Coping with Botox Side Effects


Posted by MSC ® , Dec 05,2001,19:53   Archive
I'm new to this BB but thought I'd try to connect with people who are receiving botox threatments. I'm getting my third series tomorrow, 12/6, about 4.5 months from the last. I've had very good results, thankfully, but the last time the side effects were pretty frustrating. I had 1.25mg in both chords, the same as the first time, but more anesthesia as I felt EVERYTHING the first time. I had the "normal" flu like symptoms for a few days, and a very breathy voice for about a week and a half. The worst part is the inability to swallow liquid as many of you know. And I have an ugly hard choking cough for several weeks. Has anyone found ways to deal with the coughing? Others around me are concerned that I'm uncomfortable. So I know now to keep reassuring them. I think I'l print a little card and just hand them out so I don't have to explain it every time. I'm interested in other's experiences. Thank you.



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Re: Coping with Botox Side Effects

Re : Coping with Botox Side Effects --- MSC
Posted by janice yarbro ® , Dec 05,2001,21:28 Top of Thread Archive
When I first starting getting botox my speech therapist taught me to tuck my chin toward my chest to swallow. This action closes the cords and helps prevent leakage of fluid into the trachea leading to the lungs. I personally noted that tepid liquids made me more likely to aspirate fluid. Juicy fruits also have tendency to leak backward so I avoid them when I am recovering. I would avoid trying to talk and eat at the same time. I don't get breathy I get a high pitch when I try to talk louder and for the first week or two the high pitch is sustained which raises alot of eyebrow but it is superior to the alternative which is a strained strangled voice that is bearly audible. Overall I don't mind coping with the botox because it gave me back my voice.



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Re: Coping with Botox Side Effects

Re : Re: Coping with Botox Side Effects --- janice yarbro
Posted by Kim ® , Dec 06,2001,01:50 Top of Thread Archive
Yeah, these sound like great ideas. I choke without Botox, so I find myself doing thse sorts of things frequently. Trying to talk, or do anyhting else, while eating I've found to be a VERY BAD IDEA!! Any time I get distracted while trying to swallow is a guarantee that I'll at least TRY to choke!

You are SO RIGHT on the fruits thing!! THEY ARE THE WORST!!!! It's like you have no control wahtsoever with where the juice goes, or when.

Others have suggested adding thickeners to food/drink in order to help.




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Re: Coping with Botox Side Effects

Re : Re: Coping with Botox Side Effects --- Kim
Posted by MSC ® , Dec 09,2001,20:24 Top of Thread Archive
Many thanks for validating my experience! Sorry any of us have to go through this but, as someone said, the good periods far out weigh the bad. Thanks, Kim



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Re: Coping with Botox Side Effects

Re : Coping with Botox Side Effects --- MSC
Posted by Barbara Oberholtzer ® , Dec 06,2001,14:11 Top of Thread Archive
I found that after a few injections of botox, my side effects were very minimal. The choking on liquids got less and less. Maybe it was because I was more aware of it. Tipping the chin down and using a straw did wonders at first and drinking small sips at a time. I have had surgery by Dr. Berke and I still choke occasionally if I take a big drink without thinking. Guess it's because the surgery is kind of like a permanent Botox injection. I was lucky in that I never had any flu-like symptoms with the botox either. Barb/ADSD/Indiana



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