Botox injection for swallowing issues - Debating Surgery

Posted by Ryman @ryman, Mar 12, 2018

I have swallowing problems and the doctor wants to do a Botox injection into the lower sphincter. I am not sure about this but seems to be about the best treatment they can come up with. I know I will have to go a hospital 90 miles away and it usually needs done every couple of months, if it works. Has anyone had this done or had any experience with it? Thank you.

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@ryman

I haven’t posted in awhile. I have a swallowing problem which is getting worse. I suppose the next step is a feeding tube but I am not sure I want that. I have had botox in my esaphagus which made things worse. I have had a heart pacemaker put in that had to be redone, and I have had cataract surgery and am still having eye problems. So I am not sure of any more surgeries of any kind. I am 77 so maybe it is just time to let go.

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No @ryman - don't give up. My husband was 76 when his swallowing issues became so bad that we asked his PCP for a referral. The GI doctor found that he had a Zinker's diverticulm. I think it may be kind of unusual, but it was practically blocking his whole esophagus. He had an endoscopy and they removed the tissue that was causing problems. We were thrilled with the results. He only wishes he'd done it years sooner. Have you had a GI consult? If not, I would definitely do it. You still have the option to not have surgery if you don't want it, but I think it would be worthwhile to find out what is causing the swallowing problem. Best of luck... please keep us posted.

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@ryman

I haven’t posted in awhile. I have a swallowing problem which is getting worse. I suppose the next step is a feeding tube but I am not sure I want that. I have had botox in my esaphagus which made things worse. I have had a heart pacemaker put in that had to be redone, and I have had cataract surgery and am still having eye problems. So I am not sure of any more surgeries of any kind. I am 77 so maybe it is just time to let go.

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@ryman If you still feel relatively good, then never say "maybe it is just time to let go". That sounds like a great suggestion from @debbraw. If that can help it would be wonderful. A GI consult definitely sounds like it should be on your agenda.
JK

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I haven’t posted in awhile. I have a swallowing problem which is getting worse. I suppose the next step is a feeding tube but I am not sure I want that. I have had botox in my esaphagus which made things worse. I have had a heart pacemaker put in that had to be redone, and I have had cataract surgery and am still having eye problems. So I am not sure of any more surgeries of any kind. I am 77 so maybe it is just time to let go.

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@ryman

I haven’t posted in awhile. I have a swallowing problem which is getting worse. I suppose the next step is a feeding tube but I am not sure I want that. I have had botox in my esaphagus which made things worse. I have had a heart pacemaker put in that had to be redone, and I have had cataract surgery and am still having eye problems. So I am not sure of any more surgeries of any kind. I am 77 so maybe it is just time to let go.

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Hi @ryman you may have noticed I moved your post to this existing thread you started on botox injection for swallowing problem. I did this so that your discussion revolving this topic could be located in one place. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification to get to your post.

I want to thank @debbraw and @contentandwell for responding to your post. How long since you have had the injection? It looks like in your past posts you were going to have it around April of last year? Is that correct? You also said it made things worse, is this beyond the normal initial side effects?

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@ryman

I haven’t posted in awhile. I have a swallowing problem which is getting worse. I suppose the next step is a feeding tube but I am not sure I want that. I have had botox in my esaphagus which made things worse. I have had a heart pacemaker put in that had to be redone, and I have had cataract surgery and am still having eye problems. So I am not sure of any more surgeries of any kind. I am 77 so maybe it is just time to let go.

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Hello. I just read your post. Please go to the discussion on achalasia and POEM procedures on this site. I had this procedure in January. Have you received an official diagnosis of your swallowing issue? Please don’t give up on fixing this problem. I had the same issue and my procedure was successful. All the best.

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@kamg

It allows the muscles to relax. The Botox blocks the nerves and does not allow the muscle to contract. I have had Botox for my gastroparesis and it helped. The length of time it helps depends on the person. Mine lasted a few weeks for my first treatment but I did it as a trial before having a pylorotomy. Which had really helped.

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My daughter has gastroparesis and received the pyloric Botox injections today. How long before you knew if it was working?

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I am having Botox pyloric sphincter for Gastro paresis next Friday. Was wondering if there was pain after the procedure?

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I have egjoo, spasms and dysmotility. I have crushing chest pains daily. Injected in Les with Botox almost 3 mo ago.. made it worse although current doctor says it should not. Going to swallowing center to see a specialist in a few weeks for another manometry, barium swallow and firm a plan with the doctor. Hopefully poem because all I read this may be the answer. Cannot take the pain much longer. Bty.. for 20 years misdiagnosed as Gerd until problems escalated.

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