Anyone with UC having/had Botox?

My headache center specialist guy suggested me to give a try to Botox because he has a trial running at his place. He mentioned that he has seen IBD improvement when on Botox (he does not know how it does it though, its his observation).

I wonder if anybody here with IBD had botox treatment (even for cosmetic purpose for that matter). What was the experience (in terms of IBD)?

Thanks in advance.

I have been getting Botox injections into my forehead for 2+ years to treat ocular migraines. It works great, my headaches / nausea / misery of migraines is basically gone although I still get the blurred vision symptom that indicates one is coming on. I can't say that it has had any impact on my IBD since I have had both flares and good times since getting Botox.

I go to a plastic surgeon who has a cosmetic aestetician in his office, they offer Botox (and restalyne and latisse, facials, etc) for cosmetic purposes. My migraines are always triggered by outdoor exercise - I play a lot beach volleyball - and the combination of sunshine (and all day squinting), exertion, dehydration and heat add up to the aura + pain + nausea + trouble remembering words / confusion (which was the most terrifying symptom, I thought I was having a stroke). I first went to my plastic surgeon to get micro-dermabrasion for my sun spots and when I mentioned the migraines he suggested I try it. It now lasts almost 6 months between treatments. It is expensive, but for me it meant I didn't have to give up beach volleyball. I looked into getting insurance to cover it and it didn't seem likely, so I just pay for it. Plus, vanity bonus, I have fewer wrinkles between my eyes.

I did Botox twice cosmetically about 5 years ago and no improvement in UC. Hurt like hail and I won't do it again. Didn't erase the two squint wrinkles between my brows. But no negative effects except loss of money and temporary pain.

AUSSIET just think of the smooth wrinkle-free hieney you'll have.

Thank you folks.

@ Little Buddy,
I think my condition is pretty much like yours. 3 years ago, I was living in Sweden where the day light is rarity. Plus, the office area was covered by the neighboring buildings so whatever natural light was there, dropped even further. SO I really had very little exposure to the natural light. Now that I moved to the US, sunlight exposure is way too much. And as and when I go out for more than 2 hours, I am pretty certain to get migraine. I never go out without sunglasses, even in winter but still I get headaches. Until now, I was thinking that something is seriously wrong with me and was planning to discuss it with my PCP. Glad that it is helping you.
I was wondering if you are on any prophylactic medications for my migraine and what abortives do you use?



@Bananagirl,
I would try to treat it with other medications. Botox is not the way to go at your age, not regarding wrinkles. Honestly, even I do not want to go Botox route and I am still thinking if I should go with the trial because my rule of thumb for trying any new medication is, it should be on the market for at least 5 years and should be free from serious adverse effects. Botox is NOT one of them. If you google for Botox court cases or similar, there are quite many (and I suppose, that is the reason FDA asked Allergen to conduct a trial for 2 years, when they have already conducted one year trial at the time of approval).

Plus, UC makes it more difficult to abort my migraines i.e. I can not use NSAIDs and conventional migraine abortives like triptan derivatives do not work with me. I would give them a try. They are not cheap but I am not aware of serious side effects from triptan derivatives. That puts me in very tricky situation. Getting hold of UC flares is rather easy for me (with Bentyl and Acetaminophen) but migraine kills 30-35 hours just like a click. I can not afford that because I may soon get back to work.

If you have frequent issue with migraines, start maintaining a diary. It will be very handy when you go to the neurologist.


I would like to keep the discussion open if anybody else wants to chime in, esp with the side effects or adverse effects.

Thank you all again.