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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> botox (myobloc) injections
        
(Message started by: moke17 on May 12^th, 2006, 10:27am)

Title: botox (myobloc) injections
Post by moke17 on May 12^th, 2006, 10:27am

about tow and a half weeks ago i went to a phsyiatrist on referral from my gp and got a series of shots in my head- the back and forehead mainly. i have noticed a difference in the frequency and sometimes in the intensity. they are supposed to last for 3 months. i was wondering if others have had this and what results they may have gotten. also, has anyone tried this long - term? most things that help me seem to lose effectiveness after some time. btw- the shots themselves hurt - rather like bee stings but so far even this "sometimes" improvement has made it worthit.

Title: Re: botox (myobloc) injections
Post by Bob_Johnson on May 12^th, 2006, 11:19am

The medical literature suggests it's not very effective for Cluster although individual differences are always in operation--so you may be the positive exception.

I understand that it's a costly treatment. If so, for you, it might be worth exploring less costly options.

Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor. It describes preventive, transitional, abortive and surgical treatments for CH. (2002)

http://www.brightok.net/~mnjday/chtherapy.pdf

Title: Re: botox (myobloc) injections
Post by moke17 on May 12^th, 2006, 12:56pm

the first week it seemed to help more. i am now back in a bad cycle - shadows as we type. the company that makes the myobloc brand has a program where if your insurance won't cover it, they will give it to you for free, which is what i had to do. my insurance does not cover much that has been helpful for me. it is such a joy to have found this place and to know i am not alone. it is such a hard thingto deal with, the depression , suicidal thoughts, not to mention actual pain. it truly helps to know that others just already UNDERSTAND, i think i will be back here alot.
ps - the weather where i am has bee cold and rainy for a week and that always make me worse. funny the things we'll try for relief, tho.

Title: Re: botox (myobloc) injections
Post by Tom K on May 12^th, 2006, 10:21pm

Hey Moke, hang in there. I did the Botox and got relief for a couple of days right off the bat, then it subsided for a few, then kicked back in. Everyone is different but it is a good part of my arsenal now. Hope you get some PFDN soon.

Title: Re: botox (myobloc) injections
Post by Karla on May 13^th, 2006, 9:53pm

I got botox injections for a couple of years. It helped prevent my migraines but did nothing for my ch. Eventually since it had been so long since I had a migraine I stopped the botox and I get a migraine like once every 6 months. I hope it does more for you than me. Good luck.

Title: Re: botox (myobloc) injections
Post by chewy on May 14^th, 2006, 9:23am

You got shots in the back of your head from a psychiatrist ?

Whats the psychiatrists name?

Title: Re: botox (myobloc) injections
Post by moke17 on May 19^th, 2006, 11:39am

no, it was a psyiatrist - they are involved in rehab medicine

Title: Re: botox (myobloc) injections
Post by Kevin_M on May 19^th, 2006, 10:23pm

Haven't had any botox but from what I understood it prevents the release of acetylcholine. That's a substance muscles use to talk to each other. The toxin helps them to relax. It decreases the spasm, which can be very painful but is still secondary to whatever else is going on.