Hey everyone! Hope you're all doing well. Here's the latest fun stuff happening in my life! I'm supposed to be going to Florida with my fiance for his brother's wedding in about a month....and on Thursday, I woke up for work...and as I was brushing my teeth, I noticed the water was spurting out of my mouth while I was rinsing. My face looked and felt okay other than that, so I figured I was having an acute allergic reaction to something I ate or whatever. At work my face felt more swollen on the left side and there was some pain. By the end of the day, when I tried to smile only one side would raise.
I went to the ER and they did a physical test, I assume to rule out a stroke (which they didn't think it was because I'm 21) and it turns out I am suffering from Bell's palsy. If you aren't aware, Bell's palsy is basically inflammation of certain facial nerves leading to weakness or paralysis. Synptoms clear up anywhere from days to months and most people recover fully after 3-6 months. My case seems to be moderate as I can somewhat close my eyelid and my face isn't drooping like many people who get it. Anyone can get Bell's palsy but diabetics are higher risk, and I am diabetic. I still have some pain, but of course the biggest issue is feeling self-conscious. I work at a museum and have to talk to people all day, so I kept covering my mouth when I could, or kind of turn my head to the other side. I hate it, and I have to do it...
I never realized how important the ability to smile and make the many facial expressions we make as humans was to me until now, and I will never take it for granted again! I'm hoping for a speedy recovery!
If I could at least smile somewhat normally by the wedding, I would be so happy! Here's what I look like now:
Yeah, it sucks... :(
