Monday, May 17, 2021

Thank Goodness for Botox


It's not as bad as it looks!

Every three or four months I have botox injections to relieve the spasticity that severely limits movement of my left hand and arm. 

For one of the appointments last year I asked my neurologist if Hubby could take photos of the whole process for my blog. 

My doctor was okay with the idea, but I had overlooked a crucial element. Hubby has an extreme aversion to needles. I just hadn't realized that aversion included needles not intended for him.

That particular needle my neurologist is holding was just one of about half a dozen needles scheduled for my left arm and hand. What isn't in the picture is me stretched out on the examination table. 

That day I realized that I have my own category of needle aversion. Observing a single injection or a single needle for drawing blood has never bothered me. I had never really watched the actual botox sticks though. And I don't want to.

So there is no pictorial record of the treatment that allows me to continue finding new ways to put my stroke-affected left arm and hand to use. But I did get the photo below of those dreaded needles!

Although things on my left side are far from normal, even slight improvements give me a greater ability to contribute to our home. Hubby still does most of the work indoors and outdoors.  But laundry and other mundane tasks have gone from being a chore pre-stroke to a source of encouragement and a sense of accomplishment for me now.

Blessings abound!

P.S. Even though I have had those injections for about seven or more years, I am embarrassed to confess I never could remember if they came around every three months or every four months. I also never counted the exact number of injections until I took the photo above prior to my most recent Botox session. 

In pursuit of precision I checked my calendar. Now it's imprinted in my memory. Those shots roll around every three months. 

-30-




11 comments:

  1. It is good that something is available to help you along.

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  2. Do they hurt very much? I have had a lot of injections and I.V.'s, but never botox. I'm glad there is something that works well for you.

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  3. I had no idea that botox could do this. that is fantastic, needles don't bother me, but i know many that it does bother. so happy for you they found a way to make each 3 months a little better for you..

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  4. What a wonderful use for what was once thought of as only a cosmetic tool. Guess it is also helpful for migraines.
    Interesting about your husbands aversion to needles. I was thinking the other day that when we watch the news we must see 10 needle sticks a day. I thought it should help with needle aversion but maybe not. Just glad you have such a relatively easy treatment.

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  5. PS.
    The Doc sure is good looking:)

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  6. Botox is amazing stuff for healing. I'm glad it is working for you but oh my...
    Those needles look huge and daunting to me.
    Great that you got a record of some of the procedure though.
    Love that you and your Hubby are such a great team.
    (((hugs)))
    Sue

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  7. When I was a kid, I did not mind shots at all. Just did not phase me. And I an take them now, but I generally don't watch them. And when they give injections in my face I close my eyes as they give them. The needles are so very fine I barely feel them...it is just the idea. LOL

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  8. I can’t look when I get shots nor can I watch others get one even when it is being shown on TV. I am glad you have something to help you. Botox isn’t only for wrinkles.

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  9. Those needles look like weapons! Small spears! Doing that every three months must be bittersweet; the doing of it hard, the results, helpful. I truly never thought of botox in any context but facial change. So thank you for broadening my understanding. Peace.

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  10. I'm one of those strange people who likes to watch. I feel more in control, I guess. I don't have a big problem with needles: I have a big problem with no knowing what's happening. It's nice to catch up with you again, but I wish this road were easier for you.

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    1. As a child I wanted to watch. it was definitely wanting to be in control!

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