Bells Palsy

FFT

Gay & Stuffy
Ever heard of it? Me neither, until I was enjoying a hamburger after my ride on Sunday and could not control the left side of my face. I had onion and burger and bun all over. I wiped my lunch off my face and realized it was numb. Initially I passed this off as an allergic reaction to something in my food(all the symptoms where there). I struggled to finish my $1 slider and rushed off to my house. I was meeting with my nail banger friend to do a little home depot project. Well he let the dog out and when I whistled for the pup I realized something was really wrong.

Fast forward to ER visit. Immediatly upon arrival the nurse knew whats up. This was the first I've ever heard of Bells Palsy. It's the temporary paralasys of one side of the face. This has something to do with a nerve that passes by the ear.

I share my story here becausre they think it may be related to Lyms Disease. I've had more than my share of encounters with those fucking deer ticks, and always just ignored the bites. I suppose a little more caution should be used when in an area know for deer ticks.

In addition to Lyms, extended exposure to cold air or water on the ear can instigate an onset of Bells Palsy. So this is my tale and if you take anything from it, please becarful cycling where there are ticks, and protect your ears when surfing or enjoying the snow.

As for me, I'm still riding, but no surfing until this passes. I can't hold my mouth shut to go under water and cant afford the exposure to the cold. If you see a guy on the trail who sounds like he's drunk and only blinks outta one eye, thats me, stop and say hi!!
 

Bob W

JORBA: Allamuchy
JORBA.ORG
Co Worker

OPne of my co-workers had bells palsey this past fall. He is an older guy (60's) and like you it came out of the blue. He was on medication for a period of time and it has been under control.

Hopefully yours will be as easy to deal with.
 

Shaggz

A strong 7
good luck with it FFT. My sister in-law and a coworker both had BP, and while it was uncomfortable, they both recovered from it 100%.
 

NJ Jess

Active Member
Get well soon

Yes, it does suck, but like everyone hear said,...it recoverable. Believe it or not, trying to chew gum forces the nerves and muscles to repair quicker. Just don't bite the side of your mounth.
 

dualfisted

Member
Here's the silver lining, you get jacked in that side of the face, you won't even know,,,, won't you be the tuff guy!!!!!!
That sucks man, but thanks for the 411, I've heard the term before but never knew what it was or how it occurred.
Good luck, TJ
 

clarkenstein

JORBA Board Member/Chapter Leader
JORBA.ORG
my brother in law (who rides and kayaks) and a guy i worked with had it... both have theirs totally under control.

i'm sure yours will be the same.

and as far as the surfing goes - i totally prefer temps where i can wear a rash guard and board shorts versus needing a 4-3 with booties, gloves, and a hood anyway!
 

jdog

Shop: Halter's Cycles
Shop Keep
bummer..

I only heard of it last year when Judy from 101.5 had it.

It passed for her and I hope the same for you.

The one thing i would do is totally clean up your diet so that your body has every chance possible to fight it.

Get lot's of sleep and don't drink or smoke anything if you can avoid it.

Seeing an allergy specialist is a good idea too since you may be consuming things in your diet that you may be slightly allergic to. You may also consider analyzing your living space for allergens. Mold, dust..etc.

Arm yourself with knowledge and don't accept anyone's opinion as fact.

Fight like hell with the facts in hand.

Best of luck.


j-
 

FFT

Gay & Stuffy
and as far as the surfing goes - i totally prefer temps where i can wear a rash guard and board shorts versus needing a 4-3 with booties, gloves, and a hood anyway!

So do, it just happens that the Saturday befor I paddled my big board (18') from the Manasquan river to the M2 bouy outside of the inlet(AKA mile marker); this is a +/- 4 mile trek. I was gettin a head start for the swell that hit yesterday. Oh well, at least I can still use my paddle board when temps get up above 35 as well my bike.
 

clarkenstein

JORBA Board Member/Chapter Leader
JORBA.ORG
it just happens that the Saturday befor I paddled my big board (18') from the Manasquan river to the M2 bouy outside of the inlet(AKA mile marker); this is a +/- 4 mile trek.

dude! that is a serious paddle! nice!

if gets flat in the summer, i'll still head down an paddle a few beaches back and forth - but 4 miles!!!
 

FFT

Gay & Stuffy
That must be a bitch to duck dive!

J, its more like a submarine piercing through the face of an ocean swell, and all you can do is hold on and hope that fucker dont get outta your hands. You too are invited to take a try at it!! I have a feeling I'm gettin close to pursuading Ken into an adventure. His only excuse is no wetsuit, but I have a back up.
 
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