Bell's Palsy (Facial Paralysis) : My Story 

Bell's Palsy : My Story I have recently been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. I have decided to be very open and honest with you all as I feel it will help other people going through the same issue. Remember you are not alone, it can happened to anybody at any time of life. Here are some links which might help... www.nhs.uk/conditions/bells-palsy/ www.facialpalsy.org.uk/causesanddiagnoses/bells-palsy/ #bellspalsy

Elliot, you aren’t alone. I am a lawyer and you would be so surprised how many young people got Bells Palsy in law school or starting careers. Stress is so high, lack of sleep and hours working so weakened immune system, it’s just an unfortunate thing that happens to so many of us.

Elliot please don't apologise for the absence of a weekly vlog that is the least of your worries. Thank you for being so honest and opening up about your problem earlier this week, the whole experience must have been scary for you and your loved ones. Sending positive vibes your way that this will be a short lived episode xx

this happened to my niece when she was 23 years old, we were all very scared but there was absolutely no need to be . it is very common and people recovery very quickly, dont worry , you will be fine, i send you love and hugs

I am praying for your full recovery Elliot! You and Matt are always in my thoughts and prayers 💕🙏

Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry hear that this has happened. No need to apologise at all. Please please please look after yourself & take your own advise too. My Dad had this happen a couple of years ago, and like you it came on completely out of the blue overnight. He recovered very well at the time, but like you say the recovery time can vary considerably. Sending love to you & make sure to just take it easy. I’m sure Matt is doing a very fine job of looking after you too, as I can imagine he’s been very worried too. Looking forward to seeing you back when you’re feeling up to it but absolutely no pressure to come back sooner than you feel is appropriate. Listen to yourself & your body xxx

Though the Bell’s Palsy must be so strange all of a sudden, you still project that upbeat approach to life I find so inspiring. And I’m glad you’re not going to hide away. What a terribly drab world it would be without Elliott busying about being his fabulous self 🤗

Oh Elliott. As long as it's not a stroke or a bleeding that's good news. Means it will resolve. Just be patient and keep yourself busy with other things. Don't let it affect you emotionally. Love and prayers for speedy recovery 💓.

Elliot, thank-you for being so candid about your health. Hopefully the 6 weeks or so passes easily for you. Sending you all the best for a complete recovery. 🇨🇦❤️🇬🇧

My father-in-law had this and it completely went away with in months. Full recovery.

So sorry Eliot! Speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹

Thank you for being so open and honest about what you are going through. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

My 15 year old niece had it for a couple of weeks. She made a full recovery. Praying the time passes quickly.

I am so very sorry to hear you're not well 🙏🏼🙏🏼❣🙏🏼 Sending tons of healing prayers 🙏🏼🙏🏼🛐🙏🏼 Eager for your next update I'm praying for your complete and not too long recovery. No need to apologize. Very concerned about your health Elliot. 🙏🏼🤗

Speedy recovery!! I had bells palsey years ago. The whole left side of my face went completely numb and I was having very similar issues. Still now years later I will get numbness in my face.

Elliot, I pray that you recover from this quickly! You have the best attitude about this. My sister had this from shingles and she didn’t have the same attitude as you and shut her self away. A big hug to you!

Get well soon, Elliot.

I am so sorry that you’re having to deal with this. You are in my prayers and I’ll pray for you at Mass this weekend. You’re such a treasure, Elliot, and we all want you healthy and happy. Much love from the Midwestern US! ❤

Luckily you still look great! No worries whatsoever from us. I had the same problem but it was my whole body. I had to use a straw and hold it together to drink. I got Guillain-Barre syndrome 13 years ago. I’m so glad you are doing so well. Thinking of you. Hugs from Cali!

Elliot, I just wanted to take the time to thank you for sharing what must be a very difficult experience for you. As a physician I greatly appreciate you taking the time and using your platform to share your experience with this condition. Know you have a ton of supporters who are wishing you nothing but wellness and recovery. You and Matt have been nothing but kind to share your lives with us. Thank you for that honesty. Lastly, know you will get through this. You will get better. It may not be easy, but know that you are not alone.

I am sorry, Elliot, that you are going through this. My mother had this. It lasted weeks, and it went away with no lasting side effects.

I’m so sorry Elliot, my stepdaughter had that as a teenager and her dad had it before we met but both made a full recovery, though it took a little while. I used to tape her eye at night and she used eye drops during the day, she also came home from school for lunch for a while as she didn’t want to eat or drink in front of other kids. She used a straw to drink as she found that easier. Wishing you a speedy recovery and keep being yourself - take care.

Elliot I'm so sorry you're experiencing Bells Palsy. You are truly beautiful and all of us who love and follow you are with you 100%. Thank you for sharing your situation with us. I know I'm sending love, strength and positive thoughts and I'm sure all of your other followers are as well. You are a marvelous human and we all look forward to each and every post from you. Sending love and get well wishes ❤

Elliot, I got Bell’s Palsy back in 1984 mine was the worst stage. I have never recovered from it. The whole side of my face collapsed. You are lucky you didn’t get it as bad as mine. I have learned to live with it. You will recover I have talked to quite a few of people who have gotten this, but not as bad as mine. Early on my doctors told me I could have surgery to correct some of the damage but for me I felt that it would be worse. There are days when it’s more noticeable especially if I’m over stressed. Take breaks as often as you can. Use a straw when your drinking something, wear a eye patch when you sleep to keep yourself from scratching your cornea. Things will get better it takes time. Don’t stress yourself over this, no one can even tell, your lucky, I had to cover half my face when I went out. Thank goodness for my husband and family who helped me through the first years. Now I don’t care, I was 34 now I’m 73 and my life goes on. I will pray for a speedy recovery for you.

So sorry you are under the weather Elliot. I really hope it’s temporary and that you have a speedy recovery. I hope you both have a lovely time celebrating Matt’s birthday next week. (He’s the same age as my son, who was born in March 1991). Best wishes to you both. Jackie from Lincoln xxx ❤

Thanks for showing us what Bell's Palsy is like. You make it interesting and not scary. Your kindness is what always shines through in your videos.

Same thing happened to me 4 days ago I came home from work and went to bed because I was very tired when I woke up the next morning I looked in the mirror I noticed my mouth was crooked so I went to the ER where they gave me MRIs of my head and chest and took some blood the doctor came back into the room a hour later and told me it's Bells Palsy and it takes 6 to 8 weeks to go back to normal he prescribed me cyclo steroids and anti virals and not to panic.. Thanks for your post God bless...

Bless your heart Elliot. The same thing happened to me a couple of years ago on Thanksgiving. I had to eat on one of my mouth, drink thru a straw or the liquid would fall out the other side, spit after brushing my teeth (the fluid would shoot out the other side) and wear a patch at night to sleep. I’m a nurse in the hospital and the paralysis was obvious and EVERYONE kept asking me what was wrong with my face. It was awful. It took about a month to get almost back to normal. I can still see a little difference but I’m told only i can see it. I will say it gave me an appreciation for what stroke patients go thru. Hang in there Elliott! It gets better. 💚

Watched your vids for years, Elliot and doesn't surprise me you're being a total hero through this. Underneath your jokey queen persona, it's always been clear there's true Brit steeliness. Go you and know your friends out here are all behind you, wishing you well however long it takes . . ❤

Praying for your recovery 🙏 I’m sure this was very frightening.

Thinking of you! Thank you for sharing dear Elliott. Love and friendship! Wishing you a speedy recovery!❤

Oh Elliot you description of every symptom brings back memories. I didn’t have Bells Palsy but exact same symptoms. I had an ear infection that unfortunately I did have enormous pain with (felt like hitting my head against a brick wall to ease the pain!) due to the infection going through the smallest bone in the body (in your ear) into my head. I woke up one morning and I looked like I had suffered a stroke. Went to hospital where I stayed a week on IV for antibiotics and steroids. I can still remember the doctors’ faces each morning looking at my droopy face with such sympathy saying it may take a few weeks or maybe months or maybe ……… Hopefully you will be like me and only be a few weeks 🙏

Your smile is still lovely - because it is YOUR smile, Elliot.❤ All my thoughts and prayers and my heart go out to YOU for a full and speedy recovery ❣️ Thank you for being so honest . 👑❤️👑❤️👑❤️👑❤️👑❤️👑

I wish you a speedy recovery Elliot. You’re stoic and a real inspiration. I’m going through my own issues right now and your videos always take my mind off things. Never underestimate the importance of your corner of the internet:)

Sending you so much love. Thank you for sharing your story and helping others through this themselves. You never know who you might have just given great relief. Big hugs my friend and positive thoughts for a speedy recovery.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and sending you lots of love xx

My husband got diagnosed with it today. He was really worried and upset and being able to show him your video and your experience really helped him. Thank you for being brave enough to share your story.

So sorry .i had that a few years ago .its horrible mine took about 3 weeks to clear up .get well soon good luck ☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘☘

Oh I'm so sorry. My sister in law has Bell's Palsy. She fell asleep against a window on a plane and woke up with one side of her face collapsed. Within a year it came back to normal except the corner of her mouth and she has dry eye all the time. But because she fell asleep against the window which was extremely cold, when it happened it made it worse and gave her frost bite. She uses a straw now to drink and eye drops all the time. But she stays positive about it because it's not life threatening and she's very, very grateful she has her health. It could have been worse. It will come back.

Elliott - we are so proud of you being so brave and making this very informative and straight talking vlog. You and Matt must have been very worried at first. Wishing you lots of love and a speedy recovery from this. We love your vlogs, but don't put pressure on yourself to make content. Just take your time to rest and get well soon. x

Aww Elliot, big hugs from Hamilton - I know quite a few folks over the years who have had it, hopefully the time flies past quickly! Speedy recovery!

Oh Elliot, I am so sorry to hear this. You are so strong for sharing and explaining without breaking down. It's such an exhausting ordeal going to A&E when you are ill and stressed. But well done for getting through it, and don't hesitate to go back if needed. Rest and recover and I'll be thinking of you & Matt and Beau, Rory & Molly. All the best. ❤❤

There's no need to apologise Elliot ,it's quite a shock to the system when things happen to our body we are not expecting.Carry on just being your usual lovely self and wishing you a speedy recovery.x.

Oh Elliot I’m so sorry that this has happened. I hope you have a full and speedy recover💕🌈

Well said Elliot. 👍 Thank you for sharing. Best wishes for your recovery. Take time out to look after your health. Remove any stress in your life and relax and listen to your body. We will all be here waiting and cheering you on. Kindest regards to Matt as well. Quiet time together is the best medicine. 🥰

Best wishes to you and I hope you make a quick recovery. Take care.

I am almost exactly at the point in my recovery where you are in this video. My inability to express emotion, speak and eat politely are the hardest things to deal with. Hoping this finds you a lot better!

Hey Elliot, it's Sandy in New York City. I feel like we're all mates here. Thank you for sharing your personal story that's happening now. I know you'll be back to your old self in time, and just want to say I'm sending positive vibes your way. xoxo

Elliott, so sorry you are dealing with this. You will be in my prayers! I have known quite a few people who have had this and all of them recovered swiftly and nicely. Please take care.

Best wishes for your recovery, Elliot. Take care of yourself !! 💞💞

Elliot, thank you so much. As #2, Matt will have to jump in and give us the royal gossip: Tiara and all. Never mind the updates on the washing, greenhouse, roses and cats. I worked with a woman several decades ago who had it. Like you say: However long it lasts. You’ll find us again when you’re ready. There’s plenty of news, so get out your composition book and pen to take notes in the meantime. Love to you and Matt

Blessings to you Elliot! We are all here for you! Get well soon. You’re young and healthy! Big hugs!

Wishing you a speedy recovery! I appreciate your message of getting out and that there is no shame. Take care of you and let those fur babies give you lots of loving cuddles!

I used a straw for all drinking, I dribbled, even saliva. But the face did feel strange. Exactly half my face. Take care. My thoughts are with you. X

My husband had it and it took about 9 months to recover ---- it will get better hope your recovery is faster take care

Sending healing positive energy and prayers for quick, complete recovery. My niece came down with this and did good in continuing to work, but also resting when needed. It was so long ago I can't remember how long it took to get everything back.

Elliott, you'll always be the same lovable chap I've watched and enjoyed now for about 4 years. Reaching across the pond to you with a big hug, and be assured of my prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery!! 😘 🇺🇸 🇬🇧

Oh my goodness.Wishing you a full and complete recovery..... and with all due haste..... lots of hugs to you...

Oh Elliot, you are so brave. Thank you for having the courage to share this, I can only imagine how tough it must have been to post. Absolutely love how you manage to put a positive spin on everything. Wishing you a speedy recovery. xxx

Speedy recovery Elliot !! Let Matt take good care of you as well. God bless you both....

Elliot, I wish you a speedy recovery! It can’t have been easy to make this video, so thank you for being so brave and sharing your experience with your audience. I look forward to seeing you in another video!

my brother had it. the doctor stated that it was brought on by stress. honestly, I thought he had had a stroke. it took a month to totally go away with him. he found it a bit difficult to eat and drink. a straw helped. please DO NOT worry about the this channel or the Royal Reviewer. we will be here for you. prayers for you and Matt.

Poor you Elliot, it must have come as quiet a shock . Please take it in your stride, take things easy and I'm sure you'll make an excellent recovery. Best wishes to you both.

Thank you for sharing this with us, Elliot. I'm sorry you are going thru this. I wish you a speedy recovery.

Thanks for sharing Elliott I do hope you feel better and get better you seem to have a good outlook and encouragement not only for yourself up with others will have the same thing. I was wondering if the cats noticed anything different about you? Sometimes animals can sense change in a person. I hope you continue to get better.

All the very best for full recovery, Elliot. Take all the time you need to heal. Thank you for sharing your story; you provided important info!

There is bell's palsy in my family, you will get better, it just takes time❤❤❤

Speedy recovery my darling, look after yourself ❤️😘

Wishing you a speedy recovery Elliot ❤

I had the surgery 11/29/2023. It an experience but thankfully I am alive and i will het better sooner later. You have a good attitude!

Thank you for sharing this unfortunate Bell's Palsy. Wishing you quick recovery!

Get well soon lots of love ❤

Prayers for healing❤️

Really sorry that you are going through this Eliot, we all love watching your videos and hope you will recover very soon, you are staying positive which is very admirable. I'm sure everyone is praying for you and looking forward to hearing you are on the mend.

I know a lady that this happened to and it took a few months but she did recover totally. Hoping for a speedy recovery for you Elliot. Xx

So sorry to hear about your diagnosis and everything that goes along with it. Thank goodness this is temporary, and you will most likely bounce right back and be just as fabulous as ever! Absolutely live your life, and enjoy summer as best you can and do what makes YOU feel comfortable. The cats and I are sending healing vibes from Boston. Meow meow Elliot.

Don’t get discouraged. You will be well soon!

Lots of love and positive vibes to you and Matt!! Speedy recovery Elliott and we love you❤❤

Get well soonest! Please don’t apologize

Sorry this has happened to you Elliot. It must feel horrible. Hope it rights itself soon, and you feel better. A friend of mine had it a few years ago and recovered fairly quickly. Hope that happens for you too. You still look fab. Try not to worry xxx

Howdy Elliot!! BP is a horrible thing to get. I hope the duration is short & that you recovery is quick!! I've known several people that have endured it. Prayers & all the positive energy I can send to you!! Big hugs from NW Ohio USA!!

A friend of mine had bells palsy in her 30s, she fully recovered after 6 weeks. Here's hoping yours doesn't last too long. Don't ever apologise for being unwell xx take care of yourself xx

Hi Elliot, thank you for sharing and the detailed explanation, it will be helpful to so many. Never apologise for not being able to upload a vlog, we fully umderstand that life sometimes throws a curve ball and I must say you are handling it very well and have the right attitude. I wish you a speedy recovery. Take it easy. Just a thought, perhaps try drinking through a straw, it may be a little easier. Really love watching all your vlogs, you and Matt are truly inspiring and so humble. Love your fur babies too. Get well soon and sending you both lots of hugs from Julie in South Africa

Bless you Elliot Big Hugs!

elliot we follow you and matt so sorry to hear your news hope you get better soon love Ann and sharon

Elliot sending lots of love and hugs.♥️🌹🙏🏻😘

Sending you big hugs Elliot xxx

Thank you for being so open and vurnable. I love watching you guys. I hope you get better soon xxx

You must be extra careful not to choke when trying to eat. I found ice cream the easiest to eat. I had a severe case the middle of April. I had 3 nerve bundles affected, Bells, Trigeminal neuralgia and Occipital neuralgia at the same time. My eye would not close at all so it had to be padded and taped, as tape alone didn't work. The use of my muscles have returned 97 percent in the 3 weeks from onset, but the pain from the Trigeminal and Occipital nerve bundles have still not recovered. I found hot compresses most helpful on the affected muscles. I did a daily video of myself singing the alphabet and trying to blink, so I could compare and capture the smallest improvement. It really helped keep my moral up to see the tiny bits of recovery. There are people out there who get it more than once...so it could always be worse. Take care, especially when eating.

I'm sorry this has happened. You are loved.

Sending you best wishes for a speedy recovery xx

Elliot I’m so sorry this has happened to you 😢I hope Matt is looking after you and that you have a speedy recovery 🤞🏼sending lots of love ❤

Hi Elliot, this was a great video to give an honest overview of your bells palsy. My daughter had this many years ago and we hadn't heard about it at that time. She has fully recovered and I'm sure you will too. Sending positive vibes and hugs for your speedy recovery ❤

Thanks for being so open with us, Elliot. And thanks for all the royalty news and analysis you sharevwith us in such a fun way. The main thing is that you ake good care of yourself and let your nearest and dearest take care of you too.

Hello Elliot, so sorry for your health issue and thank you for sharing the news. My daughter had the same event like you due to stress. She went under a treatment with corticosteroids and physiatry on her cheek, besides putting a stripe on her affected eye so as to keep it closed (ophthalmologist's order). It took a few weeks to recover and no aftereffects remain. I imagine that Matt and your cats are taking good care of you. Regards from Uruguay.

Our gorgeous Elliot as always well done for letting your followers know .Wishing lots of love for a quick recovery x happy birthday for Matt next week and your big birthday coming up on August 4th x Take care x

Get well soon Elliot .we love you x

Bless you Elliot, thank you for being so honest, open & talking about your condition. Sending yourself & Matt the biggest of hugs & lot's of love ❤️ xx

You look after yourself. Thankyou for explaining, helps and supports others. get better soon.

Chin up, thank you for sharing! You are loved just as you are!