I just had to say bump it. I'm on vacation and to worrying about it. It's there, yes I am still patching up my eye at night. Yes I am still doing my facial massages. But I'm just letting it go. I still have that other eye issue but whatever. Next week I know I'll have to go back to appointment after appointment.
So, unless something goes wrong I'm going to take a vacation from this as well. See ya'll next week.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 41: Old School Neurologist
Man, this man had to be the most old school doctor that I've ever gone to. I won't even get into how ancient I thought his office looked but yeah, we had a consultation and an exam. I THOUGHT I was supposed to be having the VER (Visually Evoked Response) test done but we didn't do that. We did something, lol, but that wasn't it. He talked to me about a few things. He mentioned how the Number 7 nerve runs across above the eyes and below the lips and that the optical nerve gets its signal from both sides. He also talked about the Multiple Sclerosis and how I'd have to have lesions on my brain to have it. So, he sent me for more blood work and another MRI so that he could go over it with the radiologist. He also wants me to get the results from my last MRI.
From all of that, he basically said he thinks it could be Optical Neuritis. So that's where we are things right now. Next week, more appointments.
From all of that, he basically said he thinks it could be Optical Neuritis. So that's where we are things right now. Next week, more appointments.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Day 40: Back to the Eye Doctor
So, since this blog has morphed into something more than just being about Bell's Palsy, let me tell you know about my most recent appointment with the Ophthalmologist. Well, this was for me to have the Visual Field done (a test of the peripheral vision) and a recap of what the Retina Specialist did NOT find. I had the Visual Field done first. This was quite interesting but I had to look through a 'lens' at a yellow dot and identify when I saw the white dots flash all around. It was somewhat intense because I couldn't move my pupil so I had to just STARE at it. (I could blink though).
Once that was done, I talked to the doctor who was somewhat baffled that nothing came of the previous appointment. She said she "wanted it to be Central Serrous" because it goes away. But now that we've identified that it isn't that we're sort of back to square one with trying to figure out what is going on. We also did the "1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 4, 2, 4" thing to see how much changing the lens would help. Yeah no! She actually called a neurologist (her dad) while I was there to see what he thought of things. He "needs to see me" to be able to really tell what's going on. The doctor suggested I have a "Visually Evoked Response" test done. So tomorrow I have an appointment.
Once that was done, I talked to the doctor who was somewhat baffled that nothing came of the previous appointment. She said she "wanted it to be Central Serrous" because it goes away. But now that we've identified that it isn't that we're sort of back to square one with trying to figure out what is going on. We also did the "1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 4, 2, 4" thing to see how much changing the lens would help. Yeah no! She actually called a neurologist (her dad) while I was there to see what he thought of things. He "needs to see me" to be able to really tell what's going on. The doctor suggested I have a "Visually Evoked Response" test done. So tomorrow I have an appointment.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Day 38: Rest Those Eyes
Today was good... I went out, ran a few errands and just chilled. It was a pretty nice day until the sun started BEAMING! My right eye had to suffer a little but until I got home. I could feel some dryness but I couldn't put the drops in unless I wanted to sit wherever I was for another 15 minutes or so. I waited until I got home. Once there, I lubed up and closed my eyes.
Oh wait, this is still about the Bell's Palsy thought right? My eyebrows are looking good. When I'm "surprised" you can see both of them moving. My eye is able to "squint" as well. There's definitely movement in my cheek. I can do the "Elvis lip" on the right side now too.
Oh yeah, I talked to my speech therapist about the cucumber and nutmeg. She really didn't have anything to say about the nutmeg. Cucumbers she said helps with any swelling that may occur. Oh well, I am going to watch a movie and relax for the rest of the day. *deuces*
Oh wait, this is still about the Bell's Palsy thought right? My eyebrows are looking good. When I'm "surprised" you can see both of them moving. My eye is able to "squint" as well. There's definitely movement in my cheek. I can do the "Elvis lip" on the right side now too.
Oh yeah, I talked to my speech therapist about the cucumber and nutmeg. She really didn't have anything to say about the nutmeg. Cucumbers she said helps with any swelling that may occur. Oh well, I am going to watch a movie and relax for the rest of the day. *deuces*
Day 37: Central Serrous?
(In the picture, I was attempting to be cute, not that I'm not already, but my eye was so dry that it was open wider than the other so it came out looking like I was winking!)
I wasn't at work long today because I had my appointment with the Retina Specialist. Remember I told you I was going to have to do the whole dye thing, so here goes. So, since it was my firs time there, they looked at both eyes. They numbed them, dilated them both, checked the pressure, etc etc. I had to read the letters again. The left eye is still not as good as the right. Off the the dimly lit waiting room I go. Then, I see the Doctor who did his eye exam which consisted of shining a few BRIGHT object into my dilated eyes and checking all areas. He also noticed that "flat black, round lesion" on my right eye in the "3 o'clock" position. Back to the waiting room I go to begin the next part.
So I'm in this dark room ready for 10 minutes of extremely bright flashes as the machine took picture after picture of my eyes in different positions. it wasn't fun at all. You know what it's like for someone to take ONE picture with a bright flash, so imagine that over and over only your eye is RIGHT UP ON IT. yeah. fun. *insert sarcasm* After the first series of photos, I was injected in my hand with a dye. She had to do a test run of pictures to see how fast the due gets into my system. Can you say BLINDED?! Once the dye was in, she took more pictures. I wish I could have gotten a copy of them. The tech asked me if I was ever hit in the eye. I don't remember being hit in the eye but magnified, that thing looks weird. It looked like I was in a red room that's just how many flashes I endured.
After this, I went into another room to have a few more scans done of my eyes. This was less gruesome, for a lack of better wording. Again, more pictures were captured. Back to the examination room. The doctor review the photos, I do a color test and he comes back in. "All of the tests that we took are normal. I don't see anything our of the ordinary with your exam today. I am concerned it may be neurological, which your having pain when looking previously. There is also some concern for Multiple Sclerosis. *wide eyed* All of this could be nothing but we'll have to get a few more tests to be sure. MS is not common in African Americans but you are in the age range. We need to get you in to see a neurologists and a visual feel and have an MRI done." I asked in the MRI would show this no matter what, since I'd had one in February. He said "this one would check the orbs and monitor certain points." So I have another appointment on Monday to begin a different set of tests.
And so, I went home. So many thoughts running through my mind. I didn't want to talk to people but I had to let the family know what's up. My head was hurting and my eyes were still extremely blurry from all of the tests so I couldn't really read texts. I got on the PC for a moment to check facebook, lol and email my job. Sorry for saying, "I reeeeeally don't feel like talking" but it's because everyone was saying how concerned they were and it was making me cry. I didn't want to cry. I'd already shed a tear or two. I did laugh through tears of one text that came through, "I'm going to be mad a God!" Thanks friend!
*side note* I watched the Seminoles advance to the 3rd round of the NCAA Tournament, lol.
Anyhoo, I took some Advil and then a nap. Overall, I'm good. I'm not stressing any serious ailments. But it's A LOT to take in, in short amounts of time. One "frightening" diagnosis after the other can be a lot on a person.
*Countdown to the vacation* LOL
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Day 35: Bell's Palsy?
... what's that? THAT, my friend, almost seems like the least of my worries right now. So I'm at work today still thinking about the "non-seeing eye" and I'm wondering to myself what is really going on. LOL OK well let me talk about the Bell's first. I talked to my daddy tonight who is encouraging me to be aggressive about my recovery. And it's so odd because I really don't think about the Bell's at all during the day, until I bite my jaw while trying to talk, *snicker*.
But what DID bother me today was the eye issues. Can you imagine trying to see out of the 'good eye' while trying to see out of the 'bells eye'? So I starting talking to my coworkers, we're good for self diagnosis, about it today and one guy says, "you know it could be a partial detached retina!" I'm like a who what? I immediately called the doctor because that didn't even sound good. The receptionist said, based on what I've described [That I have this dark shadow in my left eye and I can't really read], it does sound like detached retina but we want to rule that out so let's get you on in here. Luckily someone cancels and I was able to get in there today. BOOYAW!
So I get to the doctor, they dilate my eye, again, take a couple pictures, blind me, again, lol... the the doctor says, as she looked into things that, it looks like "central serous" which is commonly associated with recent use of prednazone (steroids that I used for bells palsy) which causes fluid between the layers. She actually said, it's more common in men than it is in woman. She can see some leakage during this session but would have to get me in to see a retinal specialist. So I'll go there on Friday. She gave a warning that the appointment will take 3 hours or so which includes dye in my eye, an IV, lol. I only did a little research on it but I'm interested in "seeing" this process which will determine EXACTLY what's going. My vision has definitely worsened since I was here a few weeks ago. So one of the things I was given to track my progress at home was an Amsler Grid. The grid, literally, allowed me to determine where the blur was because I wouldn't be able to see the lines. So I can use that to see how things are looking tonight and tomorrow, etc.
Anyhoo, good night folks!
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And for those of you that wont click the wiki link up there to read about it (there a lots of big words, lol):
Central serous retinopathy (CSR), also known as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), is a visual impairment, often temporary, usually in one eye, mostly affecting males in the age group 20 to 50 but which may also affect women.[1][2] When the disorder is active it is characterized by leakage of fluid under the retina that has a propensity to accumulate under the central macula. This results in blurred or distorted vision (metamorphopsia). A blurred or gray spot in the central visual field is common when the retina is detached. Reduced visual acuity may persist after the fluid has disappeared.
The diagnosis usually starts with a dilated examination of the retina, followed with confirmation by optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography. The angiography test will usually show one or more fluorescent spots with fluid leakage. In 10%-15% of the cases these will appear in a "classic" smoke stack shape. An Amsler grid could be useful in documenting the precise area of the visual field involved.
CSR is a fluid detachment of macula layers from their supporting tissue. This allows choroidal fluid to leak into the subretinal space. The build-up of fluid seems to occur because of small breaks in the retinal pigment epithelium.
CSR is sometimes called idiopathic CSR which means that its cause is unknown. Nevertheless, stress appears to play an important role. An oft-cited but potentially inaccurate conclusion is that persons in stressful occupations, such as airplane pilots, have a higher incidence of CSR.
But what DID bother me today was the eye issues. Can you imagine trying to see out of the 'good eye' while trying to see out of the 'bells eye'? So I starting talking to my coworkers, we're good for self diagnosis, about it today and one guy says, "you know it could be a partial detached retina!" I'm like a who what? I immediately called the doctor because that didn't even sound good. The receptionist said, based on what I've described [That I have this dark shadow in my left eye and I can't really read], it does sound like detached retina but we want to rule that out so let's get you on in here. Luckily someone cancels and I was able to get in there today. BOOYAW!
So I get to the doctor, they dilate my eye, again, take a couple pictures, blind me, again, lol... the the doctor says, as she looked into things that, it looks like "central serous" which is commonly associated with recent use of prednazone (steroids that I used for bells palsy) which causes fluid between the layers. She actually said, it's more common in men than it is in woman. She can see some leakage during this session but would have to get me in to see a retinal specialist. So I'll go there on Friday. She gave a warning that the appointment will take 3 hours or so which includes dye in my eye, an IV, lol. I only did a little research on it but I'm interested in "seeing" this process which will determine EXACTLY what's going. My vision has definitely worsened since I was here a few weeks ago. So one of the things I was given to track my progress at home was an Amsler Grid. The grid, literally, allowed me to determine where the blur was because I wouldn't be able to see the lines. So I can use that to see how things are looking tonight and tomorrow, etc.
Anyhoo, good night folks!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
And for those of you that wont click the wiki link up there to read about it (there a lots of big words, lol):
Central serous retinopathy (CSR), also known as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), is a visual impairment, often temporary, usually in one eye, mostly affecting males in the age group 20 to 50 but which may also affect women.[1][2] When the disorder is active it is characterized by leakage of fluid under the retina that has a propensity to accumulate under the central macula. This results in blurred or distorted vision (metamorphopsia). A blurred or gray spot in the central visual field is common when the retina is detached. Reduced visual acuity may persist after the fluid has disappeared.
The diagnosis usually starts with a dilated examination of the retina, followed with confirmation by optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography. The angiography test will usually show one or more fluorescent spots with fluid leakage. In 10%-15% of the cases these will appear in a "classic" smoke stack shape. An Amsler grid could be useful in documenting the precise area of the visual field involved.
CSR is a fluid detachment of macula layers from their supporting tissue. This allows choroidal fluid to leak into the subretinal space. The build-up of fluid seems to occur because of small breaks in the retinal pigment epithelium.
CSR is sometimes called idiopathic CSR which means that its cause is unknown. Nevertheless, stress appears to play an important role. An oft-cited but potentially inaccurate conclusion is that persons in stressful occupations, such as airplane pilots, have a higher incidence of CSR.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Day 34: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
Day 32: Sunday Funday Well, it wasn't all that fun but I had a pretty productive day. Buuuuuuuuuuuuut this isn't about that right? So yeah. The little vision thing that I was experiencing is still there. It's odd because I can see more noticeably some times more than others. Anyway, washed my hair, got my nails done, toes done, washed clothes... I'm still on this 'relaxation' thing. Gotta get ready for the new week.
Day 32: Top of the WeekBack to work I go. I mentioned how stressful the previous week was. Monday actually ended up being ok. There was some high points of the day that made me raise my eyebrow like, please don't start with that again. It never fails though, everyone says I'm doing so well so that's great to hear. Definitely keeps my spirits up. But there goes that dark area in my eye. My coworker thought it was weird that I said I couldn't see. Like, I was still trying to gauge how bad this was. I knew I needed to call the doctor but never did.
Day 33: ToooosdayTuesday was a pretty productive day. I had another therapy session today. We got alot of things done at work today too. No real issues with my ear or face. Well maybe a couple things. Occasionally I'll feel this pain in my ear/head. Man I'm just all messed up. It's also sort of odd that, when I'm massaging my face in the morning I can feel my cheek almost "stick" in that spot. Moving along, I spent the early evening searching for a postcard for Nikkie's 3rd grade class. And although there was nothing related to the Bell's Palsy, that "non-seeing eye" was really bothering me. If I cover my right eye (the Bell's Palsy eye) I can't see. If I cover the left eye (non-seeing) I can see fine. Don't get me wrong I can see but reading it not as easy with JUST the left eye. I'm definitely calling the doctor tomorrow.
Day 32: Top of the WeekBack to work I go. I mentioned how stressful the previous week was. Monday actually ended up being ok. There was some high points of the day that made me raise my eyebrow like, please don't start with that again. It never fails though, everyone says I'm doing so well so that's great to hear. Definitely keeps my spirits up. But there goes that dark area in my eye. My coworker thought it was weird that I said I couldn't see. Like, I was still trying to gauge how bad this was. I knew I needed to call the doctor but never did.
Day 33: ToooosdayTuesday was a pretty productive day. I had another therapy session today. We got alot of things done at work today too. No real issues with my ear or face. Well maybe a couple things. Occasionally I'll feel this pain in my ear/head. Man I'm just all messed up. It's also sort of odd that, when I'm massaging my face in the morning I can feel my cheek almost "stick" in that spot. Moving along, I spent the early evening searching for a postcard for Nikkie's 3rd grade class. And although there was nothing related to the Bell's Palsy, that "non-seeing eye" was really bothering me. If I cover my right eye (the Bell's Palsy eye) I can't see. If I cover the left eye (non-seeing) I can see fine. Don't get me wrong I can see but reading it not as easy with JUST the left eye. I'm definitely calling the doctor tomorrow.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Day 31: Almost There
Yep, I'm almost there. Once I get my eye to close all the way and get that smile back, you won't be able to tell me NOTHING, lol. Its been a slow, relaxing day, which I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my Saturday. This week has been heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeectic. If stress was the cause of Bells Palsy I should have it all up and down my face. And not even that I was stressed but just that it took a toll on me this week. From sleep deprivation to taking meds, I struggled all week. But next week is going to be different. I'm catching up on my sleep this weekend, especially since time goes forward tomorrow. Right now, I'm good!
I've been looking forward to taking some time off and I figured I'd just drive off into the sunset. But after today I'm a little leery on how well I can see. I've never noticed it before, and maybe it's because my right eye is somewhat impaired that I'm seeing the defects of my left eye. Hmmm, but the eye doctor didn't seem to see anything wrong. So I don't know. Instead of driving, I'll find somewhere to fly to. *snicker*
So yeah, my ear has been ok today. I've felt a few aches here or there but I'm still using the ear drops, taking the Claritin D and taking the Advil to help with the inflammation. I don't know what's going on in that thing, my ear that is. Anyhoo, I'm still percolating right on.
I've been looking forward to taking some time off and I figured I'd just drive off into the sunset. But after today I'm a little leery on how well I can see. I've never noticed it before, and maybe it's because my right eye is somewhat impaired that I'm seeing the defects of my left eye. Hmmm, but the eye doctor didn't seem to see anything wrong. So I don't know. Instead of driving, I'll find somewhere to fly to. *snicker*
So yeah, my ear has been ok today. I've felt a few aches here or there but I'm still using the ear drops, taking the Claritin D and taking the Advil to help with the inflammation. I don't know what's going on in that thing, my ear that is. Anyhoo, I'm still percolating right on.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Day 30: Two steps forward
Not a day goes by that people aren't looking at my face, checking for more signs that I'm back to my old self, analyzing the features just to see a little more. As I mentioned, I can't see it. I can feel it but what I felt isn't always what's really happening. Anyhoo, there's definitely progress. I know I keep saying that but there's not much more to say other than, I'm coming along. And everyone around me speak so highly of my progress. "You'll be back to your old self in no time" C.T.
So I picked up the Rx, some name I can't pronounce. I actually read through the information on it because it seems like something that's not prescribed often. So, for 7 - 10 days, every six hours, I'll apply four drops to an upward ear. I have to maintain tat position for five minutes, which basically means lay down. It's uncomfortable any other way. It's acidic so I can kinda hear some sizzling in there. spooky, lol. So what to do now? Let's see how this helps.
So I picked up the Rx, some name I can't pronounce. I actually read through the information on it because it seems like something that's not prescribed often. So, for 7 - 10 days, every six hours, I'll apply four drops to an upward ear. I have to maintain tat position for five minutes, which basically means lay down. It's uncomfortable any other way. It's acidic so I can kinda hear some sizzling in there. spooky, lol. So what to do now? Let's see how this helps.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Day 29: Achy Ear
Man, that ear ache thing did not feel good. I did make it to the doctor who looked in my hear, nose, throat, checked for any other discomfort and sent me on my way, lol... She said I had a sinus drip and fluid in both ears so she wondered why there was only pain in one ear. Must be the inflammation of the Bells Palsy that's causing the pain. She gave me a Rx for some ear drops and told me to get some Claritin D. Who knew Claritin costs so much? LOL After leaving the doctor I went to the drug store to get the Claritin so that I could take something that 'might' help. I knew the RX wasn't ready so I'd pick that up later.
Later came and I called CVS to check to see if it was ready. Of course not but at least they'd called it in this time. The Pharmacy said they didn't have it in stock so it had to be ordered but wouldn't be in until the next day. I asked what did he suggest in the interim. He had nothing! Said he'd never had this medicine before so he didn't know what to prescribe in the interim. So I continued with the Ibu...Advil until the next day.
Later came and I called CVS to check to see if it was ready. Of course not but at least they'd called it in this time. The Pharmacy said they didn't have it in stock so it had to be ordered but wouldn't be in until the next day. I asked what did he suggest in the interim. He had nothing! Said he'd never had this medicine before so he didn't know what to prescribe in the interim. So I continued with the Ibu...Advil until the next day.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Day 28: Thunder Rolls
It makes no sense how much thunder and lightning there was outside last night. We were under a Tornado watch until 8:00am this morning. I know all of this is irrelevant but it's relevant to me because the crackling of the sky woke me up last night. I didn't open my eyes though. I could SEE the lightning through my eye lid. It was just that bright. haha, but I couldn't see through the eye patch. So what did I do? I rolled over so that the uncovered eye was in the pillow. hahaaa clever me. I must have been very tired because the lightning, thunder, rain, and car alarms did not keep me awake too long. UNTIL IT TRIED TO BEAT MY WINDOW IN not much later.
So yeah, I'm taking to my coworker today and in the middle of the conversation he says, "your face is looking better". I'm like yeah, thanks. I have to look in the mirror to see it/remind myself. I had a thought today though, like how much have I really progressed? I was dyyyying laughing at something today and my entire left side was soaked with tears. My right side, nothing. I mean not one drop formed as I laughed. I guess those tear ducts haven't come back to life yet.
Oh yeah, I finally made that doctor appointment for my ear. ONLY because my ear has been aching all day. And not constantly but sporadic pains, throbs that last only a few seconds. I can't figure out what it is but I'm going to find out. I went to the pharmacy today with the suggestions of (1)banging my head against the wall really hard (2) olive oil (3) sweet oil) and (4) ear drops. He suggested Ibuprofen for the inflammation. he mentioned ear drops but said get the Ibuprofen until I go to the doctor. I wonder though. How does a doctor determine that one has an ear or sinus infection? Like just looking in my ear or nose they can say, "Yes, that's it?!" I'm just wondering.
Tonight I played beach volleyball. I was hopeful no sand got into my eye and I was successful! Tomorrow.... is Thursday, lol!
So yeah, I'm taking to my coworker today and in the middle of the conversation he says, "your face is looking better". I'm like yeah, thanks. I have to look in the mirror to see it/remind myself. I had a thought today though, like how much have I really progressed? I was dyyyying laughing at something today and my entire left side was soaked with tears. My right side, nothing. I mean not one drop formed as I laughed. I guess those tear ducts haven't come back to life yet.
Oh yeah, I finally made that doctor appointment for my ear. ONLY because my ear has been aching all day. And not constantly but sporadic pains, throbs that last only a few seconds. I can't figure out what it is but I'm going to find out. I went to the pharmacy today with the suggestions of (1)banging my head against the wall really hard (2) olive oil (3) sweet oil) and (4) ear drops. He suggested Ibuprofen for the inflammation. he mentioned ear drops but said get the Ibuprofen until I go to the doctor. I wonder though. How does a doctor determine that one has an ear or sinus infection? Like just looking in my ear or nose they can say, "Yes, that's it?!" I'm just wondering.
Tonight I played beach volleyball. I was hopeful no sand got into my eye and I was successful! Tomorrow.... is Thursday, lol!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Day 27: Don't Forget Your Eye Patch
Thanks Fayon for the reminder to wear my eye patch to sleep. Only problem, I was already asleep, lol, AND I didn't see your message until this morning. I asked myself, as I lay in bed, "I wonder if I can get a good night of sleep without the eye patch?" Somehow between thinking about getting up to get the patch and closing my eyes I fell asleep. When I woke up the next morning I realized I'd actually slept through the night. I don't think I opened my eyes one time during the night. That's impressive, given the last few weeks of mid-night-wakings. What was odd about the whole thing is that my left eye (unaffected) was red this morning. So I couldn't really tell if I got a good night of sleep or not. I'm going to go out on a limb and say NOT considering I'm still SO tired right now.
Anyhoo, TODAY IS MARDI GRAS (the last day)!! yay?! I went to therapy this morning and we went through the exercises and e-stim. She measured how much my eye is closing again. It's down to about a two but there's still a sliver of an eye opening when I close it. I have to squeeze to get it to close all the way, but it does. WHOOT! One other thing that's weird to me is when I smile or open my mouth, my lower jaw/cheek area feels tight. Almost as if it's swollen. She just told me if it feels like that, take my fingers and stretch it out. One catch, my cheek, as fleshy as it is, hurts when I apply too much pressure. That area right there, whew. Even my cheek bone hurts when I touch it too hard.
Ok so, to make sure I get a better night of sleep I'm going to wear my patch tonight.
Anyhoo, TODAY IS MARDI GRAS (the last day)!! yay?! I went to therapy this morning and we went through the exercises and e-stim. She measured how much my eye is closing again. It's down to about a two but there's still a sliver of an eye opening when I close it. I have to squeeze to get it to close all the way, but it does. WHOOT! One other thing that's weird to me is when I smile or open my mouth, my lower jaw/cheek area feels tight. Almost as if it's swollen. She just told me if it feels like that, take my fingers and stretch it out. One catch, my cheek, as fleshy as it is, hurts when I apply too much pressure. That area right there, whew. Even my cheek bone hurts when I touch it too hard.
Ok so, to make sure I get a better night of sleep I'm going to wear my patch tonight.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Day 26: Your face is looking better...
I think I giggle to myself every time someone says that. My coworkers, considering they see me everyday are monitoring my recovery. So when they see a little more motion in my face they get excited. Me on the other hand, can't see it!
My Speech Therapy session was 45 minutes later than normal this morning so I was able to go to work and 'use' my eye some before going. I'm starting to think a later session would really track my progress. In the mornings my eye is well rested and moves somewhat with ease. By the end of the day I'm sure it's pretty tired. (Like me right now, lol)
My Speech Therapy session was 45 minutes later than normal this morning so I was able to go to work and 'use' my eye some before going. I'm starting to think a later session would really track my progress. In the mornings my eye is well rested and moves somewhat with ease. By the end of the day I'm sure it's pretty tired. (Like me right now, lol)
Day 25: We'll say 60%
I actually can't gauge what percentage I've really recovered. Anyway, it's been a few days since I wrote anything in here so here goes. It's Mardi Gras weekend so I've been enjoying myself this week/end. I was talking to KJo on Friday night about my Bells Palsy and she was like, "Had you not said anything I wouldn't have known - I just thought you had a lazy eye!" *snicker*
I've been doing my exercises and going to therapy. There's some more movement in my face and eye but everything is definitely not all there. But it's coming along. There is surely something going on with my ear. Last night at the concert, when I yelled it was muffled. I don't know if it has something to do with the Bells or if there's some form of infection. Ear infections hurt though don't they? Either way, I must make an appointment for the doctor - remind me! LOL BUT I did not need to use the ointment last night and I thought I would have, having been out in the element.
This morning I had to use it a couple times but still things were going well. I took the drops with me to the Krewe of Bacchus parade in New Orleans this afternoon and felt some 'dryness' but nothing a rub of the eyelid didn't cure. By the end time we were on our way back home I think I was just tired. I DO feel like I'm progressing but I know there are areas that are still not moving as much as they were or should. I'm working on it though.
This morning I had to use it a couple times but still things were going well. I took the drops with me to the Krewe of Bacchus parade in New Orleans this afternoon and felt some 'dryness' but nothing a rub of the eyelid didn't cure. By the end time we were on our way back home I think I was just tired. I DO feel like I'm progressing but I know there are areas that are still not moving as much as they were or should. I'm working on it though.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Day 21: I think I can...
"..I think I can, I know I can, I will!" Yep, I'm still chugging right along. There's been more progress within the last day which is really surprising. There's more movement in my cheek that yesterday. There's still not much going on with my forehead or eyebrows which is odd because that's the area she said comes back the fastest for more people. Guess I'm not using my forehead muscles enough (frowning,lol). My eye didn't feel the best today. That could be because I didn't sleep much last night and it was tired. It had the gritty feeling most of the day which is very uncomfortable when I"m trying to lubricate it and close it. (moving around under the eye lid did NOT feel good)
Anyhoo, I'm impressed with how things are moving along this week. Funny store though, I was talking to one of the clients today and in mid sentence he asked, "Bells Palsy?" and I'm like, yeah, three weeks now. It's amazing how people can immediately recognize it. I'm sure it's more in my eye that gives it away and maybe some of the pull on my lips. But yeah I thought wow!
But err um yeah, that's all I have to share tonight. Tomorrow is therapy.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Day 20: Smile...Pucker...Smile...Pucker...
We also did the E-Stim. remember when I first started talking about it, I said its like the power of a 9volt battery. Well, that 9volt battery hurts somethings. LOL Actually, it only hurts when she hits a section that either wasn't really affected (like the middle of my forehead) or doesn't have the gel on it (like ultrasound gel). My face is getting a good reading though so that's another positive move in the right direction. I'm debating on whether or not I want to make doctor's appointment for my ear. Did I mention that the other day about it feeling clogged? I think so. The therapist suggested I at least get it checked to make sure there's no inner ear issue or fluid. She said something about the #8 nerve being close to the #7 nerve and something, lol. hmmm, does the below help you? yeah neither me, lol
I also got a little face massage today, that was nice. LOL as side note, maybe I just can't see! But the optometrist didn't say that. Some parts of the day it's good, some parts it really sucks. Even with the glasses on, sometimes things are really blurry. What dat be bout? Another random item, I was playing a video game this weekend (DJ Rapstar) and I had to say the word "me" in the lyrics only I wasn't getting points for it. I'd have to put EXTRA emphasis on the "m" to really get the word out. So instead, I started saying "be" to make sure I got my points. haha improvising, lol.
Anyway, no video tonight for real. My head looks a MESS and
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Day 19: Overall Good Day
I actually don't have much to say today. It was a pretty decent day. My eye was a little dry throughout the morning and I didn't want to look like a pirate at church so I had to do drops a couple times but I managed. I have to make sure I keep a peppermint or something in my mouth though (or near) because that side dries easily. There's still some blurriness but yeah. Still it was a pretty decent day.
My daddy told me to "make sure you're using the nutmeg" lol. He's obviously it reading my blog to see my concerns. And it may just be ingesting the nutmeg that's bad for you *shrugs*
Anyhoo, tomorrow's another session of therapy. I'm about to do my exercises for tonight and lay it down lay it down! LOL I wasn't going to do a video but I figured I would really quick so that you all could see some progress (not that many of you are reading).
My daddy told me to "make sure you're using the nutmeg" lol. He's obviously it reading my blog to see my concerns. And it may just be ingesting the nutmeg that's bad for you *shrugs*
Anyhoo, tomorrow's another session of therapy. I'm about to do my exercises for tonight and lay it down lay it down! LOL I wasn't going to do a video but I figured I would really quick so that you all could see some progress (not that many of you are reading).
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Day 18: Get Me Off The Beach
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."
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."
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!
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