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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JEP07
September 11, 2009 5:28 PM
if he's a Republican, maybe it's really myasthenia "gravitas"?
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erichayes
September 11, 2009 5:42 PM
Ralph Nader had BP several years ago and he still shows symptoms of it.
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realist
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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calguy
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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wickning1
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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psyclone
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
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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agin
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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