Update -- 146 Days Later!

Today marks exactly 146 days since I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy and I am happy to say my face is completely back to normal!

I still get headaches from time to time and have occasional soreness in the right side of my face, but other than that, things are good.

I take folic acid each day, with a B12 vitamin and daily multivitamin per doctor's orders.

Here are some recent photos. I've decided to start another blog on my adventures in the news industry! Stay tuned for that ....

 

“You were sick, but now you're well again, and there's work to do.”
― Kurt Vonnegut, Timequake

The BEST day!

April 15th, 2013
(Day 25 Continued)

Today was literally the BEST day I've had in a long time.  :)

1.) I went back to work and did a story on my experience with Bell's.

The man in this photo is Dr. Nagy with KE Medical Group, an extremely intelligent and delightful man. It was such a pleasure to work with him and his publicist Amanda. He further explained my condition to our viewers and stuck around all morning long to answer questions. 

2.) My fabulous coworkers decorated my desk and wrote me a card welcoming me back!!

3.) I got some AMAZING tweets/emails and phone calls from our viewers, these are just a few of them... thank you all so much for reaching out and showing me so much love and support. 

K Travis ‏@N2basez4h

@ShannonMFox5 glad to have you back! Love your honest and transparent attitude on it! We have missed your face.....#Mooreshannonmooreplease

Yvette Belisle ‏@YvetteinVegas

3h

@ShannonMFox5 So glad to see you're back! Great report this morning #inspiring #onetoughwoman

Mandi McCary ‏@PR_gyrl

4h

@ShannonMFox5 oh my gosh- glad you're feeling better. It's amazing that you're doing all you are while dealing w this! Go you! Great blog :)

                                                                                    wayne s ‏@wcs29

6h

@ShannonMFox5 glad to see you back!

Justin R. Clark That had to take alot of courage. I am proud of her for doing it. 

Kristina Miller Schmit That's what Greta Van Susteren from Fox has. I admire your spirit Shannon, you're a warrior

Jason Castro Thanks for sharing your story Shannon! Stay strong  

HERE"S A LINK TO MY INTERVIEW WITH DR. NAGY.: http://www.fox5vegas.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=8775142

Day 25

April 15th, 2

Day 25

Today I am going back to work. I am not yet fully recovered, but I'm getting there! I am hoping the swelling in my face goes down this week. I didn't sleep well last night. Hopefully I can get some rest today when I get home.

Here are some updated photos I took this morning.

Week 3

April 9th 2013
DAY 20

Today I am almost 100% recovered. Over the weekend I was able to blink simultaneously, which was a huge deal! My face felt really puffy, but my smile was coming back slowly but surely. I think relaxing at the lake really helped. I was able to forget about my condition and just have fun :) Here are some pics taken from the beach and from the Boathouse on the Pier in South Lake,  love it!

I finished the last of my antiviral meds on Saturday and took my last Prednisone pills today. I can't wait to return to work on Monday!

I met with the neurologist yesterday. He said my speedy recovery was due in part to my body's ability to respond to the meds. The fact that I caught the symptoms within hours of onset played a huge part in my treatment. He put me on a vitamin B12 and Folic Acid regimen. The supplements are supposed to help repair the nerves in my face and prevent any further damage in the future.

When I return to work next week I will take some more photos. Here's one I took on my way home from the doctor's office yesterday... getting there!

Day 15

April 4th 2013

I am a tad late posting these, but they were taken Thursday (day 15) I was headed out on a vacation to Lake Tahoe and snapped a few photos. I could see definite improvements.... the swelling was bothering me at the time, but I could really feel my face again. It was great!  

Day 13

April 2, 2013

Took some more photos today. I can finally move my eyebrow! Just hanging tough, waiting for this to pass.  

Day 12

April 1, 2013

I am seeing some major improvements in my face. I can feel my jaw and the lower part of my mouth curve upwards when I attempt to smile. Here are some photos I took on Friday before leaving town (3 days ago.) I will take some more tomorrow and post them.

I am still taking two antiviral pills and 4 Prednisones a day. I have two more doctors appts coming up and am drinking herbal tea at night to relax. I've had a really hard time falling asleep lately, not sure if it's the medicine making me anxious or what.

I feel like I have been doing a crummy job sticking to a healthy diet. I have definitely gained weight. Tomorrow I will go to the gym and try to eat better. This whole experience has been extremely frustrating.

I am on medical leave from my job right now, but am hoping to go back on air soon. Rest is crucial right now - I feel exhausted. Goodnight world!