Fascinated about getting Botox for migraines? Wish to know what it’s actually like? On this tell-all sequence, I share my private expertise and all of the need-to-know particulars about this remedy.
My First Persistent Migraines
Once I was first identified with persistent migraine in 2018, every day complications left me barely purposeful. The primary remedy I attempted, Aimovig, a CGRP inhibitor, gave me my life again. I nonetheless had complications. However the ache lessened and light to the background.
The reduction didn’t final.
Days vs. Waves of Ache
With my neurology suppliers, we discuss “headache days” in averages. However in my expertise, my complications got here in waves, not single days. I’d get extreme ache extra usually for just a few weeks, adopted by weeks or months with much less ache.
My nurse practitioner talked about Botox as an possibility throughout a number of dangerous waves. However the waves didn’t final lengthy sufficient for me to significantly contemplate it.
Deciding to Attempt Botox for Migraines
Till they did. Round final December, the dangerous waves obtained worse and lasted longer. They shifted from being the exception to being the rule. That’s after I determined to attempt Botox.
For greater than every week, I counted down the times until my appointment with Jose Posas, MD, at UVA Well being.
My Appointment Day Lastly Comes!
I walked into my appointment in late August with an enormous smile. I used to be so sick of coping with my migraines. I used to be excited, not nervous.
When Posas got here within the room, he had a pleasant, calm presence. That helped me keep relaxed by the entire appointment. First, he defined the process and answered my questions.
How Does Botox for Migraines Work?
Botox for migraines works partly by blocking ache alerts. It additionally retains the muscle mass the place it’s injected from contracting, in order that they’re much less stiff and delicate to ache.
You get 31 injections within the brow, again of the pinnacle, high of the shoulders, and across the temples. This targets 7 muscle teams proven by analysis to be related to migraines, Posas explains.
Will It Change How My Face Appears?
I’d seen this aspect impact talked about in just a few migraine teams on Reddit and Fb. Somebody complained it made their eyelid droop.
Posas confirms it’s a risk. He says it may elevate the ends of my eyebrows. I contemplate this for a second earlier than asking, “Will or not it’s even?” He smiles and solutions, “Sure, I’ll make them even.”
How Lengthy until I See Reduction?
Not gonna lie; the reply bummed me out. Everyone seems to be completely different, however it usually takes till your second, third, or fourth spherical of injections to see an enormous distinction. And injections are spaced 3 months aside. A small proportion of sufferers are early responders and get reduction with the primary spherical. “I’m conserving my fingers crossed for you,” Posas says.
31 Fast-Fireplace Injections
I lay face-up on the examination desk. “We’re beginning with 3 within the brow,” Posas says. He does these in speedy succession. There’s slight sting and he tells me to breath in absolutely for six seconds and out for six seconds. “These are the worst, so I prefer to get them out of the best way first,” he explains.
Want Assist With Your Migraines?
The crew at UVA Well being helps me and lots of different sufferers handle this difficult and painful situation.
I admit, I used to be shocked when he did the primary injection and instantly went in with the second and third — no pause. However actually? I believe it’s an excellent technique. There’s no time to get anxious; it’s over earlier than you understand it.
The three within the brow had been certainly the worst. However even these really feel like only a tiny prick. The photographs are shallow and achieved with a 30-gauge needle, which is fairly small. On high of migraine ache, these really feel like pouring a drop of water into the ocean.
What stands out essentially the most about my appointment is how extremely quick it went. On my approach to the parking storage, I observed a really slight sting at a number of the injection websites. And thought how I’d discover it extra if I didn’t have already got ache there.
The Week After Botox for Migraines
It’s been every week since my appointment, and my eyebrows nonetheless look the identical! I lastly stopped checking after just a few days.
My migraines are nonetheless in full power. However it does really feel higher realizing there’s likelihood the Botox will assist sooner or later. Even when I’ve to attend some time. That makes it a bit simpler to deal with the ache and different signs.
