Bells Palsy

[cheezbay]

Hey Everyone~
I just got back from the specialist today. He said that my Bells Palsy is not severe and should start going away in a couple of weeks. He said that this should not keep me from diving and that I should just be careful and make sure the dive operators know what is going on. His only concerns were mask fit and sealing around the reg. I don't think either should be a big problem because my condition isn't too severe. I should also be off of the prednisone on Sunday. Thanks for all of the info.

 

[DennisW]

I have a friend that contracted Bells Palsy several years ago. She is a diver and has had no problems that I know of. I suspect she consulted her doctor about the condition in relation to diving, but I can't say for sure. My understanding is that each case is different and the symptoms can come and go. I am sure it is very frustrating.

 

[Jen Diver]

I am aware that this thread is very old but I wanted to bring up the subject of Bells Palsy without starting another thread. I've had Bell's Palsy for 22 years. I had to relearn how to talk properly but I'm passed the point where I tape my eye closed. I'm sure every case is different but I started diving a little over a year ago and I never looked back. Yes it is harder for me than the other divers but you learn how to drink through a straw again you could learn how to breathe through a regulator. My two cents. I did have three pool sessions before I ever went out to the ocean, which my first five dives wear in Puget Sound in 40-degree water with only a wetsuit and I kept up better than most of them. I personally believe where there is a will there is a way and if you're determined enough you will find a way. If you're really concerned about it they have full face mask, and I still feel better knowing how to breathe from a regulator myself. I just got done with three days of diving, two times a day and Mexico. I was going to do another 3 days but unfortunately leave my allergies acted up so I had to sit out the last 3 days. Nothing to do with the Bell's palsy. I use regular equipment and have not switched anything and as far as the neurologists are concerned it's one of the worst cases they've ever seen. I'd rather enjoy life and do things that make me feel alive then sit around and not try things or learn how to redo things. I'm not saying it's for everybody, I'm an active person anyways so diving wasn't a challenge in any other way besides the bell's palsy and I believe I have conquered it. If you're uncomfortable, or if you think it'll make you panic, it might not be for you. But if she can stay calm and find a way to get through things you will be amazed at what you can do.