Bell’s palsy diagnosed this week

[Weejenny]

After a horrible year I’ve now got this to deal with 😪 but having read more I wonder if it’s Ramsay hunt syndrome? I went to a&e on Tuesday with my face drooping and had extensive tests for a stroke. My ear was seemingly very red inside but not bad enough for antibiotics. I had to go to out of hours doctor yesterday as my ear had developed blisters on the outside it’s very swollen and red I can’t hear very well either. My eye won’t shut. I can’t taste my food. I keep biting my tongue. My eyesight is poor too. I had to go to the eye clinic and have another appointment in 6 weeks time.

I’ve 50mg of steroids to take, a decongestant tablet I was told to buy myself, paracetamol and co-amoxiclav as an antibiotic. Because my eye won’t shut I’ve xailin as an eye drop. I’m feeling totally miserable. I’m not vain thankfully I just feel if I meet someone I’ve to explain my face I’m not a pretty sight at the moment

Sympathy welcome 😪

[Launder01]

Hi there 😊 Hope you’re ok atm. I know exactly how you feel about going out and seeing people, because you think they look at you strangely “it’s true though”.

I’m waiting for “I Hope” reanimating surgery.

It’s so hard to go and about 😟

I hope they can do something for you.

Please don’t let it get you down, or that you’re going through this alone.

Take care X

[Weejenny in reply to Launder01]

Thanks so much for replying. I got a definite diagnosis today I saw a trainee doctor at our surgery she was so thorough and knew instantly it was Ramsay hunt. I’m feeling pretty miserable and very tired but I’m going to try and stay positive. The shingles is so painful. I’ve just had my haircut really short so I can’t hide my ear either.

Do you mind me asking what reanimating surgery is

You take care too x

Jen

[Launder01 in reply to Weejenny]

Hi Jen. I had a brain tumour removal, and the second time caused a facial droop. So hopefully they will take muscle from one of the thighs and put in the check (to cut a long story short).

I haven’t heard, and I’m waiting for a referral. I think the surgery will be in Exeter (soon I hope).

Lots of luck to you Jen X

[lorraine-t]

Hi Weejenny

If you are suspicious that it is Ramsay Hunt, you need antiviral medication within 72 hours of the blisters appearing. I suggest that you go to your GP or walk-in centre and ask them.

You can refer them to our website here facialpalsy.org.uk/causesan...

[Weejenny in reply to lorraine-t]

Thanks for replying. I went to the doctor today it is Ramsay hunt. I’m so pleased in away to have the diagnosis at least I’ve started the right medication now. I’ve to go back in two weeks, the doctor wants to check my hearing and I have the eye clinic in the first week of September.

Jen

[Valerie59]

I was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome 17 years ago and people no longer notice the paralysis on the right side of my face until I laugh and only the left side moves.

I am only conscious of the paralysis when I meet someone for the first time and they stare. I no longer explain the reason only the left side of my face works properly unless they ask.

I hope more has been done to help you and try not to worry.

[Launder01]

Hello WeeJenny.

I really feel for you, and hope things will get better soon. I keep my eye closed as much as possible. I have to manually close my eye, because it doesn’t close on its own.

6 weeks is such a long time to wait!! Not being able to see, or eat is really getting you down.

Thinking of you.