for it. I believe the Docs will give you antibiotics for it. Heres how it was explained to me,...Imagine a washer with a thread going through it ( thread being your vein), the washer gets swollened up,not letting any blood pass through. I hope that helps. try not to worry, it should go away in about 2 -4 weeks. I know its scary. but you'll be ok

thank you so much for your replys..very reasuring..i took something for it the first time i had it and later most docs said it would have gone away by itself anyway so i don't know if i want to put anything thru my liver if i don't have to...

bells palsy is a virus that usually last around 3 to 6 weeks,with no lasting effects, but is good to check with doctor in case it is something else.You will want to make sure it isnt a stroke, which I doubt as it usually affects the whole side. barb

i've just been reading up about herpes simplix I cause i have two sores on my lips that the doctor said was herpes. never knew i had it and never had a cold sore before.

anyway, (i hope i'm remembering this right?) the same virus that causes herpes also causes bells palsy! it's that the strangest?

so maybe you've always had this like me and didn't know it and now yours in manifesting as bells palsy and mine, herpes?

my mom had bells palsy when she was in her early 20ies and it has never returned. the only thing tht happens to her now, and it's VERY infrequent, is that side of her face droops just a teeny bit if she's overly tired. but you really don't notice it. i can't tell but she says she can tell! nobody else can tell either.

hope this helps some.

I had this years ago...1st doc didn't recognize it and gave me muscle relaxers...one day in car was putting on lipstick and noticed mouth was crooked. Then diagnosed with it - it only lasted a few weeks but is very scary. I didn't take any meds for it - told it was just a virus that would pass.

Doc said I may not get all facial muscles back but I did - can see very tiny bit when I smile.

It was embarrasing at work but everyone understood once I told-the drooling was the worst part.

Hard part was not being able to shut left eye - had to put tape on it at night and use artificial tears during dayt...hopefully that will help you if having same problem.

Hang in there hun and remember it is only temporary - just had friend go thru same thing recently!

my wife has had this a couple of times, it last a few weeks and then goes away, I'm not sure if she even took anything for it.

i want to thank all of you for responding to my post...i don't feel so alone with this now...i look like shrek or popeye when i smile lol...and i did read something about the herpes thing ...i used to get cold sores but not now...i think i would rather have the cold sores..anyway thank you all

bump

So sorry to hear this sister...I am praying for you...Pam

Gosh, Kathy that is sad. I'm sorry you are having to deal with that. Have you been under more stress lately? May I ask a personal question if you don't want to answer that's cool. But, are you smoking cig's or drinking alot of coffee?
Another thing I know with Herpes Simplex 2 that foods high in arginine will cause it to manifest when all the others mentioned above are involved. Bells Palsy is part of the herpes family and I think stress and nutrition are the common denominator.
I had a cat friend who was going through a divorce and she was majorly stressed. She smoked and liked her coffee. And, it hit her hard. It took longer than 6 weeks for her's to get better. But, a co-worker of Larry's got it and it went away in about 2 months. He had moved here from Texas and maybe it was the stress.
Try and take good care of yourself. I know..sometimes easier said than done.
BW

i drink alot of coffee and smoke about 4 or 5 cigs a day and have been stressed lately...plus my gland is swollen on the left side so it makes sence..can't get in to see the neurologist till june...maybe i'll go to the er ...it keeps getting worse thanks everyone..o and i have had alot of dental extractions and lazor in my left eye maybe that agrevated something..i'm beginning to feel like a freak

i have to admit, your cheeks do look puffy

Try and see if you can eliminate some of the stress and you already know about the cigs and coffee.
Be gentle with yourself today.
Hugs,
Cindy

hi kathy
yes i had it about 25 years ago. it was frustrating more than anything cos, like you, i dribbled when i drank and only half my face smiled. the affected side drooped, as did my eye on that side, but the most annoying thing i found was dry eye probs cos the affected eye couldnt shut and i couldnt blink. the good news is that it does subside slowly and the nerves do return to (in my case, almost) normal, but as u have had it before, you will already know that.
just hang in there hon. its just a waiting game. the parrallasys is not permanent.
stay strong, stay positive and be happy.
we're here for you.
pepy
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