Goodness forbid, that would mean that the docs are up on the latest
technology. Botox injections for kids is still considered experimental here
in FL. Many of the kids I work with aren't good candidates due to low trunk
tone. You'll have to rely on personal experience from the rest of the
folks.
As far as the drug debate, I always tell folks that a lot of herbal remedies
are considered drugs also. Think that some of our most powerful, dangerous
and illegal drugs are plant based marijuana, cocain, heroin. Curare,
digoxin, belladonna are also plant based. Use herbals under the care of a
knowledgeable provider just like you would want from your physician. And,
I'm a firm believer that no drug, herbal, etc (either for physical or mental
health symptoms) should be given without follow-up care and lifestyle
changes. Pain is to be managed and I feel sometimes docs really miss the
boat. The source of the pain needs to examined is it an immflamatory
reaction, cancer, gi motility, neuropathic, etc. And if you think it's a
mental health issue than have the patient get treated for the mental health
issue. I've seen medications make incredible improvements in people's
lives. So, find what's right and healthy for you.
Beth the OT
-----Original Message-----
From: St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Pam
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2001 4:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Drugs....
Good discussion about drugs and alternative therapies for spasticity.
Here's more of my story. I have been VERY resistant to using drugs to treat
my spasticity. I don't like the way they make me feel and the effects they
have on my other body systems. I do Feldenkrais and CranioSacral (sp) work,
as well as accupuncture and herbs. If I could afford treatment everyday, my
spasticity wouldn't be such an issue. I can't. And our country's health
care system, while slowly starting to cover some forms of "alternative"
medicine, won't cover what I need to be comfortable. (My spasticity has
gotten painful.)
One thing that appeals to me about the pump is that very very little of the
baclofen goes systemic - greatly reducing side effects. If it weren't for
the surgery this involves and the thought of living with an implant, I think
I'd be more excited about the potential for this to help. Surgery is a big
step, so I don't know....
Here's the site run by the company that makes the pump:
http://www.medtronic.com/neuro/itb/
Beth the OT - have you worked with anyone who has the pump? What's your take
on it?
Pam
ps Mag - Yes, it would be fun to meet. Email me privately, and we can
arrange something.
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