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Norm Coleman Diagnosed With Bell's Palsy, Is Expected To Recover


Fmr. Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN)

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Former Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) has announced that he was recently diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a nerve condition involving the paralysis of half of the patient's face. The disease usually heals within weeks, and Coleman expects to make a full recovery -- though some cases can be permanent.

In an interview with local Minnesota reporter Rick Kupchella, Coleman sure seemed to be in good spirits, and even cracked a joke about two-faced politicians. He talked about how odd it feels that his smile, a real part of who he is, isn't working correctly. He said he decided to give the interview rather than hide his condition.

"When I was in the Senate, I spent a lot of time on health-care issues," said Coleman. "There are folks who have conditions that are not temporary, their prognosis is not excellent. So I count my blessings. We'll get through this one."

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September 11, 2009 5:28 PM   

if he's a Republican, maybe it's really myasthenia "gravitas"?

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September 11, 2009 5:42 PM   

Ralph Nader had BP several years ago and he still shows symptoms of it.

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September 11, 2009 5:54 PM   

I got it a year and a half ago. It resolved itself after a couple of months except for some weakness in my lower lip. I don't whistle like I used to and had to give up the trombone.

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September 11, 2009 6:04 PM   

I had Bells' Palsy 15 years ago. It did render my left eye tear duct far less effective. Otherwise, no lasting problems. Generally not a big deal.

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September 11, 2009 6:21 PM   

Yeah Norm, count your blessings and then do your damndest to make sure nobody else is as blessed as you.

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September 11, 2009 6:58 PM   

"There are folks who have conditions that are not temporary, their prognosis is not excellent.

Uh-oh, Norm, looks like you're showing the initial stages of EMPATHY. Better get that checked.

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CN

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September 11, 2009 7:33 PM   

I wish Norm a speedy recovery, and hope his palsy does not drag on for as long as he dragged out the Senate election.

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September 13, 2009 1:13 AM   

I hope he gets his sphincter checked while he is at it. My niece in Minn. says he is still an asshole.

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