Houston Chronicle - Botox & IC Article

[Derrick]

Here's an article on botox and IC

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2386102

[tigger_gal]

OK don't boot me off the board here.. but my daughter asked me a question and need to relay it all to you for an answer..
Doodlebug askes, why would someone have botox put into there bladder to freeze it, numb it what ever it dose.. smooth out wrinkels, is what its purpose is... but if it you numb up the nerves in you bladder how will you know when you have to go, and, how will it be able to function like fill and un fill, by putting wrinkle medication in there.. I also knows of Deb Bush's experience and think this a bad idea.
doodlebug

[liz2]

I think the success of Botox in the bladder depends upon the individual. Some people find that it gives them their lives back.

I personally did not get the hoped for pain relief. For me, retention post Botox continues to be a major problem, and I am past the 6-month mark.

[lotsofgirls]

Liz,
I hope the retention ends soon, enough already!! :(
Cath

[liz2]

Right now I wish the botox would wear off. It has continued to stay in my bladder beyond 6 months. I know many people who probably would like to have Botox remain in the bladder this long.

Botox has been extemely helpful for several of my friends, and I would never want to discourage anyone in its use.

At the time when I had the Botox injections, Botox seemed like a good option for me. On any treatment you really don't know how it will work for you until you try it. Our bodies react so differently; that probably is what makes IC so hard to treat. "One size" does not fit all, to paraphrase an old saying.

I think what all of us hopes to find is a doctor who will patiently work with us until a successful treatment protocol is found for each of us.

[CinSin]

Hi Everybody,

I am the one in the interview and would be happy to answer any questions about about my experience with Botox. I know that not everybody agrees with Botox, but it is the only treatment that has worked for me and trust me I have tried them all. Before Botox, IC controlled my life for 10 years and for the last 17 months I control it. For me it has been as simple as that.

Cindy

[tigger_gal]

Liz,
Our bodies react so differently; that probably is what makes IC so hard to treat. "One size" does not fit all, to paraphrase an old saying.
omg lmao thats so funny

hugs Brat

[CinSin]

I agree with Liz - our bodies are all different and we all have different symptoms and probable causes of IC. Everyone one of us has their own unique set of symptoms and triggers.

To answer Brat's daughter's question "how will you know when you have to go, and, how will it be able to function like fill and un fill, by putting wrinkle medication in there"

The Botox does paralyze your bladder but only the part they inject the medication into. My uro only injects the lower part around the nerves to block painful nerve signals to the brain. It allows your bladder to relax and expand to hold more urine for longer periods of time. I did have some minor retention after the first time, but we lowered the dose and haven't had any more problems with it. I have no trouble telling when I have to go to the restroom. My body tells me without being painful.

I hope this helps clear some confusion up.

Cindy