Four weeks ago, I had Botox! Not for my wrinkles (although I could probably do with some for those too) but for my migraines!
They say desperate times call for desperate measures and believe me, I was desperate.
I HATE needles and sat there anxiously as my neurologist injected me 41 times in the head, neck and shoulders – ouch!
9 1/2 years ago I was in a really bad car accident. Luckily, I survived but unfortunately one of my ongoing issues from that day is migraines. For anyone who has never had a migraine, it’s hard to know what it’s like (just think about the worst headache or hangover you’ve ever had, then multiply it by 1000) but those of you who do suffer, I know you feel my pain.
I have migraines between 2-5 days every week. Since my accident I have kept a diary of when I have them and as I look back through the records it saddens me to see how much of my life has been effected.
For the past 9 years, I have had a migraine (on average) 127 days of the year, which basically means, during the last 9 year I’ve had a migraine for THREE YEARS. That’s three years of my life that I cannot get back, but I’m lucky to be alive so I must not complain (that’s what I tell myself). It’s just VERY frustrating!
Before I became a mum, I spent A LOT of time in bed unable to do even everyday tasks. Since becoming a mum, I no longer have the luxury of just “going for a lie down” until the worst of it passes. It’s hard explaining to a 3 year old and an 18 month old that mummy is sick and that they need to try and be quiet (as if).
In fact, Imy migraines are so frequent, that my three year old daughter is actually surprised when I don’t have one.
I have tried every treatment and medication around but unfortunately have not had much success in keeping them under control (the migraines that is, not the kids).
Since having the injections four weeks ago I am happy to say that I have had fewer migraines! I’ve even managed to go for seven days without one. They are still there but not as frequent or as painful as usual, so for me that is wonderful, I feel like a different person.
We’re hoping that the Botox injections will help with the pain in my neck and right shoulder, both of which were also injured in the accident.
I’m not sure why people would choose to have Botox injected in their face (for wrinkles) – the procedure is painful and the feeling afterwards is uncomfortable. My whole head feels tight, kinda like when you get sunburnt and the skin feels like it might split. My eyebrows are pretty much frozen in place too but I can put up with that though as it sure beats having the pain.
I’m going back for more injections in 8 weeks but this time my doctor will also put me on a daily preventative, so hopefully that will work even better (fingers crossed).
It’s still early days but I’ll keep you posted on my progress over the coming months.
Thanks for sharing your experience Tracey. I’ve been wondering how you went with the injections. It is great to hear that you are getting some relief. I have everything crossed that you continue to feel well xx
Wow! I read about this treatment earlier this year, so it’s interesting to hear someone who has had it. I only started getting migraines about 7 years ago. First of all, it was only one or two a year, but it’s getting more frequent each year. The only good thing at present is that I get a warning. I get the “aura” light type of thing in my eyes…..first time that happened I thought I was going crazy!! Anyway, keep us posted on how you go!
Hi Tracey
I am a migraine sufferer however not as often as you however there was a time when I was thinking have I had a migraine free day in my cycle. Blessed by a great naturapah that we have been trying to eliminate parts of my diet and activities to minimize them. After many months it seems to be working and I strongly believe I would do anything to be migraine free. So if it works keep doing it and the maintenance programme sounds great.
Here’s to migraine free living
Your new friend
Dhea
Hi Tracey
Not happy to hear someone suffering with this awful pain. I once felt so awful I wanted to jump off a highrise building, fortunatley I live in the country and we don’t have anything tall enough to succeed except to maybe give myself more of a headache by landing on my head. I also thought I had tried everything which was also difficult as many a doctor tried to tell me I had vestibular or crooked neck or just bad luck and all of them said you will just have to live with it-this went on for 7years, i felt robbed of my childrens first few years, then I found this wondeful iridologist and herbalist, it took me 2 years to be pain/migraine/madness free but I can now smile again. Send me an email I will pass on her details to you.
Nikki
Thanks Tracey !
I too have been wondering how you went with the injections. I had mine done 3 months ago and I’ve been migraine free since! Should probably start wearing off soon but i’m definitely going back to my doctor when it does! Worth every cent!!
Hi Anna
I’m sooooo happy to hear that it’s working for you. I’ve been having the injections every 12 weeks for the past 14 months and even though there has been an improvement in the frequency of my migraines, I’m still getting them 1-2 days per week. I’ve been really suffering the past 4 weeks and am going back to my neuro in 2 weeks to discuss future options. It’s definitely not working as well as we’d hoped but I’m scared to stop taking it and go back to how I was before, with migraines 3-4 days every week 🙁