Becoming Whole Again Bells Palsy Update

Becoming Whole Again: When Healing Is More Than the Body

Twenty-five days into this second round of Bell’s palsy, I’m learning—again—that healing is never just about nerves, muscles, or facial movement. It’s about the mind, the spirit, the quiet battles no one sees, and the grace that meets you in unexpected places.

When I first shared my update on February 25, everything felt uncertain. My face wasn’t cooperating, my speech felt off, and my mind was racing with old memories from the first time I walked this road. Many of you prayed, checked in, and carried me in ways I can’t fully express. Your kindness has mattered more than you know.

What’s Happening Physically

For the past few weeks, my chiropractor has been using a form of acupuncture—dolphin neurostim—and the results have honestly surprised me. I’m grateful, relieved, and a little amazed at how quickly some of the nerve issues have responded this time around.

I’m not at 100% yet, but I can see the direction I’m headed. I believe I’ll get there.

I have a PT appointment coming up for an evaluation and some facial exercises. There are still lingering effects I want to address—small things most people wouldn’t notice, but things I feel every day. When your face is relearning itself, the “small things” matter.

The Mental Disconnect No One Talks About

One of the hardest parts of this journey has been the disconnect between what my body is doing and what my mind is feeling. Even as the nerves begin to fire again, my brain is still catching up. There’s a fatigue that settles in—a heaviness that doesn’t show up on the outside. You feel “off,” even when the world around you is steady.

Nothing is falling apart, but inside, you’re still rebuilding.

That inner battle is real. It’s draining. And it takes just as much courage as the physical healing.

The Gift of Not Walking Alone

In the middle of all this, I’ve been reminded—again—how blessed I am. One of the greatest gifts in my life is my wife, Susan. She has been my grounding point through every twist of this journey. She’s the one saying, “You’ve got this,” and even more importantly, “We’ve got this.”

She’s been patient with my eating, my talking, my slower moments, my frustrated moments. She’s been steady when I haven’t been. I honestly cannot imagine walking through this – let alone life – without her.

This year we’ll celebrate 29 years of marriage. Twenty‑nine. I remember being 21 and looking at people in their 50s, thinking they were “old.” Well… here I am in my 50s—and let me tell you, not old. Not even close. Just seasoned enough to know what matters, and grateful enough to recognize the gift right in front of me.

And Then… a Virus Showed Up

Just as I was starting to feel pretty good, a virus decided to join the party. Cough, scratchy throat, sinus pressure—the whole “let’s make this interesting” package. It knocked me back a few days and slowed the momentum I was finally feeling.

But maybe that forced rest wasn’t the worst thing. Maybe it’s part of the healing I wouldn’t have chosen, but needed anyway.

Where I Am Today

• I’m grateful for the progress.
• I’m surprised by how far I’ve come in just over three weeks.
• I’m still human—still battling the mental side of recovery.
• I’m choosing hope, even when my brain wants to choose fear.
• I’m trusting that wholeness—physical, emotional, spiritual—is still unfolding.
• And I’m deeply thankful for the people who steady me when I wobble.

Healing rarely happens in a straight line. But it does happen. Even on the days you feel stuck. Even on the days you’re tired. Even when you’re fighting battles no one else can see.

Thanks for stopping by the fire,
Coach Dennis

© 2026 Dennis Wagner. All rights reserved.No part of this blog may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission, except for brief quotations with attribution.

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