In A&E with a numb face...keep me company please?!

[numbcheek]

I've NC'd for this.

Yesterday afternoon my face suddenly went numb on the right side. No other symptoms but my face has drooped and 24 hours on is still numb.

Anyone ever had this? What was the outcome? I tried hard not to google it but it's very worrying.

111 sent me to A&E and I've had bloods taken. It looks to be a long wait!

It's busy, people are queuing on ambulance stretchers to get in. Standing room only (because half the chairs are taped off for social distancing).

So far, there has been one person in for toothache, one because he's punched a wall on Christmas Day, another with a sore toe....

My son had Bell's Palsy he had to take steroids for about ten days, reducing the dose and within about four weeks it had cleared up. He had to tape his eye up at night.

@numbcheek

No idea how long it'll be. They have done the bloods and usual obs but now just waiting. I've been standing up for just shy of 3 hours!

What a shame! They should really be getting you a seat or a bed, at least. Hope you're okay and get home soon x

hope its not serious

i hate people who just turn up at a and e with minor problems a sore toe?

and why leave someone with a temperature in the waiting area

This happened to me on the left side of my face shoulder and upper arm. Terrifying but turned out to be hormone related migraine. I think it was most likely caused by a light at work as I moved desks and it hasn't happened since.
Joke offering...
What's the first animal named in the Oxford English Dictionary?

Ox!

Do you have movement in your face? If it's just numb but you can still move muscles it may not be BP

But regardless, I hope you're better soon

There have been news reports in our area that this hospital (Lancaster) is full. People aren't meant to have anyone with them but 2 of the seats that don't have crossed on currently have family members of patients sat in them

It sounds like Bells Palsy. I had mine as a child. Most people fully recover. I still have a slight drop in the cold, when run down and tired or when sick.

It's terrifying when it happened as I was just 12, I spent my 13th bday having brains scans. There's facial exorcises you can do and treatments are different to when o was a kid and most people fully recover. I'm one of the few that didn't but I got about 90 per cent of my facial movements back, my droop is gone unless Its cold outside, or in tired and run down. But it's really much much better so as scared as it is, if it's that, I'd try not to stress.

They are sending me for a CT scan on my head

I've had bells palsy twice and as others have said, it certainly sounds like you may have it.
I hope you're ok and aren't waiting too long to be seen.

I've know a few people with it since. A few mums of babies I work with developed it when pregnant but it cleared up very quickly. I'm the only person I know who didn't fully recover.

Sorry if this crass but hopefully it'll make you laugh while you're waiting , I can suck a dick but not a straw cos I can't quite make the "bad" side close round a straw properly 😂

Hope all ok. I agree it could be Bell’s palsy, I know two people who have had it.

Best of luck. I hope that it is Bell's palsy and that you recover fully and quickly.

Hope you are ok OP. I've never had Bells Palsy but my cousin had it several times whilst pregnant and her teeth fell out on the side that dropped.
I hope you are diagnosed and have a swift recovery whatever it is.

It does sound like Bells Palsy.

I hope the CT scan is clear.

Thanks everyone

I've never had a CT scan. Hope it's ok. Does it show up any brain problems or something? Scared of google!!

It does sound like Bell's Palsy. I'm so sorry, it's horrible while it lasts but the thing is, it does go.

Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery, whatever it is

Your hospital sounds a bit lax, sorry to say. I went to A&E in May, where the hospital were very diligent with temperature checks on arrival with only the patient being allowed inside. I had to explain my issue to the security/nurse at the entrance, the receptionist and then the triage nurse, so people with COVID symptoms or relatives wouldn’t be able to waltz in like that.

I've had a CT scan when had horrific migraines... It was OK experience .. They are just ruling out more sinister problems on the brain...looks like they are giving you a thorough checkup and at least this wag you will get a seat 😁
Good luck

A CT scan is very quick and easy OP

With me, it turned out to be shingles attacking facial nerves on one side. Fingers crossed for them finding the cause for you and getting you the right help for a fast recovery.

You cant really ban people from turning up to a&e with a temperature? Surely someone should be triaging and making sure people with potential covid go one way and people without go another?

I would assume family members are there because they need to be. Maybe dementia or SN or under 18s

Ct scans are really simple OP, very quick

Nothing else to advise that others haven't, a CT is simple and quick. I hope you get answers soon

@DishedUp no, of course. Nobody should be banned but as pp said maybe triaged first.

She told the reception desk that she had no symptoms of covid and then told the nurse in the waiting area about her temperature.

I'm surprised they aren't taking temperatures at the door actually.

The family members are one that is here to help his mum with mobility (absolutely necessary) and the other "isn't standing out there in hailstones" (not necessary).

My point is that they are taking up the few seats whilst poorly people stand. One lady very clearly needs a seat and they aren't offering!

Thank you. I'm ok about the scan now!

You're all taking my mind off this. I'm supposed to be sitting at home eating leftovers and playing games with my kids 😏