I had Bell’s palsy about 20 years ago when I was pregnant and it was horrible. A mixture of pain, pregnancy hormones and having a facial disfigurement, although it was resolved eventually, caused me severe distress for many weeks.
So we are being offered the new Pfizer covid vaccine at work and it came to my attention that Bell’s palsy has been mentioned as one of the possible side effects and I’m terrified of this, even more than catching covid itself. I know it’s not logical and I’m being ridiculous but I can’t get this fear out of my head. It’s my Achilles heel unfortunately and I don’t know what to do.
I don’t know what the chances of getting it again and also that the chances of it happening due to the vaccine are very low but I can’t stop thinking about it. I should have the vaccine but I’m scared and wonder if the Oxford one would be better, if I could even get this later.
Before anyone slates me for being stupid, I know I am and should be grateful to be even offered a vaccine, but this is a big (irrational) fear for me. Any advice?