LOL! You know that feeling when you're in the backseat of someone's car and the have the front windows down and all you feel is wind in your face? That's how I feel in my front seat. I'm talking with a cracked window, lol. I got out today for a little bit. I could still feel that pull in my eye. Every now and then I have to rub my eye or massage the area around it because there's that slight blur going on. It's not always but sporadically throughout the day I see the blur.
I don't like eating out in public, lol, because I can't eat right. I can't bite my food like I want to. I went to Sonny's today for lunch and it was still pretty good but I'm sure I didn't enjoy it like I normally would have. There are times when I have to pull my lips apart to bite something. eating ribs with sauce doesn't work too well with that - but I managed.
Another thing I noticed this week which I hadn't really paid attention to previously was that my ear feels kinda clogged. I realized it on Wednesday when I was 'yelling' at the party.
*Side notes* After talking to Auntie today about the nutmeg, here's one thing that I read about it.
"Effects
In low doses, nutmeg produces no noticeable physiological or neurological response, but large doses cause symptoms and harm.
Nutmeg contains myristicin, a weak monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Myristicin poisoning can induce convulsions, palpitations, nausea, eventual dehydration, and generalized body pain.[11] It is also reputed to be a strong deliriant.[12]
Fatal myristicin poisonings in humans are very rare, but two have been reported, in an 8-year-old child[13] and a 55-year-old adult, the latter case attributed to a combination with flunitrazepam.[14]
It should also be noted that the recreational properties of nutmeg can take about four hours to take effect, and large enough doses have been reported to cause severe tiredness, uncontrollable and prolonged sleep coupled with dehydration. The effects have been known to last longer than 72 hours, depending on the size of the dose."
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Day 17: Don't forget the eye drops...
...yep, I forgot them this morning. I got to work and realized I didn't have them, thought I could make it but had to go back to get them soon after. I wasn't expecting to need them so early in the morning but ha, I was wrong. *refreshed*
So today was a good day for me. There was no major pain, no major dryness by noon, no headaches, no nothing. It was a good day overall. I can actually feel a little pull under my eye. I figure that's the nerves coming back because when I blink I can feel it. The eye doesn't close all the way but I still feel it. And then, there's that smirk. It's actually noticeable. My cheek moves some too. As I said, I can't make it happen on cue but it does, I kid you not.
I had a relaxing afternoon, outside of the house, no patch no nothing. I was good. By the end of the night, I was good and tired though. I slapped some ointment in my eye, put some gauze on it, taped it up and hit the hay. I'm still working on that 'sleeping on the right side' thing but I can't just lay down on that side. I'm sure I sleep on it sometimes during the night but to begin - NO.
So today was a good day for me. There was no major pain, no major dryness by noon, no headaches, no nothing. It was a good day overall. I can actually feel a little pull under my eye. I figure that's the nerves coming back because when I blink I can feel it. The eye doesn't close all the way but I still feel it. And then, there's that smirk. It's actually noticeable. My cheek moves some too. As I said, I can't make it happen on cue but it does, I kid you not.
I had a relaxing afternoon, outside of the house, no patch no nothing. I was good. By the end of the night, I was good and tired though. I slapped some ointment in my eye, put some gauze on it, taped it up and hit the hay. I'm still working on that 'sleeping on the right side' thing but I can't just lay down on that side. I'm sure I sleep on it sometimes during the night but to begin - NO.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Day 16: Think Again
So I thought I had a good night. Well I did have fun but my eye didn't like me this morning. It was so tired. I was tired but I think my eye felt like I had worked it too much last night. It may have been the 'extra' smoke from the Spanish Moon (club) or something. Either way, I had to put lubricant in it not long after I took the 'night patch' off. Which is another thing, I ran out of the eye bandages so I had to go get more of those today. Anyhoo, I patched the eye up for majority of the day today. I figured I'd just let it rest. I had the crazy look for a little bit after I took it off. My eyes felt rested some though...that was until I got off and sleep hit me. I knew I had to work tonight so I took a nap.
So yeah, again there's a little more movement in my cheek when I smile or smirk. You can actually see my cheek move some. And the dimple is more easily identifiable. It doesn't always work when I want it to though so don't come up asking me to smile, lol. I'm still taking it one day at a day, making sure to do my exercises. The only thing that bothers me some is that I can't sleep on that side of my face because there's some pain (to touch) which is odd because it's not always like that. But when I lay down, on second thought, maybe it's just when I lay down. I wake up in the morning feeling like I slept on the same (left) side the entire night. I'll do a study on that tonight and let you know.
Okee dokee though. It's been a late night of working and now it's time for bed. Tar tar!
So yeah, again there's a little more movement in my cheek when I smile or smirk. You can actually see my cheek move some. And the dimple is more easily identifiable. It doesn't always work when I want it to though so don't come up asking me to smile, lol. I'm still taking it one day at a day, making sure to do my exercises. The only thing that bothers me some is that I can't sleep on that side of my face because there's some pain (to touch) which is odd because it's not always like that. But when I lay down, on second thought, maybe it's just when I lay down. I wake up in the morning feeling like I slept on the same (left) side the entire night. I'll do a study on that tonight and let you know.
Okee dokee though. It's been a late night of working and now it's time for bed. Tar tar!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
I survived the long night
LOL, I took my patch with me to the Office Olympics event just in case. I actually had it on initially but the night ended up not being so bad so I didn't need to keep the patch on. Lots of pictures were being taken. I don't like how I look in them. Some of them I may have made a frown intentionally or manually made a smile by pulling the right side up. (That's my homey Andy pictured there) I think by the end of the day my face is tired and doesn't move as much.
After Office Olympics we went to a club which was even more smokey but still no need for the patch. One thing I have to remember is that even when I think I'm having a good day, I still need keep it lubricated.
Now I'm up taking my yarn twists out. TIIIIIIIIIIRED! I know this is random but I just wanted to post something. See you tomorrow!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Day 15: Two Weeks Notice
No I'm not giving one, lol. It's been two weeks, to the day, of me having Bells Palsy and I'm still making progress - slowly but surely. I had Speech Therapy this morning. WE did another E-Stim, went through the exercises and noticed could see progress. My forehead wrinkled a little and there was some money in my cheek. I've scheduled my next four appointments so let's keep it moving.
<<<< The picture is from this morning. The smirk is kinda there.
Work has been crazy these past couple of weeks so I wanted to inquire about the relation of stress and bells palsy. The therapist said she thinks alot of illnesses are related to stress simply because when you're stressing your immune system is weaker so you're more likely to get sick. That makes sense to me. Either way, I think I need another massage, ALREADY!
Tonight we have a Social Club activity scheduled - Office Olympics at this Bar/Grill join. Hopefully the smoke won't irritate me.
Day 14: Easy Like Sunday Morning...
*shrugs* There was a song on the radio that somewhat reminded me of that one so that was the title for today, no relation! Today was a good day, bells palsy wise. I had very little issues with my eye irritation. I can actually see some parts of my cheek move when i try to smile. I'm not seeing a whole lot with my eye but that's ok, I know it's blinking more. YAY! I've been doing my exercises throughout the day, lol. Not all of them but this one in particular where I say "A-A-A-E-E-E-I-I-I-O-O-O-U-U-U". It was one of the voice/mouth control lessons I learned if 7th grade Choru
So other than that, I' still experiencing some pain in parts of my face but its only when I touch or try to sleep on that side. *yawn* Other than that, all is well in the Bells Palsy world. oooh, hey Daddy. One of my coworkers, bless his heart, decided to go look up this whole nutmeg ball thing and he jumped out of his seat randomly to say, "equivalent to lead poisoning)" or something like that. I hadn't had one today but thought Id share that.
What else, oh yeah, headache. EEK! I had to once again come home and pop a pill and lay down. I guess other things are bothering me which is making my head hurt, possibly. I don't know. It was so weird that it didn't really kick in until I got home. Almost debilitating! << big word for the day!
So other than that, I' still experiencing some pain in parts of my face but its only when I touch or try to sleep on that side. *yawn* Other than that, all is well in the Bells Palsy world. oooh, hey Daddy. One of my coworkers, bless his heart, decided to go look up this whole nutmeg ball thing and he jumped out of his seat randomly to say, "equivalent to lead poisoning)" or something like that. I hadn't had one today but thought Id share that.
What else, oh yeah, headache. EEK! I had to once again come home and pop a pill and lay down. I guess other things are bothering me which is making my head hurt, possibly. I don't know. It was so weird that it didn't really kick in until I got home. Almost debilitating! << big word for the day!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Day 13: Baby Steps
...that's what I have to remember. It's not going to just come back in a day. Well it could but I know realistically that's not going to happen. Everyone keeps saying "you're doing good!" "it's looking better!" "you don't look like you're frowning anymore" "It'll come back soon." You'd think by now I would be used to it? Fooled ya! How do you get used to this? Not being able to use a side of your face? In my mind I think it's moving but I know it's not. I actually find myself covering my face when I laugh sometimes. ME? Or I laugh and starting thinking, "I wonder how crazy I look?" I know I know, think positive. I am - just babbling. That's the purpose of this thing right?
Anyhoo, I went to therapy today. 'Twas another good session. No real movement or major improvements but every little step counts. We did a new exercise today, pressing my lips together. NOT! I Can't do it cap'n! Well at least not without holding the left side of my lips. So we did the "E-Stim" which was good. She could see some areas of my face responding really well. Ya for face massages, lol. She did say my speech has improved a lot. Whoot! Oh yeah, those pains that I mentioned in the back of my head, the therapist said those are the nerves.
After therapy I went on to work. My eye was beyond irritated today. Don't know if I'd worked it too much during therapy or what but I had to slap it closed today. I have to keep my disclaimer up on GTalk at work, apologizing for any misspellings because I'm slightly impaired. LOL, not to claim it but I have to look really hard at what I'm typing or re-read it a couple times or just wing it because it's blurry either way you slice it. *blink* It's funny, there are still so many people in the office that do not know. And I mean people that work for the same company. As I was headed to a meeting today I heard a coworker say, "What is Natasha, a pirate?" *insert sad face* Luckily I was too busy telling someone else who'd noticed the patch with the confuzzled face and said, "There has to be a story behind this!" to be affected. The nutmeg ball just looks like I have a piece of candy in my mouth... "or snuff" as another coworker said, lol. I only wore it for a couple hours and my eye felt so much better after that rest. But it didn't take long to dry out again.
Oh well, the day is over (work wise) and I'm in chill mode for the remainder of the evening. Something is giving me a headache and I'm not sure what it was. I could attribute it to a number of things but I'll leave that alone and just cool it.
Guess what? That's right, lol, no video. No updated picture either. maybe tomorrow.
Anyhoo, I went to therapy today. 'Twas another good session. No real movement or major improvements but every little step counts. We did a new exercise today, pressing my lips together. NOT! I Can't do it cap'n! Well at least not without holding the left side of my lips. So we did the "E-Stim" which was good. She could see some areas of my face responding really well. Ya for face massages, lol. She did say my speech has improved a lot. Whoot! Oh yeah, those pains that I mentioned in the back of my head, the therapist said those are the nerves.
After therapy I went on to work. My eye was beyond irritated today. Don't know if I'd worked it too much during therapy or what but I had to slap it closed today. I have to keep my disclaimer up on GTalk at work, apologizing for any misspellings because I'm slightly impaired. LOL, not to claim it but I have to look really hard at what I'm typing or re-read it a couple times or just wing it because it's blurry either way you slice it. *blink* It's funny, there are still so many people in the office that do not know. And I mean people that work for the same company. As I was headed to a meeting today I heard a coworker say, "What is Natasha, a pirate?" *insert sad face* Luckily I was too busy telling someone else who'd noticed the patch with the confuzzled face and said, "There has to be a story behind this!" to be affected. The nutmeg ball just looks like I have a piece of candy in my mouth... "or snuff" as another coworker said, lol. I only wore it for a couple hours and my eye felt so much better after that rest. But it didn't take long to dry out again.
Oh well, the day is over (work wise) and I'm in chill mode for the remainder of the evening. Something is giving me a headache and I'm not sure what it was. I could attribute it to a number of things but I'll leave that alone and just cool it.
Guess what? That's right, lol, no video. No updated picture either. maybe tomorrow.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Day 12: Ibuprofen vs Motrin
You know I've always gotten those two mixed up. I don't even know the difference between the two or why you shouldn't take one versus the other or while taking the other, etc etc etc... when I'm in pain I just want whatever is going to take the pain away. ya heard me! LOL
So yeah, I bit the bullet and took one of my 800MG Ibuprofen pills last night. I was in pain. And it wasn't just from the Bells. There's a slight pain in the back of my head which was rather odd. Nerves maybe? I also have a toothache on the other side. Can you imagine having pain on both sides of your face, not good at all. Nevertheless, I rested well last night.
So today I'm not in any pain right now. I could tell my eyes were getting tired earlier so I backed away from the laptop and relaxed. Now I'm back to post this blog, check a few things out and then I'm out. I have Speech Therapy in the morning, which I'm thinking may be too soon. I mean, how much or what is she going to do different from Friday? *shrugs* Oh well! Yay for insurance and copays!
Hmm, there probably won't be a video log tonight either.
So yeah, I bit the bullet and took one of my 800MG Ibuprofen pills last night. I was in pain. And it wasn't just from the Bells. There's a slight pain in the back of my head which was rather odd. Nerves maybe? I also have a toothache on the other side. Can you imagine having pain on both sides of your face, not good at all. Nevertheless, I rested well last night.
So today I'm not in any pain right now. I could tell my eyes were getting tired earlier so I backed away from the laptop and relaxed. Now I'm back to post this blog, check a few things out and then I'm out. I have Speech Therapy in the morning, which I'm thinking may be too soon. I mean, how much or what is she going to do different from Friday? *shrugs* Oh well! Yay for insurance and copays!
Hmm, there probably won't be a video log tonight either.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Day 11: Relax, Relate,Release...
Just thought I'd post a midday message since it's the weekend.
I was finally able to get that massage I'd been waiting on and boy oh boy was it nice. I must have had some kinks in there because she was all into my back but I feel great right now. It's amazing the smallest of movements feel so awesome. Head to toe, I was in total bliss. I'm going to have to make this a regular thing. *snicker*
I thought since I'd done such a great job yesterday without the patch that I wouldn't need it this morning. Well after my massage the dryness kicked in to overdrive. I used the drops that the eye doctor gave me but they didn't help. I used my normal drops, still no good. I started out on a journey around the city but that ended quickly. I'm not sure if the massage made me that relaxed but I was straining to keep my eyes open. I came in and hit the sack. I don't know what the deal is. I'm sleeping through the night but I'm not sure I'm really getting a good nice of sleep.
I was finally able to get that massage I'd been waiting on and boy oh boy was it nice. I must have had some kinks in there because she was all into my back but I feel great right now. It's amazing the smallest of movements feel so awesome. Head to toe, I was in total bliss. I'm going to have to make this a regular thing. *snicker*
I thought since I'd done such a great job yesterday without the patch that I wouldn't need it this morning. Well after my massage the dryness kicked in to overdrive. I used the drops that the eye doctor gave me but they didn't help. I used my normal drops, still no good. I started out on a journey around the city but that ended quickly. I'm not sure if the massage made me that relaxed but I was straining to keep my eyes open. I came in and hit the sack. I don't know what the deal is. I'm sleeping through the night but I'm not sure I'm really getting a good nice of sleep.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Day 10: High Voltage
After speech therapy I went onto the eye doctor's office... they actually check for bell's palsy. Not really sure how well, yes I am. Ok, so check it, first they checked my reading in both eyes (you know reading the letters on the walls). They checked the prescription in my glasses which is "very low", then the doctor came in and put them really bright light in my eyes. REALLY BRIGHT! Then they dilated my eyes. I don't think I've ever had them dilated before. The doctor then came back and shined another really bright light in my eyes. She didn't find anything related to the bells palsy and said she thinks I'll have a good recovery (since she thinks I'm doing so well already). Now, I don't know about you but I see this every day and I am not really seeing where she can say, "you're doing so well! But maybe it's just me. Anyhoo, so she did see a small scar on my eye so they had to take a picture of it. I thought the light she was shining in my eye earlier was bright. No sir. This one was eve brighter, NOT to mention she had to take a picture meaning, FLASH! Not only that she didn't get it the first time so had to take another one. Yeah uh no, lol. The 'scar' magnified on the screen it looks HUGE but that's magnified 1000x. So yeah, she gave me a solution to use four times a day and use the ointment at night. *check* I have a follow-up appointment in a couple months.
SP yeah, no video tonight either. I'm kinda tired. Some pain in my face but less than before. Massage in the morning. Speech therapy on Monday morning.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Day 9: The Beginning & The End
This one will be short and sweet, lol....
I slept a little better last night? I mentioned to you about the gauze thing last night didn't I? hmm maybe I didn't. So I was trying to find a way to make the eye bandage work. So, I located some gauze that I had here, folded a small piece of it under the bandage and tada, success! There is pressure on the eye which forces it to stay closed. I was able to get a deeper sleep and when I woke up during the night I couldn't open my eye.
Today wasn't a bad day. I actually felt less pain and actually have some progress in my face. Not much, so nothing really noticeable but when i smile there's a little more curve than there was yesterday. YAY! Overall there is still no movement though. There was still some burning today which really sucks because I'm using the lubricating eye drops. And yes I could wear the patch all day but I can't see. Like, I'm at work and need to be able to WORK, lol so I need both eyes. So why is it that my eye burns so much when I'm at work? It's not burning now. *things that make you go hmmm* The pain in my face doesn't hurt as much to touch which I'm really glad about. Aside from touching, it hurts to lay on that side too.
So today marks the last day of my prescriptions medication and the first day that I'm using the nutmeg ball. This was a suggestion from my daddy. I'm glad this thing has no taste. I might be able to keep this going for a while. I guess I'm supposed to keep moving it around eh?
You know how I was excited about my massage? Yeah, no! I had to reschedule it. And not only that if I want to get it sooner rather than later I have to settle for an hour (not 1:30). I guess I can do that. Anyhoo, I have my second appointment with the speech therapist on tomorrow morning. She's going to do the E-stim thing which is the 'shock' thing I think! (I'll let you know more about it tomorrow). I also have an appointment with an eye doctor tomorrow so we'll see what's going on with the peepers. Gosh, I need to do a tally of have much money I've spent in the last couple of weeks. GAH!
Ok, I'm wrapping this up early tonight (even though it's not really early). No video tonight, lol. Thank you to everyone that is praying for my speedy recovery and checking on me! Love yall!
I slept a little better last night? I mentioned to you about the gauze thing last night didn't I? hmm maybe I didn't. So I was trying to find a way to make the eye bandage work. So, I located some gauze that I had here, folded a small piece of it under the bandage and tada, success! There is pressure on the eye which forces it to stay closed. I was able to get a deeper sleep and when I woke up during the night I couldn't open my eye.
Today wasn't a bad day. I actually felt less pain and actually have some progress in my face. Not much, so nothing really noticeable but when i smile there's a little more curve than there was yesterday. YAY! Overall there is still no movement though. There was still some burning today which really sucks because I'm using the lubricating eye drops. And yes I could wear the patch all day but I can't see. Like, I'm at work and need to be able to WORK, lol so I need both eyes. So why is it that my eye burns so much when I'm at work? It's not burning now. *things that make you go hmmm* The pain in my face doesn't hurt as much to touch which I'm really glad about. Aside from touching, it hurts to lay on that side too.
So today marks the last day of my prescriptions medication and the first day that I'm using the nutmeg ball. This was a suggestion from my daddy. I'm glad this thing has no taste. I might be able to keep this going for a while. I guess I'm supposed to keep moving it around eh?
You know how I was excited about my massage? Yeah, no! I had to reschedule it. And not only that if I want to get it sooner rather than later I have to settle for an hour (not 1:30). I guess I can do that. Anyhoo, I have my second appointment with the speech therapist on tomorrow morning. She's going to do the E-stim thing which is the 'shock' thing I think! (I'll let you know more about it tomorrow). I also have an appointment with an eye doctor tomorrow so we'll see what's going on with the peepers. Gosh, I need to do a tally of have much money I've spent in the last couple of weeks. GAH!
Ok, I'm wrapping this up early tonight (even though it's not really early). No video tonight, lol. Thank you to everyone that is praying for my speedy recovery and checking on me! Love yall!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Day 8: Did You See That?
That's right? There was a hint of movement today at the curve of my lip. I'm so excited about that. Now for a recap of the day.
Well, last night I actually turned it in sort of early, and I'm talking 9pm early. I guess you could say I was tired but waking up at 1am was not the business, lol, and then again and some time I'm not sure of because I refused to open my eyes. I used the ointment last night and put the bandage on for sleeping. It works but it doesn't. I need to get it just right for my eye to stay closed. If not, my eye will be opening up underneath it which pretty much defeats the purpose. I can't really lay on the right side of my face which sucks for sleeping.
Anyhoo, this morning I put the lubricant in my eye but still felt some burn so I wore the eye patch for the first hour. The burning continued which was different from other days. I applied a couple more drops, still not relief. Finally one of my coworkers said, "Just put the bandage on your eye... it's burning because you're cornea is taking a beating!" I want to be able to see after this, even if it is a little blurry right now. So that's what I did. I was rocking the bandage/patch today.
I'm not really feeling this pain in my face though. Not that I was totally in pain today, but I was not enjoying being at work. I felt like I needed to rest my eye from looking at the PC (yes I'm getting off here soon too). Even with the bandage on, that thing is still moving around. I also wanted to come home, pop a pill and relax my mind so I did just that. I was able to fix my ice pack and warm compress.
My MRI came back normal so that's a great thing. My speech is getting better. (yay for those of you that said you didn't notice a difference). My nutmeg ball never came but we've identified why, lol. I have a massage scheduled for tomorrow which I am most excited about. I'm not sure how much I'm going to want to sit with my face in that holster though ugh. I am scheduling an appointment with an eye doctor just in case. They say the blurriness is because of the Bells but sheesh. I don't like that. I feel like I'm straining to see things or having to focus in more.
Progress Report: There is some movement right under my eye (it jumps) and when i smile the curve of my lips actually moves a little. WHOOT! My eye is watering too, which I imagine is a good thing. Too bad my eye lid isn't closing to catch it to moisturize my eye ball, haha. If I strain I can actually get my eye to close more. Too bad I won't be doing that either. (ex-nay on the straining).
Ok, that's enough for tonight.
Well, last night I actually turned it in sort of early, and I'm talking 9pm early. I guess you could say I was tired but waking up at 1am was not the business, lol, and then again and some time I'm not sure of because I refused to open my eyes. I used the ointment last night and put the bandage on for sleeping. It works but it doesn't. I need to get it just right for my eye to stay closed. If not, my eye will be opening up underneath it which pretty much defeats the purpose. I can't really lay on the right side of my face which sucks for sleeping.
I'm not really feeling this pain in my face though. Not that I was totally in pain today, but I was not enjoying being at work. I felt like I needed to rest my eye from looking at the PC (yes I'm getting off here soon too). Even with the bandage on, that thing is still moving around. I also wanted to come home, pop a pill and relax my mind so I did just that. I was able to fix my ice pack and warm compress.
My MRI came back normal so that's a great thing. My speech is getting better. (yay for those of you that said you didn't notice a difference). My nutmeg ball never came but we've identified why, lol. I have a massage scheduled for tomorrow which I am most excited about. I'm not sure how much I'm going to want to sit with my face in that holster though ugh. I am scheduling an appointment with an eye doctor just in case. They say the blurriness is because of the Bells but sheesh. I don't like that. I feel like I'm straining to see things or having to focus in more.
Progress Report: There is some movement right under my eye (it jumps) and when i smile the curve of my lips actually moves a little. WHOOT! My eye is watering too, which I imagine is a good thing. Too bad my eye lid isn't closing to catch it to moisturize my eye ball, haha. If I strain I can actually get my eye to close more. Too bad I won't be doing that either. (ex-nay on the straining).
Ok, that's enough for tonight.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Day 7: NO TALKING!!!
I had to kind of put up a sign today that told everyone at the office that I wouldn't be talking much to do. It didn't work as much as I wanted but they were definitely aware that I was trying not to talk. Why? Because I was in P.A.I.N last night. If I could think of something for each of those letters I would. I took a pain pill and was still in pain. My face hurt to touch. Not a good feeling but I got on up and made it do what it do today.
Ooh, I picked up the patch and eye gook so hopefully I REALLY sleep tonight without my makeshift eye patch. I've really slacked off of the lubricant drops because I can't see, lol. Using both eyes is actually blurry now. It focuses in at some point but ready was kinda weird today too. hmmm, eye doctor in my future?
Lunch was good. I mean really good, lol. While there I figured I'd call the Speech Therapist to see what she thought about the pain. She said it may be the nerves that are trying to start working. I've attributed it to doing TOO much yesterday. I talked more yesterday that I had since last Wednesday. So who knows?! She also said there are some people that actually have to get pain pills for bell's palsy. I think I'll call the doctor. *dialing* Once I finally talked to them they told me to use a hot and cold compress, alternating, for an hour. *check*
I've done my exercises for the day. My speech is really good! I do however feel myself getting agitated when I'm talking to people for a long time. It's like smiling so much that my cheeks hurt. My left cheek gets tired. I'm tired of answering questions but people are still asking or wondering why I look sad "since you're always smiling!". One guy told me today that "you look fine, just looks like someone socked you in the face!" Really? Thanks!
Anyhoo, I finished my pack of steroids this morning. Funny, I try to smile and actually almost feel like I am, but I'm not rally. So yeah, I'm in chill mode and now it's time for dinner. Tomorrow is Wednesday, 7 days later. Still making it do what it do. Oh yeah Daddy, no nutmeg balls!
*No video log tonight*
Ooh, I picked up the patch and eye gook so hopefully I REALLY sleep tonight without my makeshift eye patch. I've really slacked off of the lubricant drops because I can't see, lol. Using both eyes is actually blurry now. It focuses in at some point but ready was kinda weird today too. hmmm, eye doctor in my future?
Lunch was good. I mean really good, lol. While there I figured I'd call the Speech Therapist to see what she thought about the pain. She said it may be the nerves that are trying to start working. I've attributed it to doing TOO much yesterday. I talked more yesterday that I had since last Wednesday. So who knows?! She also said there are some people that actually have to get pain pills for bell's palsy. I think I'll call the doctor. *dialing* Once I finally talked to them they told me to use a hot and cold compress, alternating, for an hour. *check*
I've done my exercises for the day. My speech is really good! I do however feel myself getting agitated when I'm talking to people for a long time. It's like smiling so much that my cheeks hurt. My left cheek gets tired. I'm tired of answering questions but people are still asking or wondering why I look sad "since you're always smiling!". One guy told me today that "you look fine, just looks like someone socked you in the face!" Really? Thanks!
Anyhoo, I finished my pack of steroids this morning. Funny, I try to smile and actually almost feel like I am, but I'm not rally. So yeah, I'm in chill mode and now it's time for dinner. Tomorrow is Wednesday, 7 days later. Still making it do what it do. Oh yeah Daddy, no nutmeg balls!
*No video log tonight*
Monday, February 14, 2011
Day 6: There's That Twitch Again...
...but this time it's a good thing. As I mentioned yesterday I could feel a slight twitch in my face and the speech therapist saw it as well. Ok, so here's a recap of this morning's doctor appointments with relation to BP. The first was just a quick Q & A of how things are going, any pains, how am I sleeping, etc. I told her about my makeshift eye solution for keeping my EYE closed at night as well as the blurriness that I'm experiencing. She told me to get another type of eye lubricant that will assist in keeping my eye closed at night and some type of patch to keep it closed. So I'll give that a whirl. I'll have to take a picture of what I've been doing. ha ha ha!!
On to speech therapy. Today was more of a consultation of sorts. The pathologist and I went through a series of questions as to what happened, what I've been experiencing etc. She took a few measurements to see the differences between each side of my face. With a relaxed face, my mouth has a 5 degree difference. When smiling there's a 30 degree difference. She also measured how wide my mouth opens on each side and how much my eye remains open. We then went over some exercises to see how much movement I have in my face. Some of them were hilarious because she's telling me to do or not do something She said my speech is almost perfect but she can tell the words/letters that I'm having trouble with. I have homework now. Twice a day I am to perform these exercises and word phrases. She did say not to overdo it with the exercises. So don't hold the positions but rather short repetitions of each. She did mention that my TMJ could act up. With some of the motions she could see the muscles in my face moving. YAY!
The pathologist and graduate assistant that I worked with today were really great. She was so excited to take pictures with my cell phone so that we can track the progress, visually LOL. (see below)
*side note* She said getting a massage is O.K. so I will definitely be scheduling that appointment.
So I go to work today "taking it easy" as the doctor said. and I realize I am talking waaaaaaaaay too much because my mouth is beyond dry. I feel a twinge of ache above my eye but that may be because I'm moving it around more that normal. Anyhoo, the day ended. I scheduled my massage so I'm ready for that. My jaws hurt though. I don't like that.
On to speech therapy. Today was more of a consultation of sorts. The pathologist and I went through a series of questions as to what happened, what I've been experiencing etc. She took a few measurements to see the differences between each side of my face. With a relaxed face, my mouth has a 5 degree difference. When smiling there's a 30 degree difference. She also measured how wide my mouth opens on each side and how much my eye remains open. We then went over some exercises to see how much movement I have in my face. Some of them were hilarious because she's telling me to do or not do something She said my speech is almost perfect but she can tell the words/letters that I'm having trouble with. I have homework now. Twice a day I am to perform these exercises and word phrases. She did say not to overdo it with the exercises. So don't hold the positions but rather short repetitions of each. She did mention that my TMJ could act up. With some of the motions she could see the muscles in my face moving. YAY!
The pathologist and graduate assistant that I worked with today were really great. She was so excited to take pictures with my cell phone so that we can track the progress, visually LOL. (see below)
*side note* She said getting a massage is O.K. so I will definitely be scheduling that appointment.
So I go to work today "taking it easy" as the doctor said. and I realize I am talking waaaaaaaaay too much because my mouth is beyond dry. I feel a twinge of ache above my eye but that may be because I'm moving it around more that normal. Anyhoo, the day ended. I scheduled my massage so I'm ready for that. My jaws hurt though. I don't like that.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Day 5: Tiiiiiiiimbeeeer
Ever feel like you're falling? Yeah, neither have I until today. Today was actually a good day. I made a few runs this morning and surprisingly didn't really need to use the patch. I did wear it in and out of the store but outside of that I was pretty good with out it. I cut down on the lubricant because I'm not sure if it was making it harder for me to see. (you know, too lubed that it was blurry or something) Anyway, I'm not sure how much the steroids are really helping but I can actually feel something moving in my right cheek. That's a good thing right? Of course it is. There's still no movement, that I can see in the other parts of my face though. I don't even know what to do to raise just one eyebrow anymore, because when I think about it nothing happens.
So I went out this evening, to the movies. No burning, no neck pain; everything was all good. And then the movie ended and BAM it hit me, or better yet I kinda hit the wall. My balance was off. It was weird. I stumbled a couple times and finally got myself together by the time I was walking out of the movie. No worries, I had help, lol. My mama said she read about that somewhere that Bells Palsy can cause your equilibrium to be off. I learned something new today.
Anyhoo, I have my follow-up appointment and speech therapy session in the morning. See you then!
Day 4: It's The Weekend
So, I woke up wondering if this was a punishment of sorts. My mama told me I was vain, lol. I could argue all day about why I'm not, but I know it's a sin. I just love myself. I don't hold anyone's beauty to a higher standard than others which would in fact say I'm being vain. But truthfully I still feel the same way today! Is that wrong? I'm beautiful d@mnit! LOL
Anyway not that I had anything planned for the day, it's Saturday. There hasn't been any progress today. I've been doing my massages throughout the day but for the most part testing my ability to see, lol. I've not watched any TV today but I was doing some studying (GRE) and using the laptop. I mentioned the other day that my eyes don't work independently, and I meant it. Don't get me wrong, I can see out of both of them and can function but it's difficult. I'd have to really cover the eye for my left eye to kick into FULL MODE but even then it's still more of a strain. So I choose to keep both eyes open. I don't know which is worse? Even with my glasses on I am still having trouble really focusing in on things. Could it be that my right has too much lubricant in it? I think it's actually the better eye, lol, so I'm kinda screwed right now. No pun intended!
Anyhoo, I'm going to lay it down for the night. It's been fun keeping you all updated.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Day 3: Patch Work
I've tried that eye patch thing and it's no working for me. I've come to the realization that I can't wear it for long periods of time because it's uncomfortable. I've also come to find that I can't sleep in it because it applies no pressure to my eye to keep it closed. So, One Eyed Willie only comes out when I'm going outside.
Today was an ok day. I was actually going to go to work but in a conversation with my manager yesterday afternoon, he told me not to rush it. So, I'll see them on Monday. I know there won't be much change from today to Monday but hey it will give me time to master those words and letters that use "f" "p" "w" "b" and "m". In phone conversations I've been told that you can hear the slur more. I'm trying to maintain my proper, lol. Aside from that, my eye was burning more and my neck was hurting. I just knew that massage was going to stretch me out some but maybe not. I had to take a pain pill and relax. No more pain!
Here's tonight's Video Log:
Friday, February 11, 2011
Laughing Matter
What can I say, I have to laugh about this. I'm prayerful that I will recover 100% and I'm thankful that i have support of my family and friends who are constantly checking on me, making sure I'm ok, not having any pains inquiring about my progress. My massage was good for what it's worth. I'd originally scheduled this massage last week but canceled because of the Great Blizzard that was to hit Baton Rouge...FAIL! I didn't want to cancel on her again so I went anyway. Like I said, everyone says it's stress related so I figured this massage would do just the trick. She'd had previous interaction with Bells Palsy and didn't want to cause any more issues so she was reluctant to do the massage with confirmation from my doctor. I can dig that. She did however, give me a little reflexology by rubbing my neck and shoulders and then my hands, arms and feet. Felt lovely.
This video log this is coming in handy I guess, so I'll keep it going.
This video log this is coming in handy I guess, so I'll keep it going.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Day 2: Manifest Destiny
You know, I thought when the doctor said it may really be crooked I was kind of hoping she was joking. No haps! There is a noticeable difference from yesterday to today. *breath* "Why So Serious?" - Joker
So I've been up and out, still trying to get those prescriptions that had not been called into the pharmacy even this morning. Once they were ready I headed to CVS to pick them up and grab something other than Visine. Those bad things I heard about it must have been true. I needed a lubricant for my eye. I also needed something *insert gross moment* to moisturize my right nostril because that thing is dry as all get out. One last thing to pick up, an eye patch.
While out, I talked to my daddy who also went through a battle with Bells Palsy, last year around the same time. he suggested that I get a couple nutmeg balls from a Health Food Store. After driving around for however long looking for the Health Nut Hit they did not have any nutmeg balls. My dad went on about other home remedies he thought helped him recover such as sleeping with a cucumber on my eye and massaging my face in an "upward motion."
It's amazing, everyone that I've mentioned this to, who've some knowledge of it all say, "what are you stressing about?" or "stop stressing!" It's no so easy to stop stressing when you think you aren't stressing, lol. Anyhoo, tonight I have a date with the massage therapist @ Lux Salon. So excited.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Day 1: What's That Twitch?
Let me preface this by saying I really don't know much about anything, lol, but something weird is happening here. Follow me as I tell you about my battle with bells Palsy in a series of posts titled, Freeze Frame! Read About It
Picture it, Sicily.... *snicker* As I lay in bed this morning contemplating rolling over to look at the clock to see how much longer I could stay in bed, I felt a weird twitch in my lip. Almost to the post of pulling. Surely there is noting yanking at my lip in my bed. If so, we've got much bigger problems. Almost instantly I notice that my right eye isn't closing as I blink. Again, weird! So I rolled over and called my mom.
Me: Mama, have you ever had this happen when you blink but your eye doesn't close?
Ma: Well, *picturing her doing it* Yeah I guess so. I'm blinking now and my eye isn't closing
Me: Nah ma, your eyes have to be closing. This is odd.
After going back and forth a few times about this I decided to get up and prepare for work. Off to the facilities. Nothing looks out of place. I'm touching my face and I still feel it. I'm smiling and it's still there so I proceed to brushing my teeth. As I lean over to spit, wooooooooooooomp, my lip goes to the left. You know I'm looking in the mirror like who what right now? I immediately call my mama back like, "yeah, something is definitely wrong!" I explain to her what's happening attempt to call the doctor - who's not open yet. By this point I'm working myself into a tizzy because I'm scared, not sure what is going on. I let me manager know what's going on and wait for a chance to speak to the doctor AND get an appointment.
So I'm in the doctor's office seeing the nurse practitioner at 10:10 (I got in a little earlier) and I'm giving her the details of what has happened. I let her know that (a) I was previously treated for a sinus infection and (b) the day prior I was having pains in the back of my head and above my eye. She looks, does a few tests, comes to a conclusion but confirms with the Dr what she'd already known. Yeah that was kinda sad. She had to give me a hug because I was not feeling it. I actually sat in the parking lot of the doctor's office and cried out that one eye for an hour, lol.
An hour later, I have beginning stages of Bells Palsy could be caused by sinus infection which lead to an inflammation of the facial nerve. It hadn't worsened at that point, however, she said tomorrow it may really be crooked if it manifests. Yay me, lol. The doctor said they treat Bell Palsy aggressively and would get the ball rolling on follow-up visits such as MRI, Occupational, Speech Therapy, and Eye Doctor. I ended up not getting the visit with the eye doctor but was instructed to use Visine to keep my eye from drying out. I was still having pain from the previous day so I went home.
They called in the Rx (or so I thought) and are scheduled the appointment with the Speech Therapist. I had the MRI down around lunch time today. So It's now Wednesday evening and my prescriptions never made it to the pharmacy but I did pick up the Visine which I've heard mixed things about. I'm going to have used this whole bottle by the end of the week because my eye keeps burning (which means its parched, lol).
Take a look at today's Video Log
Picture it, Sicily.... *snicker* As I lay in bed this morning contemplating rolling over to look at the clock to see how much longer I could stay in bed, I felt a weird twitch in my lip. Almost to the post of pulling. Surely there is noting yanking at my lip in my bed. If so, we've got much bigger problems. Almost instantly I notice that my right eye isn't closing as I blink. Again, weird! So I rolled over and called my mom.
Me: Mama, have you ever had this happen when you blink but your eye doesn't close?
Ma: Well, *picturing her doing it* Yeah I guess so. I'm blinking now and my eye isn't closing
Me: Nah ma, your eyes have to be closing. This is odd.
After going back and forth a few times about this I decided to get up and prepare for work. Off to the facilities. Nothing looks out of place. I'm touching my face and I still feel it. I'm smiling and it's still there so I proceed to brushing my teeth. As I lean over to spit, wooooooooooooomp, my lip goes to the left. You know I'm looking in the mirror like who what right now? I immediately call my mama back like, "yeah, something is definitely wrong!" I explain to her what's happening attempt to call the doctor - who's not open yet. By this point I'm working myself into a tizzy because I'm scared, not sure what is going on. I let me manager know what's going on and wait for a chance to speak to the doctor AND get an appointment.
So I'm in the doctor's office seeing the nurse practitioner at 10:10 (I got in a little earlier) and I'm giving her the details of what has happened. I let her know that (a) I was previously treated for a sinus infection and (b) the day prior I was having pains in the back of my head and above my eye. She looks, does a few tests, comes to a conclusion but confirms with the Dr what she'd already known. Yeah that was kinda sad. She had to give me a hug because I was not feeling it. I actually sat in the parking lot of the doctor's office and cried out that one eye for an hour, lol.
An hour later, I have beginning stages of Bells Palsy could be caused by sinus infection which lead to an inflammation of the facial nerve. It hadn't worsened at that point, however, she said tomorrow it may really be crooked if it manifests. Yay me, lol. The doctor said they treat Bell Palsy aggressively and would get the ball rolling on follow-up visits such as MRI, Occupational, Speech Therapy, and Eye Doctor. I ended up not getting the visit with the eye doctor but was instructed to use Visine to keep my eye from drying out. I was still having pain from the previous day so I went home.
They called in the Rx (or so I thought) and are scheduled the appointment with the Speech Therapist. I had the MRI down around lunch time today. So It's now Wednesday evening and my prescriptions never made it to the pharmacy but I did pick up the Visine which I've heard mixed things about. I'm going to have used this whole bottle by the end of the week because my eye keeps burning (which means its parched, lol).
Take a look at today's Video Log
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