Botox Isn't Just For Wrinkles

Yesterday I took Grace to Medical City Dallas for her first round of Botox injections. I was extremely anxious about it because I had heard it can be quite painful and traumatic for the child. I had prayer requests out to everyone I knew...my little princess doesn't need more trauma. She did great!!! Praises!! Praises!!! Oh, she cried, but mainly when the nurse took her out of my arms (we decided the nurse would be the bad guy). She has shown no discomfort or after effects so far. I'm so excited! We are having hinges put in her braces on Friday which is perfect timing. I'm trying to not be overly optimistic but God is good and Grace is so ready to walk. Thanks so much for the prayers and keep 'em coming.

I was reminded of a wonderful verse last night: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
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Below is an excerpt explaining more about Botox and CP from http://www.cerebralpalsysource.com/About_CP/botox_cp/index.html

When most people hear the term botox, they automatically assume that the impending use will be for some celebrities wrinkled, aging face and their last stab at beauty. However, few are aware of a more important use for botox, and the connection between botox and cerebral palsy.

Botulinum toxin type A, or botox, is a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent that reduces the rigidity of muscles or unwanted spasms in a specific muscle. Botox is produced from the bacteria that causes food poisoning and provides relief for muscle stiffness at the site of injection. Though high doses of botox can be deadly, the very small doses used in cerebral palsy cases. Over the past ten years, the use of botox has shifted from wrinkle reduction to successfully treating muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy, making botox and cerebral palsy a hugely successful match.

The marriage of botox and cerebral palsy may seem odd at first, but is actually quite practical. When prepared for therapeutic use, botox is injected in small amounts into the spastic or stiff muscles. It begins to take effect by blocking transmission between the nerves and the affected muscles. The injection stops the signal between the nerve and the muscle, relaxing the muscle and reducing stiffness. Botox only affects the muscles that are injected and once the muscles are relaxed, therapists are able to stretch the muscles and stimulate normal growth.

There are several benefits associated with botox and cerebral palsy. Botox injections can offer many benefits including ease in stretching, improvement in child’s range of motion, tolerance to wearing braces and developmental improvements in crawling, standing, or gait changes.