How much time should I take?

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Specializes in Operating Room.

I got diagnosed with Bell's Palsy yesterday..went in to work but ended up in the ER. The whole right side of my face is paralyzed and I have a corneal abrasion. Anyone ever have this? How much time did you take...I really can't see well out of my right eye(I'll be going to the eye doctor) and I've been told I need to rest. Hopefully, it should go away in a few weeks. In some people, it takes months.

My boss said I could have what I needed-the ER doc gave me until monday, but she said to take what I feel I have to. I have a fair amount of sick time and vacation time and my state has TDI, which you can file for after the first week. I feel guilty even though I shouldn't..you know what they say about nurses making terrible pts.:rolleyes:

PS, it took me 15 minutes to type this out because of my bad eye!

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU, Psych, Med-surg...etc....

I had Bells Palsy many years ago. I had paralysis on the right side and had to have my eye patched for a few days. After that I needed drops because I couldn't blink. The neurologist told me that I only had "partial" Bells because I had some slight movement in my right eyebrow. It took me about 2 months or longer to fully recover. I went to work after about three weeks, when I was able to go without a patch on my eye and had some blink reflex return as well as being able to control the drooling that I had from the right side of my drooped face... I would see a sepcialist and let them decide. Bells Palsy sometimes does not resolve and the paralysis remains if the nerve has been damaged. Good luck- wishing you a speedy and full recovery.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I'm sorry for your troubles.

Good news is that you will heal. Bad news is that it takes time, therapy, and rest.

Please ask your HR department to fax you FMLA forms as well as the institution's full policy on how to utilize it.

Take those forms to your doctor's office ASAP. S/he will give you a "best guess" on how much time you will need and help you fill out the forms necessary to protect your job and benefits.

Take care.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Thanks guys...:bow:

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feel better, squirrel...

leslie

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Do you know what caused the bell's palsy? My son had it last summer. He's 17. It did not take him long to get over it, but he was pretty bummed. Maybe 3 weeks. Our Dr. questioned him and ordered bloodwork to look for lyme disease. It was positive.

Other things can cause it. I would not work if you are having vision problems.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

I have no idea, but i just wanted to say I hope you get better :(

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Specializes in OB, HH, ADMIN, IC, ED, QI.
I got diagnosed with Bell's Palsy yesterday..went in to work but ended up in the ER. The whole right side of my face is paralyzed and I have a corneal abrasion. Anyone ever have this? How much time did you take...I really can't see well out of my right eye(I'll be going to the eye doctor) and I've been told I need to rest. Hopefully, it should go away in a few weeks. In some people, it takes months.

My boss said I could have what I needed-the ER doc gave me until monday, but she said to take what I feel I have to. I have a fair amount of sick time and vacation time and my state has TDI, which you can file for after the first week. I feel guilty even though I shouldn't..you know what they say about nurses making terrible pts.:rolleyes:

PS, it took me 15 minutes to type this out because of my bad eye!

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Please find a neurological ophthalmologist for your appointment! My daughter was diagnosed by her PCP, as having Bell's Palsy. Unfortunately her neurological ophthalmologist thought it was more like MS, which it turned out to be, by definitive spinal fluid tests and head MRI.

She had the diagnosis 10 years ago, and has been taking Copaxone sc daily, which I believe saved her from relapsing. A friend who is a neurologist told me that there's a better prognosis when MS starts in the face, rather than making a leg or any limb inoperative. She's able to do everything well, but gets tired in the evening more than she did before.

So be sure that you get tested for all the things it could be, besides Bell's Palsy. I hope you have nothing more serious than that, and wish you well. The sudden curtailment of your ability to type, is a reaction to your illness, which is a crisis for you. The steps to "acceptance", if you have a more lasting condition include: shock, denial, anger, depression, bargaining, and finally, after going through the steps again and again, you will find acceptance. of your condition.

It's just like a nurse to feel guilty about being ill! Hardly any of us want to let our teams down.........

Meditation will help you find peace with whatever it is and however long it lasts, and make it easier to rest. Ask someone to get a meditation tape with instructions for you. Know that this huge community of your colleagues are praying for you and wishing you well. :heartbeat

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