I never thought that a simple family dinner would lead me to discover a life-altering change in my body.
On 25th of July, I was joining my family for dinner and before doing so, thought that I would check my phone for any messages on WhatsApp. I checked my phone and went to join my family for dinner. As I was having my dinner, I noticed that my wife and daughter were looking at me intently. I inquired as to what was the reason and they informed me that my face was looking a bit odd. I finished my dinner and then saw my face in the mirror. I felt that one side (left side) of my face did look a bit odd. I attributed it to some problem with my jaw and decided to meet the dentist the next day. In the morning, my wife insisted that I should meet our doctor instead of the dentist and I decided on meeting the doctor. The next day, I tried to book an appointment with my doctor. After some back and forth with the clinic, I finally saw the doctor that evening.
The doctor observed me and told me that I was indeed looking a bit odd. He held out his index and middle finger and told me to catch these fingers with all my strength. I did so with my left hand and the doctor could not pull away but when I did the same with my right hand he could easily pull away the fingers.
The doctor explained how the brain works: the left side of the brain controls movement on the right side of the body, and vice versa. In my case, there was a chance it was either Bell’s Palsy affecting my facial muscles or, worst case, a stroke.
Hearing the word ‘stroke’ left me shaken. I hadn’t realized how serious things might be until that moment.
The doctor gave me a prescription for the medicines for Bell’s Palsy but told me immediately to get admitted to the emergency ward of the hospital (which I had avoided to go in the afternoon) and get an MRI of the brain done. He wrote a note for me to take to the emergency ward and called up the doctor in the emergency ward to admit me. He further informed me that if no stroke was detected in the MRI of the brain then I need not worry and take the medicines which he had prescribed me. Otherwise, I would need to get admitted to the hospital for a few days.
I went to the hospital along with my sister, got admitted to the emergency ward and completed the MRI of the brain. It took two to three hours to do the MRI scan but by 11 pm, I was informed that no stroke was detected.
I came home and started with the medicines the doctor had suggested. I will not name those medicines as each doctor will have his own set of medicines which he will recommend.
I was told to take medicines for five days but there was no change visible in these five days. The doctor then increased the dosage and told me to take medicines for three more days and also take an appointment with a physiotherapist. He informed me that he would not be giving any medicines after those three days and told me to visit him after a month.
I visited the physiotherapist on the 6th day after I had got Bell’s Palsy. On that day, I could not lift my left eyebrow, close my left eye completely, could not move my left eyebrow when I frowned, could not purse my lip symmetrically, could not smile symmetrically even with my lips closed
The physiotherapist gave me a set of exercises to address the condition mentioned above. In addition, I was given electro-galvanic shocks on my face to help simulate the nerves.
In the first couple of weeks, I visited the physiotherapist thrice a week. Then the next two weeks my visits were twice a week. For that entire month, I had covered my left eye with a gauze and fixed it with a medical tape through out the night.
After a month from the incident I visited my doctor. He was pleased with my progress, which gave me a sense of hope and relief. He then told me to visit him after 3 months.
It has been over two months now since that day and the physiotherapist has indicated that I have recovered nearly 95% of my issues
As I continue my recovery, I’ve realized how much we take for granted — something as simple as a smile can be life-changing when it’s lost.
For anyone dealing with Bell’s Palsy, know that recovery takes time, but with patience and the right treatment, progress is possible
Acknowledgment:
I would like to express my deep gratitude to my sister, who accompanied me to the hospital during those critical moments. I am also incredibly thankful to my doctor and physiotherapist for their professional guidance and care throughout my recovery. Most of all, my heartfelt thanks go to my family, who stood by me with unwavering support during these past two months. Their presence and encouragement made all the difference as I fought to regain my smile.
A message to readers:
If you or anyone you know experiences sudden facial weakness or any similar symptoms, please seek professional medical help immediately. Don’t delay a visit to your doctor — it could make a crucial difference in your recovery.
