One of the most valuable things I have learned to do during this illness is to keep an accurate record of events on a daily basis. Not simply to remind you of your progress but because the doctors and specialists that treat you will ask for specific information.
If you can't remember or if you relay inaccurate information then you may not receive the most successful treatment. For example, telling doctors that your face has been numb for weeks may lead to unnecessary scans as damage to the cranial nerve will only affect the motor function (movement) of the face.
To help new sufferers, family, friends or the plain curious understand how Ramsay Hunt Syndrome or Bell's palsy affects people I have opened the Diary section to all contributors. Read about real life experiences, see how people have coped both physically and mentally, look at the treatments available and be aware of what lies ahead.
If you have been recently diagnosed then take comfort in a little pre-knowledge and be reassured that we are all here to help. Send me an email via the Contact Form or post a message on the Forum if you want to share your story.
My battle with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome started on the 5th February 2003. This is my account.
Read Full Diary →Janine is a friend from Martinez, CA USA who I recently met through a Bell's palsy forum. She has kept a diary of her fight with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome and would like to share her story with our visitors.
Read Full Diary →Greg was diagnosed with BP on the 3rd March 2003 and is making a remarkable recovery. Within 2 weeks he has recovered by more than 80%. Read his diary.
Read Full Diary →Lin was diagnosed with BP in 1998. After many months she recovered only to have a relapse in 1999 and 2001. The doctors had misdiagnosed a case of Lyme Disease. Read her story.
Read Full Diary →Liz is a primary school teacher from the UK who started with a pain at the top of her head at the end of February 2003. After a week she was told she had Ramsay Hunt Syndrome...
Read Full Diary →Barbara is an artist who lives in Long Island, New York. In March 2003 she started feeling slight pains behind her right ear which she thought was an ear infection. A few days later she was struck by Bell's palsy and after vesicles appeared around her ear it was confirmed as Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.
Read Full Diary →Daniel is 29 years old and from Sweden. He started off with some rashes and swelling around the ear which soon led to tinnitus and severe ear pains. Worried that his symptoms may be the start of RHS he approached several doctors, determined to be treated.
Read Full Diary →Martin is a 25 year old IT analyst from the UK who felt his first symptoms at the end of June 2003. Seven days later he developed Bell's palsy, an illness which had struck both his mother and uncle in the past but this time it was accompanied by severe pain. He was subsequently diagnosed with RHS.
Read Full Diary →Janet was 30 years old when she had RHS. That was ten years ago in 1993 but even now she still suffers from some of the symptoms.
Read Full Diary →This diary was submitted by Nik, a 30 year old IT consultant from Chicago who started experiencing head pains around his ear and neck in August 2003. After 3 days he was diagnosed with Bell's palsy and 7 days later RHS.
Read Full Diary →Since January 2002 Gary has suffered 3 bouts of facial paralysis. The first time it was diagnosed as Bell's palsy but on two other occasions it was Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.
Read Full Diary →Raul is a graphics designer from Mexico City and in August 2003 he started experiencing severe neck pains. After the onset of facial paralysis and ear problems he was diagnosed with RHS.
Read Full Diary →Share Your Story: If you would like to contribute your own diary or experience with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, please contact us. Your story could help others going through similar experiences.