Bladder botox?
 

Anyone here have botox in their bladder?

Urge incontinence was my first MS symptoms (thank you spinal lesions!) and it has been terrible for about 2 years, to the point where I wear an adult diaper 24/7. I've tried all the pills out there to help and none have (but they do succeed in giving me a very dry mouth!).

I went back to my urologist today and he is referring me to a dr who does botox to help with OAB. He said, especially since I already have trouble voiding, that there's a chance I may need to self catheterize in order to eliminate fully. I've been investigating this for some time so I have had time to wrap my head around that, but it still grosses me out. But seriously I don't think it could get any worse than what I'm dealing with right now.

So if any one has had this treatment I'd love to hear from you! TIA

My neuro has suggested this procedure also...although, if you have trouble voiding, I would do research to see how botox affects that.

Yes I have researched that and I just will likely have to catheterize which wouldn't be the end of the world. I should probably be doing that already since I have major voiding issues. Only 1-2 UTIs a year thankfully!

I will talk to the dr who does the Botox procedure in detail before I agree yo it but it's that or continue living as I am which is really not what I want to do.

Good luck with this MSBelle!!:hug:

Thank you Sally! I'll let you know when I see the specialist!

This is one of those symptoms that can really inhibit us from leading a full life:(

I believe Botox has to be recharged every year or so? maybe every couple of years? It's not a one time procedure I do think.

Yes, that's correct. My urologist said every 4-9 months (depending on the person) it needs to be re-done. Which is a good thing because I can try it and if I hate it (i.e. I have to catheterize and I really can't stand it), at least I know it's not forever! I can always go back to how I currently am.

I found this Wikipedia article on botox.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Botulinum_toxin

I've heard of it being used for various medical issues.....not just cosmetic.....but I'm still wary of it. I mean, it's a neurotoxin! I have enough problems with MS. If botox doesn't work well or, heaven forbid, I have a reaction to it, that's just one more thing to deal with.

The risks definitely have to be weighed against the benefits. It's amazing what treatments/medications I've become comfortable with as my MS has progressed! I remember reading about all the DMDs when I was first diagnosed and I thought the interferons sounded extreme! I just started friggen Tysabri a week ago now (before it seemed WAY too risky! But that was when I could walk...).

I'll definitely have to look into it in detail with the dr, I may not end up going for it... maybe the Tysabri will help the bladder symptoms improve a bit. Who knows.