Angelu De Leon says having bell’s palsy twice has grounded her

For Angelu De Leon, having bell’s palsy twice felt like a wake-up call.

The actress and politician endured two attacks in 2009 and 2016.

According to Mayo Clinic, bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. Because one side is paralyzed, the face droops, smiles are one-sided, and one eye resists closing.

The pain is temporary and would usually last for a few weeks. The cause of bell’s palsy remains unknown, but some of its symptoms include the rapid onset of mild weakness to total facial paralysis, difficulty making facial expressions, drooling, pain around the jaw or ear, and many others.

In a conversation on the podcast “Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel,” Angelu shared that though she still feels the signs of her palsy, all is well with her health.

“Minsan, pag sobrang pagod, lumalabas pa rin siya. Pero you know, I mean it doesn't bother me anymore. I think that's one thing — acceptance is key nga 'di ba,” she said.

Angelu adds the attacks have humbled her and led her to believe that some things really do happen for a reason.

“May mga ganun talagang parte sa buhay natin that kahit na anong minsan idasal mo na bumalik sa normal, or 'wag sana, or gumaling, pero hindi talaga. I think it grounds you also, and you get the fear na you are living [in God’s] ways,” she said.

“Ako, I feel talaga na it’s really a grace from God, so I think it’s also inspiration to the people who [have] disabilities.”

Angelu no longer hides the fact that she had bell’s palsy. She shared that she received messages from those who also had the condition and that they were able to share stories plus pieces of help and advice to overcome this.

“I guess that's one way na to prove na yung disability, hindi siya disadvantage ganun,” she said.

“Kaya sobra akong happy and kaya siguro nawawala rin siya, kasi nag facial movement dahil nag tawa ka nang tawa, mukha na siyang normal.”

Listen to Angelu De Leon’s full episode on “Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel” on Spotify. — LA, GMA News