Image from phillyburbs.comSo, I saw the neuromuscular doctor yesterday about the focal hand dystonia. Read previous post here. Several problems, of course. Doctor said the dystonia is severe and not only affects my hands, but my forearms, too. Treatment isn't easy either.
We are starting with an oral drug Clozapine. Not too thrilled with this option as it causes drowsiness and is habit forming. The doctor really doesn't think it is going to work, but wants to start there. Why? Because my insurance will fight covering the next best option: Botox injections into the muscles.
I happen to have Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I know, not very lucky. Anyway, the doctor said that all insurances will cover Botox for this medical treatment....except BC/BS. They claim it is still in the experimental stages. What do they think I'm doing? Using it so I can have the youngest looking hands and forearms in Western New York? Geesh! However, the doctor did indicate that they have been using Botox specifically for dystonia since it was developed in the 80's. It is only recently people have been using Botox for anti-aging. So, the doctor is writing a love letter to my insurance begging them to cover this treatment. If they do, treatment won't be very easy. It's not as quick as going in, getting a shot or two, and leaving. The doctor has to isolate every muscle that is affected with dystonia before injecting them, and he did indicate that there are alot of muscles involved. It will be about a 2 hour process every 3-4 months, and with the dystonia this severe, I'm only running a 50% chance that it is going to work.
The only other treatment option for guaranteed success would be to have an electrode implated on my brain. Okay...no way! No one is going into my head unless they are taking out something that doesn't belong there!
Okay, so now the pouty-whinny-baby in me wants to come out: What the heck! I'm only 41...I don't look a day over 28...I'm slim...I eat healthy...why am I suddenly falling apart?!
Oh, and thank you for the well-wishing on my upcoming surgery. I truly appreciate it as I am so nervous. However, due to more tests the my health insurance needs to cover the surgery, it is now postponed until the end of May. Like I said...you just gotta love health insurance....
We are starting with an oral drug Clozapine. Not too thrilled with this option as it causes drowsiness and is habit forming. The doctor really doesn't think it is going to work, but wants to start there. Why? Because my insurance will fight covering the next best option: Botox injections into the muscles.
I happen to have Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I know, not very lucky. Anyway, the doctor said that all insurances will cover Botox for this medical treatment....except BC/BS. They claim it is still in the experimental stages. What do they think I'm doing? Using it so I can have the youngest looking hands and forearms in Western New York? Geesh! However, the doctor did indicate that they have been using Botox specifically for dystonia since it was developed in the 80's. It is only recently people have been using Botox for anti-aging. So, the doctor is writing a love letter to my insurance begging them to cover this treatment. If they do, treatment won't be very easy. It's not as quick as going in, getting a shot or two, and leaving. The doctor has to isolate every muscle that is affected with dystonia before injecting them, and he did indicate that there are alot of muscles involved. It will be about a 2 hour process every 3-4 months, and with the dystonia this severe, I'm only running a 50% chance that it is going to work.
The only other treatment option for guaranteed success would be to have an electrode implated on my brain. Okay...no way! No one is going into my head unless they are taking out something that doesn't belong there!
Okay, so now the pouty-whinny-baby in me wants to come out: What the heck! I'm only 41...I don't look a day over 28...I'm slim...I eat healthy...why am I suddenly falling apart?!
Oh, and thank you for the well-wishing on my upcoming surgery. I truly appreciate it as I am so nervous. However, due to more tests the my health insurance needs to cover the surgery, it is now postponed until the end of May. Like I said...you just gotta love health insurance....
