Bell's Palsy

Last Monday I woke up and noticed that something wasn't right. I was feeling a little funny. Once I got out of bed and started moving around I realized that something was "off". The first thing I noticed was that my mouth was numb!!! I ran to the mirror where I started to look at my face, it was hard to talk and I couldn't smile or open my mouth very wide (just like after you've been to the dentist and your numb for a few hours). Then I noticed that my left eyebrow was a bit lower than my right and I couldn't raise it. I started to panic and decided that I needed to call the doctor. After multiple calls they said that I needed to go to Labor and Delivery ASAP. Jason and I jumped in the car and headed to the hospital. After 8 hours of sitting our room we were released and I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. What is Bell's Palsy? Bell's palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to one of the two facial nerves. Each facial nerve directs the muscles on one side of the face, including those that control eye blinking and closing, and facial expressions such as smiling and frowning. When Bell's palsy occurs, the function of the facial nerve is disrupted, causing an interruption in the messages the brain sends to the facial muscles. This interruption results in facial weakness or paralysis. So, with that said there is nothing about Bell's Palsy that is harmful for me or the baby, it's just VERY unlucky and just plain SUCKS!!! I did read that the risk of getting BP does increase if you are pregnant, but it is still very rare. Most cases do make a full recovery within 3 to 4 weeks, but there are some cases that take up to 6 months and a very small amount have the symptoms for the rest of their life. There is no way to tell what my outcome will be, it's all case by case. As you can imagine I have been a complete wreck this week!!! I have just been telling myself that it could be worse and I'll be fine, but it's still very SCARY!!! (you know how much I love to smile and now I can't). The thing that makes me so sad is that if she comes before my face is back to normal, I won't get those "first" family photos that I really want, because I can't smile. It just breaks my heart... so I'm praying for the best. My family, friends and I have been praying that I'll make a full recovery in 3 to 4 weeks. Jason and I would appreciate it if you keep us in your thoughts (I'll post pictures soon so you can see, I know you're curious).


As you can see... my left eyebrow and the left side of my mouth is lower than my right (No, I can't lift my eyebrow like this normally, but hey... I was kinda impressed by this pic... not too bad).

Okay, so this is what it looks like when I try to smile... (if I wasn't married this would be my match.com profile pic... LOL!!!)

And this is what it looks like when I try and pucker my lips... you can see here my left eyebrow pretty good...

So there you have it, what Bell's Palsy (at least for me) looks like. I'm VERY HAPPY to say that I think I'm getting better... hopefully within the next week I'll be pretty much back to "normal".

Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers!!! Jason and I are so lucky to have such great family and friends!!! We love you all!!!