I have had numerous Botox injections. The first set was helpful for around three months. The second and third sets didn't do much for me. I had them done in my upper traps and my scalenes. They injected anesthesia into each site before actually doing the Botox. Both injections hurt pretty bad because they did them so deep. I got dizzy and sick to my stomach each time too. I think I had a series of 8 of each injections each time I went. Unfortunately, they also cause arm weekness and some loss of function to my arm and shoulder for the duration of Botox. I was sore from the injections for a few days. I would reccomend having someone take you---I certainly didn't feel like driving afterwards.

Over at BT I had written about my Botox experience... so now may be a bit redundant for those that had seen it ! I was given injections if I remember correctly 6 spots, without the aid of marcaine or any other local anesthesia. For the pain I had already these were a walk in the park !!! It took nearly 2 weeks before I felt the total effects of the Botox after about a month it slowly faded off and here again I am. For the cost only time, when flares or such start bothering me, I usually try and get in and see my Doctor for trigger point injections W/ Marcaine. Dr Togut is wonderful about hitting the areas that are bothersome and when I get home afterwards I do a good long hot soak in the tub and feel like new for a bit as the areas had a chance to settle !!!!

Wishing you truly my best....... Mark-n-Goober

What is the BT site?

Thanks for your information! I go tomorrow. I have been told that they can do up to 5 injections in the big muscles and 1-2 in the smaller muscles. I am so bad today. its horride from the top outer part of my left shoulder up thru the front of my neck to the back (left side) and ear/jaw area right now..... OH the burning!! my daughter should be waking up soon and ready to go! 9.5 months and I gotta be ready.

It stresses me out so much trying to hide and deny my pain for her. I do a good job at it - but often when she naps I cry. I really hope the botox works for me I really really need this.

Conster- Do you take anything for Pain? Are you nursing? That has been a real problem for me. I finally have succumbed to taking vicadin...usually at night after my littlest nurses before bed, then and I can settle in with the heating pad on the couch. I find that If I know I can at least escape it for that while at night that it makes the day easier to deal with.

9.5 months is soooo hard. Soon she'll be walking !!!!

Thanks for the advice on the posture corrector- I am totally going to try that.

*hugs for today*


Johanna

Hi Conster, Just wondering where in Texas you are? I'm in Austin....any chance you're somewhere nearby? Good Luck with your treatment tomorrow (or is it today ?) Hope it brings you some relief.

Hugs,
Nolina

Hello! I take 1/2 vicadin during the day when I am crying - which is not often maybe 3-4 days a week - on a bad day I will take the 1/2 pill twice. I am trying sooooo hard to not take meds.... I don't know why... maybe because before I got pregnant I was taking 2 darvocet and 2 soma a day just to function... and then I was pregnant!!! so I stopped and had about 1 week of bad withdrawl - stomach pain big time.

I would love Soma again - but I am not sure if the Dr. will give it to me - he is trying to get me off the meds. I think I will ask him for something tomorrow to calm me down - see.... I get hurting and then I start worrying can I keep this up- can I keep going today (because I am practically the only care giver for our daughter) my husband travels for business ALL THE TIME! i hate it. And then I start freaking out that I am hurting and its escalating and then I break down and take a 1/2 pill.

What I need to do - is stay ahead of the pain a little better. the 1/2 pill doesn't do anything for the pain just helps me mentally a little. if you know what I mean. makes me not care as much about the pain.

I live in Dallas so we are kinda close! I want to go to Austin so badly - I will for sure in the Spring. Just moved here right before the baby was born - . I do like Texas!

OK got my shots today - not too bad! they hurt less than trigger point and dr. gave me soma but only 15 pills. he is major anti-drug. I took a whole pill and I am soooooo high. but I can say the muscles in my face are relaxing finally (from anxiety and clenching jaw it was horrid - i even cracked two teeth from this). He thinks that I won't need the soma after hte botox kicks in.

I feel better already (before the soma) and its was only 2 hours after shots - is that normal? lets HOPE it continues! Thanks for all of your support so far! GREAT shoulder to lean on! xxxxooooo Muah!
Conster

Hi Conster, Oh sweetie it is wonderful to hear that you're feeling better already, and that it didn't hurt as much as the tp shots, AND that you got some Soma to tied you over for awhile! I sure hope the feeling lasts- sounds like you need a break, bigtime. I've been too chicken to try any of those things - botox, tp injections, nerve blocks - but i just might have to reconsider. So far I'm just on Percocet and Zanaflex (similar to Soma i think?). Like you I resisted meds for the longest time...not sure why, just stubborn i guess, or afraid of "needing" them. But it was easier dealing with the pain, w/ no meds, when i lived alone and was essentially a hermit. Once i met the love of my life & moved in w/ him it was alot harder. It's hard putting on that smile and pretending you feel like doing things (let alone doing the basics like looking presentable, doing laundry, etc) when your pain is sky high. Luckily I found an understanding,caring neuro who was willing to talk with me about the pros and cons of pain meds and let me make the choice to go on them or not, as well as trying other things like the zanaflex to help me sleep. I've got to say, those two things have been a Godsend. As much as i wish i didn't need the meds, the truth is i do and i have a much better quality of life now that my pain is better under control. Maybe if the BOtox works well enough for you, you won't need any meds in addition to it but if you do, i think its okay to say so. I don't mean to come across as pushing meds or anything! It's just, they are there for a reason. Conster, I wish you weren't so far away as Dallas - but at any rate I'm so glad you found this site. We'll a;ways be here to listen and to cheer you on
Hugs
Nolina

Conster- It is a really good sign that you feel better already- that was what my neuro said was supposed to happen : )

Congrats!! and good luck to you that it lasts.

Don't let your doctor talk you out of something that is really helping you. I really believe that moderation is the best way in most things...

*hugs*

johanna

Conster, certainly I do truly hope that you are able to have a long respite away from your **GOOBER** Please when it is working at the peak not to overdue, regardless as of how good you feel. I learned the hard way with my trigger point injections I did that and when it wore off I was in more pain and had to play catch up with my meds in excess, I never figured taking pills the way I do !

~MARK-n-GOOBER~