Finally I have some relief with botox injections!

[Jahcpa]

I've been struggling for 3 years. It has been so debilitating that I have been unable to drive or walk with my eyes open. I've seen 5 ophthalmologists (2 of whom are corneal specialists - 1 a dry eye specialist). Finally at U of Mich Kellogg Eye Center, they told me they had no hope for me. I have tried every available treatment. I was devastated.

Then I saw a sixth doctor that for the first time introduced me to the word Blepharospasm. About 2 weeks ago I had the preferred treatment of Botox injections. I am about 80% improved. The dryness and light sensitivity are greatly improved even. Almost all of the pain is gone. Tomorrow I'm even going to try to drive!

It's not a cure and I have read of many problems, but it worked for me. It has been a true answer to prayer.

[grant555]

did you have noticeable lid spasms?

[Jahcpa]

My eyes blinked a lot and they clamped shut a lot. When I was under hot compresses, I could feel my eyes spasming. That was the extent of it. I never knew about blepharospasm. I thought my eyes were closing as a reflex to dryness. Since then I have read much about it.

[Ctrain]

Hello Jahcpa! I have read your success story posted on 5/15/16 quite a few times and I was hoping that you would give us an update on your condition and continuing reaction to your Boxtox injections from just over a month ago now.

Are you still as enthusiastic and positive about the improvement which you experienced immediately after the Boxtox injections? Has your condition continued to get better or at least have you been able to maintain the tremendous (80%) improvements which you experienced with reduced dryness and decreased light sensitivity? Do you anticipate getting more/similiar repeat Botox injections in 2-3 months from now or?

Sincerely Hoping that you are having continued success and anxious to hear your status?
Thank you.

[runnergirl]

Hi Jahcpa, I have had blepharospasm for 4 years. If you found someone that can successfully administer botox, keep going there every 3 months. You caught it early and I have heard of people that after some time of getting the shots, they recovered. So glad you kept on pushing and going to different doctors who finally diagnosed you. There is a blepharospasm forum, but I find it depressing, I prefer to go on facebook. People there are much more positive. there are 3 facebook pages...... Neuplasticity therapy for blepharospasm and a Group called Living with Blepharospasm. the neuroplasticity is a very positive group that challenge the world of science with learning how to rewire your mind. Some of these people have been able to manage their lives with blepharospasm with out botox or medicines. Anyway, I hope some of this helped you to know that you are not alone with this. Take Care..Sue

[waterbee]

found this and thought i would link it on here for those that are intreasted in trying this.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27350144

[Jahcpa]

Thanks so much. The Botox injections have been nothing less than a miracle. I have noticed it does seem to be wearing off, but I am scheduled for another on 7/19. I have been able to work, walk with my eyes open, go outside, watch tv. All stuff I have not been able to do. I am even driving a little bit, but being in the car is still very difficult for reasons I can't seem to explain. There is still dryness and still light sensitivity - but much less. At least tolerable. It's kind of funny. I really did not understand Blepharospasm or even realize my eyes were spasming. Doctors just kept saying: dry eye, dry eye, dry eye. Now that I understand, I can actually feel them spasming. It's frustrating. I understand now I have classic symptoms. My eyes clamp shut and I cannot open them. I've told doctors that for years and no one ever said "blephauospasm". I've seen several corneal specialists at Kellogg Eye Center which is rated as one of the top ten in the country. No one ever diagnosed it. But I feel so much better now. For that I give God my thanks. I will definitely look up the facebook sites and your link also waterbee. Thanks everyone for the support. I haven't been on much. Seems when your eyes feel better you don't think to come here. Sorry!!