I finally decided to ask my urologist about getting Botox injections for my neurogenic bladder. Although I'm doing better with incontinence after I started self-cathing several months ago, it still affects my QOL since the maximum time I can wait in-between is 3 hours. I have mobility issues, making it even harder to get to the bathroom. I really want to be able to extend that time to 4 hours ... especially at night!
My urologist told me insurance now only covers Botox injections for incontinence after both oral meds AND neuromodulation therapy fail. So, am I missing something? What I've read says it's an FDA approved therapy if the drugs fail. I haven't read anything about failing neurostimulation treatment as well. I know it was FDA approved 2 years ago for conditions like the neurogenic bladder in MS, but was also FDA approved for OAB this past January.
I wasn't thrilled when urologist sent me home with yet another anticholinergenic. Besides the fact Detrol LA wasn't effective when I was on it a few years ago, I had significant side effects of constipation and dry mouth. I've had some expensive dental problems as a result. I fully expect the same side effects this time.
I already have a history of infections that have colonized on other implanted devices three times in the past, requiring multiple surgeries. The worst infection resulted in endocarditis. Needless to say, the idea of yet another implanted device doesn't set very well with me. I hope & pray I never have an infection with my baclofen pump.
I also went through a heck of a lot just so I could once again get MRIs after years of not being able to have any. I had my pacemaker removed and replaced by a MRI compatible one. After the surgery, I had one of my worst exacerbations and spent months in rehab. One thing kept leading to another and I went on a downhill spiral for more than a year. After several more months of rehab, I still haven't recovered to my pre-surgery status.
So, the first question out of my mouth was whether or not I could still get MRIs. His answer was yes, but only of the head. Then, said it was probably safe to do more than that, but good luck trying to find a facility that would. Yeah, right ... that means it's a big, fat NO. Not something I'm willing to risk, anyway. It was a hassle getting a MRI of my thoracic spine with the new pacemaker, when it is considered safe by Medtronic when following their protocols.
Anyways, sorry for my long rant. Thanks for 'listening' if you read this far. I know phone calls are in order to try and get an answer from my insurance company. I'm just not looking forward to the process and a potential uphill battle with my insurance. I know I'm fortunate to have insurance, but it can be frustrating trying to jump through all their hoops for coverage. *sigh*
My urologist told me insurance now only covers Botox injections for incontinence after both oral meds AND neuromodulation therapy fail. So, am I missing something? What I've read says it's an FDA approved therapy if the drugs fail. I haven't read anything about failing neurostimulation treatment as well. I know it was FDA approved 2 years ago for conditions like the neurogenic bladder in MS, but was also FDA approved for OAB this past January.
I wasn't thrilled when urologist sent me home with yet another anticholinergenic. Besides the fact Detrol LA wasn't effective when I was on it a few years ago, I had significant side effects of constipation and dry mouth. I've had some expensive dental problems as a result. I fully expect the same side effects this time.
I already have a history of infections that have colonized on other implanted devices three times in the past, requiring multiple surgeries. The worst infection resulted in endocarditis. Needless to say, the idea of yet another implanted device doesn't set very well with me. I hope & pray I never have an infection with my baclofen pump.
I also went through a heck of a lot just so I could once again get MRIs after years of not being able to have any. I had my pacemaker removed and replaced by a MRI compatible one. After the surgery, I had one of my worst exacerbations and spent months in rehab. One thing kept leading to another and I went on a downhill spiral for more than a year. After several more months of rehab, I still haven't recovered to my pre-surgery status.
So, the first question out of my mouth was whether or not I could still get MRIs. His answer was yes, but only of the head. Then, said it was probably safe to do more than that, but good luck trying to find a facility that would. Yeah, right ... that means it's a big, fat NO. Not something I'm willing to risk, anyway. It was a hassle getting a MRI of my thoracic spine with the new pacemaker, when it is considered safe by Medtronic when following their protocols.
Anyways, sorry for my long rant. Thanks for 'listening' if you read this far. I know phone calls are in order to try and get an answer from my insurance company. I'm just not looking forward to the process and a potential uphill battle with my insurance. I know I'm fortunate to have insurance, but it can be frustrating trying to jump through all their hoops for coverage. *sigh*
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