Well, Clayton didn't get his Botox injections today. :( They tried four times to start an IV and his little veins are just shot. He has to have an IV because besides sedation, he needs major pain medicine since he is getting so many shots done (eight in all). The one good thing was they gave him Versed (sp?) to take the edge off before they tried the IVs. He was so relaxed for them! It was like being in the Twilight Zone seeing him so calm while they worked on him. It didn't last very long--he eventually started crying, but it was nothing compared to normally. When the doctor didn't get that last one to work, I just sat there and cried. It just seems like we go in circles! We fix one thing, then something else doesn't work. We try to help him with something like the Botox, and we can't move forward because of the IV situation. The plan is to schedule it in the O.R. where they can give him some gas to help him go to sleep while they start the IVs. We simply couldn't keep trying today. I hope they schedule it soon, I was so hyped up about seeing the results of this treatment. Pray it all works out!!!
Oh, and for those who are interested in how Botox works, here is an excerpt from webmd.com:
Oh, and for those who are interested in how Botox works, here is an excerpt from webmd.com:
What Is Botox?
Botulinum toxin, called botox for short, is a muscle-relaxing medication used to decrease spasticity related to multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions.
Botulinum toxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum and is in a class of drugs called neurotoxins. There are two types of botulinum toxin available for therapeutic use:
Botulinum toxin type A (Botox®)
Botulinum toxin type B (Myobloc®)
Your doctor will decide which type of botulinum toxin is more appropriate for you.
The FDA, despite the drug's effectiveness, has not yet approved the use of botox to treat MS-related spasticity.
Botulinum toxin, called botox for short, is a muscle-relaxing medication used to decrease spasticity related to multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions.
Botulinum toxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum and is in a class of drugs called neurotoxins. There are two types of botulinum toxin available for therapeutic use:
Botulinum toxin type A (Botox®)
Botulinum toxin type B (Myobloc®)
Your doctor will decide which type of botulinum toxin is more appropriate for you.
The FDA, despite the drug's effectiveness, has not yet approved the use of botox to treat MS-related spasticity.
What Is Spasticity?
Spasticity refers to a wide range of involuntary muscle contractions that result in muscle spasms or stiffness. Spasticity interferes with voluntary muscle movement and usually involves the muscles of the legs and/or arms.
Spasticity may vary, based on many factors, including infections, stress, pain, temperature, position and time of the day. Over time, severe spasticity may cause decreased range of motion in the affected limbs.
Spasticity is the result of an imbalance in the central nervous system, caused by a trauma or disease in the brain and/or spinal cord. This imbalance causes hyperactive muscle stretch reflexes, which result in involuntary contractions and increased muscle tone.
Some doctors believe that an increased sensitivity in the parts of the muscles that are responsible for contracting (tightening), relaxing and stretching the muscles contribute to spasticity.
Spasticity refers to a wide range of involuntary muscle contractions that result in muscle spasms or stiffness. Spasticity interferes with voluntary muscle movement and usually involves the muscles of the legs and/or arms.
Spasticity may vary, based on many factors, including infections, stress, pain, temperature, position and time of the day. Over time, severe spasticity may cause decreased range of motion in the affected limbs.
Spasticity is the result of an imbalance in the central nervous system, caused by a trauma or disease in the brain and/or spinal cord. This imbalance causes hyperactive muscle stretch reflexes, which result in involuntary contractions and increased muscle tone.
Some doctors believe that an increased sensitivity in the parts of the muscles that are responsible for contracting (tightening), relaxing and stretching the muscles contribute to spasticity.
How Does the Botulinum Toxin Work?
Normally, the brain sends electrical messages to the muscles so that they can contract and move. This message is transmitted to the muscle by a substance called acetylcholine. Botulinum toxin works to block the release of acetylcholine; therefore the muscle doesn't receive the message to contract.
Normally, the brain sends electrical messages to the muscles so that they can contract and move. This message is transmitted to the muscle by a substance called acetylcholine. Botulinum toxin works to block the release of acetylcholine; therefore the muscle doesn't receive the message to contract.
How Are Botulinum Toxin Treatments Given?
Botulinum toxin is given as an intramuscular injection (in the muscle). Your doctor will determine the muscle(s) in need of treatment.
If the muscles to be injected are small or difficult to reach, it may be necessary to send short electric impulses, or to record electric signals from the muscles, to ensure that the appropriate muscles are receiving the injected medication.
A very fine needle is used for the injection. Some people report minor and temporary discomfort from the injection. The medication does not sting or cause irritation after it has been injected.
You can expect the appointment to last from 1 to 2 hours.
The effects of the medication begin to appear from one to two weeks after the injection. The muscles injected should then relax.
Botulinum toxin is given as an intramuscular injection (in the muscle). Your doctor will determine the muscle(s) in need of treatment.
If the muscles to be injected are small or difficult to reach, it may be necessary to send short electric impulses, or to record electric signals from the muscles, to ensure that the appropriate muscles are receiving the injected medication.
A very fine needle is used for the injection. Some people report minor and temporary discomfort from the injection. The medication does not sting or cause irritation after it has been injected.
You can expect the appointment to last from 1 to 2 hours.
The effects of the medication begin to appear from one to two weeks after the injection. The muscles injected should then relax.
What Are the Advantages of Botulinum Toxin?
The advantages of botulinum toxin include.
Improvement of discomfort related to spasticity symptoms.
In some cases, improved ability to use the affected part of the body.
The medication is effective for two to six months, depending on the individual.
What Are the Disadvantages of Botulinum Toxin?
The disadvantages of botulinum toxin include:
The benefit of botulinum toxin is limited to the injected muscles. Therefore, botulinum toxin may not be a good choice of treatment when many muscles are involved or when the spastic muscles are large.
The effect of the injections is temporary. Therefore, injections must be repeated over time to maintain the beneficial effects. Injections are not repeated more often than every 3 months to minimize the risk of developing antibodies to the botulinum toxin (see below).
The disadvantages of botulinum toxin include:
The benefit of botulinum toxin is limited to the injected muscles. Therefore, botulinum toxin may not be a good choice of treatment when many muscles are involved or when the spastic muscles are large.
The effect of the injections is temporary. Therefore, injections must be repeated over time to maintain the beneficial effects. Injections are not repeated more often than every 3 months to minimize the risk of developing antibodies to the botulinum toxin (see below).
SHORT VERSION:
Basically, it blocks the chemical that tells your muscles to contract.
3 comments:
Oh, what a shame it didn't work out. I can imagine that would be tough to get through, for both Clayton and you. Hopefully the ER situation will work and you guys will see some results. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as always!
Oh, Ash, I am so sorry it didn't happen. HUGS
I'm so sorry they couldn't go ahead with this today - I've heard of some great success stories over here recently using this treatment. You poor guys are on a constant roller coaster ride.
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