Re: Duration of Botox
My previous doctor told me it lasted between 3 and 6 months and when I would complain he told me the botox was working and I didn't know what I was talking about. My current doctor injects me every 8 weeks and that has helped alot. By week number 7 driving is a BIG chore, even a mile or 2, and for my last appt my husband had to take off early to come home and get me and the kids to drive me because I couldn't make it. Everyone's different and only you know how you feel. When I was working the botox only lasted 3 weeks max. It was awful - I blew out tires driving the kids to daycare. My spasms would be so bad my throat would tighten and I would dry heave all the way home from work. Now that I don't work and just care for the girls I can at least survive the 8 weeks ok.
Re: Duration of Botox
I have talked to many different people and have found that it lasts different amounts of time for different people--it can last from only 6 or 7 weeks up to several months. My own experience is that sometimes I could notice it wearing off a little after the 3rd or 4th week, a little more in weeks 6 - 7, and continued to wear off so that by weeks 12 - 13 it was basically gone. My insurance shifted me around to many different doctors; some of them will listen to you; some insist they are correct and that a patient can't know more than they do. It pays to be persistent in telling your doctor your needs.
Because of insurance restrictions, etc, I could only receive botox every 3 months, so I learned to carefully increase oral medications to compensate as the botox was wearing off. Many ophthalmologists and oculoplastic surgeons know nothing about the medications that work to relieve spasms; in that case, a neurologist can be very helpful.
There are also a few over-the-counter drugs that can help relieve spasms, and I use them when I have to drive.
If you live in New York or New England and want recommendations for doctors, etc, you can e-mail me at dairy39@hotmail.com.
Re: Duration of Botox
My son has blepharospasm and his botox shots usually last for approximately 6 months and this past time the shots only relieved it
slightly for a few days.He is going back to the Dr. next week and maybe having a stronger type of botox, I believe the name of the medicene is
myblox if understood the nurse correctly.
--modified by pam at Fri, Aug 03, 2001, 00:13:18
Myobloc
Pam,
Myobloc is not necessarily stronger than Botox, it is a different strain of botulinum toxin (it is B whereas Botox is A). It may be more effective for those who do not respond to Botox. Some here on the board have experience with it, though label use is for cervical dystonia. If you would like more information about it, see the link below.
Virginia in ALRelated link: http://www.myobloc.com/cons/index.asp
--modified by Virginia at Fri, Aug 03, 2001, 07:47:09
Re: Duration of Botox
My first botox lasted 11 weeks. The 2nd. one is almost gone
after 3 1/2 weeks.
Re: Duration of Botox
I guess I'm lucky to have such a good dr. My injections ususally last for for 6-8 wks. I ask my dr. how long they should last & he said everyone is different. Good Luck on finding another dr. Doris
Re: Duration of Botox
My first botox was miraculous - I went from using two little tubes of eye drops in an hour down to two in a day, literally overnight. That injection lasted 6 months. The next one was 5 months, then 4, then several at 3 months. The last few have been about 2 1/2 months. I find this disconcerting, because i am afraid to have them too close together, with concern about possibly developing antibodies. So I am trying to stay at 10 weeks. The last couple of weeks are really difficult. Right now, I'm not even at 6 weeks, and I am already having really dry eyes and more squinting.
Re: Duration of Botox
mine last 6-7 weeks and when they wear off my eyes lock up something feirce.
Re: Duration of Botox
Thanks for the responses to my question. I know this is what I have read on the bb before but wanted to get recent comments. I know the neuro-ophthal that I am going to says he can't guarantee results, when I express to his staff that it is not working really well, I expect them to take me at my word and not say it is unusual for it to last less than 3 months. It doesn't sound to me that very many of you have had results that lasted that long. Just wanted some data to go back to the doctor with the next time I go. That will be in November unless I find I need it a little sooner and his office said I could call and possibly get an earlier appointment. Things seem to be better this last week even though I feel like my face is doing funny faces when I do get spasms. Have been able to go without the shades more, so that is a positive sign. Wish I could go to the conference coming up but not prepared for it. Have one kid getting married next May and another the next year. Almost had two next year. Boy, was that stressing me out! When do they let us know where the next one is? I could use a year to plan. Anyway thanks for the info. As Judy would say I'm becoming armed for the battle. Coleen in Central PA where it hasn't rained much and the little girls in the neighborhood are running in the pouring rain. Wish I had the nerve to do that.
2002 conference
I've heard Houston mentioned, but I don't know the dates.
Re: Duration of Botox
Hi Coleen, I'm sorry you are having trouble already. I get my injections every 8 weeks, but this last time they haven't lasted and I started having trouble after about 2 or 3 weeks. My doctor seems to be pretty understanding, but I don't know if there is anything she can do differently.
The part about the rain, I'd say take off your shoes and go for it. How long has it been since you ran in the rain? Don't worry about what people think. Last winter my friend & I were walking after a snow. We walk around 3 miles about 4 times a week. We decided we would stop and make snow angels. First time either one of us had done that in a really long time. Sometimes I think if you have the urge, just do it.
Billie in Kansas where it is still very hot & humid & wishing for some rain to run through.
Re: Snow Angel
Oh how I'd love to make a snow angel today!! Just your mention of one cooled me off a degree or two. Thanks.Sally in North Idaho, where it's hot, too!!!!
|