Occipital Neuralgia Online Support Group

For those of you who have tried botox injections and had some relief - how long did the relief last? I had mine Jan. 4th and since this past Tuesday have felt better than I have in LONG time - almost "normal"! The doc who did the shots said I still have to take my muscle relaxer as prescribed everyday (I actually forgot to take one this afternoon as I didn't need it) until I see him again in February.

Did anyone have more shots or go on to have the decompression surgery?

Thanks!

RAH

I had great relief from the botox for about a week or so. I opted not to undergo a second round since the pain was so short-lived (but oh so wonderful while it lasted!) and they were still a bit pricey even after insurance. I did have the occipital nerve decompression surgery later, which has helped tremendously.

Great question! I'm trying to find a new neuro that does botox. At this point even a day pain free will be more than I've had in 2 years.

Biker - I had Botox on the 4th of January and about 3 days after I could tell a difference for almost 2 weeks. It was great! I have been able to tell that all the symptoms are coming back for the past week but at least they're not as bad as they were before the shots. You may want to look for a plastic surgeon, that's who did mine. I see him again on the 15th of Feb. when we'll discuss the decompression. My insurance didn't cover the Botox but I was willing to pay for it myself to get some relief. The plastic doc had told me in Dec that I'm a candidate for the surgery but if I'm going to have to pay for the surgery myself we decided we'd better try the botox first to make sure it really was the occipital nerve. Good luck in your search!!

botox is fda approved now. they turned me down the first time i had the occipital nerve blocks done. I sent in an appeal and they paid 1,500 a shot and I have 4 I am glad I fought them . They paid, my out of pocket was like $50 per shot. Well worth the fight. They almost assume we will give in and pay so like daily practice to deny claims. Dont give up. Same thing w/my surgery they denied,but paid later.

I've had two rounds of Botox injections. The most recent set of shots was one week ago, so the Botox has finally kicked in again. So far, I think it's definitely helping me. I also had Botox injections done by my former neurologist back in 2006 / 2007, before I had either nerve decompression surgery. I didn't find the injections helpful back then. However, now after having the surgeries, I find the Botox to be very helpful, almost like the last little bit of help I needed to push me into the zone of little to no pain. I still have headaches, always will, but I think the Botox has decreased the need for OTC and prescription pain meds.

I don't remember how the insurance went in 2006/2007, but insurance has covered these two recent rounds of injections. I have BCBS of Texas. My neuro had to get pre-authorization from BCBS, and then she had to order the Botox from BCBS's specialty pharmacy. The medication was sent to her office, she did the injections, I paid my $15 co-pay, and that was the end of it. Insurance picked up the balance. In total, I received 31 injections in my face / head.

Let it be noted that I am very envious of mamalu's surgery being paid for her insurance. BCBS of Texas was not so benevolent with me, and despite fighting them tooth and nail, and even lodging a complaint against them with the Texas Department of Insurance (who did not even understand the basis of my appeal), I'm out $30K ca$h money. There was no payment plan. Cash. Gone. But at least I got some relief from the surgeries.

I had occipital nerve blocks. They did work immediately for about 1 week. The next time I had them I got no relief and was admitted to the hospital with an IV meds for 3 days

My botox injections lasted in full force for about two weeks and then the pressure, ice picking, aching and pain began creeping back in. I'm not quite back to my level of miserableness before the injections (Jan. 4th) but I'm getting close. Have been taking more Lortab than I like to. I try to wait until bedtime, but this past week I had to take at least a half most days while teaching and I hate that. I see the plastic surgeon who did the shots and will do the decompression again on the 15th so I just need to hang on a bit more. at least that's what I keep telling myself........

who is ur plastic surgeon again? And also you said u will have the decompression again what does that mean? Is that in the same place/nerves?

Sorry mamalu - when I said "again" I meant it as in my next appointment with the surgeon - Dr. Poggi - on the 15th. And that can't come soon enough as last night was a 2 lortab and ice bag night.