Newby with BP

[RoniB]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Bells Palsy on Monday - I noticed the facial droop start on Saturday morning. The doctor was great and tested me very thoroughly and then prescribed Steroids. It's interesting and curious to me that my husband was diagnosed with Shingles one week before my BP. I know that the Herpes virus can cause both conditions but HOW do you contract the virus? We have been self shielding a large extent from the start of Covid 19 , and literally not leaving our home at all since October so where did we pick this up?

[FLNJFL]

Different forms of herpes viruses can lay dormant for many years (Shingles are thought to be the result of chicken pox as a child, so this would lay in the body for many decades) and then can be reactivated during a period of stress. The stress can be physical, emotional, environmental, or mental. Once the virus gets triggered it can do something simple like give you a cold sore so small you don’t even notice it or it can irritate the 7th cranial nerve, cause an inflammation and swelling which will result in the facial palsy. I am not a medical doctor, but this is the way I believe it can happen even while in isolation.

The good news is that you went to the doctor quickly and you have a great GP who tested you thoroughly. If I could do over my early stage I would rest, rest, rest, and rest some more. I would take it easy, relax, and allow the meds and your body to heal you.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

[RoniB in reply to FLNJFL]

Thank you so much FLNJFL. I’ve finished the steroid course and my facial symptoms have changed every day throughout the course. I now have more movement in my mouth although it’s still very obvious I have some palsy. It’s good to read the advice to rest as I feel almost guilty that I am so lethargic My eye has been running constantly but seems slightly less today. My face feels cold and I have now some pain but nothing I can’t manage. I am quite surprised at the change in my symptoms in 12 days and feeling positive that I will continue to improve. I’ve never taken steroids before and I am more amazed at the change in ongoing conditions I’ve lived with for years. My arthritis improved dramatically and the eczema/psoriasis on my hands which cracks and bleeds in cycles is TOTALLY better. Also the GERD that occurs from time to time has not been a problem at all. It was a big dose of steroids but wow, so dramatic.

Sorry for going on a bit 😏

[FLNJFL in reply to RoniB]

Hi RoniB! It's great to read about your progress and improvement in 12 days is excellent news It's also interesting to hear about how the medication helped other conditions. The steroids will bring down inflammation all throughout the body. I also remember having a cold face in the beginning....I think it might have to do with less blood flow. Very light massage to the face can help....And the tiredness happens to many of us, but it seems that the doctors don't mention it so when you are going through it you wonder what's happening. However, I've heard many other people having fatigue with the Bell's Palsy so I think it is somewhat common. I was very tired for a few months then my energy came back.

[RoniB in reply to FLNJFL]

Thank you - it’s so good to know that what you’re feeling is normal. I’m patient and awaiting my appointment for the vaccine. I turned 75 this week so it won’t be long but in a way I think that the fitter I am, the better benefit I’ll get from it so I’m in no rush.

Thank you again FLNJFL

[FLNJFL in reply to RoniB]

You’re welcome and happy belated birthday!