Howdy everyone

Well it is one week since I received my Botox treatment and all seems to be proceeding as planned.

There were a couple of comments to my first Blog entry on Botox that I thought I would like to reprint here just in case you missed them.

The first is from Asha and the second is from Lorraine. So here they are.

Gary:

Botx does wonders first time, but later dosage, has to be higher nothing wrong in it, rebound from botox is strong, I have had it 3 times for my hand, no side effects, bit no effect either, though first time it opened up my hand, next 2 times effect was mild not like first time, I guess I wanted miracle but it doesn't provide 1, I hate stroke

Asha

Hi Asha

That is a good point that you make. You are right Botox does not provide the answer.

As I understand it the treatments provide a window (about three months) that the opposing set of mussels are relaxed enough so that you can train the brain to use the mussels that will do the work to move body parts again. So the key is to move as quickly as you can to train the brain and then hopefully when the Botox wears off in about three to four months, the brain will have effected a work around type solution that will give a greater range of motion than what you had pre Botox.

So the drug is only the means. WE still have to do the work.

In my case I have to work on my wrist both the rotation and the flex. I also am trying to get my elbow to extend in a more natural way while standing and/or walking.

So for the next month or so I have to make sure that I WORK the arm/hand every day and do it as many times as I can each day. (that is my assignment)

So hopefully if I do my exercises the brain will also do it's part to rework the circutry to gain some more precious range of motion.

We shall see...

ps I am very pleased with the movement and range I have been able to gain post stroke without the use of Botox so any further gains are gravy eh.

Smiles

Gary

Good to know your 1st treatment is over.

I believe botox is a treatment ,not a cure,but wish it is successful for you!!

Take Care

lorrainelm

Hi Lorraine

Thanks...You are exactly right. The Botox treatment is just the facillitator.

It is up to me to train the brain to make the movements that will increase my range of motion.

My job is to work on the rotation and flex of my left wrist. Also to get my left elbow to assume a more natural and relaxed position when standing and walking.

The way that this is done is by using my right hand to make the wrist movements (about 100) per time in order to teach the brain. I also use the method of placing my left hand in my left pants pocket when I am walking in order to (again train the brain).

The Botox treatment should be fully in effect this week (second week since treatment) and according to the doc. it will give me about a three month window to get the brain up and running re these specific movements.

Time will tell.

The Botox treatment seems to be taking good effect so I am very hopeful that I will be able to get the desired response from my buddy the brain.

Smiles

Gary

Thanks everyone and have a GREAT day eh.

Smiles

Gary