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Botox for CP spasticity

Posted by ginnyjm @ginnyjm, Sep 13 8:58am

I’m a 76 yo female with mild cerebral palsy from a birth injury. I’m very independent, active, etc. But, I’ve had a back surgery then 2 heart procedures in the last 8 months which has all but stopped my gym workouts. Now my arms have gotten very weak & the muscle seems very tight. It’s becoming harder to do a few things & that’s NOT okay with me! My PT suggests having Botox injections for the tightness & recommended a specialist in town. If you’ve had any experience with this type of treatment, I’d love to hear your thoughts before I make a decision.

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gently | @gently | Sep 13 9:13am

I went with a friend to have this procedure. She would go about every six months, if she didn't her hands would be in a constricted painful fist. It's an office procedure, fairly quick. The place a needle in the suspected muscle to listen to a machine that makes the spasms audible. The they inject the diluted botox or myobloc. Her doctor's office began using myobloc because it has less tendency to migrate. My friend was very happy with the procedure.
Your muscle will be stronger and you'll have better luck with strengthening it further.
best wishes

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1 reply
ginnyjm | @ginnyjm | Sep 13 9:28am
In reply to @gently "I went with a friend to have this procedure. She would go about every six months,..." + (show)
@gently

I went with a friend to have this procedure. She would go about every six months, if she didn't her hands would be in a constricted painful fist. It's an office procedure, fairly quick. The place a needle in the suspected muscle to listen to a machine that makes the spasms audible. The they inject the diluted botox or myobloc. Her doctor's office began using myobloc because it has less tendency to migrate. My friend was very happy with the procedure.
Your muscle will be stronger and you'll have better luck with strengthening it further.
best wishes

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Thanks so much!

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1 reply
kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | Sep 14 1:25pm
In reply to @ginnyjm "Thanks so much!" + (show)
@ginnyjm

Thanks so much!

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Please do a lot of research and find out the BEST PLACE and BEST physician, even if you have to travel. There are so many charlatans out there and so many clinics that opened but don't really have qualified practitioners ! I know how frustrating you must feel. Going through the same thing for different reasons, but I so want to get back to the gym! I'm 75 and went to a new gym simply for more equipment availability....talked to a trainer who wanted to start me off with Chair Yoga, when just 6 months ago I was slinging 8-10 pound weights. Argh!

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1 reply
ginnyjm | @ginnyjm | Sep 14 2:19pm
In reply to @kndaustin71 "Please do a lot of research and find out the BEST PLACE and BEST physician, even..." + (show)
@kndaustin71

Please do a lot of research and find out the BEST PLACE and BEST physician, even if you have to travel. There are so many charlatans out there and so many clinics that opened but don't really have qualified practitioners ! I know how frustrating you must feel. Going through the same thing for different reasons, but I so want to get back to the gym! I'm 75 and went to a new gym simply for more equipment availability....talked to a trainer who wanted to start me off with Chair Yoga, when just 6 months ago I was slinging 8-10 pound weights. Argh!

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I totally understand, kdalda75! Before my surgeries this year I was at the gym 4-5 days a week for years. This included the elliptical, rower, gym sled, push-up bar & weight machines. The dr my PT suggested for the Botox injections is an MD, specializing in Neuromuscular Medicine & rehab. He’s with a large respected medical group here, so I feel comfortable seeing him. But, I think I’ll try going back to the gym this week (I’ve been cleared to) & see if that helps at all before I call for an appointment. Thanks so much for your input & advice! Praying for your strength to return, too!

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