An Overdue Update

Hi, all!  I’m finally chiming in wih an update.  The weekend was a bit rough, having to cancel a couple of shoots (one of them would have been a major milestone in my career), but I’m keeping my chin up.  Thanks to my wonderful husband, lots of amazing friends and doctors and even complete strangers, I know that I WILL get through this. 

While I’m over half way through my second round of steroids I’ve seen no improvement in my symptoms.  And my vision has gotten worse.  (And I don’t need to tell you how important vision is to a photographer.)  I was lucky enough to get an appointment with one of the best ophthalmologists in the city over the weekend.  Dr. David Lyon of the Sabates Eye Centers saw me Saturday and assured me that there had been no permanent damage to my eye, which is wonderful news.  Because I’m not able to close my right eye completely it cannot stay hydrated on it’s own.  I’m having to use artificial tears during the day and gel at night while I tape my eye shut.  And don’t get me started on how annoying this is.  (You know I really could ‘roid rage at any given moment.)  I was so excited to see Dr. Lyon.  Being that he specializes in eye muscle disorders I had such high hopes that he’d have some miracle cure for me.  (What was I thinking?)  Unfortunately, that was not the case.  I’ve since learned that the steroids only relieve the inflammation of the nerve and that the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy will only go away as the nerve begins to regenerate itself.   I’ll see Dr. Lyon again in two weeks and will likely continue on that schedule until my vision is better.  He simply wants to be sure that no permanent damage is occurring as a result of not being able to close the eye.  He’s very thorough and I’m grateful to have been able to see him on such short notice.  I guess I was just hoping for a little miracle and was completely shocked and felt so deflated when I heard that nothing could be done. 

Saturday and Sunday Chris and I did quite a bit of research on Bell’s Palsy and found that lots of people are using acupuncture to help regenerate the nerve.  After having another appointment with my NP today I’ve decided to give it a try.  I’ve been referred to a couple of acupuncturists, but would love to hear from anyone who has experience with it.  While I know it may or may not work for me, I’m willing to give it a try.

Chris bought me a card the other day that read, "It’s times like these we can remind ourselves…there’s nothing some nice lipstick and a fabulous pair of shoes can’t cure!"  I consider myself half way there.  Because I can’t really sit and read magazines or be on the computer much and too much TV causes headaches I decided I would get out and walk.  Yes, walk.  I know.  I know.  Me?  One foot in front of the other.  Exercise.  (Kathy, don’t fall out of your chair…you might drop your Thin Mints and that would be such a waste.)  Believe it or not I used to do it all the time.  Before I had kids.  Before my spare time was filled with photography.  Walking used to be so therapeutic to me.  It was the one thing I could do to relax and clear my head.  So what did I do?  I made Chris take me to the mall and by me a new pair of shoes.  And rather than a cute pair of heels or a sassy pair of boots I got a sweet pair of Nikes.  Pink ones.  With Shox. 


And I’m now a walkin’ fool!  I have to say that the cold weather really sucks, but it’s been nice to get out of the house and clear my head.   Now all I need is some new lipstick.  :o)

I’ll keep you posted on that one. 

Until next time, thank you all so much for your love and support.  Much love,
H