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Medical Stuff

May 20th, 2014 at 07:41 pm

DW took DS2 to his physiatrist yesterday. I didn't even know what a physiatrist was until we took him there about two years ago for his first appointment. A physiatrist is a doctor that specialized in physical medicine, rehabilitation, and pain medicine. DS2 has cerebral palsy, and is tight in the legs (and arms) and has been wearing braces on his legs for the past 11 months.

The Dr. doesn't think that the braces are doing their job, and he has recommended that DS2 get botox injections in his knees (3 shots each knee 4 times per year). He has an appointment set for June 7.

A really quick Google search tells me that this course of treatment is not without controversy. We've got about 2 1/2 weeks to do a bit more serious reading up on the subject.

Besides loosening his leg muscles, and helping him walk better, the Dr. said that a benefit will be pain reduction. Probably DS2 has had pain in his legs for so long that he literally doesn't know what it's like to be pain free. That should help with his behavior, too.

From a practical standpoint, one of us will have to drive DS2 about 85 miles to the Dr. office four times a year on a Saturday (the Dr. does this treatment only on Saturdays).

We do get mileage reimbursements from the Children's Special Health Care program through our local Health Department - again because DS2 was adopted through foster care. That helps.

4 Responses to “Medical Stuff”

  1. creditcardfree Says:
    1400613213

    I know my neighbor's daughter (spina bifida) had botox injections with no side effects, and some positive effects, but maybe not quite enough to continue long term. Not sure the exact reason she had them (I did know at one time). Just letting you know I do know of someone who had them done on a child and did not have issues. Good luck doing your own research. If you proceed, I sure hope it has a positive effect on all of you involved.

  2. CB in the City Says:
    1400626711

    Do your research but bear in mind that these days there is controversy about everything, it seems! I am hoping for the best possible outcome.

  3. Bob B. Says:
    1400639638

    We trust the Doc, and there's an 85% chance that we'll have the procedure done. We just want to know more about it. He already explained risks with DW.

  4. PNW Mom Says:
    1400640403

    I actually work for two PM&R's doc's.....we don't do Botox injections, but then, all PM&R doc's do different things....hoping it will be a good outcome for your DS.

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