Half of my face became paralyzed since this weekend.

[LoneNutTheorist]

I'm off to a neurologist in an hour after being referred by my doctor. I thought I had swelling but I just felt swollen -- the entire right side of my face is drooping now. My arms, legs, etc. are all fine. Other than this I feel and have been feeling fine.

It might be a case of Bell's Palsy -- if it is, it will eventually go away. But it's pretty stressful nonetheless. I wonder if there can be any links with TC or if this is just something separate.

It could also be lyme disease, although i don't recall being bitten by anything and I don't appear to have any other symptoms.

If it's not one thing it's another.

[Mom]

Sorry to hear about this new challenge. I don't think it has anything to do with TC or your treatment. Hang in there. Hopefully, it can be easily treated. Dianne

[Scott]

If it's not one thing it's another.

No argument there. I hope it's a very temporary problem!

[Karen]

If it's not one thing it's another.

LNT,
Ain't it the truth! Hope the drooping is temporary and easily treatable! Let us know what the neurologist says!

[LoneNutTheorist]

All of my doctors' specialties rhyme.

Neurology, Urology. I wonder what comes next!

Anyway, I was diagnosed with an entirely unrelated thing. Bell's Palsy.

Doctor ruled out mets to the brain, etc. Said that what I have is not accompanied by any other weakness on my right side. It's due to an inflammation of or near the main nerve to the face on that side.

I'm a fairly high dose of anti-inflammatory steroids for 8 days -- gradually less each day.

I've managed to gain some slightmovement on my right side since yesterday. I can move my eyebrow slightly, and my mouth moves ever so slightly. Most importantly, though, I can still close my eye when I sleep -- even though I don't blink very well-- i still do blink.

[dadmo]

Wow, that's a relief. I've know several people that had Bell's Palsy and all turned out ok in a week or so. Good luck with this.

[LoneNutTheorist]

The best thing I learned from my TC experience is to be aggressive and adamant with caregivers.

My neurologist wanted to test me for diabetes, which meant delaying the use of prednisone (it boosts blood sugar levels). It took an act of congress just to get me in to see him yesterday.

I asked if we couldn't maybe test me for diabetes in a few weeks instead. He agreed that was the right course of action.

I took a big dose last night and I will be tapering off each day. So far, I haven't gotten worse than yesterday. I'm at work and my vision is a bit blurred, but I think it's because my tear duct is overactive and my blinking on that side is not so awesome right now.

I'll also probably pack on a bunch of pounds over the next, but it sounds like a good excuse to hit the free weights more.

[Don]

Hope your back to normal soon LNT!!!!! That had to be quiet a scare.. In fact you kind of scared me with that one... TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fish]

Glad to hear it's unrealted to TC.

I had a co-worker who developed Bell's Palsy. Once they started treatment, she improved steadily and after about 3-4 weeks, the paralysis was completely gone.

Sounds like you're on the way to recovery.

Best wishes,

Jim

[Stacy]

My Uncle had Bells Palsy and he's fine now. Didnt take much time to go away so you should be better soon! So, at least your "sagging" will go away... unlike what us ladies have in store for us as we age