Facing the Unexpected

Facing the Unexpected: My Onset of Bell’s Palsy

September had finally arrived, and I was looking forward to a long weekend with my fiancé, Sam (yes, fiancé, though we’ve been engaged for years—COVID delays, busy careers, and all that, but that’s another story!), and my son, Logan, who’s 25. We were heading to Destin to meet my dad. The weekend before, I’d been at Louisville’s football home opener, I also managed to get in a 7-mile run at a great pace. I was on track to complete my third half marathon this year! Alongside running and yoga, I’m immersed in a demanding role with an emerging craft spirits brand. Building something new in this industry requires constant creativity, hustle, and resilience. Though I’m passionate about my work, I rarely know what a weekend means, and guilt sometimes hits me when I’m away, even just for a few days. But this was a well-deserved break with my family, as I try to turn off my brain to not look at work emails!

The Start of Something Strange

That Friday morning, I wrapped up last-minute tasks for work and flew to Florida. The first day was wonderful, yet by Saturday morning, I noticed something odd: I’d drooled on the left side of my mouth while sleeping. I brushed it off as a fluke, but by Sunday, it happened again—and this time, I felt a shift. My mouth wasn’t moving normally when I used mouthwash, and even though it wasn’t noticeable to anyone else, I felt something was wrong. Sam and Logan thought I was overthinking, but as we strolled on the beach, my mind raced with worry.

The reality hit when I boarded the plane home. My mouth felt clumsy, and I struggled to drink from a bottle. At Sam’s restaurant afterward, I could barely order, but I pushed through, trying not to alarm anyone. Inside, though, I was panicked.

Unraveling on Monday

By Monday morning, my symptoms had worsened. My left eye wouldn’t close, my face felt paralyzed on the left side, and speaking was becoming a challenge. I was devastated to miss the Bourbon Hall of Fame Dinner I’d anticipated, but I knew I needed medical attention. I didn’t think it was a stroke, but something was clearly wrong. I decided to go to immediate care, hoping they could diagnose what I now suspected: Bell’s palsy.

The visit was surreal. They ran tests, even suggesting an allergic reaction or a possible stroke. Finally, the hardened ER nurse glanced at me and said, “Oh, you have Bell’s; take a seat.” Her calm demeanor eased my nerves a little. The doctor confirmed it: there was no cure, no known cause, and my best-case scenario was to hope for some movement by October. They prescribed steroids for the facial swelling, and I left, feeling overwhelmed but grateful to have answers.

Processing and Retreating

After the diagnosis, I felt both determined and defeated. I followed up with my primary care doctor, but found little solace. The grim outlook they provided only fueled my frustration. I’d researched treatments, hoping for something promising, but their response to my questions was discouraging: “Not enough studies.” It wasn’t the attitude I wanted to adopt. I went home, retreated to my room, and dove deep into every recovery story and treatment option I could find.

Being a high-energy, go-go-go person, this forced stillness was crushing. I managed to stay connected to work through Teams and Zoom, hiding behind the camera, but I didn’t want to leave my house, much less my room. Though I usually run toward every challenge, this one brought me low, forcing me to find a balance I didn’t realize I needed.

Adjusting to a New Reality

Losing control over simple functions was more isolating than I’d expected. I could no longer run, couldn’t close my eye, struggled with speech, and barely slept. Anxiety took over, fueled by the inability to blink or smile without effort. I was desperate for a solution, for anything that could give me my normalcy back. And I knew I couldn’t let Bell’s cripple me. Somehow, I would fight this.

Embracing the Unexpected: My Journey with Bell’s Palsy

Embracing the Unexpected: My Journey with Bell’s Palsy

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and for me, one of the most significant was being diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. It was a moment that changed everything, forcing me to confront not just my physical health but also my mental resilience.

What is Bell’s Palsy?

For those unfamiliar, Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden, temporary weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. When I first noticed the drooping in my smile and the unfamiliar tingling sensation, panic set in. I had always viewed myself as a fit and active person—a yoga teacher and runner dedicated to health and wellness. This felt like a cruel twist of fate.

The Initial Shock

The diagnosis hit me hard. I remember feeling isolated and anxious, grappling with questions about what this meant for my future—both in my personal life and my career as a brand strategist in the alcohol industry. The fear of how I would look, how I would be perceived, and whether I could continue doing what I loved was overwhelming.

Finding My Path to Healing

 Now, I’ve chosen to return to the public space to celebrate my recovery and share my journey with others. Through my studio, which has become a lifestyle Zentensity, I want to inspire and empower others to live a balanced hustle, thriving in their personal and professional lives without losing sight of wellness.

As I navigated this journey, I discovered that healing was not just a physical process. I leaned into my yoga practice and running to help reclaim my body and spirit. In my blog, I’ll share the techniques that aided my recovery and the mental strategies I employed to keep moving forward. From yoga practice, fitness routines, and a career in alcohol brand building to the everyday moments that make up a life of thriving, I’m here to share my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

I will dive deeper into my Bell’s palsy journey, exploring the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the hope that came from embracing this unexpected challenge. Your stories matter, too. I invite you to share your experiences in the comments below and let’s support each other on this path to healing and living this beautiful life with a balanced hustle.