28 August 2011

Living with Bell's Palsy

Dealing with Bell's Palsy is very difficult, especially to the affected person. Though bells palsy is not contagious. However, most people are paranoid, thinking that the said facial paralysis is contagious and they're afraid to be near on a person with bells palsy.

What should an adult do while waiting to get better?
  • Always take your doctor's prescribed medicine.
  • Don't forget to put an artificial tears on your eye.
  • Don't skip your doctor's appointment and therapy session.
  • Though you can return to work as normal, but it's also good if you get enough rest.
  • Brush your teeth after every meal.
  • Always cover the eye on the affected area, when you're going to bed.
  • Exercise the muscles on the affected area of your face.
  • Be patience, and always think bright side.
Mostly, Bell's Palsy doesn't last long (mine just lasted for about 3 weeks), however some go beyond like 4 to 6 months. Be positive, just follow your doctor's advice so you'll be looking and feeling like yourself again soon.

What should a kid do while waiting to get better? 
  • Follow your doctor's advice (including your parents advice).
  • Get rest and eat healthy foods.
  • Brush your teeth after every meal.
  • Let your parents assist you when taking your medications and whenever you need an eye drops.
  • Remember to cover the eye on the affected area, when you're going to bed.
  • Be patience, you can play later with your friends. 
And for kids, parents support are badly needed. A kid might be upset about looking different than usual, or angry or sad that this happened to him or her. And patience is needed because of various doctor appointments. Then even more patience is needed while the kid waits for the problem to get better. Parents also must explain to the kid, that the Bells Palsy doesn't take long, he/she (kid) can play with his friends again sooner.