I did Botox one time for my head pain. It just didn’t work for me at all, still had lots of pain.
Now I get 3 nerve blocks once every 3 months. That works like a charm for me. Maybe you could ask your doctor if that might be an option for you.
I remember putting that off for a couple of years hoping there would be a pill that I could just take everyday. Now I’m so sorry I put off getting nerve blocks for those years.
Something for you to think about. Sending you good wishes and hopes that you find the answer you are looking for.
Bonnie

Bonnie, Thanks a Bunch! I won't do another treatment that's for sure. I could deal with my regular headaches. But they are worse now. Getting somewhat better the farther away I get from the treatments.
Did anyone else have bad side effects to the Botox treatments?
Thanks,
Sundance

I got the Botox injections. Unfortunately it didn't help. I'm on my second month of Emgality injections. They have helped a lot. I've had a lot less migraines.

Thanks Russy. I'm not going to do them again. What is Emgality injections. Have never heard of them.
Thanks,
Sundance

They are pretty new like the Amovig injections. They are supposed to reduce the frequency of the migraines. The have helped. I was having 2-3 a week and haven't had near as much. I can't afford the cost at the drugstore. The cash price is $700. So far my insurance doesn't cover it and if it did it wouldn't pay enough. The maker of Emgality provides 12 months free if you are on commercial insurance. They pick up the copay. This doesn't apply to Medicare RX which I have. Thankfully my Nurse Practioner's nurse researched and found where they will give it free through the end of the year. I had to qualify in having paid at least $1100 in prescription costs.

The whole cost of drugs and insurance are ridiculas. I have Medicare RX + Advantage. Some things are good other things are not. I changed my sleep medication from Ambien, after 10 years, to Lunesta. When I called them my 30 days would be $240. I have a good pharmasist. She looked it up under Good \RX and it was $22. Like with your Nurse Practioner you have to look around and dig to find the help you need! I feel sorry that can't.
Thanks Again for the info!
Sundance

I saw my NP yesterday. She said they have several patients on Emgality and they have had good success with it. On the TV advertisements it says they are successfully reducing the frequency of the migraines in approximately 60% of people taking them.

Saw the add also. How often do you have the shots? Have you had any side effects?
Sundance

I give myself the injections once monthly. I've had not side effects at all.

I know you said no side effects. Any medicine you cannot take with it. Where do you give yourself the injection? Does it really help with the Migranes?
Thanks,
Sundance

I wasn't told of any medications I can't take with it. I take a lot of meds and haven't had any problems. It says to give the injections in the thigh or stomach. I've done both. The nurse gave me the second one in the stomach so would know how. Just grab a little fat and then inject it. I felt nothing. When I did it in the thigh it was a bit uncomfortable but not bad. I did the first injection the second week in April. I only had two migraines that month. Two weeks ago I did the second injection and have had two migraines since. They're not as intense.

Russy, Thanks! Will go that route next. No more Botox!
Sundance

HI,
I had severe crippling cluster migraines for almost 7 years. The traditional Dr's tried out every new anti-seizure and migraine drug that came out. The last thing in their bag was the Botox. 25 shots in the head later and it did not help at all. they said when a new drug came out they would let me know.

I finally was referred by a friend to a local Naturopath. He worked thru diet and nutrition. In 6 weeks they were down to 1/2 and in 6 months they were totally gone. I've only had a couple in the last 10 years.

Everyone's issue and body are different. And at the time, insurance would not cover it, but it was worth every penny to be cured.

We called him the Voo Doo Dr. (He thought it was funny) because he used the a method called Applied Kinesiology (muscle testing).

Many people (esp traditional Dr's and me at first) said it was/is quackery – I completely disagree now.
Traditional western medicine ran about $200,000 worth of testing and drugs on me and came up with nothing.

He "cured" me in 6 months.
Our bodies are incredible and able to repair themselves IF we have not already become toxic in areas due to our western lives.
He actually said – my goal is to get your body back to a baseline where your own immune system can heal your body.

I was at the point where I would try ANYTHING, so what did I have to lose – my migraines I guess.

Carl

I am inclined to agree that the natural path is the best way to go…and that is the way I am targeting. However, I have tried some of their ways and have not received much relief. Acupuncture does not work for me but massages work. Pain medications don't work but a variety of massages work. Each person needs to map out what works and what does not work for them. I too have had thousands of dollars worth of tests and medications over many years. I now need to go through prior authorizations through my insurance company to get treatments and medications to keep me stable. I micromanage my care only because I am so fragile.
I am glad your VD Doc was able to help you. He has been able to help you gain your full self and it's worth every step of the way.

I am a 71 year old active female. I had a severe headache since the fall of 2013 and tried everything for relief. Most pain killers were out of the question due to GERD issues. Oxygen therapy worked for a while, but it became less and less effective. Last February I had a Botox treatment for migraines. My head felt better, but my face changed. My left eyebrow arched severely and looked very strange. It was so obvious that people asked what happened. I decided Botox was not for me. I wrote online to the doctor telling him about the result. He said that he could place the needles in different positions so that it would not be a problem again. May 2nd I decided to try it again. Unbelievably, I have not had a headache worse than level 1 (out of 10) since then. I feel like I got my life back again!