Hey Lisa, Counting down the days I bet, my only recommendation is DO NOT put all your eggs in one basket. I too was hoping/wishing botox was the magic bullet, but not to be for me. If it helps, even a little, then this can be the bonus you both need. As for the magnets, I now have a programmable valve which is controlled by using a magnet. I had a magnetic underlay on my bed but after being fitted with this valve had to remove it from my bed. So the magnetic treatments are now a big NO, NO for me. I'm going to have another scan next week and a follow up appointment with the NS, but I'm not expecting any great resolution. I've found having those expectations then not receiving any resolution can be so soul destroying that I no longer develop such expectations, this way I can't be let down. It also means that if there is a success I can enjoy it fully.
Best of luck and best wishes for the Botox being a HUGE success. Let us know
Merl1n

Hey Merlin~
So He got the botox today, said it wasn't too painful, no side effects so far. Neurologist said it would be 2 days to 2 weeks to see any results. So we keep our hopes up and fingers crossed that this is his cure! Deans shunt is adjusted by magnet too but neurologist said this would not effect it. I thought that kinda strange as well. well thanks merlin, I wish you all the luck at your up coming appt.

Hey Lisa and Dean
Well, not to sound rude or insulting but Dean you're one lucky bugger having little to no pain, mine stung HUGELY, brought on a huge pounder of a headache afterwards, that lasted 2 days.
I'm jealous I do admit that eventually there was some reduction in the pain at the back of my head, which lasted a couple of months, but the pressure/pain behind my eyes remained. Since then though the full blown headaches have returned. I was told by the n.s. that the shots were 4 monthly, so now I wait.
The patient just before me came out of the surgery saying she could feel the benefit straight away, which I was real hopeful about. But the n.s. also told me 2days to 2weeks, mine took about 4 days. The n.s. said to that some patients have a bit of a placebo effect and this may have been why that particular patient stated she had an immediate effect.
Hope you get a decent long term relief. I have heard of some really good results from the treatment for some people. Hope you are one of them

Merl1n

well its been a week and for last 2 days no headache!! hopefully we found the cure for him. I only hope you have as good a luck!! keep us informed
lisa and dean

Hey Lisa and Dean,
That's great news, hope it continues. I've been to see the NS this week, had ct scans prior, they told me that it seems more fluid is being retained than I need and the ventricles are again expanding. They altered the shunt settings and although the mornings HA have shown some improvement the evenings HA have gotten worse, off the scale worse (which I was hoping wasn't possible). I have been told and have read that it can take a week to 10 days for any such adjustment to settle and take effect, 10 days of this and I'll be ready to kill (joke)(well sort of).
When they first inserted the shunt I had bad HA for about 5-6 months, this time round its been about 2 years and still no light at the end of the tunnel. But then I remember a lady who was in hospital at the same time as me. She had had major complications and infections and was in a much worse state then myself. So as bad as it may seem, it could be worse.
Dean I'm glad you've had some success with the botox. Long may it last.
P.S. If you ever feel the need for a HA, just ask I could donate you one at anytime, free of charge.

Merl1n

Hey Lisa and Dean,
So, I've been and had 2nd botox, had scans and seen NS again. Seems this is as good as it gets, which is disappointing/depressing to say the least. Hope all is going OK on your end
Merl1n

Hey Merlin
Hope You r doing a little better..The botox really helped Dean but Dean's insurance has change & new will not cover the botox..so we r going to talk to a plastic surgeon about this (I think) its a nerve decompression surgery...not sure if he is a candidate or not or if insurance will cover but its worth a shot, his ha's r back real bad. Hope You can get some relief from that botox