I was diagnosed with Bells Palsy July 12 of this year. My doctor was unable to provide a suitable explanation for what brought this on. I spent countless hours doing Internet searches, reading about everything from vitamin B12 deficiency to virus to stress. I was prescribed Acyclovir and Predinsone. Two weeks in, the ringing of the ears and severe headaches started, making it difficult to function. I am seeing improvement but have not yet fully recovered. What has helped me the most in my recovery is getting adjusted by a chiropractor weekly and face/neck massages by a holistic health professional.
This has been a really isolating experience. The first month or so I neurotically examined my face in the mirror daily as well as photographed my face daily. I would cry everyday on my way to work and sometimes in my cubicle too. My co-workers, friends and family were really supportive and tell me that it's barely noticeable unless it is pointed out. But I still feel really self-conscious when talking to people and especially when laughing. I try only to smile a close-lipped smile in public. The second month I decided to stop torturing myself and put down the mirror. In fact, I try to avoid mirrors at all costs now! Does anyone else feel kind of lonely in this experience?
Not a Pretty Girl
"To the dumb question 'Why me?' the cosmos barely bothers to reply: 'Why not?'" - Christopher Hitchens
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I was diagnosed with Bells Palsy July 12 of this year. My doctor was unable to provide a suitable explanation for what brought this on. I spent countless hours doing Internet searches, reading about everything from vitamin B12 deficiency to virus to stress. I was prescribed Acyclovir and Predinsone. Two weeks in, the ringing of the ears and severe headaches started, making it difficult to function. I am seeing improvement but have not yet fully recovered. What has helped me the most in my recovery is getting adjusted by a chiropractor weekly and face/neck massages by a holistic health professional.
This has been a really isolating experience. The first month or so I neurotically examined my face in the mirror daily as well as photographed my face daily. I would cry everyday on my way to work and sometimes in my cubicle too. My co-workers, friends and family were really supportive and tell me that it's barely noticeable unless it is pointed out. But I still feel really self-conscious when talking to people and especially when laughing. I try only to smile a close-lipped smile in public. The second month I decided to stop torturing myself and put down the mirror. In fact, I try to avoid mirrors at all costs now! Does anyone else feel kind of lonely in this experience?
Not a Pretty Girl
"To the dumb question 'Why me?' the cosmos barely bothers to reply: 'Why not?'" - Christopher Hitchens
September 29, 2010 - 2:22pmThis Comment
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