Bell's Palsy is a partial facial paralysis of unknown causes afflicting about 40,000 Americans a year. Viral infection, autoimmune disease and micro-circulation problems are suspected causes.
About eighty percent of Bell's palsy suffers will have a complete recovery within a three month period with or without medical treatment. Some sufferers will never completely recover.
About twenty percent of Bell's palsy sufferers will have a recurrence.
It is in no way related to a stroke.
My name is Pam and I have Bell's Palsy. One morning in November of 1997 my face did not seem to feel right. As the day passed I knew that one side of my face was not moving as well as it should. I went through going to my dentist and being advised it was not a tooth problem that I should see my doctor. I had Bell's Palsy. Being a paramedic for 6 years and an EMT for 16 years I thought I knew of most afflictions. This one I had never heard of. It's scarey, it mentally controls you. You lose your self esteem, your vanity, you actually lose yourself. Though mine has improved to the point that if you did not know I had it then you would not notice if you saw me, I KNOW. Which seems the hardest part. I am aware of it 24 hours a day. I have some problem with my left eye. I lost the smile on the left side that I thought was my best feature and I am aware that my smile is lost forever. I live with it, some days better than others. I have my faith in God and know that the days that are hardest are the days that he carries me. I wish to share this page with all of you out there who have been afflicted with Bell's.
Send me your name...your story....and let's offer love and support for each other.
