I know someone else that had dealt with Bell’s Palsy when they were 21. It threw this person into a 2 week long depression. Paralyzing half of your face really messes with your mind! This phone shows the extent of the damage at the time. I was smiling as big as possible….that was hard to deal with. My smile was only halfway present.
The Lord answered my deepest prayer. I prayed fervently that my baby boy would see a smiling mother looking down on him – and one with a complete smile. I didn’t want his first sight of me to resemble Quasimodo. And it didn’t.
Sorry you had to endure that, Annie! It never ceases to amaze me what bizzaro things can arise when one is pregnant.
Well, I think you have a beautiful smile..before & after!
ADORABLE picture of you and your daughter by the way.
This is my first time learning of Bell's Palsy. Thanks for explaining and sharing.
I'm sorry you had to go through that, but it just makes me smile how your husband adore you and your baby so sweet. Gosh.
You have such a gorgeous smile and I'm trying so hard to see the difference and can't.
I hope as time goes by the little leftovers will fade away too.
Annie, you are truly beautiful! Inside and out. Nothing, not even Bell's Palsy, could hide the beauty and kindness of your spirit that shines through when you smile! We've had the honor to watch you endure with grace. God is SO GOOD! Keep on smilin' girl!!!
What a sweet post! I love that you kept smiling anyway…you didn't let anyone steel your joy even in the midst of pain.
My friend developed Bells Palsey after the birth of her son. It took about a year for her to recover. You both have amazing testimonies!
Your smile was beautiful in all the pictures, because you were full of joy and love. No wonder those beautiful babies think they have a beautiful mom!!
Wow…I've never heard of that before – but thanks so much for sharing! I can definitely imagine how tough it would be to have something like that…but no matter what I still think you are beautiful. 🙂
I'm sorry you had to go through that! I am so glad you are able to smile fully now, such a sweet smile 🙂
I had BP for several weeks when I was 5. I had it right after a bad case of chicken pox. I remember the eye taping!
A chiropractor I worked with, his wife had BP right after they got married (she was in her 20s) and he was able to do special adjustments to help her get back to 'normal' fairly quickly. Did you happen to see a chiropractor or even heard that they could help BP?
Thanks so much for sharing! I have always thought you had a beautiful simile, but now I know there is so much more behind that smile that has a rich story. Thanks for sharing.
I too suffered a bout with Bell's Palsy just over 4 years ago. It was horrible. The worst was not knowing if it would EVER go away. The worst of it lasted about 4-5 weeks and then within 4 days, I had about 75% recovery. But it took almost an entire year for all the symptoms to disappear – my ear was the worst. Even today, my face is still a little lopsided when I smile and especially when I yawn althought if I didn't point it out, you probably wouldn't notice.
I think my bout was caused by a cold sore as well – I get them often and every time I do, I hold my breath and simply hope it doesn't manifest into another bout of BP.