tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314571900243142661.post253231910659292439..comments2024-01-08T15:14:08.389-07:00Comments on Chronic Migraine Warrior: Considering Botox (Part 2)Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12251221896260997647noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314571900243142661.post-52282698977021972142013-07-06T23:35:39.383-07:002013-07-06T23:35:39.383-07:00Tara, I'm so sorry that it's taken me so l...Tara, I'm so sorry that it's taken me so long to respond to your comment. I truly apologize. <br /><br />My surgeon and I spoke a while back, and he said that I was okay to get Botox injections (or acupuncture, etc) - just to make sure that the doctor doing the injections knows that I have the neurostimulator, where the wires are, and that they can call and speak with my surgeon if they need confirmation or further information before doing them.<br /><br />I hope you're feeling better than when you posted. I'm sorry that your stimulator isn't offering the relief you need. I know how that goes. I would definitely recommend you speak with your doctor / surgeon about the possibility of Botox, if that's a treatment you're a seriously considering.<br /><br />If you have anything else I can answer or help with, please let me know. I'll do better to be more timely. :-)<br /><br />Blessings. Jamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12251221896260997647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314571900243142661.post-81875511741588539342013-06-21T08:09:33.565-07:002013-06-21T08:09:33.565-07:00Hello! I had my stimulator implanted last October...Hello! I had my stimulator implanted last October and have been having chronic migraines again the past couple of months. I am on day 7 in a row today. I was wondering if it was possible to receive Botox with the stimulator in place. Did your surgeon give the ok? Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04914907928383970059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314571900243142661.post-53375278616751308592013-04-22T20:23:02.235-07:002013-04-22T20:23:02.235-07:00Margaret, I'm so very happy that you've be...Margaret, I'm so very happy that you've been migraine free for so long. That's amazing! I'm so happy for you, and I thank your for sharing with me. Jamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12251221896260997647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314571900243142661.post-51145747300088305522013-04-22T20:18:26.445-07:002013-04-22T20:18:26.445-07:00Valerie, thank you for sharing part of your experi...Valerie, thank you for sharing part of your experience. Especially to expect the injections to e different. I'll probably have to try to be very mindful to not be jumpy. Jamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12251221896260997647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314571900243142661.post-34629605644228968292013-04-22T11:32:29.073-07:002013-04-22T11:32:29.073-07:00Hi Jamie, I have had several sessions of botox inj...Hi Jamie, I have had several sessions of botox injections and initially I didn't feel much relief but then I went to a different doctor. She was wonderful! He gave me ice and topical anaesthetic and that really made a world of difference. This doctor believes in taking the holistic healing in things and explained that botox is actually a very "clean" drug. Whatever side effects you would have would disappear in 3 months. I have mentioned before how I was going to the Ontario Migraine clinic and guess what....I've been migraine free for 5 weeks!!! It is nothing short of a miracle. I have spoken to the ladies that are getting treatment there and they have been suffering with migraines every day for 15 yrs and are finding relief. I would tell anyone who can get the treatment to do it because it definately worked for me and I know it will work for others. I really hope Jamie that the botox will work for you and you will find what works for you to become pain free. May God bless you!Margaretnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314571900243142661.post-33538945439565512522013-04-13T20:28:07.653-07:002013-04-13T20:28:07.653-07:00I wish you God's peace in your decision to hav...I wish you God's peace in your decision to have or have not. I suffered from chronic migraines for almost 25 years, and I tried every medication offered, did chiropractic, acupuncture, had my palate adjusted, did alternative medicine treatments, physical therapy and Botox. It was years ago when Neurologists were just beginning to try it on their patients and insurance did not pay. All this to say it could be very different today, but then it was no big deal, not painful but like a quick sting each time. The only thing I will mention is to expect the injections in the back of your neck to feel very different than those on your face! My doctor failed to warn me and the unexpected quick ouch made me jump a little! Dealing with migraine disease is far worse than trying Botox, so I hope this helps if you decide to do it. Blessings.Valeriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06423537217340394823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314571900243142661.post-31487860515224646062013-04-10T16:12:59.044-07:002013-04-10T16:12:59.044-07:00Sue, thanks for the recommendations. I'll talk...Sue, thanks for the recommendations. I'll talk to my doctor about them. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.Jamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12251221896260997647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314571900243142661.post-8554566969995269172013-04-10T16:09:41.444-07:002013-04-10T16:09:41.444-07:00Heather, thank you for being so open about your ex...Heather, thank you for being so open about your experiences with Botox. I feel glad I did the surgery for my neurostimulator, even though it hasn't provided the expected relief. I think the fear with the Botox is a lot because I'll be awake during the injections. But, you're sooo right, I shouldn't let fear be what stops me! Thanks, hun.Jamiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12251221896260997647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314571900243142661.post-1801319319229754992013-04-10T12:08:07.951-07:002013-04-10T12:08:07.951-07:00I understand entirely why this is such a difficult...I understand entirely why this is such a difficult decision. <br /><br />If you ask, I think most clinics will provide a topical anaesthetic cream at the places where the injections are given. It may help reduce the slight sting as the needle enters. <br /><br />I've also seen practitioners who use ice to numb the area and then immediately inject in that spot. <br /><br />It has also helped me that the doctor who gives me my treatments is very personable and chats during the procedure. She belongs to my denomination, so mostly we talk church. It makes the time pass and before I know it - we're done! <br /><br />I'll be thinking of you and praying as you make this tough decision.Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03407981987874669303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314571900243142661.post-61088785824242642572013-04-10T07:02:45.764-07:002013-04-10T07:02:45.764-07:00I felt many of the things you are feeling when I d...I felt many of the things you are feeling when I decided to try it. The first three times, the only side effect I had was a sore head from the injections for awhile. Injections #1 & #2 did give me some relief that was noticeable. It took awhile to kick in, gave me relief, then I had pain again while I waited the mandated 3 months for the next injection. Injection set #3 gave me the most relief. I was able to go visit friends, though not far from home, even a short drive was an accomplishment. #4 in December seemed to give me the most side effects. I had hot flashes and was really sick to my stomach for a day. I'm not SURE it was from that, but I'm pretty sure. I did not get any relief from that set looking back. <br />That said, it was worth a try to me because of the possibility of getting relief. Similar to trying the numerous preventives that made me sick. I would say the side effects of Botox were WAY more bearable than the pills I have tried. It does hurt to get the injections, but what made a huge difference (tried it with and without) was a pretty hefty dose of anti-anxiety meds about 2 hours before injections. I know you suffer frequent, intense pain like I do, and I can say it was bearable compared to what I go through on a daily basis. <br />Ultimately, you have to decide what you feel ok about and what you don't. I had bad diarrhea before the first time because I was petrified, and that was with 1mg of Ativan, but the pain wasn't as bad as the fear.<br />I also felt the same way about my surgery because it scared me to death and the what-ifs of it not working after going through all of that. I am glad I did it, even though it wasn't a miracle cure. I'm thankful for the days I do have some relief. Will be praying God guides you to the right decision and gives you peace one way or another. Don't let fear be what stops you because it may bring you great relief from pain.<br />((hugs)) Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13464851421397863762noreply@blogger.com