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.