September 11, 2009
Posted: September 11th, 2009 01:20 PM ET

From
Former senator Norm Coleman has been diagnosed with Bell's palsy .
Former senator Norm Coleman has been diagnosed with Bell's palsy .

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (CNN) - Former Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman, widely considered a potential candidate for governor next year, confirmed to CNN Friday that he has been diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a generally temporary condition that affects the nerves of the muscles on one side of a person's face.

"[I was] heading back to the Twin Cities, I'm getting on a plane taking a little sip of water, and realize I'm dribbling out of the left side of my mouth," Coleman told CNN in a phone interview from his home in St. Paul. "I'm smiling, but only half of my face is smiling, so I realize I think we have a problem here."

Coleman said when the symptoms first came on last week on the plane he wasn't sure if it was a stroke or something else, but after seeing his doctor the next day, he had his answer.

"Bell's palsy, paralysis on the left side of my face," Coleman said. "The good news is that...I had a little movement, and by having a little movement it says the prognosis recovery is really pretty good."


Coleman said he expects a full recovery - the condition generally disappears within several weeks or months - but that in the meantime he'll have to endure "the two-faced politician jokes, and talking out of one side of my mouth comments."

"Other than that, this too will pass," Coleman added, calling it a mere "temporary inconvenience."

"It's a slow, steady improvement. It could be two weeks, it could be six weeks before back to normal, but in most cases there is a full recovery."

The Republican politican finally conceded defeat in the contentious recount and court battle over the 2008 race to current Sen. Al Franken just two months ago.

Filed under: Norm Coleman


Jason   September 11th, 2009 5:24 pm ET

I wish Norm a speedy recovery. To the other people with mean-spirited comments, how dare you! God forbid anything happens to you, hopefully nobody will say awful things about your unfortunate situation. And yes, 250 million people would be covered for this in this country. The other 50 million (including illegals and those who don't want coverage) will have tax payers foot the bill anyways. Believe it or not, most hospitals write off bills if you cannot afford it and can prove that you cannot. It is just a tax write off for them! I should know my mother had one of hers written off. Anyways my two cents!

once upon a horse   September 11th, 2009 5:21 pm ET

nobody deserves what he has and I hope he can overcome it. And I don't support the far right AT ALL but would not wish ill health to them. That's not for me to decide.

etl   September 11th, 2009 5:21 pm ET

My spouse was diagnosed with that and with no health insurance, we had to pay out over $600 for the diagnosis and treatment (it is curable by the way)

WIll 18E   September 11th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

Why, is CNN reporting this on there political ticker?
Americans are diagnoses with this decease everyday.
Coleman, was rejected by his own voters. CNN reporting this gives credence to the Rock Star persona that GOP politicians have always wanted to achieve in the public eye, like the Hollywood types.
I certainly hope Colemans fairs well with this battle.

Steve (the real one)   September 11th, 2009 5:06 pm ET

"Let the wackos suffer"
So now you are cursing:
PETA
SEIU
Code Pink
ACORN, etc
You did say let the WACKOS suffer, right? Yep, it appears you did!

DanMcCollum   September 11th, 2009 5:06 pm ET

Its not "all in his head." I had a friend in college who came down with this very same thing, and its very real. Luckily, it passes with time and isn't that serious.
None of this, of course, should be taken to suggest that I'm a Coleman supporter. I find him to be almost the archetype of the 'politician' and willing to say and do what ever it takes to get elected at the time.
But, that being said, I don't hate the man enough to wish any injury upon him. So, let me just say this: "Norm, I'm glad you lost the last election, but let me wish you a full and speedy recovery over the next few months"

janelle   September 11th, 2009 5:01 pm ET

What is wrong with some of you people!!!!!! I truly hope your parents did not raise you to be so unkind and ungracious!!!!

fanturnip   September 11th, 2009 4:58 pm ET

al franken is a poop on a stick.

Ron Ft. Myers   September 11th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

HaHaHaHa and Just Me, you have to be two of the most ignorant people on the internet!

Farrell in Houston   September 11th, 2009 4:25 pm ET

He'll be just fine. I've experienced having a boss who was diagnosed with the same. Not sorry he lost the election but he also needs to get away from the stress.

Just Me   September 11th, 2009 4:23 pm ET

I guess if I lost my senate seat in a bitter contest that dragged on for months, my face will start drooping too. Stop the malingering Norm. You lost. Get some counseling, find another job, and get on with your life! The Bell Palsy is all in your head.

Deborah Black   September 11th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

Gee good thing he has health insurance.

Erik   September 11th, 2009 4:13 pm ET

I am not a fan of Sen. Coleman......but I wish him well and hope he feels better soon.

Darth Vadik, CA   September 11th, 2009 4:09 pm ET

I wish him a speedy full recovery.

Though I hope that his disgrace as a politician haunts him for the rest of his life.

VON BISMARK -Vienna   September 11th, 2009 4:09 pm ET

Lucky Coleman!He has gov. insurance.

Samuel   September 11th, 2009 3:52 pm ET

Get well soon sir

Clay   September 11th, 2009 3:48 pm ET

Too bad. I hope this republican/democrat turncoat has good health insurance. He might have been covered had his new peers supported a publc option, but since this is a progressive disease it had to be a prior illness and I expect himt o be dropped immediately by his insurance company. Turnabout is only fair play.

Debi   September 11th, 2009 3:46 pm ET

I do not agree with Coleman ideologically, but I am sorry to hear he has this condition.
If it is curable, I hope he has the resources to get the treatment needed.

LacrosseMom   September 11th, 2009 3:16 pm ET

Too bad, God bless him and his family.

Joanna in PA   September 11th, 2009 3:12 pm ET

While i do not like his politics, i am sorry he has Bell's palsy. Hey but at leaST HE CAN GET TREATMENT.

Mario, mtl, ca.   September 11th, 2009 3:10 pm ET

Who cares

I feel bad for him   September 11th, 2009 3:08 pm ET

but he was such an ass this last election

JAZ   September 11th, 2009 2:52 pm ET

I am glad he lost his seat but I wish him a speedy recovery.

Steve (the real one)   September 11th, 2009 2:52 pm ET

Stay strong! Get well, May God bless!

Stacy from Leesburg, VA   September 11th, 2009 2:43 pm ET

Having suffered Bell's Palsy, it is an aggrevating condition. Mine lasted about six weeks and I could not taste, my face and tongue were numb, my speech was slurred, and the left side of my face drooped. My wife had to tape my eye shut and put sauve in my eye to not dry out at night. Eventually it goes away, but the possiblity of recurrence is high. I am not a Senator Coleman fan, but I wish him the best with this malady.

Ha Ha Ha Ha   September 11th, 2009 2:30 pm ET

Ha Ha Ha Ha..........

DOES Anybody know what GEORGE W. BUSH was suffering of?

Ha Ha Ha........ :P

What a Joke.......

GEORGE W. BUSH WAS AND IS SUFFERING OF – "GREED FOR OIL"

Ha Ha Ha......

And do you konw what ?????????

Nobody.........Nobody........ DIAGONSED IT BEFORE VOTING HIM AS PRESIDENT......... Nobody............ Nobody.

Ha Ha Ha Ha......... How Easily we Voters Can Be Fooled ........... :)

What a Joke....... What a Joke we Live in............. :P

Deuce   September 11th, 2009 2:29 pm ET

Ringing in his ears??

Alf   September 11th, 2009 2:25 pm ET

Probably the stress of paying al those legal bills to try to steal an election. Good health to him in the future, just so long as he is not poisoning our political system any more.

Gloria   September 11th, 2009 2:25 pm ET

I wish him well and hope he has a speedy recovery!

Sabrina   September 11th, 2009 2:24 pm ET

I wish Norm Coleman well------- but where is the ACORN story?????????????????????????

Kim in mpls   September 11th, 2009 2:16 pm ET

Norm I was disappointed in your willingness to drag out the election when we all knew that you lost and for changing party in 1996 when being a democrat wasn't kool. However much I may not be in step with your politics I can say that I am happy that you dodge the bullit. Good luck with your Bells Palsy.
ps Do you get medical for the rest of your life?

U.S. Common Sense   September 11th, 2009 2:13 pm ET

May you have a swift and complete recovery.

Jaime, Plantation FL   September 11th, 2009 1:54 pm ET

My best wishes to Coleman for a full and speedy recovery.

JonDie   September 11th, 2009 1:53 pm ET

Bell's palsy happens, he'll probably get over it.

But since Coleman doesn't really have a life other than that of a professional politician wannabe, he probably won't ever get over that.

michael Yeboah   September 11th, 2009 1:51 pm ET

senator, i am sorry to hear of your predicament. i wish you a speedy recovery but may i ask? do you have health insurance ? if not then tell your colleagues republicans to pass one immediately so that you can also receive coverage. This is what many americans are facing, that is why we need health insurance reform.

worriedmom   September 11th, 2009 1:49 pm ET

May God Bless you!

Kelby In Houston, Texas   September 11th, 2009 1:46 pm ET

I am truly sorry to hear about Norm Coleman's diagnosis.
However, one thing is most certain. He is going to teaciously fight this thing to the very end and beyond. If Norm Coleman has shown himself to be anything, he is a fighter. He will not quit. He will not faulter. And I wish him all the best

Dake   September 11th, 2009 1:44 pm ET

Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery!

Aunt Bea and Opie   September 11th, 2009 1:40 pm ET

Does it have anything to do with talking out of the side of your mouth too much,Norm?

GKfromRI   September 11th, 2009 1:40 pm ET

Did the former Senator get a blood test to check for Lyme's Disease? Bell's Palsy is a common side-effect of untreated (or undertreated) LD. I happen to know this little tidbit because I went through it last summer!

Rob Selby   September 11th, 2009 1:31 pm ET

Sounds funny. I'd like to see and hear the freak try and speak:)

GI Joe   September 11th, 2009 1:30 pm ET

A POX on ALL Republicans, I say.

Let the wackos suffer. They are not human. They are bigots.

patrick   September 11th, 2009 1:29 pm ET

i like how the close the comments section 4 mins after the article is posted, now im commenting on the jay-z obama article, oh because im black im suppose to go along with another crooked political puppet because a rapper says so, sike

LIBERAL and Proud of It!   September 11th, 2009 1:28 pm ET

It's called Karma, all republicans should look it up. All your party's negativity, lies, non compassion, obstructionism and opposition to helping average Americans will backfire. What goes around comes around.

Allen, Texas   September 11th, 2009 1:28 pm ET

I feel so sorry for him. However, God is watching all of us in whatever we do. I pray for him and his family.

carlos, that one   September 11th, 2009 1:28 pm ET

Mr. Coleman, to wish you well and a quick recovery.............I am a democrat and a Veteran......Godspeed sir!

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@KuhnCNN: Great meeting @JackGrayCNN today and seeing @sinderbrandrcnn in NYC! AC Rock Stars! :-)
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:07:10 -0800
@KuhnCNN: Posted today: Clinton foreign trip first on Twitter. http://bit.ly/9Axuh9 /via @PoliticalTicker
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:36:14 -0800
@KuhnCNN: RT @octavianasrCNN: MUST-READ// Coaching tomorrow's world leaders, through social networking -- http://bit.ly/9tmW6x
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:32:51 -0800
@AWMooneyCNN: Metro finally comes and then stops at station for 20 minutes #snoverkill
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:46:27 -0800
@psteinhauserCNN: I just shoveled two feet of snow off the roof. That was fun!
Updated: Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:14:34 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP