Frankie and Slim

Frankie and Slim
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Saturday, October 05, 2013

A SMILE IS NOT A SMILE

LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED TO ME!!

Awakened yesterday and went about my normal routine.  Did not look in the mirror until 9:00 AM to apply my lipstick.  What a shock to see this sight. My doctor's office told me to come right in.  I feared a stroke.  It is Bells Palsey.  The only medication to treat it is Prednisone and it is better to let nature run its course than to take such powerful medicine.  I believe it is already better today.  Do you know anything about Bells Palsey that will be encouraging to share?  Yikes!  At least I'm ready for Halloween:)

29 comments:

  1. Oh, no. I'm sorry.
    Not having had a stroke is a good thing, though.
    Is it painful? I am hoping it isn't too much since you did not realize you had it until looking in the mirror.
    Take B vitamins--6 and 12 are supposed to be good for nerve health.
    Take good care.

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  2. Olga -- I have been meaning to ask my doctor about B-12. Seems like a lot of my problems are nerve connected.

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  3. The only thing I know about Bell's Palsy is that my husband'd niece had it when she was twenty six years old. She is in her thirties now and she is fine.
    Also one of my friends was afraid that she will get it because her car window glass was broken and the cold winter air was slapping her face. She says that in her country it is a precaution you take against Bell's Palsy ie make sure that cold cold air does not touch your face.

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  4. I had a mild case years ago and it resolved pretty quickly with no treatment. I hope you will be smiling fully very soon.

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  5. What a scare! You are going to have to wear make-up everyday now to check your face! This aging crap is NOT for the faint of heart!

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  6. I have no idea what the illness is but am pleased it's not a stroke. Isn't horrible when we go to bed and then wake up with some sort of illness? I'm having issues with infections on my eye lids causing massive swellings. My daughter said I look like the Elephant Man, so I understand how you feel. I hope it improves very quickly!

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  7. I'm no help information wise but I am sending you healing vibes and I agree with Olga-- vit B and magnesium will help you make progress quicker.

    love ya bunches

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  8. Anonymous9:42 AM

    I had Bell's Palsy twice, in 2004 and 2011. I immediately went to the ER and got prescriptions for Prednisone and Acyclovir. Both meds helped. I am now 95% cured.

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  9. Came over to say how sorry I was to hear of your husband's passing and just to let you know you are missed by your friends over at JKPP. If you ever have the impetus to draw portraits again, you will always be welcome. I also can tell you of a friend who got Bell's and recovered completely - I don't know what meds he took though. I hope your recovery is quick and complete!!
    Julia

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  10. My dad had Bell's Palsy years ago and it didn't take long before he was just fine. So scary though! I am glad you went to a Dr because of course the first thing you need to be sure of is that anything like that is not a stroke. Take your vitamins and get some rest. Even your different smile is beautiful! :)

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  11. I've been hearing more and more about people getting Bell's Palsy. I wonder why. Maybe I'm just paying more attention. They've said it goes away with time. Sounds like yours is a milder version... I hope.

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  12. Everyone I have ever known with Bell's Palsy got over it. Some quicker than others. I agree with Aunt Betsy.

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  13. A friend of mine had this while she was pregnant, and it went away after the baby was born. I'm not suggesting you somehow get yourself pregnant (!), just saying that I've heard it is usually temporary.

    I hope you straighten out pronto.

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  14. Wow, you can make jokes about anything!~

    According to the Mayo Clinic website it's temporary most of the time... Thank God you didn't have a stroke though.

    I will do some more research and get back to you.

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  15. Wow- That's terrible n frightening! I know little about this, n have to research-

    I know B12 can help nerve-cell healing from an old arm injury I had years ago- took years to work for me- but I am better TG.

    Well, tell the kids you're a Zombie for Halloween.
    Hope it is temporary as comments here indicate, n you recover ASAP. Good luck!

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  16. I've known of others who have had Bell's, and their recovery was quick. Also, I don't think the lopsidedness is as obvious to others as it is to you. So keep smiling! I'm hoping for a rapid recovery for you.

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  17. I do not know about Bells Palsy. How do they diagnosis that - sometimes my smile in pictures look like that. Is it still that way? I am sorry.

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  18. Hope all is well Annie.....hugs

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  19. An acquaintance who was experiences a lot of stress had it and it went away without medication. It didn't happen right away (in her case) but I hear it's different for everyone. Hope it goes away soon!

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  20. I hope/pray all will be well again, but while you're waiting for the healing process to complete itself, you might try auditioning for a gangsta movie as the tough talking villainess who carries a machine gun in her coat and robs banks.
    "Don't anybody move or I'll give ya a case of instant lead poisoning."
    or not.

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  21. I knew two people who had it. Both went to an acupuncturist and it sped up the healing. how frightening it must have been

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  22. Munir – That thing about the cold air in the face could be my problem. Even with the temperatures getting cooler, I still sleep with a fan blowing in my face. Might have to quit that.

    Jeanie – Looks like it is already getting better. Has yours ever come back?

    Tabor – Oh yes, this “aging crap” is a problem for everyone. As soon as I hit forty the doctors began to blame everything on aging.

    LL Cool Joe – Aren't our children precious? I'm sure my kids would tell me something like that if they had been here to see me. lol

    sonny – The B vitamins are coming up a lot. Maybe I should really take a look at that.

    gigihawaii – Oh my goodness, all those meds and only 95% cured. Will you ever be
    100% again?

    Julia Kay – Well , lookie there! Julia Kay posting on my blog. I did not know you even read it. WooHoo. Yes, I can't do any drawing since Ron died but maybe someday. Thanks for your care and concern. Truly a celebrity visit:)

    Aunt Betsy – I am so glad to have a local doctor now and that I don't have to drive to Tulsa for all my appointments. What a lovely comment about even my lopsided smile. Thanks for visiting me.

    Kay – I had not heard a lot about it before and no I'm almost an expert. Yes mine must be mild because the doctor said it usually affects the eye also.

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  23. ancient one – Well so far I haven't heard a single thing about it being fatal therefore I feel blessed. Pretty sure mine is almost completely over. My friends at church yesterday said they couldn't see it.

    Kerry – Immaculate conception should just about cure anything! lol

    Riot Kitty – Okay my friend, settle down. You worry worse than my kids. Did I ever tell you that I love your concern? Love you too:)

    Snaggle Tooth – Again with the B-12. My mother took B-12 shots forever. I wonder why none of my doctors have ever recommended it? Maybe it won't go with some of my other meds. I do take a
    multi-vitamin every day.

    Susan Adcox – I believe mine is already almost gone. Thanks for you well wishes.

    Chatty Crone – The doctor put me through a variety of physical tests and checked my reflexes,etc. He said Bells Palsey is nerve related and a stroke comes from the brain. Because my speech was not affected etc, he was positive it was not a stroke.

    Shionge – Thank you Betty:

    Ileana – Some have suggested that having my friend Janet here for nine days may have caused me stress but I can't believe that. Her visit was wonderful and seemed stress free but I guess we never know how a big change in lifestyle can effect us.

    Cliff – Okay Cliff that's pretty good. I kind of like the idea of being a tough talking villianess. However I was thinking more of an Elvis imitation. Remember how he always curled is lip? And by the way, I posted my blog today before I read this so don't think you inspired me. lol

    To everyone – Thank you so much for you concern. I truly believe this is going to go completely away because it is much less evident already. Hope I can keep from having this happen again.

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  24. Seriously Though -- I almost missed your comment. Wow, an acupuncturist! No one has suggested that. We have one locally and if this ever comes back like it was I might consider that.

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  25. I only know that it will pass and you will be back to normal soon.

    Stay away from that awful Prednisone!

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  26. Oh my - I am sorry this is happening to you, but heartened to hear that it is better already. I'm sure that is scary. A friend's mom had that and recovered from it - that's all I know. Keep us posted.

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  27. Good heavens! I hope it clears up quickly.

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  28. I'm glad it not a stroke as well but now I have to go and google Bells Palsy.

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  29. Anonymous8:51 PM

    Two of my sons had Bells Palsy, one recovered completely and the other didn't. One side of his face doesn't move when he smiles.

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