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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
I know how you feel I had my botox done in August last year stillbjn retention and Uris constantly with a throbbing bladder in retention
March 4, 2017 - 3:00pmThis Comment
I am 45 and have interstitial cystitis and OAB and I tried the botox injection on yesterday and today my life has changed for the better in 1 day-- I use to go to the bathroom every 2 hours - last night was the first time that I was able to sleep through the night getting up only 1 time. I am now able to hold my urine 4-5 hours it's amazing and I will have it done again -- life feels normal again.
September 22, 2015 - 4:16pmThis Comment
I had the botox injections done 2 yrs ago and am going for a repeat course next week. I was fortunate in not having to self-catheterise but the main reason it has lasted so long was I was on a high dose of amitriptyline for depression and that dried up everything - eyes, mouth and bladder. When I cut it down to 50mg I started with the bladder problems again. I don't know how safe botox is to keep having repeat doses and would probably want to try that new drug myrbetriq to see how it worked (which was the other option my urologist gave me 2 yrs ago). Has anyone tried it?
August 5, 2015 - 9:32amThis Comment
I've been using myrbetrin to treat OAB for nearly a year and, besides being quite pricey, they make very little difference. I take one mid-afternoon to keep from having to get up during the night, which works about half the time. I'm thinking about botox, but the side effects seem worse than having to use pads 24/7. Oh well, it is what it is!
August 31, 2017 - 2:56pmGotta stop now, gotta "go"!
Linda R., CA
This Comment
I tried it and it raised my blood pressure. I am taking toviaz which causes dry mouth. Am considering botox.
February 18, 2016 - 8:14amThis Comment
I had the procedure done a couple weeks ago under general anesthesia. I'm 31 female, & have had a very, over active bladder my whole life....oral meds & limited fluid intake hasnt helped at all. I started having bladder spasms about 6 months ago & my regular md sent me to a urologist. After waking up I had very bad spasms, but just for 15-20 minutes, then they stopped, & had no pain or discomfort since the procedure. The Only problem is the only thing I can tell a difference in is that I don't wake up at night anymore to go. Other than that, I'm still using the restroom around 15-20 times a day. also, I have chronic cluster/tension headaches, & since having the procedure done, I went from having a headache a day, to not having one since!! ??
August 4, 2015 - 7:33pmThis Comment
I had botox injections in my bladder 13 days ago and I have noticed no difference in my frequent urination. The doctor's office told me it may take two weeks to take effect and so far nothing. I had it done before by a different doctor and it worked great-that was 8 months ago.
May 5, 2015 - 6:12pmThis Comment
Yesterday I had my fourth round of Botox for OAB. (Today I went horseback riding) It has been extremely successful for me every time, without side effects (although yesterday I had some cramping - for the first time - for a couple of hours after, but they disappeared completely) I have it done under general anesthesia because that's what my insurance says, but we're pushing for them to allow it to be done in the office. (another story for another day)
March 25, 2015 - 1:30pmBefore this I had tried everything from meds to biofeedback to interstim. This is the first and only treatment that has worked for me and I will be continuing it as long as necessary. My problem was so severe that it was afraid I'd become a recluse - I always had a matching pair of pants ready, wore the heaviest pads, and added a pair of tight athletic shorts to help avoid missing the pad, etc.
I'm happy to answer any questions anyone might have and I would encourage anyone to at least consider this method of control.
This Comment
I am wondering, have you noticed any sexual side effects? I have a tendency to pee when aroused and am wondering if this will help that.
March 24, 2016 - 4:58pmThis Comment
yes, me too I am wondering if this will help
October 10, 2017 - 4:03pmThis Comment