Botox injections to the bladder.

[toots321]

I have had MS since I was 17 and I am now 30.  My bladder had now gotten very weak and my urologist has scheduled me for surgery (botox injection into the bladder).  I am tring to find out from someone that has had this done if it works and is it painful or discomfortable after surgery?

[Lulu54]

Hi Toots,


I have read quite a lot about this procedure and think it would be worth trying.  I would if it were an option offered to me.  You know that look of someone who has had botox treatments - the perpetually surprised look from the muscle being contracted?  That same idea works for your bladder - the botox will tighten the muscle and hopefully give you move control.

Yes, intermittent self-catherization is necessary with this procedure, but I suspect you probably already do that.    Many of us do as well to control assorted bladder/kidney woes.  

The surgical procedure to do the botox injections is relatively minor - much less than other bladder surgeries.  The type of anesthesia used is up to your doctor . ... recovery from what I have read is just a few days.  

The thing about the botox treatment is it wears off and needs to be repeated - possibly as soon as six months.   BUT that is a good thing too, because it is completely reverseable.  This is not a permanent change to your body.  

The use of botox for neurogenic bladders is becoming more commonplace.  If you search through google you will find lots of discussions on other forums - particularly spinal cord injury ones - that go into more detail.

I hope you will let us know how the procedure goes - we all learn from each other's experiences.

be well,
Lulu

[ShadowsSister]

I have a lot of bladder problems, ( I have a  super-public cath.) sorry if I missed spelled it.. ;-)
Just recently I have been hearing about this on line, not from Any of my Doctors. For me I question this big time, Me? well I wouldn't rush into this type of treatment until I had a lot of answers to a lot of questions..THIS JUST JUST MY OPION....  I am sure you'll be getting a lot of them both pro & con... please let us know what you decide...
Hugs  & Prayers... {{{~!~}}}

[sllowe]

Hi there,

I have no experience with botox, but know that it came about for other purposes, prior to it's use for cosmetic purposes.

Did the urologist describe the outcome he/she was looking for with this procedure? i.e., to stop contractions in your bladder something similiar?

Thanks for joining us,
shell

[cuttersmom]

Read up on this before you do it.  One of my Dr.'s suggested this for me, and with the reading I've done on it, you will most likely need to self-cath (if you don't already do so).  This was not an option for me, so I chose not to do it. Also, I believe this is still experimental treatment, so your insurance may not cover it. Good Luck!