Today I spent some time on the computer looking up Ramsey (sic) Hunt Syndrome. I didn’t find much that I didn’t already know. I registered with a forum connected to a local major hospital, and submitted the following:

Hello, everyone. I'm another RHS-er logging in. I refuse to call myself a victim, although I do feel that way sometimes. I was diagnosed a month ago, the end of Oct. '03.

[I’ve omitted the long description of the progress of my illness, which you’ve already read.]

I think in the next month I have appointments with every dr. in my HMO for follow-up! (Not really.) My HMO has been very cooperative about referrals and the 2 hospitalizations, and even OKed PT for the balance problem.

Right now, my most annoying problem is the dryness in my right eye from the paralysis, and the artificial tears didn't seem to do the trick. I recently added a gel at night under the patch, and periodically during the day if the eye gets really dry. This has helped a lot, but I still can't go without the patch long enough to drive anywhere! My poor husband is driving me around, and doing all the shopping, cooking, etc.

I feel very fortunate to have good health insurance, knowledgeable drs., and supportive friends and family. I am determined not to let this nasty virus ruin my life! I hope we can be a support for each other as we go through this trial. Thanks for being here!!

I got no response to this post for several days and, even then, I certainly didn’t feel very welcomed or supported by this so-called support group!

For the past couple of days, I’ve been feeling a bit better, and I seem to be regaining some hearing! I’m also making slow progress in regaining balance, single vision and facial muscle control, but progress it is! But I’m still so-o-o tired. The doctors said recovery could take months, and I guess it will at that. Full recovery? Well, we'll have to wait and see, but I am encouraged so far.