What's my problem?

On Sunday morning I woke up with a funny feeling in my face, as if something is just not quite right. For whatever reason, I had lost all muscle control of the right side of my face, seemingly overnight.

At first, I thought there might be a chance I was having a stroke. So, I contacted Health Services Canada and provided them with the following symptoms: I can't shut my right eye properly, including zero winking; I can't smile properly, I can't move my right eyebrow, a small part of the right side of my tongue is a tad numb, and I can't flare my nose nor move my right ear. She couldn't diagnose it so the default decision was to request her to call an ambulance and take me to the emergency room. I lol'd then hung up.

I did a bit of research and most signs point towards Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I went to the doctor today and he said it's most likely something called TIA, which I don't know anything about, just yet. He suspects, along with other people I've spoken with, that it's a pinched nerve somewhere deep within my massively smart cranium. My goal of the appointment was to get a proper diagnosis but Doc was not sure exactly of wtf I was dealing with. He was all like "you're young and healthy, can't be Bell's." I was all like "yo Doc, Bell's can happen to anyone of any age. Go check yourself."

It's important to note that I feel zero pain, I am not getting any headaches nor any earaches, which is common with Bell's.

Drinking and eating is slightly more difficult. Soap gets in my eye 100% of the time while shampooing the goods. Also, pronouncing some letters is difficult. Such as 'B' and 'P', as in 'Bell's Palsy'.

Anyways, I'm in good spirits because my gf said she won't leave me. I'm also optimistic that this will go away with time. If anyone has any stories of personal or family/friends experiences, please share. Also, if anyone cares to help support me get through this, you can donate to BankItDrew @ PokerStars. Thanks.

Here's a few pictures to give you an idea of what I'm dealing with:

Day 2
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/1838/day2d.jpg


Day 3
http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/7264/day3.jpg


Day 3 with eyes closed lol omg scary shit
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/5123/day2closed.jpg

You have the aids

TIA is like a mini-stroke. Get a second fucking opinion asap.

I would also be wanting an MRI asap

omg, go to more doctors.. someone who can actually help

Bell's Palsy has a good prognosis. Awesome.

Also, WTF at a quick browse of Wikipedia bei > a doctor's opinion.

Lastly, lots of luck.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Warpe

Get a second fucking opinion asap.

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This. ASAP. Health insurance is covered for you in Canada right?

Good luck with everything.

i would certainly be looking to get a second opinion, preferably from someone who has more specialised knowledge in the field. all the best man.

Second and third opinion needed. Also its clear gingeritus has caught up with you.

possible busto cover story?

Yeah, what they said, find the doctor that knows his shit. Half face dead is common sign of stroke.
Unless ofcourse you had waaaaaaay too much Botox in there.

EDIT: As a poker player I must also assume that your topic making range has some chance of trolling, since people with serious medical condition usually don't look for advice on poker forums.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BankItDrew

What's my problem.

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I hate to be the one who has to break this to you, but:
You have the ginger.

:(



And don't self diagnose over the internet, you noob. I did it once. After a day of research I was sure I had cancer of the aids of the malaria. Went to a doctor. Turns out it was just the aids. And the cancer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Warpe

TIA is like a mini-stroke. Get a second fucking opinion asap.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Warpe

I would also be wanting an MRI asap

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Um, yeah...do both of these.

Especially the MRI. There are some other diseases that'll cause those symptoms but get to a different doctor and get the MRI.

Since you're Canadian, shouldn't you just be going through the battery of doctors and tests? I'd be getting the full spectrum. Who knows? It could be something from an episode of House like your liver throwing off too much ammonia causing localized failure in some part of your brain.

whats my boggle?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Warpe

Get a second fucking opinion.

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you're also lazy

Looks very similar to a TIA my friend had about 18 months ago. He recovered fully from it over about 4 weeks, is 100% fine now. BTW he's 50, not a youngun like you though.

wtf stop playing words with friends and go to another doctor. i mean you're in canada ffs, you won't be stuck with a $10k bill for them to run some tests on you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oskar

I hate to be the one who has to tell you this, but:
You have the ginger.

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pretty sure he's a day walker.

The natural thing for your doctor to do is to start with the most likely diagnosis and see what develops. It could be a transient ischemic attack, a pinched nerve, or some other things that are quite unlikely. Bell's Palsy is a diagnosis by exclusion, meaning it's just a name they use when they've ruled every other explanation out.

If it is a transient ischemic attack it would normally go away within a day at most. If it's BP, it can last longer. your age and the fact that you've had neither head pain nor other neurological symptoms suggests a stroke is very unlikely.

The doctor you saw may be right but he could also be wrong. He at least is being honest that he's not entirely sure. In that case, it's never a bad idea to go to another doctor, and see what he/she says.

Also, at the risk of going to hell:

http://i.bnet.com/blogs/popeye1.jpg

Did you try running a Chkdsk?

Ps. Seriously, go see doctors until one actually knows for sure what it is.

+1000 on multiple opinions, MRIs, the works. That neurological sounding stuff is nothing to mess with or take lightly.

good luck / run good / mojo sent

I went to the gym Sunday night, Monday night, then played soccer late last night. I was only paranoid twice this week: once when I first noticed, then a second time late last night.

At about 1:00am, I read the first few replies to this thread and became extremely anxious but also eager, to finally diagnosis this shit correctly. That first doctor was useless. So, I decided to drive myself to the emergency room to settle this thing once and for all.

Three and a half hours later, I was seen by Dr. Lapp. I was searching for a family Doctor on Sunday afternoon on ratemymd.com and Dr. Lapp was one of those MD's. He was actually rated as one of the top two in the city. I mentioned this to him, in case he didn't know, and he smugly replied with "Yes. I am rated quite high on that website."

Anyways, he was the kind of doctor you felt comfortable around. He puts on a great showing towards care and knowledge, which means I trusted him 100%. Unlike that part-time piece of crap I saw at the walk-in clinic that said "No big deal. Come back in a week if things get worse."

Dr. Lapp said it was certainly Bell's Palsy. This was my feeling all along, as my symptoms fall on that side of the spectrum much more than anything else. Bell's is really nothing to worry about. He's prescribed me a few things, including Acyclovir and some other thing I can't read in the prescription. I'll be picking those up this afternoon. Let's hope it helps!

Thanks to all of the recommendations so far in this thread. Although I did not get an MRI, I'm extremely confident that none is required. I'm glad I finally went to the emergency room last night and I certainly wouldn't have if it wasn't for the urgent second opinion recommendation that was made in this thread.

I'll be posting updated pictures from time to time and don't forget to donate.

http://barenakedislam.files.wordpres...if?w=270&h=148

O Canada...

get well soon drew!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BankItDrew

So, I decided to drive myself to the emergency room to settle this thing once and for all.

Three and a half hours later, I was seen by Dr. Lapp.

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This goes against everything I'm taught about Canadian healthcare here in America. Are you sure you didn't mean three and a half DAYS later?

when obama becomes president you'll have to wait seven weeks to see the shaman if your teeth start to rot

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kiwiMark

when obama becomes president you'll have to wait seven weeks to see the shaman if your teeth start to rot

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The paradox is that Obama can't be reelected since on election day everybody will be stuck waiting at the doctor's office

Now that I feel comfortable making jokes

Second pic is

http://images.wikia.com/dcmovies/ima...8/Two-Face.jpg

And third pic is audition for The Walking Dead

At least i have more muscle control than Two-Face.

Wifey tripped on a sidewalk last week and fell hard, straight-armed the concrete. Thought her arm was broken, rushed her to emerg. In and out in 4-1/2 hours on a busy evening, x-rays and all. Free, of course.

well as long as we're telling Canadian emergency room stories...

Pretty blitzed, I was doing my best spiderman impression hanging off a roof, tried to land on a 1/2" thick railing. Tore my shin open exposing 3" of bone and my chest bounced off the rail. Was so efft I briefly contemplated temporarily sewing myself up with the dental floss in the bathroom so I could keep playing the homegame, but reason finally took over.

I show up to emerg with only a driver's license and for some reason a blood donor card (no health card) and 3 hrs later I walked out with my leg sewn up, chest x-rayed, but sadly the homegame was over :(


Glad to hear it's "just" the palsy Drew. Does this mean we can start the jean chretien jokes now?

I'm not sure if i'm ready for a sense of humor about this, just yet.

JK

Have at er'

my mom had something very similar happen about 3 weeks ago, and again a week and a half ago. Doctors at first said it was a TIA, but upon further testing she has viral encephalitis. That was found via and MRI that showed the fluid around her brain had some swelling. I guess your situation is a bit different (i.e. all of her symptoms disappeared within about 12 hours), but it seems like an MRI might now be a bad idea because both encephalitis and meningitis can have some similar symptoms in extreme cases.

gl man

It does sound like Bell's Palsy, your doctor sounds clueless.

I had Bell's Palsy when I was a teenager. Discovered it on Easter dinner when food just fell out of my mouth.

If you have this, some key things: Wear an eye patch. You will not be able to shut your eye if debris flies into it.

Massage the paralyzed side of your face regularly. You need to keep the muscles active so they don't atrophy. You will very likely have some sort of permanent effect but it won't be too noticeable if you do this. When I smile, my face is a little crooked.

Glad you got it diagnosed, gl with the treatment and sincere best wishes

http://thereviewbin.com/wp-content/u...nies-photo.jpg

too soon?

gw on seeing a good dr.

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Originally Posted by mbiz

http://thereviewbin.com/wp-content/u...nies-photo.jpg

too soon?

gw on seeing a good dr.

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lolllllll wtf

get well drew thats some scary shit

yea i had a friend that had bell's as well, it was pretty severe and doctor said it would probably last about a year but he was back to normal in about 4 months.

there's a borderline cute girl I know who I'm pretty sure was normal when I first saw her and now one side of her face looks like it's all tight together. DOES THIS MEAN THERE'S A CHANCE ORDER WILL BE RESTORED AT SOME POINT IN TIME?

pics or it didn't happen.

haha alexos thats from the goonies, not a case of bells palsy D: ;]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mbiz

haha alexos thats from the goonies, not a case of bells palsy D: ;]

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Maybe he had it too?

Good friend of mine had this in second year of college, and my dad has this now. Been going on for 6 weeks already, I hope you have patience.

A friend of mine at uni had this earlier this year, said it just came on one day out the blue and he couldn't move one side of his face. He took a few weeks off and is fine now.

Glad you've got a badass gf to be with you for this.

Gl man, glad to hear it shouldn't last too long..

Update:

It's been 9 days since I woke up with Bell's Palsy and things are OK.

I've noticed the slightest bit of improvement in both my eye and cheek movement. Maybe a 20-25% improvement in both of those spots, whereas everywhere else is relatively the same.

Here's a few other notables:

• Eating is very difficult, as food and liquid keeps escaping the right side of my mouth like I'm a god damn vegetable.
• My eyesight on the bad side is getting worse and I'm desperate to go to the clinic for an eye patch of some sort.
• Sleeping efficiently is difficult due to the eye not closing the entire way. I have never been more fatigued during a 9-day period before.

Everything else is no big deal. If I can take care of my eye better, it's not a huge deal if my condition doesn't get substantially better.

Here's a couple of updated pics. One with smile and one with eyes closed at normal force:

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/5995/photo5pw.jpg

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/2117/photo4lk.jpg

You probably want to tilt your head to side when eating. You can tilt your head, yes? GL & heal fast. :D

seems to be improving, you'll get through it soon enough I hope. GL GL

brutal. hope you recover quickly

Would improve if you put a shirt on.

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Originally Posted by BennyLaRue

Would improve if you put a shirt on.

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I can't help but disagree.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BankItDrew

I can't help but disagree.

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Talking bout this thread.

I still disagree.

Think you could have some fun with this. Terminator Robot Eye Contact Lenses (Pair) [86614] - $35.98 : Mimix :: Fashion Fundamentals

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Warpe

Think you could have some fun with this. Terminator Robot Eye Contact Lenses (Pair) [86614] - $35.98 : Mimix :: Fashion Fundamentals

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Most likely not if half of his head is numb, plus would be a bitch to remove from the eye because of his condition, and if it runs away to the corner of his eye and he can't remove it he risks inflammation and annoying trip to a doctor. :drunk:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nekrogovner

Most likely not if half of his head is numb

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Nothing is numb. I just can't move the right side of my face.

How are you finding concentration and memory with one bad eye? I've always wondered how much my eyesight getting worse has effected my once great memory and focus.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jyms

How are you finding concentration and memory with one bad eye? I've always wondered how much my eyesight getting worse has effected my once great memory and focus.

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why would it affect memory?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alexos

why would it affect memory?

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If you don't see stuff, you can't memorize it. :drunk:

omg dude I hope that you get better soon!

http://whatyoutakemefor.files.wordpr...beach-face.jpg

LOL WP

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jyms

How are you finding concentration and memory with one bad eye? I've always wondered how much my eyesight getting worse has effected my once great memory and focus.

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No improvement. Still can't remember shit.

I hope you are massaging your face often.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alexos

why would it affect memory?

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Not sure, I have found that my memory and eye site have deteriorated quite noticeably over the last few years. I have also found that outside noise and actions have distracted me from focusing on the computer much more than before. I used to be able to read or play video games and even watch TV through any type of distraction. I could miss whole conversations while focusing on something else. Maybe it's just age.

One of my friends who is 24 had Bell's a few months ago. I think it took him about 2 weeks or so to fully recover while taking a bunch of the prescribed medicines. Such a weird condition =\

Update after 16 days

I took the medication for the prescribed 7 days, which ended on Thursday. I took the anti-inflamatory drug exactly as prescribed but was lazy on the steroid by taking about 2/3 of it I'd say. I used one eye bandage on only one day and didn't bother using any others. This is because I didn't need it.

• Eye is about 90% shut but I still can't wink with it. Although, I'm getting blood spots from time to time. Probably due to it not being perfect just yet
• Eating is much easier
• I'm finally seeing wrinkles I can make with the forehead
• Smile is 90% back
• Sleeping has improved quite a bit, due to eye improvements

Ship it!

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7307/photo9ug.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8334/photo10ow.jpg

Great to hear you're recovering!

really glad to see you're getting better, despite you being a leafs fan.