And One Day...

I woke up and the left side of my face was paralyzed. I had complained of jaw pain for about four days prior and even went to see a dentist about it. Everything check out fine! No cavities, no drilling. The very next day I had no control over my eye, nose or mouth. My left ear became extremely sensitive and the pain in my jaw flared to the rest of my face. It wasn't a stroke but the tests began quickly. The ER doctor calls it Bells Palsy. He took no more than five minutes to examine me. I had to get him to come back because I had questions. He was very nonchalant about it. Wrote several prescriptions and told me there was nothing that he would be able to do for me. My neurologist pretty much said the same thing. An MRI was ordered and it turns out my brain is kind of cute! No tumors, no indication of trauma or pinched nerves. I came away from that MRI a little stronger because I was afraid of getting shoved in that tube. But I didn't flip out, didn't crawl out or pass out! So now I am the proud owner of a cool CD with my brain images on it. SWEET! The blood work showed nothing unusual. No lyme's disease, no weird stuff floating around. Three doctors, one diagnosis: Bells palsy. Sadly, none of them had a clear reason as to why this happened to me or to anyone else for that matter. It can be brought on by a virus or stress. It's unclear whether steroids actually help and all you can do is wait it out. It's frustrating to know more about an illness than three superb doctors.

The waiting game is not one that I enjoy. It's been about a week and two days since this happened. I am going to acupuncture, I keep my face warm, my eye lubricated and even massage my face. I have a nifty eye patch that my friend decorated. I am wearing it at work right now. I don't even care how hideous this pirate ensemble is as long as it works. And hey at least my dogs still love me. Lopsided or not, I am still providing them with love and more importantly FOOD!