Botox and Discomfort: What Users Say

• Pis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 19, 2012

For Urinary Frequency "I was in a low-dose Botox trial (300 vs. 800) at a military medical facility. Detrol & Ditropan didn't work. I had frequent urgency, cramping caused by having to hold my urine, and many accidents. I was going to the loo all the time, having to leave meetings and bouncing around at my desk trying to hold my urine for any length (2 minutes) of time. I received Botox which, by tiny injections at the entrance of my bladder, was a little uncomfortable. The next day I had no unusual urge to go, no cramps, no more bouncing, no running to the loo, and many Depends a day. I was totally normal without fear of accidents or ammonia smell for 8 months. It was fabulous - I was a real person again."

• Fan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I tried everything, including every med available, kegel exercises, diet modification to eliminate acids, acupuncture. Nothing helped. Finally asked for testing to determine what to be treated and it was spasms completely! TVT was perfect, mesh intact. Was leery of Botox but desperate to get rid of pads and soaking all the time! Doctor said would take 3 weeks; I was back to normal within 3 days! No pads, no frequency, no urges, no complications at all with bladder emptying. I feel like the poster lady for it! Wonderful!! And I'm 70 years old! It's a miracle. Yes, was a bit uncomfortable getting it but took maybe 5-10 minutes and worth it! Be sure your urologist is board certified, does tons of the procedure consistently and regularly!"

• Boo...
• April 25, 2021

For Urinary Incontinence "I had Botox for my AOB. In the days after, I was going every time I got up. I had a catheter and bag inserted for 5 days, which was very uncomfortable. Constantly going to the bathroom, sometimes more than 20 times per day. Back to the urologist 3 times for bladder scans. The doctor's assistant gave me catheters to use for 2 weeks. It's now 6 plus weeks, and I can't see not using them any time soon. So Botox was a bust. I had no choice but to try it."

• Dom...
• January 7, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I have had migraines since a young girl, not realizing what they were. In 2009, the migraines started getting so bad they started affecting my day-to-day life. Many trips to the doctors and neurologists, changing prescriptions often due to lack of effectiveness. I was worried I would never find a medication that would help me. None of the oral medications were helping me. I started getting Botox injections almost a year ago. Skeptical but ready to try. Somewhat apprehensive about so many needles, I have to try to see if this might just be the saving grace from migraines. I am happy to report the Botox is a miracle drug for me. The injections are uncomfortable, but going from over 15 headaches a month to 3 or less per month. I am very happy! Thanks!"

• jil...
• August 4, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I had Botox bladder injections just over a week ago and wished I'd never let them anywhere near me. I suffer from severe overactive bladder disorder, interstitial cystitis, and have done all of my adult life. I thought, prayed this would be the answer. A week on and I'm in so much distress and discomfort and at my wit's end. God only knows if it's such early days what else is to come. I'm being treated for UTI even though the test showed negative, but it was worth a try. On reading the posts on here, it seems I'm not alone. I'm hopefully seeing my doctor tomorrow but not really sure what they're going to do. I am so fed up, but it is reassuring to know I'm not the only one. This condition is a curse that no one can understand unless they've lived with it."

• Lov...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 16, 2016

For Urinary Frequency "I'm on my 3rd dose of Botox. I have bladder incontinence. My bladder was in a constant spasm. It was hard to leave the house. After trying pills, after trying Depends, after having a few accidents, I agreed to the Botox injections. I found the procedure uncomfortable, but maybe for 5 minutes. It took most of the first year to get used to using a cath as a norm. You can get reusable ones or pre-lubricated ones. I now use the latter, but they are more expensive. The first round lasted 1 year, the second round lasted 6 months, and now I'm on my third round. More Botox was used in the first and third rounds. I love it. No more leaks, no more accidents. I can sleep all night, take long walks, and go on long car rides."

• Bla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2019

For Urinary Frequency "I had this done in December 2018 due to an overactive bladder. I regret having this done. Now I can't fully empty my bladder, which brings on cramps. I'd rather deal with the overactive bladder. At least I felt relief when I passed urine. Now, constant cramps, fullness, and discomfort."

• Tam...
• September 28, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I was having migraines for 3 years almost daily in summer! Horrible, lived on Imitrex and Xanax. My neurologist suggested Botox. First round after the injections, I had discomfort, really burning in the back below my neck. I kept putting heat on it and it was gone in 3 weeks. I also did not like the side effect of my eyebrows going up from Botox! My husband said I looked like I was shocked all the time or sometimes a devil! Maybe 1 mild migraine after that! The day I was due for the 2nd round, I had an excruciating headache before Botox shots. The doctor went ahead with Botox, and by day's end, the migraine was gone! This was 2 weeks ago and not 1 migraine. I also asked him not to inject above my eyebrows, so he injected in between my eyes. Doing wonderful!!!"

• Sal...
• March 19, 2019

For Urinary Frequency "Best thing I’ve ever done. I had urge incontinence and was rushing to the loo all the time. Had 200 mgs of Botox. It was very uncomfortable having the injections, but didn’t take long. Had a bad month where I thought, 'I’m not having this done again,' but then it settled in. I sleep through the night. I have to self-cath about 4 times a day. I can now go 5 hours without wanting to go. I’ve booked three holidays and regularly go out walking and traveling on public transport. Definitely a life changer."

• Tur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 29, 2020

For Urinary Frequency "I have to update after reading many reviews. Everyone’s different. It is very uncomfortable while being injected, but since it works, that’s all that matters. Yes, I have to self-cath, not easy for women, but as I told my doc in check-up, it’s so worth it. I never want to go back to the need to find the closest bathroom everywhere I go or get up four times a night to urinate. Bottom line, it gave me my life back. So, in my opinion, it’s worth the discomfort and the cathing."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2023

For Urinary Incontinence "I had this treatment 3 weeks ago, and it has changed my life. The procedure is uncomfortable but not really painful and is over quickly. I am having to self-cath, but I am finding this a doddle to do. I am now going 7/8 times a day compared to 30, so for me, I am more than happy to continue doing it."

• Hor...
• July 26, 2020

For Overactive Bladder "Female, 80. 3 single births within 2-1/2 yrs, the 1st being largest, 8 lb, 10 oz. Over the years, diagnosed with urge incontinence, stress incontinence, and OAB. Sling surgery earlier this year for stress incontinence - has worked like a miracle for coughing/sneezing but nothing else. Meds didn't do much for urge or OAB (sample Myrbetriq/too $$, a few months of oxybutynin, then trospium). Botox about 3-1/2 wks ago. Was very uncomfortable and post-op, pain was intensifying. I started suspecting UTI and was correct. Probably caused by leaky bowel (an entirely another problem!) since culture showed E. coli. Now that that's cleared up, I can evaluate the Botox procedure as being 50%-75% successful. Fewer pads, less laundry, and overall more comfortable. My urologist said treatment should last 6-9 months. As of now, will repeat. Am glad I did not research it prior to surgery. I believe the failures posted would have made me very hesitant. I am so sorry for those who went through pain and failure."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2019

For Overactive Bladder "I had the Botox injections for overactive bladder about 3 months ago for incontinence. I am 47 and was constantly leaking. Having tried all other methods, I was offered Botox. I was a bit dubious at first, but I have a really good incontinence nurse and urologist. Everything was clearly explained, and I had to show I could self-catheterize before they would do the procedure. The procedure was a little uncomfortable and stung once or twice, other than that, it was fine, and I watched on the screen. The procedure worked for me, I can sneeze and cough without peeing myself. I have had one UTI since I had it done, but it cleared with antibiotics. I do still occasionally leak, but that is if my bladder is full and I put pressure on my bladder. I was lucky, I didn't need to self-catheterize. I'm glad I had it done. I'm sorry for the people for whom it didn't work."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2020

For Urinary Frequency "I read all these reviews and totally freaked myself out. Honestly, I barely had any pain, it was just a bit uncomfortable. This is my first time getting it, and so far, so good. I do recommend."