Question
I had a spinal cord injury fused from L2 to t 12 and recently had injections into my back. my doctor use 2 vials of botox in 8 different locations. since this procedure I cant keep food down and I'm in worse pain than I've been in since my accident 2 years ago. Is this normal? He also wants to install a morphine pump is is recommended please let me know  

Answer
Hi Scott
Thanks so much for your questions.

First of all, I am truly sorry that I haven't been able to answer your questions sooner. I've had some technical problems with the AllExperts.com site and then I ended up in the hospital for several days.

I'm really not that familiar with botox except to say that it is a Botulinum Toxin Type A protein complex produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which contains the same toxin that causes food poisoning (Botulism). Botulism is the deadliest form of poison known to man. When used in a medical setting as an injectable form of sterile, purified botulinum toxin, small doses block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine by nerve cells that signal muscle contraction.

In 2000, the toxin was approved to treat a neurological movement disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder contractions, known as cervical dystonia.

Although there is no chance of contracting botulism from Botox injections, there are some risks associated with the procedure. If too much toxin is injected, for example, or if it is injected into the wrong area, a person can end up with muscles weakness that could last for weeks.

Other common side effects following injection were headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, and nausea. Less frequent adverse reactions included pain and redness at the injection site. These reactions were generally temporary, but could last several months.

The FDA recommends that Botox be injected no more frequently than once every three months, and that the lowest effective dose should be used.

I don't know if the Botox has anything to do with you not being able to keep food down but the increase in pain sounds like it could be contributory. The installation of a morphine pump is not uncommon if the pain can't be controlled by oral medication. I would suggest you speak
with your doctor and if you're not satisfied with the answers you get, definitely seek a second opinion.

I hope this helps and if you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me anytime.

Thanks again,
John McKinzie