Every three months for the past year, I have received Botox injections – not for wrinkles – but as a treatment to relax my spastic muscles. I receive about 11 injections per session including my shoulder, bicep, forearm, calf, and the arch of my foot.
The treatment takes about 90 minutes starting with careful preparation of the poisonous and expensive substance. Botox is produced from the same bacteria that causes botulism poisoning. It's also a powerful neurotoxin (inhibits neuron communication across synapses). Essentially it blocks messages from brain to muscle, paralyzing the muscle to allow temporary relaxation.
My physical medicine doctor, "Dr. M," sticks electrodes to my skin around the targeted muscle. These sensors feed back to a computer that provides an audio representation of the erroneous signals being sent by the damaged area of my brain. Dr. M. inserts a needle into the belly of the muscle then wiggles it around until he finds the spot of highest interference – represented by a loud crackling static. Then he injects the Botox.
Yes, it hurts. My mom sat with me through one of my sessions and was distressed by my stifled cries. But about a week later the treated muscles relax enough to allow me to exercise and build the opposing weak muscles. In this way, Botox doesn't offer just temporary relief. It provides a respite during which my other treatments, such as exercise and electrical stimulation, can do their jobs more effectively to bring about long-term recovery.
You've got more guts than I do. Wow!
ReplyDeleteFor some glitchy reason I am not getting a new comment button of my own so I am tacking on to Rebecca's.
DeleteI have seen some people around here get botox with mixed results. I think so many of them stop at the point of having some relief and don't bother with the hard work of the physio so good for you for maximizing your opportunity.
I keep thinking about asking to have a shot in my face but I haven't worked up the guts yet and I think I would be low priority for an appointment because even though it is not cosmetic it isn't exactly functional either. I do wonder if it might not help with some of the endless headaches if I had less facial spasms.
botox didnt really seem to work on my forearm.:( i've only had it once though. how many times have you had it done?
DeleteI have been doing it every three-four months for four years. There is a cumulative effect. It has definitely helped me, but not in isolation. I have combined it with a three-times per week exercise and passive stretching program (meaning my therapist stretches me).
DeleteBased on my own opinion, you seems to have a good benefit on the use of Botox treatment. I think that it really help you from your problem. I think that Botox is truly a big boom for your health.
ReplyDeleteSo it really relaxes your spastic muscles. I am just worried about your health because I am afraid that your body might react on the dosage of botox medication. I am just aware of your health and hope that you won't be boomed with any bad effects. tc
ReplyDeleteHi Marcelle! Glad to hear that you had found help in Botox when undergoing your other treatments. I wish you all the best on your road to recovery. Continue with the positive attitude. You are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog. I too have had Botox shots for my left hand and my left foot. It has worked for my hand(fingers) but not for my toes.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your next entry. I would like to learn how to get rid of the spasms in my left leg. jane
It’s a good thing that you found relief through this procedure! Without proper treatment, spasticity can disrupt even your most basic activity and can cause you a lot more discomfort than the injections bring. Get well soon!
ReplyDeleteA lot of people don’t know that aside from effective anti-aging, Botox is also used for health purposes. Doctors recommend this treatment to their patients who are suffering from excessive sweating. My brother actually had this treatment before and it’s really efficient!
ReplyDeleteThanks I got beauty care Information!
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