Re: botox injections without pain
Hi Penny,
I think that everybody would be interested in hearing about this. Did he give any reasons or tips or techniques for the painless injections? I've had pretty good luck with the injections only being uncomfortable but many people have a really difficult time with them.
Please tell us more. What specialty is Dr. Farris in and does he practice there in Oklahoma City?Shirley in AR. (BEB-Apraxia)
Re: botox injections without pain
That's the way my injections are, just like pin pricks. Certainly can't call it pain.
Joann in Ft Smith, ARK
Re: botox injections without pain
My injections have always been like apin prick. I get 20-24. One time it felt like a bee sting and the Dr. said ;"Oh,On, You're going to have a bruise there and I did. So I suppose it depends on the Dr. givingthe shots. Ann D.
Re: botox injections without pain
Botox without pain? Get out of town!!!! Now for me - THERE'S a contradiction in terms! Botox for me is like having surgery without the anesthesia - midevel torture!!!!! I have to totally drug myself (despite sweet Shirley's caring protest!) out to be able to do it. Please please find out more about what this dr's technique it. Allow me to push everybody out of line to get to the front of this world news breaking info. (excuse me ...excuse me...). Thank you so much in advance. I will be anxiously awaiting your reply.The botox-tortured Shanasy
Re: botox injections without pain
Shanasy, I heard of a new topical drug to use before shots and I compied it down but unfortunely someone threw it out. I know that I am one of the very fortunate ones. My doctor said he also has patients who scream through the shots, I suggest that you ask your pharmasist and if he doesn't know ask him to find out. Also ask other pharmacist and ask the library. First pull the sympathy card and tell them what you are going through. It was mentioned on a news program, CBS. ABC or NBC. I searched through the garbage but it had been picked out the day before. Good Luck,, Ann D.
Re: botox injections without pain
Shanasy, I'm surprised at the replies from people who have no pain from the shots, I've had 3 sets of injections and they have all been extremely painful but life without botox isn't an option for me so I was happy to learn the new technique my dr. has tried and used. It is a drop of bicarb which he adds to the botox that decreases the pain and I was very impressed. I live in Oklahoma city and this is my dr. His credentials are, Professor Opthalmology, Adjunct professor, neurology and neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma. After years of suffering with blepharospasm and being told I had dry eyes, to live with it. I visited dr. Farris and he immediately told me he knew what I had and could help me. He did help me, I have my life back. This is a new procedure hes using and isn't ready to put out reports on it yet but said he would be happy to talk to other doctors who might be interested. If you are a member of BEBRF you can probably find a newsletter that has some sort of report on him. Good luck, penny
Re: botox injections without pain
I have heard about this being done. I can't remember if it was at the last conference or in a report or study that I read. I am thinking that the drug company was also going to look into this for Myobloc as it is more painful when injected than the botox is. This may have been where I heard about it. I think that it is. The PH or acidity is such that it causes the burning or discomfort and adding the bicarb improves this.
This would help with the solution, itself, to make it less painful but wouldn't make a difference with the needle pain.I think that you have found a keeper, Penny. Shirley in AR. (Blepharospasm-BEB, Apraxia)
Re: botox injections without pain
I don't find the injections too bad really - but even 20 or so pin pricks around such a sensitive area isn't much fun. Luckily its over and done with in a very short time.June in Toronto, Blepharospasm (BEB) and Meige
Re: botox injections without pain
Did he say how he makes sure that is the case or was that just a blanket statement he made? I've had almost every doctor I've had Botox from say either "it is like a pin prick or slight sting"............I found that to be right in there with "after Botox you'll be fine". I've found many factors involved and everthing is different for each person...everyone's pain threshold is different, technique is everything, size of needles, no preservative saline, the area that is injected, the dullness of the needle. So for me I use the EMLS cream generously 2 hours prior to injection (at least), ask about the saline and needle size, and do deep relaxation breathing during injections. In the beginning I trusted "this will be a little sting" and had tears streaming down my face when certain areas were injected. Since I've learned more...no more tears.
Re: botox injections without pain
you're absolutely right Delaine about everything, yes I've learned what my dr. is doing, what size needle, etc, etc. I know that no matter what is done that there is always going to be pain for some patients, The pain for me is not that untolerable, it is very painful for me but when I think of the alternative I grin and bear it. However, I thought I might could help someone by sharing the informaton I learned at Saturday's meeting. Its good to know that all that have responded to my message have little or no pain with their injections. I've read almost horror stories on this bulletin board about pain with the botox.
Re: botox injections without pain
I know some people suffer a lot more pain than others. I did hear of a new topical apllication---not the one we've been using but a prescription drug. Is there anyway we can find out? Anyone with an In with the pharmacy or the news company? Any one out there with any smarts? Ann Doyle
Re: botox injections without pain
Ann, this is a procedure my doctor has developed, at least thats what I understood. He has some patients that virtually go through the ceiling (and he has some that feel no pain at all) and mine are painful enough that I can understand this. He uses a drop of bicarb in the botox and the pain is greatly reduced. I'm anxious to find out for myself on December 3rd. However, when I asked if he was going to use it on me, he said no. He's a real comedian. penny
Re: botox injections without pain
Ann - Since no one else has said it, I will. I read about EMLA Cream on this BB. It's a prescription and you can apply it yourself, at least 2 hours, and then again and again....like I did today. It helps some. I have been having Botox shots for about 6 yrs., had a limited myectomy 2 1/2 yrs ago, and need less now, but the pain is a little more in some places. I think it's from scar tissue, or thin skin, as I gracefully grow older. Are any of you ladies members of the www.redhatsociety.com? Sounds good to me. Mary
Re: botox injections without pain
Mary, this was a different presciption than EMLA. I have a pharacist and librarian helping me. AnnD.
Re: botox injections without pain
Delaine, since my Myectomies, I have found that the injections are much more painful than they used to be. In fact, I dread getting them. I am scheduled to go in tomorrow for my eyes and neck injections and I am not looking forward to it believe me. At least the last time they helped somewhat which was the first time they ever have.It is also my last time going and having my medication paid for by my insurance Company. I have only been paying th $15 co-pay at CVS for my botox but my Cobra plan through my old company expires at the end of the month. I am hoping that Medicare will pay for the shots in the future but I am not sure. If anyone has any experience with New Hampshire, let me know. I suppose that the Dr. will know hwen I speak with him tomorrow. Oh well, I am going to Vegas on Thursday and plan on winning enough to not have to worry about it. Talk to you all soon...Alan
Re: botox injections without pain
Alan, where do you still get your injections? Do you need them for your upper lids since your upper myectomy or just the forehead area? Do you still have a lot of squeezing from your lower lids? I know that you didn't have as good of luck with your lower myectomy-I'm just wondering where you are having the squeezing from and where you do get them. Sorry that the injections are painful for you.Have fun in Vegas and win lots of money. We'll miss you but know that you are having fun. Shirley in AR.
Re: botox injections without pain
Shirley, it is weird but it almost seems as though the squeesing comes more from the nose area than from the lowere lids themselves. I know that that is an area that Dr. A did not go near with the Myectomy because of all the nasal passages etc. so it could be why I get it there. I also am back getting some squeezing from the upper area also. The muscles have grown back quite a bit (I told you I was a strange dude) and I still need to get the inj. up there above the brow also...........Aln
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