A long time patient called me for a n appointment the other day. I hadnt spoken to her for a while. When I asked how she was doing, I heard her voice crackle and my heart sunk. She said, “you wont be happy with what I am going to tell you..” I thought , what could she tell me? Maybe she’s been eating lots of sugar or binge drinking. She said, she had been feeling badly about herself, about aging, and the line in her forehead was really bothering her. so, she got a botox injection. Within 24 hours her entire body went into a whirlwind. 

She became symptomatic with many various kinds of reactions in her body, and yes, included in these numerous signs and symptoms  was her bladder. She said her husband was furious with her for doing the botox and hurting herself in this way. This patient has been a wonderful example of a very successful patient. She has lived a great life, had a baby, been able to have normal intercourse, and has been able to enjoy feeling really healthy for many years now. She asked me how bad the damage is, she wondered, how long it would take to feel well again.

I think this is a good lesson for all of us. When a person works hard to achieve good health–good balance in his or her body, we should remember to really treasure it. We should remember to honor our bodies and do things to it only that are consistent with making it stronger, healthier, and better balanced and not put toxins into it.

I have another patient who is now dealing with chronic facial swelling after having received another kind of beauty treatment with broad band light treatment. She has been devastated by her reaction to this treatment. While it did not effect her bladder, it is of little consolation to her bc her face is what shows the inflammatory responsiveness of her IC condition to this particular treatment.

People always ask me when can I go back to drinking alcohol?, when can I go back to eating processed sugar? When can I……and I always answer-Everyone’s body is different, and I don’t know what the recipe for illness is for each person. One needs to I suppose test the waters a bit to see what his or her tolerance is for things. And, some people can drink some alcohol, while others probably cannot tolerate any. We are each different. However, there are certain things that just are not a good idea. Botox is a lethal toxin- and while it has been formulated in a “safe” injectable form, it probably is something that is wise to reconsider before subjecting one’s body to it. And, this is true for many types of aesthetic type treatments. I am not saying that all will end in disaster, but strongly consider what the treatment is before subjecting your body to the disastrous possibilities that may ensue from the treatment.
 
I am sure this patient will return to the way she was prior to the treatment. But, suffering unnecessarily is a shame. And, it may not be before the effects of her botox treatment have worn off!