[pono]

recent DX-occipital neuralgia for constant & often debilitating Head/neck pains which began after accident w/ TBI & other injuries. After trying many things, my neuro feels BOTOX would be best. I also have flares of TN.

nerve blocks (Sarapin/Lidocane) help but duration of relief varied--from few days to weeks. DR feel Botox will provide better & longer lasting relief.

I'm willing to try but the issue now is $$$ cost. After agreeeing to try botox I awaited "approval" from Insurance Co. Drs offices said ok'd but w/ high copay--$200 or so. THen waited several more weeks/months for Dr's office to get BOTOX. I was recently informed it was now in & scheduled appt. [for next week]

BUt recent conversation w/ my Medicare Pt. providor-Humana-- was told
BOTOX would NOT be covered, since it's a "specialty" drug and if I had these treatmts would have to pay in full. a financial hardship but IF this treatment could/would provide relief .....what price to put on pain relief???
There is no guarantee it will help me but sounds promising. BUT I've had so many experiences w/ other "promising" treatmts that didn't work...

would appreciate hearing from others-- experiences w/ BOTOX for these condtions??? effectiveness, duration of relief, treatments [how many??} and if/how /who paid for BOTOX???
does any insurance cover BOTOX??

could it possibly be "subsidizied" as other drugs are --for low income patients???


OR are there other Options-- treatments/interventions that may be more viable-- money or other wise???
I"ve tried craniosacral therapy in past w/ some success, but no practioners in area I live.

The pain is constant & often severe, turning into what feels like migraines (which I've had since a teen) or ice pick or even cluster headache symtptoms. some have been so bad I did go to ER.... and was given shots of Toradol or other pain meds.

I've been to many DRs, specialists, pain mgt ..... w/ little success or relief.
My head/neck hurt so badly I can't sleep at nite or find comfortable position. I have other problems w/ other chronic pain & neuro disorders but these have become unbearable, esp. since another recent head injury from a fall .

Perhaps I should be posting this elsewhere (Headache or other FORUM)??

IF someone could help w/ this --on any level--including rePOSTing in other forums that may be more appropriate , would appreciate. as welll as suggestions, insights, experiences others may care to share.

THANKS...