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Posted by: Anne Morris ® 11/02/2002, 22:27:52 Author Profile Mail author |
Hi, everyone. Has anyone had the test done to see if you've developed antibodies to botox? . . Until my last treatment, I'd received 8 units of botox in one cord every 3 months for about 12 years. A few times over the years the injections haven't worked, but most of the time, maybe 95%, I've been very happy with the results--a soft and hoarse voice, but functional. Then I had 2 injections in a row--one in April and one in June--that didn't work,so at my next visit (September), my doctor changed his method from injecting one cord to two. This reduced my voice to a whisper for about a month. Now the volume is starting to come back slightly, but the tremor (which I have in the vocal cords and hands) is much more apparent than when I get the injections in one cord. Also the quality of my voice overall is much worse than it is with the single injection. And the quality is inconsistent. (When I start talking, for instance, the sound may be ok, but by the end of the sentence, it may suddenly be pretty bad.) Besides, as some of you who get the dual injections have posted, it's not easy to take 2 injections without a lot of discomfort . . . Does anyone know how definitive the antibodies test is? Have any of you had the test? Also, have any of you stopped responding to type A botox and then switched to type B? If I've developed antibodies (which my doctor has repeatedly told me occurs very rarely)I'm hopeful there's a more effective treatment than injecting both cords. Another alternative is to continue injecting one cord but with a higher dosage. I don't want to do that because in the early years of my treatment, I received a high dosage and lost my voice for a long period. It's possible nothing can be done to improve the treatment. If so, I'm still enormously grateful for the beneficial treatments I've received for so many years. But like most of you, I want to look into all the options. I'll appreciate any comments any of you can offer on treatment variations with botox injections. Anne (AD/SD with tremor - Houston, TX) |
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Posted by: Ida Neary ® 11/03/2002, 10:50:59 Author Profile Mail author |
Hello Anne We seem to be going through similar experiences. I had very good results from Botox injections for 10 years. About 3 years ago they become less and less effective. I had an antibody test that said I had not built up antibodies, but an injection into my forehead did not "take" either. My last 2 injections (7 units each cord and 10 units each cord) took a little, but didn't last long. Don't know where to go from here. I don't really want the surgery, so I guess I will hang in with larger and larger doses of Botox until some drug company comes up with something better. Ida AD/SD Iowa |
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Posted by: Anne Morris ® 11/08/2002, 21:15:54 Author Profile Mail author |
Hi, Ida. It does look as if we've had some similar reactions. I'm planning to ask my dr. for the antibody test, but judging from your experience, I don't think it sounds all that useful. The two alternatives my doctor recommended were a larger dose or bilateral injections. I chose the latter. Next visit(December)I guess I'll ask him about trying the other type of botox. If that's not an option,I'll have to increase the dosage, like you. I just don't want to risk losing all volume. Somehow a shouted whisper doesn't have much impact on my 4 year old! Anne |
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Posted by: Paul Coggins ® 11/06/2002, 15:36:02 Author Profile Mail author |
Hello Anne, I have been getting the shots for over 2 years, every 8 weeks. I had a similar experience with no relief but instead of injecting bi-lateral the doctor is trying a different technique of injecting. His reasoning is that the EMG soundings are muffled by the scar tissue from multiple shots and he may not be getting the Botox in the right dose in the right area. They are going to use an optical treatment through the nose into the cord area then thread a needle down the cord and do the injection internally to insure adequate dosage in the right spot. We will see how that goes. WIsh me luck and I wish you the same. Paul |
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Posted by: Anne Morris ® 11/08/2002, 20:45:27 Author Profile Mail author |
Thanks for your response, Paul. The scar tissue theory sounds plausible to me (although my doctor--as wonderful as he is-- would never in a million years concede that he might not have gotten exactly the right spot!). Still, I'd like to discuss the scar tissue idea with him at my next appointment. Did your doctor offer any additional details to support his rationale? I certainly do wish you luck, but it sounds as if you're in very capable hands! Please let me -- and all of us -- know how the procedure goes. Anne |
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Posted by: Ida Neary ® 11/09/2002, 08:08:30 Author Profile Mail author |
Hi Paul When are you trying the new procedure? I am very interested in hearing how it works. I sent your letter to my Dr. and am waiting to hear back from him. I would imagine that I have some build up of scar tissue after 10 years of injections (3-4 a year). Good luck on this new procedure. Ida |
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