Heatwave

Blinking has returned and my face is almost completely back under control. I did take a homeopathic remedy but the effects of Bell’s Palsy were fading then. Yes, it’s hot here so this is a picture from a couple of months back in case we forget what it’s usually like in London.

Learning to Blink

Bell’s Palsy is supposed to be a diagnosis of exclusion but reading this trumpeter’s description convinced me.

I’m finding it quite disconcerting to look in a mirror, attempt to raise both eyebrows and see only one of them move. The numbness on one side of my mouth is similar to the way it feels when a dental anesthetic is wearing off, so annoying when drinking. I can only manage half a smile. The worse thing is having to protect my right eye. It’s not blinking so I have to remember to do some “manual” closing to stop it drying out.

It’s making me think about all the stuff I do automatically. I like to think that I often take photographs without thinking too much but it’s nowhere near as unthinking as blinking.