Posted 8/17/2012 8:38 AM (GMT 0)
New to the forum -
Just wanted to say that I have suffered from tension and migraine headaches since my twenties. I've tried all sorts of treatments including Imitrex nasal spray, which has been the best but just doesn't always work. Plus, I have an unrelated medical issue (blood flow to extremities) and I should be careful using Imitrex.
My other "reliable" treatment was Fiorinal/Fioriect, but I was taking them almost every day and they made me a little loopy plus I worried about rebound headaches, although I don't think that was really a problem for me. But like the Imitrex, other medical issues have made me not want to take caffeine and/or sedatives, so I really wanted to restrict the pills. (And btw, heavy duty narcotics like Oxycodine did nothing for my headaches, just made me feel out of it and I hate that.)
about 5 months ago, my neurologist suggested I try the Botox treatments. Because I had a history of being treated for headaches and because I have good insurance (Blue Cross PPO), I was able to get the treatments approved by the insurance company which is a big deal because otherwise it would be $1700 per treatment! (That's what insurance pays to the neurologist).
I just wanted to share that this treatment has been utterly amazing. Mind you it's not going to do anything for you cosmetically - in fact it's 33 shots all over your neck and shoulders, head and top of your forehead. The cosmetic treatments are in a different place. I don't mind the shots or lets say I hate the headaches more than the shots so it's worth it. It takes about 4 day minimum for it to kick in but it's made a huge difference.
I still get headaches, but instead of 4-5 times a week it's maybe once every 3 weeks, and one fiorinal or Imitrex does the trick.
I have to get it every 12 weeks, but I believe some people can go longer. It's a shame insurance companies are giving some people such a hard time but I know the treatments are expensive and I am assuming that's why.