Help!! I Woke up Paralyzed !!

[reebokandlace]

So I have had a horrible sinus infection all weekend. I thought I was going to die sat and sun night. I saw my doctor on Sunday (nice guy, made a house call on a sunday afternoon, I know it is a rariety)....gave me antibiotics..told me I would live...

....I woke up yesterday and the right side of my face was paralyzed. :shocked: Couldn't move it at all. I thought holy f*ck I am having a stroke!!! :shocked: Turns out it is Bell's Palsy....

The doctor put me on prednizone for the Bell's Palsy. But I won't take it. (I am taking the antibiotics for the sinus infection though) The side effects of the drug are far more dangerous than not taking it and it is not 100% proven to really work on Bell's Palsy. Not that I am a tree hugger, but I do not take prescriptions unless my health/life depends on it. From the online research I have done I guess the Palsy only lasts a few days. I am on day two and I am able to get some movement going.

Has anyone ever had this?

Did your doctor put you on medication?

How long did it take before you could smile again without looking like a you have had a stroke? :laugh:

[JazmenFlowers]

So I have had a horrible sinus infection all weekend. I thought I was going to die sat and sun night. I saw my doctor on Sunday (nice guy, made a house call on a sunday afternoon, I know it is a rariety)....gave me antibiotics..told me I would live...

....I woke up yesterday and the right side of my face was paralyzed. :shocked: Couldn't move it at all. I thought holy f*ck I am having a stroke!!! :shocked: Turns out it is Bell's Palsy....

The doctor put me on prednizone for the Bell's Palsy. But I won't take it. (I am taking the antibiotics for the sinus infection though) The side effects of the drug are far more dangerous than not taking it and it is not 100% proven to really work on Bell's Palsy. Not that I am a tree hugger, but I do not take prescriptions unless my health/life depends on it. From the online research I have done I guess the Palsy only lasts a few days. I am on day two and I am able to get some movement going.

Has anyone ever had this?

Did your doctor put you on medication?

How long did it take before you could smile again without looking like a you have had a stroke? :laugh:
I only know one other person who has this and he/she is an entertainer and lives a very normal life with this. I know little else about it. Hope all goes well with you.

[dissention]

How weird. My hair stylist Hilda has Bell's Palsy. She woke up last February with it after having a sinus infection and her doctor put her on antibiotics and steroids, but they didn't do much for her. She still looks like she's had a stroke, unfortunately.

Here's some info on it:

http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/topics/bells.cfm

[reebokandlace]

Are you sure you are not thinking of cerebral palsy?? :xoxo:


This is bell's palsy ---lol----- it only lasts 3-10 days---it is a result of either blunt trauma or infection of a facial nerve

[JazmenFlowers]

Are you sure you are not thinking of cerebral palsy?? :xoxo:


This is bell's palsy ---lol----- it only lasts 3-10 days---it is a result of either blunt trauma or infection of a facial nerve
really? I was under the impression that Bells' Palsy doesn't just go away. I could be way wrong tho.

[dissention]

really? I was under the impression that Bells' Palsy doesn't just go away. I could be way wrong tho.

It didn't for my friend. She's had it for almost a year now, though it's not as bad as it once was.

[reebokandlace]

Maybe it depends on how it developed. Blunt trauma damage could last a while I imagine.

Yesterday my right side of my face was totally paralyzed. Today I can smile, a little quirky looking, but better. The swelling is gone and I am doing my exercises to work the nerves and muscles. I have feeling today in my face. I am hoping by tomorrow I am mostly back to normal. :cool:

[BTFLCHLD]

Maybe it depends on how it developed. Blunt trauma damage could last a while I imagine.

Yesterday my right side of my face was totally paralyzed. Today I can smile, a little quirky looking, but better. The swelling is gone and I am doing my exercises to work the nerves and muscles. I have feeling today in my face. I am hoping by tomorrow I am mostly back to normal. :cool: im worried about you!
what are the side-effects of the meds
you dont want to take?

[chiliD]

A friend of mine had it...lasted nearly 6 months and never did FULLY recover from it. Still has problems with one side.

Do not fear Prednizone. It kept ME alive.

[DavidMn]

I'm sorry to hear this. Hope this doesnt last too long.

[reebokandlace]

im worried about you!
what are the side-effects of the meds
you dont want to take?


Thanks for worrying. :xoxo: I needed someone to care. http://www.websmileys.com/sm/sad/1346.gif



The list of side effects:


· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); coma or death.
· increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred vision); or
· sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a day or two).
· insomnia;
· nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
· fatigue or dizziness;
· muscle weakness or joint pain;
· problems with diabetes control; or
· increased hunger or thirst.
· acne,
· increased hair growth,
· thinning of the skin,
· cataracts,
· glaucoma,
· osteoporosis,
· roundness of the face, and
· changes in mood/behavior.


I think the coma / death one scares me the most. But the hair growth one bothers me too. I do not want to grow a mustache. Usually if the effects are more than: · nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset; I question taking the drug. It is like those commercials I see on tv for drugs, and you hear the list of possible side effects, I always think to myself, "jeesh, the side effects are worse than the problem you are trying to treat"

[BTFLCHLD]

Thanks for worrying. :xoxo: I needed someone to care. http://www.websmileys.com/sm/sad/1346.gif



The list of side effects:


· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); coma or death.
· increased blood pressure (severe headache or blurred vision); or
· sudden weight gain (more than 5 pounds in a day or two).
· insomnia;
· nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset;
· fatigue or dizziness;
· muscle weakness or joint pain;
· problems with diabetes control; or
· increased hunger or thirst.
· acne,
· increased hair growth,
· thinning of the skin,
· cataracts,
· glaucoma,
· osteoporosis,
· roundness of the face, and
· changes in mood/behavior.


I think the coma / death one scares me the most. But the hair growth one bothers me too. I do not want to grow a mustache. Usually if the effects are more than: · nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset; I question taking the drug. It is like those commercials I see on tv for drugs, and you hear the list of possible side effects, I always think to myself, "jeesh, the side effects are worse than the problem you are trying to treat"
wouldnt you only be taking until the bells disappears?
i dont know...the majority are generals as with any drug
i say follow doctor's orders...else?

[ragandbone]

So I have had a horrible sinus infection all weekend. I thought I was going to die sat and sun night. I saw my doctor on Sunday (nice guy, made a house call on a sunday afternoon, I know it is a rariety)....gave me antibiotics..told me I would live...

....I woke up yesterday and the right side of my face was paralyzed. :shocked: Couldn't move it at all. I thought holy f*ck I am having a stroke!!! :shocked: Turns out it is Bell's Palsy....

The doctor put me on prednizone for the Bell's Palsy. But I won't take it. (I am taking the antibiotics for the sinus infection though) The side effects of the drug are far more dangerous than not taking it and it is not 100% proven to really work on Bell's Palsy. Not that I am a tree hugger, but I do not take prescriptions unless my health/life depends on it. From the online research I have done I guess the Palsy only lasts a few days. I am on day two and I am able to get some movement going.

Has anyone ever had this?

Did your doctor put you on medication?

How long did it take before you could smile again without looking like a you have had a stroke? :laugh:

How scary! I wish I knew more, and could help. I think it is good that you are questioning the Prednizone (isn't that a steriod?) but perhaps you should see a second doctor, if it doesn't get beter. I have heard they also prescribe anti-virals for Bell's palsy.
I googled to see if Acupunturists treat this condition.
http://www.acupuncture.com/newsletters/m_july05/main2.htm

[Raeven Skye]

I'm sorry to hear about your illness!! I have a close friend who recently had Belle's Palsy. I'll find out if she was on Prednisone for it. My cousin had it eons ago, and had a helluva time getting over it

[mcboo]

I can certainly understand why you wouldn't want to take that medication. Sometimes it does seem as though the side effects are worse than the original problem, I don't get that :shrug: . I remember watching this ad for some medication and one of the side effects was "oily discharge"....what the hell is that?:eek:

[goldie]

Maybe it depends on how it developed. Blunt trauma damage could last a while I imagine.

Yesterday my right side of my face was totally paralyzed. Today I can smile, a little quirky looking, but better. The swelling is gone and I am doing my exercises to work the nerves and muscles. I have feeling today in my face. I am hoping by tomorrow I am mostly back to normal. :cool:

I hope you feel and get better ASAP. xoxoxo

[jannieC]

It's your decision, but Prednizone is really not that big of a deal. I've taken it many times, and have never had any of those side effects (other than temporary weight gain). Good luck to you.

[reebokandlace]

Thanks everyone!

:xoxo:

[Stephanie]

I am an eye doc so I can weigh in on this one. It will eventually go away. Sometimes more than a few days for complete resolution. At night there will be a lag where the lid doesn't close and your eye will get dry. Put lots of artificial tears in during the day and put moisture eyes PF ointment in at bedtime.

Signs of better closure and wrinkling forehead on the effected side show you it is geting better.

let me know if you need anything.


So I have had a horrible sinus infection all weekend. I thought I was going to die sat and sun night. I saw my doctor on Sunday (nice guy, made a house call on a sunday afternoon, I know it is a rariety)....gave me antibiotics..told me I would live...

....I woke up yesterday and the right side of my face was paralyzed. :shocked: Couldn't move it at all. I thought holy f*ck I am having a stroke!!! :shocked: Turns out it is Bell's Palsy....

The doctor put me on prednizone for the Bell's Palsy. But I won't take it. (I am taking the antibiotics for the sinus infection though) The side effects of the drug are far more dangerous than not taking it and it is not 100% proven to really work on Bell's Palsy. Not that I am a tree hugger, but I do not take prescriptions unless my health/life depends on it. From the online research I have done I guess the Palsy only lasts a few days. I am on day two and I am able to get some movement going.

Has anyone ever had this?

Did your doctor put you on medication?

How long did it take before you could smile again without looking like a you have had a stroke? :laugh:

[reebokandlace]

I am an eye doc so I can weigh in on this one. It will eventually go away. Sometimes more than a few days for complete resolution. At night there will be a lag where the lid doesn't close and your eye will get dry. Put lots of artificial tears in during the day and put moisture eyes PF ointment in at bedtime.

Signs of better closure and wrinkling forehead on the effected side show you it is geting better.

let me know if you need anything.

Thanks! I feel much better today. I am about 90% healed. I have full movement in my cheeks and eye. I have a little nerve pain in my upper lip which makes the lip look and feel a little stiff, but other than that my smile is mostly normal :laugh:

It was quite frightening to wake up monday morning with a smile like this guy~~~> :cool:

Well I have to sign off-- I can't stay on the computer more than a few minutes because I was told by my doctor that it could dry my eye out because one tends to not blink enough when staring at a computer.

Have a nice day everyone!!

Thanks for caring!! oxoxoxoxo

[WelshWitchPMD]

Thanks! I feel much better today. I am about 90% healed. I have full movement in my cheeks and eye. I have a little nerve pain in my upper lip which makes the lip look and feel a little stiff, but other than that my smile is mostly normal :laugh:

It was quite frightening to wake up monday morning with a smile like this guy~~~> :cool:

Well I have to sign off-- I can't stay on the computer more than a few minutes because I was told by my doctor that it could dry my eye out because one tends to not blink enough when staring at a computer.

Have a nice day everyone!!

Thanks for caring!! oxoxoxoxo

Glad to hear that you are doing better. Take care!

[catinthedark]

Thanks! I feel much better today. I am about 90% healed. I have full movement in my cheeks and eye. I have a little nerve pain in my upper lip which makes the lip look and feel a little stiff, but other than that my smile is mostly normal :laugh:

It was quite frightening to wake up monday morning with a smile like this guy~~~> :cool:

Well I have to sign off-- I can't stay on the computer more than a few minutes because I was told by my doctor that it could dry my eye out because one tends to not blink enough when staring at a computer.

Have a nice day everyone!!

Thanks for caring!! oxoxoxoxo

Oh my goodness. I've been away a few days - sorry to hear about this. That must have been so scary! I do know someone who had this, and I believe he is completely recovered now (I moved away and lost touch). I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. Hope you continue to get better.

[Janet]

I have never heard of this. I would have freaked out.

Good that you went to the DR and very good that it goes away:)

I am glad you are feeling better!

[Alison]

Glad to hear you are getting better. I had 2 friends that had the same problem.
They got theirs during pregnancy. Soon as they had the baby it all cleared up.
I'm not big on drugs, I'm still getting my health in order after the Dr. gave me a beta blocker 3 months ago. I would suggest you see a ND, thats a naturopathic doctor. I have had good results with mine.
Get well soon.

[reebokandlace]

Well it has been 4 days since I woke up with the shock of my life.... thankfully the Bell's Palsy is completely gone. The sinus infection still remains but I am back to normal, except the stabbing pain in my upper lip, but I'll live... I have been doing accupressure to relieve the lip (sinus) pain, but the accupressure relief only lasts about 10 minutes and then the pain comes back. My hand is starting to hurt where I have been doing the accupressure. :laugh:

I hate being sick and I am such a big baby. :o

[mcboo]

glad to hear that your smile straightened out! :D

[catinthedark]

Well it has been 4 days since I woke up with the shock of my life.... thankfully the Bell's Palsy is completely gone. The sinus infection still remains but I am back to normal, except the stabbing pain in my upper lip, but I'll live... I have been doing accupressure to relieve the lip (sinus) pain, but the accupressure relief only lasts about 10 minutes and then the pain comes back. My hand is starting to hurt where I have been doing the accupressure. :laugh:

I hate being sick and I am such a big baby. :o

You are NOT being a baby. :xoxo: Sinus infections are bad enough - I've had far too many in my lifetime, and I know from experience they are awful, painful things. But to have had this paralysis on top of it? I would have been terrified. I'm so glad you're doing better.

[Wild_Heart03]

Well it has been 4 days since I woke up with the shock of my life.... thankfully the Bell's Palsy is completely gone. The sinus infection still remains but I am back to normal, except the stabbing pain in my upper lip, but I'll live... I have been doing accupressure to relieve the lip (sinus) pain, but the accupressure relief only lasts about 10 minutes and then the pain comes back. My hand is starting to hurt where I have been doing the accupressure. :laugh:

I hate being sick and I am such a big baby. :o

I don't think you were being a big baby at all - waking up with something like that would scare the crap out of me too! My aunt had the same thing happen to her in January of '04, but thankfully it went away after a few days for her too. Some people aren't as lucky and end up with it for longer than that. :( Glad to hear you're doing better though!

[UnwindedDreams]

Take the prednisone...it really does work.