Becki describes her journey where an initial Bell’s palsy diagnosis eventually turned into an acoustic neuroma diagnosis seven years later!
The first time I noticed something was wrong was when I was driving to work and noticed my face in the mirror. It didn’t look quite right and I was struggling to move the left side of my face. I was in my mid 20s so I was quite worried. A trip to the doctor resulted in a diagnosis of Bell’s palsy, I was sent home with steroids and antivirals, safe in the knowledge that this condition often resolves within a few weeks.
After a couple of weeks there was still no improvement so I spent the day at the local hospital undergoing tests. They confirmed the Bell’s palsy diagnosis and that it would most likely resolve in a few weeks.
A few months later it was apparent that the facial palsy was not resolving so I was sent for physiotherapy. This was hard work and with the use of a neuro stimulator there was some improvement. I was also offered botox to help control the unaffected side of my face, which was now pulling too much when I smiled. I have now been having this for about five years and it has helped not only with the discomfort but also my confidence.
As the years progressed I developed an increasing amount of pain in my head and face. Seven years after my initial illness I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma and migraine! I was told I would need to be regularly monitored and am now on long term medication.
Over the years I have also been given Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and counselling to help me cope with the effects of the facial palsy (and the other conditions I now know I have). I am often insecure around new people and hate having my picture taken. This therapy really helped me deal with what has happened to me and improved my confidence; I wish that I had been offered this much earlier.
I am now in my 30s and I have a successful career and recently got married. I still have some ongoing problems as a result of the facial palsy, particularly with my eye as it still does not shut properly and I am considering having surgery on this in the near future. Although I did see some improvement following physiotherapy, I never regained normal function, my friends often say to me that they can’t tell and I have gradually learned to accept my altered appearance.
Disclaimer: Please note that views expressed are person’s own and should not be considered a recommendation of particular medical treatments, therapies or surgeries. We would always advise you seek advice from a health professional with experience in facial palsy who can assess your individual needs.