Ramsay Hunt Syndrome & Bell's Palsy Recovery Stages - That's what they said

Bell's palsy & ramsay hunt syndrome recovery stages . Why Bell's Palsy Happens? My recovery journey is a span of 5 years (so far).
In this video, I talk about my personal experience over the past five years, and hopefully, you will get something out of it.
Be sure to like and subscribe. I update this channel during different milestones throughout my journey.
Five years ago, I posted this video. I took this the morning after being diagnosed with it-the day before, I was sitting at work with a headache and my eye twitching.
At this point in life, I was an editor for a tv news show in Denver, Colorado. Usually, things would get stressful toward the end of the day as we approached deadlines for air.
I remember it being extra stressful on this day-barely making the deadline. By the end of work, my head was pounding towards the back of my ear. My eye went from a twitch to more of a different type of feeling. Like my eyelid didn't seem to close.
I walked to my car after my shift. I looked in the mirror and noticed my entire face was droopy. My eyelid wasn't closing, and I freaked out. I headed home, unsure what's was going on. Besides the headache and eye, I felt ok for the most part.
As soon as I saw my wife, she said Bell's Palsy. I told her, " OK, let's go to the ER just in case. I had no clue what Bell's even was.
So when the doctor entered the room, the first thing he said to me was Bell's Palsy. Give it ten days, and you're back to normal!
I took steroids for the following ten days, but it didn't get better. It got worse! It got to the point of not being able to brush my teach or drink water.
Looking at myself in the mirror every morning and night was horrible. During the ten days, my eye would become more challenging to close. I ended up taping it for a few nights, but that became too much of a hassle.
After ten days, I wasn't any better. So I sought out extra help and found a doctor specializing in different treatment types. After meeting with her, we broke down a course of action with shock treatment. I didn't have anything else to lose; we did it! I did it once a week for a couple of months.
With returning to work, doing the treatments, and being a father and husband, life got busy again. I learned to live with it and got busy. I learned a new way to smile, which angles to take a photo from and share my story here. All of this, I believe, is what helped me.
Over the past five years, I've seen improvements. Today, some would say that I don't even see it anymore, but I do and always will. It's part of me. I find it so important to share your story because it helps others and helps yourself as well!
So what's your story? I'd love to know what you have done or where you're at in your journey. Comment below, and I'll do my best to get back to you!!
Be sure to like and subscribe. I'll do a follow-up video or any questions you may have.
#Bellspalsy #Recovery

Пікірлер: 88

  • @bennizar1689
    @bennizar16892 жыл бұрын

    I diagnosed with Bell's a month ago, My face look normal when I don't make expression but I have 0 control of my facial muscles although my physiotherapist said I am improving I just don't feel it.. I decided to get MRI on my own to make sure I am healing! I can't imagine what you went through man, 1 month only and I feel like shit.

  • @CodyBroadway

    @CodyBroadway

    2 жыл бұрын

    Keep battling!!! It gets better overtime. Stay busy as much as you can!!🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • @bennizar1689

    @bennizar1689

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@CodyBroadway thanks Cody.. MRI came out just couple of hours ago and there is nothing serious. was told that it's matter of time.. may I ask you? have you at any point while doing certain exercises that your mouth become so numb that you can't move it anymore then felt tingles in your lips? this happens since yesterday especially when I suck my cheeks inside.. i don't know if it's a good thing

  • @CodyBroadway

    @CodyBroadway

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@bennizar1689 yes it did happen time to time. I would also tape my face a night to help pull it tight when I slept. You should look to see if there is any specialist in your area to help you with treatment.

  • @zinu8081

    @zinu8081

    2 жыл бұрын

    Keep fighting! I'm no medical expert but I suggest acupuncture as it's a good treatment that works. Wish you the best

  • @bennizar1689

    @bennizar1689

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@zinu8081 hey.. I am still doing massages and exercises.. now I managed to move the muscle between the nose and eye. eyebrow and mouth still dead.. hopefully I overcome this thing

  • @jasonlagace1610
    @jasonlagace1610 Жыл бұрын

    I've had bells palsy for 6yrs now. Never completely healed and some days are more noticeable than others. At this point I feel my smile will never be the same. It's a tough battle emotionally.

  • @CodyBroadway

    @CodyBroadway

    Жыл бұрын

    It is friend!! It is!!

  • @aperillee
    @aperillee14 күн бұрын

    I got Bells Palsy 4+ years ago and my face still isn't like it used to be. It's unfortunate. 😮‍💨 Friends say they can't tell, but it still bothers me. Your video was the most relatable and reassuring because I'm not alone in this. Thank you for sharing your story. Bells Palsy needs to be talked about more.

  • @samb7370
    @samb73702 жыл бұрын

    Today is a bad day. I’m on day 6 and crying now. I don’t feel like myself I hate looking in the mirror. I can’t believe a virus can do this of all places on the face. I just want to feel normal again. Trying to not feel alone by watching videos. Praying for all of us with Bells.

  • @CodyBroadway

    @CodyBroadway

    2 жыл бұрын

    I know the feeling Sam!! I hope all is well and hope the videos help. It takes time for sure. Try and stay busy - that is what has helped me.

  • @cindyoconnell2471

    @cindyoconnell2471

    6 ай бұрын

    I sure hope you are doing a lot better a year later! My sister was diagnosed two months ago and feels the same way. I have a permanent condition called Cervical Dystonia, and it stinks too! Although hideous, it teaches us to be humble and compassionate towards others. I am not sure we needed this to do so.

  • @Cookie-mv4li

    @Cookie-mv4li

    Ай бұрын

    I feel your pain I am in the same boat. And I also noticed my symptoms late. Very nervous. I won’t get some function back. Also noticed it affects my taste. Which really blows me.

  • @FailingProject185

    @FailingProject185

    17 күн бұрын

    How are you now?

  • @jerichoaustria7773

    @jerichoaustria7773

    6 күн бұрын

    I got Ramsay Hunt Syndrome last June 11, 2024. I'm now I guess 99% recovered after a month.

  • @hallsilver01
    @hallsilver01Ай бұрын

    I've been dealing with Bell's palsy for 5 years as well. And I definitely tear up from eating certain foods usually from something that is vinegary, sweet, or sour I definitely saw results from acupuncture. I did it for at least five or six months, and I stopped because my insurance wouldn't help me cover the cost. I currently still have Bell's palsy, but it has improved. I use a TENS unit 2 days a week. It has a chart for facial paralysis on certain tens units brands. To anyone that struggling with Bell palsy as you read, I'm praying for emotional support in your life, I know it's hard to accept the way you look now but in order to start healing you have to. just don't settle in your condition even though you've accepted how you look. Always have hope that you will get better and that healing is happening even though it doesn't look that way. Prayer Works 🙏 run to God 🏃‍♀️

  • @shannonmarie6227
    @shannonmarie622711 ай бұрын

    I was diagnosed with bells 26 days ago. Im Also 23 weeks pregnant so super depressed. I’ve done 12 acupuncture sessions and seen a chiropractor twice already. My forehead snd eyebrows are almost symmetrical and today I notice lip/mouth movement on the bad side. My lip droop is the worst of it. Im praying for a speedy recovery with no residuals 🙏🏼💜

  • @Baohelena-lu2hq
    @Baohelena-lu2hqКүн бұрын

    Thank you so much! Maybe you cannot see my comment, but I still want to say thank you, I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy 9 years ago when I was 21, and now I'm thirty, and I hate myself, every day when I see myself in the mirror It keeps reminding me that I cannot smile like normal people, there is no one I can talk, but recently I found I do not care about this so much like before, I know I need to move on eventually.

  • @rosefuentes9218
    @rosefuentes92182 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing. I've been diagnosed with Bell's palsy last week. My vision has become blurry and I have to wear glasses so I could read the letters. Let us continue praying for healing.

  • @kimr820
    @kimr8202 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the update, I'm 3.5 years in. Find it hard with the different eye sizes and getting photos taken. Also my speech is affected, slurring some words. Like you people say they don't notice, but I do, its mentally draining at times. Have good and bad days still. I remember watching your videos when I first got diagnosed.

  • @CodyBroadway

    @CodyBroadway

    2 жыл бұрын

    Kim K! I remember your comments. I know the feeling, friend. It can be challenging for sure! Keep sharing your story!!! It helps

  • @wd003us
    @wd003us2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you sharing. Got Bells Palsy 5 days ago. Cant move my lefy eye brow, nose or lip. My speech is affected, slurring word. The worst is the emotional toll, not knowing how long the recovery will be. Seeing your video make me realize it will take a awhile to health. I have to be patient and strong and keep being busy. Thanks for sharing 💪💪

  • @amyclark6311
    @amyclark63112 жыл бұрын

    I am so glad you did this video about shockwave therapy it gave me the courage to go get it done and what after 2and a half years . It started when I was 5mths pregnant,I suffered as a woman my self confidence and self esteem was in the dumps .I renewed my DL and the pic is horrible , pics with my newborn who is now 2 and a half was horrible, but Thanks to you just yesterday I got shockwave done and my left eye was immediately open unbelievable. It looks better already

  • @guillaumebeaupreberard5935

    @guillaumebeaupreberard5935

    10 ай бұрын

    How are you now?

  • @jeremyhopwood
    @jeremyhopwood2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for posting - day 5 since diagnosis for me and currently doing ok but waiting to see to what extent recover function

  • @trishlindsey2100
    @trishlindsey21002 жыл бұрын

    I had Bell's palsy about a year ago. I freaked out thinking I had a stroke and it took roughly like 4 1/2months to go away medication for infection and steroids. It was crazy I had to sleep with an eye patch and I have medicine for my eye to keep it moist, drinking anything was almost impossible,speaking was so difficult. I'm sorry you've had yours for so very long.

  • @Olayimikaa
    @Olayimikaa3 ай бұрын

    I’ve lived with Bell’s palsy for about 8 year now and I can totally relate to all that you said in this video. I went through so much emotional trauma. I hope to share my story too one day.

  • @dante666jt
    @dante666jt Жыл бұрын

    Glad that you recovered

  • @franklinforge7806
    @franklinforge78068 күн бұрын

    It's been 7 years for me. I got partial movement back, but my smile will never be the same. Synkinesia is absolutely the worst and I wish a doctor told me how I can prevent it. My face distorts when I use my mouth.

  • @ismailhamdi5977
    @ismailhamdi597711 ай бұрын

    It's a tough mental battle. Some days, I feel great, while other days, I feel disappointed and unmotivated to do any exercises or massages. I'm two months into this journey, and right now, my eyes almost close, but there is no movement at all when I smile or raise my eyebrows. Luckily, My job is remote so didn't have to commute or meet people at the early days. Also, I'm thankful that I have good friends and family who always try to motivate me to keep my head up since day one. I hope this battle comes to an end ASAP so that I can regain my smile back.

  • @zinu8081
    @zinu80812 жыл бұрын

    Glad to see recovery happening. I had it years ago when I was about 8 ish, I had acupuncture done and recovered fully in about a year or so. All the best

  • @davidgalloway1526
    @davidgalloway15267 ай бұрын

    i am coming up on 1 year with ramsay hunt and bells palsy. the virus made its way into my brain and did some nerve damage. i have the the facial issues but also nerve pain, i am deaf in the ear on the effected side, and vertigo which makes walking tough. some days can be emotionally hard and i need to lay low those days.

  • @TropicalTaquito
    @TropicalTaquito2 жыл бұрын

    Got diagnosed last week. I’m afraid it’s going to keep me out of the Air Force. I was ready to go and now I have to wait. I’m 28, a little later in recruitment. I just hope it passes because I feel like this was my last chance to do something with my life

  • @talhaiqbal337
    @talhaiqbal3374 ай бұрын

    Its been almost 5 years i am battling with this , main thing u need to do is tc of ur sleep and avoid stress . If someone is new patient plz take rest and avoid stress it will heal

  • @ryanmvickerman
    @ryanmvickerman2 жыл бұрын

    I'm about a year into my Bell's palsy journey and I too have the tearing issue. Trying to schedule some time to go see an ophthalmologist because I heard that it can be treated with Botox. I found out that it's called Bogorats Syndrome...or crocodile tears. It's definitely worth the Google. I hope that helps. I'll be sure to follow up if I'm able to have anything done. Thanks for spreading the word about BP!

  • @CodyBroadway

    @CodyBroadway

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing!!!! That is so interesting. I will definitely look into it all!!

  • @pramodpradhan6854

    @pramodpradhan6854

    Жыл бұрын

    How are you now?

  • @WANDERWITHRYAN1
    @WANDERWITHRYAN12 жыл бұрын

    4 ish months in and it sucks still haven’t gotten back anything my eye sight has worsened. And I feel that I’m getting frustrated and depressed more from it.

  • @pramodpradhan6854

    @pramodpradhan6854

    Жыл бұрын

    How are you now?

  • @drel305
    @drel305 Жыл бұрын

    Yoo man this is my exact story man..From start to finish…Except mine was a little worst cause it went from bells to Ramsay hunt

  • @shaelynconlin-grey3652
    @shaelynconlin-grey36522 жыл бұрын

    I'm 10 days into my journey and today has me feeling a little down. I've been staying home more and have found that I'm isolating a bit. Just want to feel like myself again.

  • @CodyBroadway

    @CodyBroadway

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sorry to hear that! How are you feeling now? Any improvement?

  • @shaelynheroux6982

    @shaelynheroux6982

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@CodyBroadway There has been some improvement. My smile is almost back to normal, but my eye is still droopy. I will take every little win though.

  • @hannakim9519
    @hannakim95193 ай бұрын

    my sister have bells palsy going on for 2 years now. we'll try the home EMS device, hope it would really work because I want her to fully recover already because I dont want her to feel different and not confident about herself

  • @nancyadams9228
    @nancyadams92289 ай бұрын

    My boyfriend of many years took one look at me and started packing. I am devastated. Had to quit my job… I feel hopeless.

  • @SHAZZY_MUZIK

    @SHAZZY_MUZIK

    Ай бұрын

    Sorry about that,🥺❤️,how are you,you recovered?

  • @MarkJYule
    @MarkJYule6 ай бұрын

    Hi, 14 months down the road from RH (without blisters etc - just super sensitive hearing on the affected side). Was given 3 weeks steroids and 2 weeks antivirals. Had no change for a good 6 months and then it slowly started improving. Not completely though 😢 My eye still doesn't close completely, my eye weeps as yours , and I get occasional lip droop and saliva leaking from my weak side. I have almost continuous tingling between my ear and eye and a hearing change that I can only describe as like having a shell against my ear - whooshing, swirling "white noise" 🤷‍♂️ The weirdest thing is yawning - my eye closes then! And I get disturbed vision looking down. I did spend 2 days in hospital in the stroke ward - as my nerve damage affected arm (unconnected) gave them positive signs for stroke and I had to have an MRI - which felt like someone beating me on the affected ear with a frying pan - that was horrendous 😢 So I was relieved it wasn't a stroke but at the same time wish it hadn't happened 🤷‍♂️ Love and hugs to all being affected by this, you'll find people saying it's no big deal - usually because they haven't suffered from it...

  • @sabrinabergman5584
    @sabrinabergman55844 ай бұрын

    I’m going on two years with Bell’s palsy. And I had the same symptoms in the beginning. My doctor said it was Ramsey hunt syndrome but I had none of the symptoms that come with that. I just had a new born too! And I was extremely exhausted for awhile. I had no energy for a couple months. I get headaches and pain still behind my ear like pressure, and sometimes if I squish my face up tight I can feel the pain/ pressure intensifying.. it’s weird. I notice some days it seems to function better and other days I can tell it’s seems worse. My eye and mouth and nose are affected still, but I seem to be able to move my eyebrows up and down. My eye will tear up without me realizing it. If I’m eating my eye will twitch every time I chew. At times my face feels tingly like when your arm falls asleep. I also started getting random double vision which I do not know if that is connected. Got an MRI as well and every thing was normal there. It’s a very strange thing! It’s been a battle, and self esteem has gone way down. I hate smiling and being in pictures but I still do it so my kids have memories of me but I hate it.

  • @emilyrobinson9835
    @emilyrobinson98359 ай бұрын

    I’m on week 11 of my Bell’s palsy journey, got it when I was 35 weeks pregnant. It’s definitely been difficult, especially having a newborn. I’ve had very little movement come back. I wanted to ask how you handled your eye when it wasn’t blinking, my eye is just always so irritated. I hate taping it. I just want to be able to enjoy being outside but the wind just irritates my eye so badly. Thanks for the video, I’m trying to stay positive.

  • @cindyoconnell2471

    @cindyoconnell2471

    6 ай бұрын

    Wow, my heart breaks for you-getting it while you are pregnant and then just wanting to be outside! My sister was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt two months ago, and I have been combing the internet to find information. I sure hope your recovery time is short and that you are enjoying your new baby!

  • @rosiegrays3822
    @rosiegrays38223 ай бұрын

    Just going through this and the emotional part is really hitting 😭

  • @suhelraju3815
    @suhelraju38152 жыл бұрын

    Same tears drop while eating... Now i am surffering from 52days.... Who many days time taken for your recovery?

  • @divinelove1273
    @divinelove12732 жыл бұрын

    I was diagnosed with bellspalsy a day after I had twin boys . In total I've had the condition going on 4 months on the 22nd of this month. I just started to get a little cheek movement in January inwhich I can kinda move my cheek up and down . I still can't chew , lift my eye brow , make a kiss lip , fully smile or fully close my eye on the affected side . 😕 what are some things that can help? Would accupunture maybe help? Also what exactly are they looking for on a mri for bellspalsy? Any tips can help. Thank you for the video on your experience, it helps others to see we're not alone .

  • @CodyBroadway

    @CodyBroadway

    2 жыл бұрын

    So sorry you to hear that! They were searching to make sure it wasn’t anything more than Bell’s palsy. It was clear thank God! I would look to find some type therapy. I did shock. Just to jump start the nerve. I would also try exercising your face to help strength it.

  • @PeppyPeppers
    @PeppyPeppers2 ай бұрын

    It's my 16th day ..i have had some improvement in terms of facial movements but still get dizzy standing up, and have difficulty focusing ...i hope it gets better

  • @adrianbenedykt7591

    @adrianbenedykt7591

    Ай бұрын

    I am on my 4th day. Taking prednisone and antiviral. Today I started acupuncture sessions and on Monday I will start physiotherapy. I am calm. I can close both eyes but my mouth... lol... it looks like Popeye's mouth. We need to stay calm and be happy that we didn't suffer a stroke. We will be fine! Today I watched the movie Escape from New York! If you see the protagonist, you will identify with him! :) We need to take all of this with good humor!

  • @filimonmahari9069
    @filimonmahari9069 Жыл бұрын

    7 weeks with BP and not any movement yet Please can you tell me when you saw the first movement?

  • @cassandrabroadway8627
    @cassandrabroadway86272 жыл бұрын

    Love this

  • @CodyBroadway

    @CodyBroadway

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!!!!!!!

  • @Goodkarmadayspa
    @Goodkarmadayspa18 күн бұрын

    I am on my third episode of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, Bell’s palsy. My first one at 30 years old my second one at 40 and now my third at 50.

  • @emillymiranda7148

    @emillymiranda7148

    10 күн бұрын

    Hello, have you taken the vaccine yet? I had my first episode last year and one again 3 months ago and I took a dose of the herpes virus vaccine.

  • @Goodkarmadayspa

    @Goodkarmadayspa

    7 күн бұрын

    @@emillymiranda7148 I did not get the shingles vaccine prior to this onset. I was always a little concerned about getting the vaccine. I did test positive for Covid though three days before. I have been trying some new therapy low level laser to reduce inflammation. Arnica massage oil for daily massage. 20 minutes daily over infrared red light therapy on my face. And I just started a series of acupuncture. I am getting movement back a little faster. It’s not gonna go away overnight. I know that, I think it’s the first thing we have to come to terms with. I’m just trying to lessen the residual nerve damage and be patient with the process.

  • @ke1607
    @ke16079 ай бұрын

    I just got bells polish 10 -5-23 for hate it it’s my second day yes my eye still watering bad I’m very emotional about it driving me crazy help

  • @smackvic
    @smackvic8 ай бұрын

    8th month anniversary here, socked a wall on day 30, then i came to my senses. i dont like to see videos people stating 100% recovery, just jealous i guess, good for them ! . i have same symtoms as Cody but glad to say tearing stopped at 7th month. i work at a hosp so i get humbled right away . im on same boat as all yall , but now when i slightly crooked smile in mirror i say its ok i have lots of people that know this. i notice slow improvements but it does get better everyone . I still bite my lip once in a while when i eat ..now that one sucks lol. keep the faith.

  • @cindyoconnell2471

    @cindyoconnell2471

    6 ай бұрын

    I hope you are even better than one month ago! What a difficult journey!

  • @azimraza0567
    @azimraza05672 ай бұрын

    2 years into it at days the left part of the mouth just stiffens up.

  • @candrasananggala937
    @candrasananggala93721 күн бұрын

    I can see your right eye still get affected. I got BP 4 months ago after giving blood donation. My stamina was down and the herpes took over nervous system. Luckyly It's medium condition cause i went to doctor on the 2nd day and got medication prednison, acyclovir and few vitamin melcobalamin, b6, b12, D3K2, magnesium and Zinc. My right eye can do fully closure after 3 ½ months. I still do self massage on my face, chinese acupunture once a week. Stil my right sphere of upper dan below lips still sleeping, imbalance with the left sphere. When i get tired, stil having headache at the back of my head. i hope you can have fully recovered of your face, love your body and be happy.

  • @sanjuvlogs2904
    @sanjuvlogs290417 күн бұрын

    Tearing happens to me even now

  • @user-oz1fz8cq8k
    @user-oz1fz8cq8k7 ай бұрын

    Hello sir... I'm suffering from Bell's palsy

  • @candeegurl68
    @candeegurl682 жыл бұрын

    I had it on my whole face bck In oct 21 from covid vaccine..but when i eat my nose run my vision change it was horrible

  • @CodyBroadway

    @CodyBroadway

    2 жыл бұрын

    Oh no!!! So sorry to hear that. How are you doing today?

  • @davemattia

    @davemattia

    Жыл бұрын

    Not to be disagreeable, but it's far more likely that Covid itself and not the vax caused the Palsy. I know from personal experience. Ramsay Hunt and Bell's Palsy (two entirely different diseases) were way up on the rise in hospitals before the vax came along. But - maybe. Here is a small test to gauge your improvement. If you can close your eyes tight, you might feel a mini-cramp right on the corner of your chin on the affected side - like a pulling sensation. When that stops happening, if it ever did, it means you're better. It's not foolproof, but it's a test no one tells you about.

  • @truhunk1
    @truhunk110 ай бұрын

    This is my third time getting BP, and this time I'm not recovering.

  • @Cookie-mv4li

    @Cookie-mv4li

    6 күн бұрын

    @@truhunk1 damn I’m so sorry to hear that that’s so crazy I’m on my third month. And really having a hard time. Especially losing your taste, that’s the worst part for me I feel like I’ll never be the same again

  • @pramodpradhan6854
    @pramodpradhan6854 Жыл бұрын

    Now also you have tearing problem sir

  • @AnthonyP2A
    @AnthonyP2A Жыл бұрын

    Jeebus the constant zooming in and out was distracting. Clicked away...

  • @CodyBroadway

    @CodyBroadway

    Жыл бұрын

    Cool story

  • @AnthonyP2A

    @AnthonyP2A

    Жыл бұрын

    I hope your viewers see your lack of empathy and your dismissiveness. Not very professional. But I digress. I hope your journeys end as well as mine with Bell’s palsy cones to a positive resolution. Good day, Sir.