Bell's Palsy - Page 4

Caffeina · ‎03-09-2010

I had it about 8 years ago. Woke up to get ready for work, and didn't notice anything until I brushed my teeth. When I tried to spit out the toothpaste was when I realized something wasn't right. Went to work anyway, but left early to see the doctor after calling him. Can't remember when I went back to work. Probably stayed off a day or two.

I was also given a steroid and anti-viral med. I used GenTeal eye gel for severe dry eyes through the day. I prefer gel over drops, it's easier to use. At bedtime, I used a piece of micropore paper tape to keep my eye closed. It's a thin, lightweight tape that's not too sticky. Stays put, but is easy to remove in the morning. It was recommended by my eye doctor. Didn't use a patch. You can find it with the Band-Aids and adhesive tape.

By the third week, I was able to close my eye almost all the way, but I had to try really hard. Every day after that I kept gradually improving. By the fifth week, I felt normal again.

I spent quite a bit of time in the forums at www.bellspalsy.ws. Even if you don't join the forum, the site is a good source of information.

YorkieonmyPillow · ‎01-13-2013

On 10/8/2014 gazelle77 said: Doctors automatically prescribe prednisone as per what they were taught....there is no study proving prednisone helps Bells Palsy one bit. I put my prescription down the toilet. I healed up 100%. The bad side effects of prednisone we're enough to make me not want any of those side effects on top of what I already was dealing with.

I wouldn't dream of rejecting Prednisone with Bell's Palsy. You need to Prednisone to keep the irritated nerve from further inflammation.

I've had BP but it was over in a couple weeks and it was because I took Prednisone. The few weeks it takes to resolve the BP do not cause any long-term effects.

BOYINTX · ‎09-05-2014

I prayed for you last night and yes was worried about sleeping and this happening to me.

You might laugh I put cotton in my ears- i turned the air up...Woke up and wondered how you were.

Those steroids are nasty and not to be messed with unless really needed.

gazelle77 · ‎03-01-2013

On 10/9/2014 YorkieonmyPillow said:
On 10/8/2014 gazelle77 said: Doctors automatically prescribe prednisone as per what they were taught....there is no study proving prednisone helps Bells Palsy one bit. I put my prescription down the toilet. I healed up 100%. The bad side effects of prednisone we're enough to make me not want any of those side effects on top of what I already was dealing with.

I wouldn't dream of rejecting Prednisone with Bell's Palsy. You need to Prednisone to keep the irritated nerve from further inflammation.

I've had BP but it was over in a couple weeks and it was because I took Prednisone. The few weeks it takes to resolve the BP do not cause any long-term effects.

To each his own.

sinut · ‎08-02-2014

Hi, regarding your bells palsy. I had it years ago, was about 30 years old, first had it on left side for about two weeks, a few months later, came on right side. It usually goes away in most of the cases. Hang in there. It is the seventh nerve. It is very frustrating I know, I feel for you. Do what your physician says in regards to the eye area. They really do not know what causes this. Take it easy, get rest, let us know how you are. Keep the faith.

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

Thank you all again for your help and support. It's only been a week so not much improvement yet. The neuro wants me to have an MRI but I see no point in that. I will continue to take the meds, wait a few more weeks and then decide.

Why do doctors prescribe these tests which in this case I feel is completely unnecessary? To protect their butts and make money??? Both my PCP and the neuro made quick, confident diagnoses and the neuro gave me some standard tests to see how I responded. No problems.

One of the many things that are wrong with our current medical system.

Tallgal · ‎03-12-2010

Bless you, I know what you are going through as my Mom's Significant Other had this last winter. Take care of yourself.

i love cats · ‎07-16-2010

I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago yesterday. Some things that helped me are: Get an eye ointment for night time and eye drops for day. Tape your eye closed at night so it doesn't dry out. If your eye is tearing up during the day, it's dry and add drops and manually blink your eye more. Seems like it wouldn't be dry if it's tearing up but it is. Use a straw to drink your liquids. Put it further in your mouth because you can't wrap your lips around it if you just place it inside. Some people swear by a b12 supplement but I haven't added one because I take a multivitamin. Sleep, sleep, sleep and avoid stress. It really makes a difference. A big thing to do is avoid trying to exercise or push movement while your face is numb. It takes 2 years for the muscles to atrophy. Those that do risk rewiring the nerves wrong when they come back and more trouble later down the road.

Annabellethecat66 · ‎03-12-2010

I had it. My Dr wanted to give me Steroids. He said it would make it go away quicker. I had had so many Steroids pumped into me because of my back I said, "No way".

It eventually went away.

Bichongal1 · ‎10-09-2014

A friend of mine had it. He used eye drops to prevent dry eye (one of his eyes wouldn't close )and also used acupuncture and massage. It gradually went away on it's own over the course of several months. He also refused prednisone.