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I've gotten an inquiry from an EmpowHER member, and need your help to assist her. She sought a second opinion from a new urologist who has recommended the use of Botox injections to treat her bladder spasms. Her primary urologist says he will not do this procedure because he doesn't believe there is enough data available. The treatment is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
She would really like to know if any of you have tried this, and what type of experience you had. Did the process help you? If so, for how long? Was it a treatment of last resort? Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?
I've done some initial research, and learned that while this isn't an FDA-approved treatment it is being used successfully for some patients. According to the Mayo Clinic, Botox is sometimes injected into the muscles of the bladder to treat incontinence because it blocks the release of chemicals which cause muscle spasms. The injection is given under anesthesia and is effective for nine months to a year. Following are links to Mayo Clinic articles about this procedure:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/urinary-incontinence/treatment.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bladder-control-problems/WO00123
In addition, the following links also provide information on the use of Botox to control painful bladder spasms:
http://www2.wfubmc.edu/articles/Continence+Center/
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CYD/is_20_37/ai_93531942/
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2007/12/05/33254.aspx
http://www.poise.com/Learn/LifeAndHealth/BladderHealth/BotoxHelp.aspx
Since this treatment is not approved by the FDA, it's not usually covered by insurance. Some references said the cost was about $300 per injection, and length of time cited for the treatment's effectiveness was generally cited as between six to nine months.
If any of you can offer information that will assist this member it would be greatly appreciated.
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Add a Comment38 Comments
My urologist told me last week that the injections are approved by FDA.
September 16, 2017 - 2:47pmPlease check this out better.
This Comment
I'm going in soon for my 6th set of injections. At first they only lasted about 6 months (as expected), but each time it lasts longer. This time it's been over a year. I have had mild cramps once after waking following the injections, otherwise there's been no side effects.
March 15, 2017 - 7:20amBefore this, I was on my way to becoming a recluse. When I "leaked" it was more of a flood. The amount of liquid overwhelmed even the largest pad. I had tried every drug available, physical therapy, interstim, everything I could find.
has been a life changer for me! I'd recommend trying it after trying everything else.
This Comment
I have been having Botox bladder injections for two years. I have twenty injections every six months. It as changed my life . It works around a week after the treatment. But recently I have been having lower pain just above my pubic hair line so painful but only last seconds it feels like electric shocks. I'm waiting for scans to find out what it is but really have a feeling it's to do with the Botox.
March 14, 2017 - 3:49pmThis Comment
I just got this done today ten injections so 100ml as it was first time and the pain sweet mother of Christ the pain ! I have an extremely high pain tolerance and found this rather painful and teary I have to get this done every 6 months and upped to 200ml hioebit works and was worth the pain during and after I feel sick to my stomach and in agony so here's hoping it works it takes two weeks to start becoming affective
December 9, 2016 - 9:50amThis Comment
What exactly was painful? the actual procedure while doing it? or after effects
September 11, 2017 - 12:24pmThis Comment
When I had my botox injections in my bladder they used lidocaine to supposedly lessen the pain of injections. They waited 20 minutes to come in the room to inject the botox. I felt every injection. The pain was excruciating. I felt as if my insides were being pulled out of me. I screamed, yelled and cried. I will never put myself through it again. She told me afterwards I had an over sensitive bladder. I was never told before the injections this could happen. Good luck!
December 5, 2017 - 1:57pmThis Comment
Anonymous
I will be receiving Botox injections in 2 months. I am hoping and praying that things work out. I have read some good and bad feedback about Botox. I am hoping to have good results.
January 21, 2016 - 9:24amThis Comment
I'm going to have mine done! I had a stroke 4 years ago and I'm up peeing all night long.
October 28, 2016 - 3:31amThis Comment
I am participating in a study for OAB and Boxtox injections. The first round Of injections would be a blind test. I would not know if I got Botox or saline, the second round, if I chose to continue, I would be garanteed the Botox. I know I must have gotten the Botox the first round, because it was wonderful, I felt like I was back to normal, with no side effects after a few days. The effects lasted about 7 months and I have no hesitations about doing it again, in fact I can hardly wait. I had a wonderful talented doctor, and maybe women who do suffer bad side effects have doctors that are not as experienced or talented.
November 8, 2015 - 6:16pmThis Comment
I had Botox done about three weeks ago and have had to catherterise myself from day 3. I have had 2 UTI's (have 2nd one at the moment) And the antibiotics I have been given don't seem to be working. I've never taken so many pain relievers in my life. I really wish I had never had it. I was apprehensive about it I should have listened to myself instead of my urologist. I wasn't given any pain relief from the doctor or prophylaxis antibiotics and they still won't give me them I can't wait for it to wear off. I am from New Zealand
October 9, 2015 - 10:21pmThis Comment