Spinal Cord Injury

[Andromeda]

I sustained a T8 complete, C5/6 incomplete spinal cord injury in 2002. My muscle spasms are so bad they are affecting my seating and curving my spine. I am going to ask my neurologist to inject botox to the two sites that are affected the worst. Has anyone out there undergone anything similar and if you have could you please tell me about it?

[UroDoc]

I have injected Botox into the external urinary sphincter in spinal cord injured patients to relax it and decrease the voiding pressure, It works well for that so I suspect the usage you describe should work well, definitely worth a shot both figuratively and literally.Good luck.

[lomachu]

Hi UroDoc,

I just joined this forum today to find out more on Botox injection to relief pain due to spinal cord injury. My husband has the same situation as yours, and now the pain has become unbearable. One of our doctor suggested the injection of Botox. By now, I thought you must have taken the shot. Does it work on you in relieving the severe pain and any side effect so far? Hope you can share your experience with us. Thank you.

[Andromeda]

I haven't received the botox yet. I live in a small town and accessing medical help is always a challenge. I have used a registered massage therapist for 2 years now and that is helping but it's a high cost. I use Lyrica for pain.

[lomachu]

Hi Andromeda,

My husband tried the Lyrica too for 2 weeks this Feb. The pain was reduced 50% on the first dose, but gradually lost its effect and the pain came back quick. My husband is sufferring from bronchiectasis for decades, and found more frequent bleeding after taking the Lyrica. So he stopped it. Don't know whether the Botox would help to relief his pain. Did you gather any information on the injection during these 2 years to share with me? Since we have to pay for the injection, he can probably have it done during this June.

Can anyone share his experience with me, or give me any information regarding the effectiveness, side effects etc..on the injection.

Thank you.

[Andromeda]

The botox shots are available in Vancouver at the GF Strong Rehab Ctr if the physiatrist feels you need them. You need to be able to isolate the muscle(s) that are the issue. The Lyrica has stopped killing the pain for me as well but not taking the Lyrica is excruciating. Good luck in your search, sorry I can't help you more.