Just diagnosed with BP

[Jasash65]

Hello,

I was diagnosed with Bell's palsy today. I was given the steroids and anti viral medicine. Nothing else suggested even when asked about seeing other specialists or physio therapy.

I have read that physi therapy and acupuncture may be helpful.

How soon would you try these other therapies please? Feeling a little overwhelmed and anxious about it all....

[shielkatie1984]

Hi i had bells palsy about 3 weeks ago its so scary isnt it. I felt the same it was take this medication and come bk in a month so i was given predisolone excuse spelling lol. 30mg 14 days and thankfully every has returned to normal i am one of the lucky ones. I did facial exercises even though doctor said wouldnt do anything after about a week i also chewed gum on the effected side which felt so strange. Hope u have a quick recovery i did try research alot on bells and alot have said it can be a slow recovery up to 12months but hopefully wont take u that long good luck x

[Jasash65 in reply to shielkatie1984]

Thank you so much for sharing. It helps to hear someone else knows what I am going through too. Thank you and I wish you well too. I will continue to research to find out more about this and what my treatments options are. Thanks

[Suze40 in reply to Jasash65]

Hi I had bells 4 weeks ago, luckily it only lasted for 2 weeks, it's very scary but just make sure you rest as much as you can and don't over do the facial exercise, you will be fine, all the best

[Jasash65 in reply to Suze40]

Thank you. Wow that was a quick recovery. Did u do treatments in that time? Massage , facial exercise and rest? Thanks

[lsully]

I felt the same as you. It's like they diagnose you and send you on your way. I read that accupuncture was helpful and started immediately at 2-3 per week for about 6 weeks. I am at about 3 months now and about 95 percent cured. Re the accupuncture, everyone told me how important it is to start right away. As for exercises, the jury is still out. I found it soothing to lay with my affected side on a heating pad. It is supposed to increase blood flow and aid in the nerves regenerating. Good luck.

[Jasash65 in reply to lsully]

Congrats on your recovery. I started acupuncture yesterday and have physio therapy exercises on Saturday. I got a b12 shot today as they say they aid with the acupuncture. I've been doing facial massages myself and have baths to help with circulation. Also doing some walking finished the steroids and the antivirals. Thanks for sharing

[BPagain]

My Bells Palsy reoccurred 4 weeks ago after 10 yrs, on the opposite side of my face. The first time, not knowing what I know now, I took the steroids and antiviral medication and continued periodic visits to a neurologist who kept saying it's just going to take time. After 3 months with little improvement, I started acupuncture. There was some improvement, but unfortunately I started treatments too late and was left with residual paralysis. This time, I started acupuncture within 2 weeks and can see improvement. As someone stated, to get the best results it's important that you start acupuncture treatments within a couple of weeks. The earlier the better. Good luck!

[Jasash65 in reply to BPagain]

Hello, thanks for sharing I started accupunture yesterday. Seemed to have a good affect on my circulation and felt relaxing after I stopped overthinking. Had a B12 short today which they say helps with the acupuncture. Start physio exercises on Saturday. Fingers crossed and trying to stay positive. Best wishes for your recovery. Thank you

[BPagain in reply to Jasash65]

I'm so glad that you are treating your BP aggressively. Recovery can go either way so it's best to be proactive. It won't make the BP any worse and you gave any regrets. Thank you for your well wishes and I akso wish you a speedy full recovery too.