Friday, December 29, 2006

Here we go....

Eight years ago after a very challenging time in my life I was on my way to work one day when I noticed that my face was going numb. I looked in the mirror and for some reason one eye wouldn't blink and I had half a smile. I came to learn that I had a condition called Bell's Palsy. I think I have mentioned this before. For most people, this is a very temporary condition, one sided facial paralysis taking (on the outside) about 3-6 months to completely resolve. While mine did improve significantly, I never fully recovered. Although my husband and family swear they don't even notice it anymore, it was always there...in the mirror....staring back at me every morning. A reminder of that horrible time in our lives.
A week ago I was shopping at the mall with my parents and I felt an odd sensation. I felt panic. We raced over to the emergency room to learn that my Bell's Palsy was back. This time, on the OTHER side of my face. If you have never experienced anything like this, I don't know how to explain to you the mental and emotional ramifications of having a disfiguring condition effecting your face. Your face is so much of who you ARE. This has been so hard for me. I went to bed for a few days and wouldn't look at anyone. This is one of my worst nightmares. What if it stays like this forever? My husband has to have a wife that looks like this? My kids are going to be embarassed at school.... Horrible thoughts.
Last time I had this, people would talk...really....slow....to....me. People assumed that I was mentally challenged. One woman in my church told me that she knew a guy in college who had Bell's so they called him Quasimodo. Nice.
Having said all that....I have a wonderful, spiritually warrior like family that got on it right away. Before I knew it family, friends even strangers all over the country...continent really....were praying for me. My husband has been a rock. The medication that they give you for Bell's makes you a lunatic for a while and I have been an emotional wreck. The first time I had this, I did not have any movement in my face, no improvement for 6 whole months. It took a few years to get back the mobility that I did achieve. I started acupuncture right away, which I did not try last time and it seems to be helping tremendously. It has been one week, and I have regained movement almost equal to what I have on the other side of my face already. The truth is, I know that God is doing it. There are a lot of faithful people praying for me. I know God can heal me. And I know that He will. I have even been having sensation on the original side that I have not had in YEARS. I don't know or understand why this has happened to me, but I am choosing to use this as an opportunity for the Lord to teach me something about His healing and grace. Already, I have seen so much. It is going to be a long road ahead I am sure. Good days and bad but I am determined to hold on to my faith.
Six years ago today I married this REALLY hot guy. Tonight he is taking me out for dinner and a movie. And we are going to celebrate....for lots of reasons.

14 comments:

What's For Dinner? said...

You are beautiful inside and out!!! I should know I've been around for FOREVER!!!!!! I have been praying for a complete healing and I knew God was going to do some amazing work and blow your mind with his healing power! AMEN!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I will pray for you to be completely healed and experience the best possible result God can provide. My mother had Bell's Palsy once. It was very scary for her and we were quite concerned because we thought she had had a stroke (she was in her 60's at the time). She had a complete recovery after a few weeks. Remain hopeful and claim the result you desire! And have a great time on your date tonight!!

Dr.John said...

Happy anniversary. I have seen the power of God in my life and I love to read about it in others like yours. I pray your healing will continue.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I am so sorry to hear that you have been going through all of this, but it is the season of miracles and if anyone deserves one it's you! And you are beautiful, I've seen pictures!!!! Have a great night out with your HOT husband, and know that we all are still praying for your recovery!

Catch said...

I am just happy to hear you are improving....and I am sure it has been very upsetting for you. I know a few people who have had Bells palsy. Im sure it can be very scary when it happens to you.

But on the upswing...you got that date with that hot guy!!! Have a wonderful time..and hes not only hot, hes smart...look who he married! God bless you Sweety!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear that you are going thru this. I am glad to hear that things are looking better this time and that you started acupuncture. I personally know how great that can be for many medical issues...just a way to get things flowing right. Not to mention you have all your family, friends, and untold people around the world talking to the big guy up stairs and telling him to get you better and fast!!

I have lupus, and I used to swell up all the time. It was so bad at one point that my eyelids puffed up so bad, I couldn't open one eye, my top lip blew up like a ballon, my hands and arms were covered in rashs and my right thigh was swollen...wanna talk about looking like Quasimodo? I looked so bad my boss sent me home from worm (for a week, PAID) so that I wouldn't scare the clients.

I am a firm believer that G-d gives us what we can handle, we just have to know where to look for the strength to get thru it.

All our love and prays are with you.

Miss Kelly said...

Oh Kristin - I had no idea it had come back. I've been worried about you since that message last week. We will pray for you!
Have a wonderful time tonight - Happy Anniversary! You are SO beautiful, inside and out - I know you'll get past this.

~Love Kelly

Unknown said...

We didn't know this happened to you again. Take Care we are thinking about and praying for you. It seems as though G-d has really supplied you with the tools to get better:good doctors, family and friends.

I took medication for my bronchitis weeks ago when Mike was in DC for a couple weeks and it made me a total mental case. Phsyco, with child in Japan, alone...wonderful. Doctor said it was a form of steriod....YUCK

Anyway, hang in there you WILL get better!

Mz.Elle said...

Happy Anniversary!
I hope yopu enjoy your evening out:)

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this again. I'll be thinking of you..

Caro said...

I'm sorry that you're going through this.

I'm glad that faith is helping you through.

It sounds like your hubby is a keeper!

Take care.

Anonymous said...

May we all experience God's healing power!

Anonymous said...

This is definitely not a fun thing to go through, I'm sure. Here's hoping it will pass quickly...

Unknown said...

Hey Kris,

Reiterating everyone elses comments, but we'll be thinking and praying for you through this ordeal. You do have a terrific support network in San Diego, on the web, and around the world. Keep your head up and keep being you and everything will turn up roses.

-M i k e

Anonymous said...

I'll be praying for a rapid recovery for you.