Captain Deb has a Botox appointment!

[CHD63]

Thanks, Deb .....

That link was very helpful in explaining the connection between relief with Botox and being a surgery candidate.  Also, explained what is done to relieve the pressure.

Clarice

[Captain Deb]

Here's an article written by the Chief of Neurology at Wake Forest School of Medicine on Botox--it is very informative!

http://www.imigraine.net/newrx/botox.html

Capt Deb

[Captain Deb]

Another Botox article:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/405418/alternative_treatment_for_cervical.html?cat=68

Capt Deb

[Captain Deb]

Another excellent Botox article--says doctors are making patients waait for months while they petition Medicare to pay some of the costs--that's me!

http://www.ehow.com/how_5447311_safe-botox-treatment-migraine-headaches.html

Capt Deb

[cyrmom2]

Hi Deb!
I hope the Botox works well for your headaches.  I've been getting Botox for a few years (cosmetic reasons) and love it.  My plastic surgeon uses a topical cream to numb the area but I can easily go without it.  It lasts about 4-5 months for me now. I had an unintentional eyelid droop one time when I first started getting the injections.  Wish he could intentionally does this now.   
FYI - The manufacturer (distributor?) offers discounts ($50-$150) frequently which my dr passes along to his patients.

Cyndi

[ombrerose4]

This Botox stuff sure sounds magical. I just saw my neurotologist today about my severe 2x a day headaches. We decided on one more bout of antibiotics and steroids and a CAT scan of my sinuses. If the headaches persist he suggested my next option would be Botox. He said it would cost $500 for the bottle of which none would be covered by insurance, but it seemed to me (but I didn't clarify it), that the bottle was good for a few injections. At this point I don't really care, just want those headaches to end. Looking forward to hearing how your Botox appt goes. Good luck and good riddance to those headaches!

[Captain Deb]

Ombrerose,

Since the FDA has cleared Botox for theraputic uses, you may want to call your insurance company and harrass them a bit.  You may get it cleared for them to pay.  Medicare now pays for it, and they are stingy about paying for anything!

Capt Deb

[Captain Deb]

Another good Botox article:

http://nyheadache.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=103&Itemid=124

Capt Deb

[Captain Deb]

Well, I had my Botox shots.  He injected my forehead, above my left ear, neck, upper shoulder, and a point in my upper back becomes inflamed before and during a migraine.  A total of maybe 15 injections.  He had 3 full syringes. It was done by my neurologist and he says it would be about 3-4 weeks before I start seeing results, although my forehead looks a little relaxed already. Apparently Botox for migraine takes a little longer to kick in than Botox for cosmetic purposes. I made the mistake of massaging my forehead after the proceedure because it hurt a little.  My doc said nothing about not doing that and I found out by reading online that this is a no-no..  I hope I didn't screw things up!

 I have my next injections in 3 months and he said that it works rather cumulatively and that if I don't get great results with this first round, I should go ahead and have a second round anyway. He can also increase the # of injections and sites then, too.  I have rather deep forehead furrows--my dad had them and I've had them since I was a kid.  I think I see a little lessening of the depth of them and my eyebrows have changed shape a little. (Am I getting 2 for the price of 1 here?) I look like I'm sorta mad! Or sultry! I've also got a little eyelid droop, which the literature says should go away.

Today I am having a little stiffness and pain in the neck and shoulder sites and I have a heat pack on. This could be from sitting in a 3D movie for 3 1/2 hours yesterday.

Here is an article on Botox for migraine:

http://www.headache-migraine-release.com/botox-for-migraine-prevention.html

I am really hopeful that this will give me some relief.  If not, I'm off to a neck specialist.  I'll keep posting on my progress.  I am also weaning off the Neurontin.  This Botox treatment was not the diagnostic one that they do in order to see if you are a candidate for surgery.  I think that those are administered in very specific sites by the docs planning the surgery.

I'll keep you all posted on my progress.  BTW medicare picked up their full share (80%) of the bill, and if medicare does this, I am confident that many insurance companies will soon follow suit.  As of 2 years ago when I had Blue Cross, they wouldn't pay for any of it.  Things may have changed since then.

Brainwrecks Begone!!

Capt Deb

[Debbi]

Deb - thanks so much for the update!  I have been thinking about you and wondering how it went.  It sounds promising - I guess we'll keep fingers crossed and hope it does the trick.

Yay for you!!


Debbi

[moe]

Cap'n Deb,
Thanks for the informative and entertaining pics and info on Botox.
Finger's crossed, (prayers too ) for decrease in your headaches.
Maureen

[Captain Deb]

OK now, I am really starting to look a little strange.  I kind of look like a Vulcan, now. I don't know if that is just the way I'm going to look, or if that will change.  It's not that noticeable to other people, but when you look at yourself you are more familiar with your own face.  I just seem to have a more pronounced arch to my eyebrows. 

I've had a little bit of a stiff neck and some pain in my trapezius muscles, but I have NOT had an occipital headache much less a migraine, in a few days.  My migraines had decreased in frequency and intensity between year 3 and now, coming on about once a week, but that occipital headache was quite frequent and nearly daily. Yay!!!  I am hopeful that the Botox will continue to progress in lessening the neck pain.

I'll keep you posted!

Live long and prosper,

Capt Deb of the Starship Enterprise

[Larry]

Listen here Commander Spok, aka captain parrot.

If ya gunna change from a pirate to an avatar to a vulcan, and then rename the goode ship Princess Batty Wench to the Starship Enterprise, your going to have to give the crew a whole buncha lycra outfits. let me tell ya - lycra and me don't get on at all well!!!

Hope the botox works eveb though it seems you were a punching bag for them. i remember when I got cortizone injected into my head - I had 21 injections - what a waste of time and space and pain - didn't work at all.


laz

[Captain Deb]

Hi y'all!

Well, the Botox has had 6 weeks or so to kick in and so far so good!  I have had a few bouts of occipital pain, but so far it has not once progressed up to the front of my head and temple and lodged behind one eye, which, for me, are the worst of the worst headaches. I am even back to doing a little exercise.  Before, just a few minutes on the treadmill would trigger severe pain. I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one, folks.  I plan on going back in another 6 weeks and getting another round of injections.  BTW, the Vulcan-like eyebrow droop went away. ( I know Laz would want to know this as he luuuuurves Vulcans!)

Capt Deb

[Larry]

Drats, the Vulcan look gone! - I kinda reckon Jolene Blalock (Te Pol in Enterprise) is rather spunky. I thought that look might suit ya me dear capitain.

Glad they seem to be helping ya - I might venture into that territory myself.

mmm, wonder if it can restore hair colour?


laz