Issues Related to Botulinum Toxin Therapy

in 1987, at the age of 54, I was suddenly overcome by painful neck and shoulder cramps. I first went to a chiropractor but to no avail. Then I consulted with my GP who sent me to a neurologist where I was diagnosed as having “spasmodic Torticolis” Not much was offered as a relief to my painful condition. Artane was prescribed but didn’t worked. Then in 88′ I heard that Dr. Calne of UBC Vancouver was experimenting with Botox and volunteered for it. Living in L.A at the time I flew there every two month for various injections. The cost then was reasonable, but then in 89′ Allergan bought the patent and all of a sudden I could no longer afford the treatment.

I tried accuponcture, massage, meditation and altho they relieved some of the pain those various methods did not go very far. I mostly found myself semi disabled. Getting tired worsen the pain and distortion. I spent a lot of time semi reclined. Then in 92′ I moved to Seattle where I enrolled with Grp. Health which in turn refered me to a neurologist who put me on a serie of Botox injections.

So far, Botox has worked beautifully well for me. The injections are repeated every 21/2 to 3 month. I now hope I do not develope an immunity to Botox.

The regular injections have restored my ability to walk and exercise and perform daily routines without too much difficulty.