Natalie and Nick from CPSN sat down to chat in 2021 about their different Botox treatments. Natalie had two Botox treatments so far, and it was Nick’s first time trying the procedure.
Nick spoke to Natalie just four hours after his treatment!
Note: This video featured in this blog should not be used a substitute for medical advice, and always consult your doctor before trying any new medical procedure.
Finding the right Practitioners
Natalie decided to do some research before undergoing her treatments. Confinement at home during the COVID lockdown and a lack of regular physical activity impacted her body negatively, making her feel so uncomfortable she felt compelled to act.
Natalie discovered there was little advertised on the internet about Botox treatment for adults. The key target market was for children and the cosmetic industry.
“When I began searching for my specialist all my search results catered to kids and this was really frustrating…however eventually I found a great doctor to do my treatments.”
Nick was treatment in a hospital setting, while Natalie visited her specialists’ surgery. Nick said the doctors ‘wrapped’ his arms and hands in plasters.
The doctors preferred him to keep his limbs immobile for a day after treatment, but Natalie’s doctor encouraged her to get up and move around as soon as possible to start feeling and seeing the differences immediately.
Why Nick delayed Botox treatment
In Nick’s late thirties he changed his mind about Botox and due to mobility issues affecting his work. It was a less invasive option than surgery, and regaining movement he lost some six years ago was a possible appealing treatment outcome.
“I waited because it wasn't an option for me while I was young and full of testosterone, you're young, your body works reasonably well and you're busy doing work and playing sport and doing anything else. I was just like, “nah I’ll worry about that when I’m older.”
Impressions of Botox after treatment
Natalie didn’t see the full benefits of Botox until her second treatment.
“The first time I got it I had nothing to compare it to because my body as it is was all I’ve ever known. Just recognizing how much spasticity and dystonia you have, which is what my doctor explained to me it treats and not having [it] for me, it's in my legs, and it's like constant clenching up in the calf muscles. When I got it [Botox] the second time around the weeks leading up to it was like “I can't wait to get it done.”
Nick said his arm muscles felt more relaxed shortly after Botox and he could feel his wrist stretching out further. This was a big improvement.
Varying Recovery times
Nick said the doctor expected his recovery to take just a day or two. Once he got home, he (quite cheekily) removed the cast himself because he felt fine and his wrist already felt strong, so he didn’t see the need to keep it immobilised.
“When I got it done in my legs because I got it done across the calves and in the Achilles heels [The doctor] pretty much had me up and moving right away he encouraged me to do lots of walking, lots of stretching lots of exercise to get it moving through my bloodstream or at least that's what I was told.”
How Botox treatment helped Nick
Nick said Botox has helped him significantly. It has allowed him more flexibility and the freedom to move his arms, and he hopes it will help him to increase his strength.
He has also decided not to use his splints which he had become reliant on using over the years.
“I can grab barbells and dumbbells at the gym more easily and the rowing equipment and things…if we can grab that and lift it more easily because I’ve got more stronger grip now because I’ve got more flexibility, then that's what I am aiming for.”
Natalie and Nick’s advice for those considering Botox?
Natalie says it shouldn’t be too expensive, as it is something that is covered by the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme). The recovery time is quick, and the results were almost instant. Her post treatment plan was easy, with lots of walking and additional stretching. She has experienced a better quality of life and more independence.
“There's an assumption that because people spend hundreds of dollars getting it for cosmetic reasons that that same rule applies when you're getting it done for medical reasons and this actually isn't the case.”
“I really enjoyed doing it. I've done it about twice and I'll be going for a follow-up treatment…it's been really good.”
Nick says getting Botox is a personal choice and it’s important to stay open to what might work. He thinks it’s worth giving new things a go at least once. Right now, he’s feeling good about the results, even if there’s a chance his movement might go back to how it was before.
“We've said everyone's different, and with life you just got [sic] to keep trying new things whether you like it or you're unsure about it and see how it goes…if you can get some relief out of it, well do it.”
You can watch the full CP Diaries interview with Nick and Natalie here:
This video is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your doctor for further information.
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