Fast forward to that evening.
I was the last one awake in the house, and brushing my teeth when I realized I couldn't spit the toothpaste out. My mouth fumbled as I tried, it felt like I had just been to the dentist and was very numb. I tried a few times, then looked into the mirror and smiled. Only half my face could smile.
It came on so quickly, and I panicked a little. So I went straight to the computer to look up my symptoms and Bell's Palsy came up. But what scared me, was the part that said a doctor will check for a brain tumor or stroke! Apparently it didn't scare me bad enough to wake up my husband, because I was so tired I went straight to bed.
The next morning, I woke up and nothing had changed. I told my husband that I needed to tell him something and I needed him to help me NOT to panic. When I explained what was going on, he kind of panicked a little and wanted to take me in to a doctor right away. I insisted on going to church and told him I feel fine to teach my lesson, then we can call a doctor afterward.
All morning, I had to fight back tears, imagining that I had a brain tumor or something terrible like that and how my family's life would change. I still have two of the five children at home, ages 10 and 12 who need their mother!
After church, we quickly ate some food, and ran to take our family Christmas picture that we had planned, because that was a must..... haha! Then straight to Instacare.
Long story I know, anyone still with me?
The verdict: I do have Bell's Palsy.
It was not caused by a stroke or a brain tumor.
It came on as a result of a sore throat.
I will be on a steroid pill for 10 days, and I should regain control of my facial muscles in about a week.
*Insert me throwing my hands up to the sky and singing Hallelujah!!!*
My life seems good again, and I am so thankful! Boy did that have me worried. How fast life can change. God gives, and God can take away.
Meanwhile, I am trying not to smile very big or it's reeeeeally obvious.
When I laugh, it looks hysterical!
I might get brave a add a picture or a funny video.......I'll think about it.
Shortly I'll add our family picture and you'll be able to see that I was holding back a nice big smile, so it wouldn't show too much.
I will always remember that photo as "the palsy picture."
So today, I am so grateful for good health, doctors who know what they are doing, and the good news that I won't have to live with a paralyzed face all my life!!!!
What are you grateful for today?
