Daddy Says… The $100 sheet of stickers

Well, we had another visit to the emergency room yesterday.

During the afternoon, I noticed the Mighty Princess had a little funny smile on her face.  Not her usual cute little funny smile, but more of a crooked, lopsided smile.  I decided to keep an eye on her while she was playing, and noticed it seemed to be a consistent thing, so I decided to do a few little tests with her to see what was going on.  I had her give me the biggest smile she could, showing teeth and all – but only the left side of her face smiled.  Next, I had her blink as fast as she could, but it seemed her left eye was blinking a lot faster than her right, and at times the right eye didn’t fully close.  After a couple of more tests of scrunching her face, and closing her eyes as tight as she could I could see something was definitely wrong.

I knew right away that it was Bell’s Palsy. I had it myself when I was 16, so I was able to recognize it pretty quickly.  After a bit of online research, I found it was frequently linked with Lyme Disease. As you will recall, the Princess was in the hospital last week – well, at the time, one of the possibilities was Lyme Disease, but it was too early to test for it.  And seeing as she was feeling better on Friday, we just figured it was some sort of virus and that we were all done with it.

Think Again!

After the at home testing and online research, we called the Princess’ pediatrician’s office and the Dr. on call called us back.  She recommended we go to the hospital to have someone look her over.  So, after another trip to the hospital, the Doctors in the ER confirmed what I was thinking.  That it was most likely Lyme Disease from a tick bite. So they drew some blood for a test, gave the Princess some antibiotics and sent us on our way.  Usually they have a sticker to give the kids, but apparently the person who orders the rolls of stickers had not done so recently and the Nurse presented the Princess with a couple of selections of small sheets of stickers.  Our little girl picked the Tweety Bird sheet and we were out the door.  A one hundred dollar co-pay spent, and a sheet of stickers gained – along with a diagnosis and a prescription I suppose. 

The most important thing is that we have a plan of action to help our little one.  I know how strange the Bell’s Palsy can be – you can’t move one whole half of your face and it can be a bit unnerving. I was glad to hear that in most kids her age it goes away completely within 2-3 weeks.  So we’ll have her take the medicine and keep a close eye on her.

I can’t wait to see this little smile again

8 thoughts on “Daddy Says… The $100 sheet of stickers

  • 2 July, 2012 at 9:20 am
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    Poor little Princess – I feel so bad for her! I hope and pray she has a full recovery!

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  • 2 July, 2012 at 12:40 pm
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    That’s a shame. Poor girl’s been through enough lately. Oddly enough, a guy I work with came in Friday with Bell’s Palsy! But don’t mess with Lyme disease. I have a friend who’s had it for 15 years and is constantly on anti-biotics (three or more at a time) because her doctors didn’t diagnose her early enough. (And she lives in Connecticuit!) There’s a movie called “Under our skin” about Lyme, though you probably shouldn’t watch it right now!

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  • 22 September, 2012 at 11:17 pm
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    I am sorry to hear about your little girl. I too know how it feels to have your child go through this. My daughter is almost 10 and has had Bell’s Palsy a total of 7 times…. I hope that the little princess had/has a speedy recovery!!

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    • 22 September, 2012 at 11:34 pm
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      Thanks for your thoughts! She is doing much better now, not quite 100%, but pretty close. Every once in a while I catch a slightly crooked smile and can still see there’s a touch left. But usually it’s not noticeable.

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  • 20 February, 2013 at 4:20 pm
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    HI there,

    I am so sorry to use your blog, but I am desperate.

    My son is 3 1/2 and he has Bell’s pasy.

    PLEASE can anyone tell me about it? Hoe long dies it take to heal? We are on medicine (Steroides and Cortisone) but this is driving me insane!

    Reply
    • 20 February, 2013 at 8:42 pm
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      Hi Estelle,
      No worries, I’m glad to share what information I have. First, let me say I’m sorry to hear that your son is dealing with the Bell’s Palsy, I know it can be really upsetting and disconcerting knowing your little one is going through that.

      In our experience the majority of the Palsy had worn off in about 6 weeks. Since that time, there has been even more improvement to the point where it is about 99% better. Every once in a great while I still see some slight reminder. Usually a slightly lopsided smile.

      I actually went through it myself in my late teens and I can still tell there’s a tiny bit of it there. Try not to worry – smile, laugh, pray and encourage your little guy. Talk to the doctors, ask a lot of questions and be patient.

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      • 21 February, 2013 at 2:14 pm
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        Thank you SO much for replying. For now he is on strong medication ie Cortisone and Steroids. I’m heart broken. The doctor said chances are slim for children to get this disease. Could I ask you, does it hurt? What does it feel like? Sorry for asking you but you are now my one ray of light. Nobody else could help me. Can you suggest something to make it better?

        For me he looks a bit better but maybe as a mother I want to see that? We started the meds within 48 hours which the doc sid made a huge difference.

        I’m from south Africa. Sorry for the delay in response

        Once again. Thank you for getting back to me!!!

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        • 21 February, 2013 at 9:10 pm
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          Well, I was 17 when I had it, so I do remember it well. It doesn’t hurt, though it does feel odd being unable to move one side of your face. It was strange and upsetting, but not painful or anything.

          My daughter got it from an insect bite, but the Doctors told me I most likely contracted it through a virus. So, it would seem there are different ways someone can get it.

          I’m glad he is looking better so quickly! Just keep loving and praying for your little guy, I’m sure it won’t be long and you’ll be able to see his little smile shining through again.

          Reply

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