Bell's Palsy

I went down with this around 10 days ago. The affected eye is definitely improving (I also keep it covered for a couple of hours in the afternoon). The affected side of the mouth is taking longer, I have been saying the alphabet exaggerating the mouth movements which, I think, may be helping. I was told it can take several months to clear up, although some people just wake up one morning and its gone so its a question of wait and see.

It's heartening to hear that your eye is already showing signs of improvement and a good tip to cover for a couple of hours in the afternoon. I'll definitely be doing that. I'll also try the speech therapy - it may well help the muscles find life again. I have yet to venture out - and it looks as though it will be a while until I can meet my friends for lunch! Good luck with your recovery and thanks for the tips.

I had the same quite a few years ago, wait untill your assessment, I was advised gentle massaging on the side of the mouth but best you ask if this is right for you. It does clear but in it's own time. Good luck

Thanks Anniebach

Try drinking via a straw. You will make a hash of it to start with but it helps you concentrate on the side that isn't working too well. It does get better in time. You have to let the steroids reduce the inflammation and do their work. Only thenwill things move a little better.

Thanks Izabella - tried this for the first time today - and you're not wrong! I'll persevere with it.

I too had this about 12 years ago. Thought I had had a stroke but it eventually disappeared. Sorry can't remember how long it took.

I'm going back a good few years too, but I remember that the steroids got it under control and it's a case of the sooner you start them the better the chances of recovery, so you're already on the road to recovery. I would say it's 3 months till you feel totally normal again, but you will begin to feel the nerves twitching as they return to normal fairly soon.

I do remember some issues with the steroids but I expect they're very different now. However, just in case I can tell you that the GP prescribed a course and when it ended I suffered severe aches all over my body as though I'd suddenly got arthritis in every joint.

I should have been weaned off them and the first GP hadn't taken that into account and another Dr said I was suffering from withdrawal and that if I really couldn't stand it I would have to go back on them and be weaned off. I persevered. He also said that they had a tendency to deplete the body of salt, so I had small snacks with salt at regular intervals and the pain gradually stopped.

No one believes I've had it, so the steroids are good. I have a slight weakness in the side it struck and I can sometimes feel a tighness, especially if I get over tired, and my eye is slow to respond to sudden light.

Wishing you a speedy recovery. Don't worry, it will slowly return to normal.

My Mum had a terrible bout of shingles in her head and face and got Bells Palsy afterwards. She was in her late 80's at the time and I was worried that, given her age and general debilitated state at the time, her face (which was very badly affected) might not return to normal. But it did - and fairly quickly too - so hopefully you won't have to bear this for too long. Best wishes to you for a speedy recovery.

Thank you Morgana, Ginny42 And Eloethan. It was very reassuring to read that the lady in her late eighties made a successful recovery. I thought, at the grand old age of 68, that I might be pushing it is bit. Saw ENT consultant today, who extended my course of steroids from 6 days to 10. My sight has definitely been affected on that side and it has been impressed upon me that I must tape it closed at night.

Many thanks for your good

... that should have read good wishes. Affected eye patched at present, having a rest, so vision limited!

It will improve , good luck