Botox for bladder spasms and control

[laurakim]

Hi,
Has anyone tried Botox injections for bladder issues? My appt with the urologist isn't until June but my neuro recommends that I discuss this with her.
Thanks,
Laurakim

[Strawberry Shortcake]

I'm curious about this, too!

[hagelicious]

Where did you hear about this? Sounds kinda jiggy.

[Justsayyes]

I have bladder spasms, and if botox was recommended I'd seriously consider it. I don't need to go that far at this time, but I've read good things about it.

Botox has to be repeated, so if you try it and it doesn't work out, it's not a permanent thing.

Let us know if your urologist recommend this for you.

[kebsa]

I have not experienced botox for bladder spasms personally but as an RN who used to work in an environment where many clients had long term catheters and bladder problems resulting in debilitating and painful bladder spasms, the idea of botox for quite a ligitimate option has been around for quite some time, it was considered a option for when other reasonable options have be tried and exhausted- mainly because of expense and the fact that they have to be repeated every few months or so. I was working for a not for profit, community nursing orginisation that dealt with people with long term disability and low income, no private insurance- and that meant that only those who had no other option got access to the cost though our public health system and to be honest many people do find other options- sadly MS sufferers do seem to have a slightly higher percentage of presistant spasms and i have come across fellow sufferer who have found them very effective, but these have been people with long term catheters.

I must admit that i am interested in this as i am electric wheelchair dependant with a premanent suprapubic catheter- and i have found myself with very persistent spasm now, especially if i need to use my bowels, i have poor bowel control too and these days i find when i have the need to go, i usually have severe spasms leading to leaking around the catheter and from the urethra before i can get to the bathroom, a source of major embaressment at times- and a source of intense pain for a few short moments, but certainly enough to make me break out in a sweat until it passes! I have insurance but even so, my urologist expects to go though trying various medication regiemes, different balloon volumes in the catheter, even relocating the SP catheter ( the lower section of the bladder is more highly supplied with nerves and more prone to spasms if irritated).

something i do not know much about is some of the new technology around. I believe there are electronic devices that are effectively bladder pacemakers/stimulators and i am not sure wether they have a part to play in treatment of bladder spasms- i will certianly do some research for myself

A good resource who has more time to spend with you to look at what is available and how effective in general the options are, are the continence nurses- major teaching hospitals should have these nurse specialists, i have one who comes to my home every few weeks to change my SP catheter and she works for a Home Nurse organisation- She has been a great resource, she is not an Ms specialist but the majority of the clients she sees have neurogenic bladder, so they are aware of the issues

[Linda k]

I have been doing botox in my bladder for the last 2 years because no other medicines or that bladder stimaltor would help me. When you have it done, you still have to catherize, but it stop you from leaking before you can reach the bathroom. I have to do it every 4 to 6 months. And it also helps you have less uti's because you stay more dry. You can have it done in the office or at a hospital, it all depends upon what kind of insurance you have.

Oasis

[Cherie708]

Oasis

My Uro wants me to do botox for my overactive/neurogenic bladder. He said cathing is sometimes necessary for a short time afterwards but he himself has not had that happen. Could you please tell me your experience. He insists it will improve my severe symptoms of frequency and urgency and I also have very low bladder capacity which he said will change too. He said I would be able to use the toilet normally.

Any input is appreciated.

thanks

cherie

I have been doing botox in my bladder for the last 2 years because no other medicines or that bladder stimaltor would help me. When you have it done, you still have to catherize, but it stop you from leaking before you can reach the bathroom. I have to do it every 4 to 6 months. And it also helps you have less uti's because you stay more dry. You can have it done in the office or at a hospital, it all depends upon what kind of insurance you have.

Oasis