Botox injections for abdominal reconstruction
This post is about having botox injections for abdominal reconstruction due to hernias. I would like to start this by saying that I have no medical training and this post is just a patient’s view of going through this procedure. If you have any questions, then you should speak to your doctor.
Botox injections
After having my large intestine removed in 2013 due to Ulcerative Colitis and having an ileostomy formed, I developed hernias. I also had other major open surgeries including a jpouch formation and subsequent removal. I have had multiple hernias as a result of these surgeries, both parastomal hernias, incisional and currently a large problematic hernia in my abdominal wall.
I’m due to have surgery tomorrow to fix these issues with an abdominal wall reconstruction and as part of the preparation for this, I have had botox injections into the abdominal muscles.
When I was told I was having this done, there was very little information and when I have spoke to other doctors and nurses, they have had no idea about it! So I turned to Dr Google (which generally is a bad idea but can be useful!!) I found a talk by a doctor called Talar Tejirian at the International Hernia Collaboration Symposium held during the 2017 SAGES Annual Meeting in Houston, TX on Thursday, March 23, 2017 on why she uses botox for abdominal reconstructions. Just a warning that this link includes a video and images of open surgery so please don’t click on it if you could find this upsetting. The video was ok but aimed at surgeons. I couldn’t find anything patient friendly by the NHS or other people who have been through this. Hence my reason for this post.
I can only describe my own experience of this, and I have no idea if this is typical or not, so please do chat with your doctor if you have questions and let me remind you again that I am not a medical professional. Also I will be honest with how it felt and talk about the size of needles. I do this because I wish I could have read a patient’s experience beforehand. But if you are nervous and don’t like this sort of thing, then you probably should skip the rest of this post.
The procedure
The appointment was for 4 weeks before my surgery date, the doctors told me this is because the Botox is at it’s most effective 4-6 weeks before the surgery. They use the botox to paralyse the abdominal muscles. They do this because when muscles are working, they contract, by paralysing them, it makes them long and loose. And so when they do the surgery, they are easier to manipulate and stretch to cover the hole where the hernia was.
I went into hospital after being told not to eat after midnight and just drink water till 6.30am. We went to the day surgery unit in the hospital and saw the surgical team and then I went down to theatre. It was a weird feeling being in the surgical theatre awake! I have had 8 surgeries for my illness and so been in a few theatres but always knocked out!
I was in a hospital gown and had to remove all my clothes and laid on a bed. Then the surgeon used an ultrasound to find the muscles. There wasn’t local anaesthetic either, so I was a little scared. He injected into the muscle with possible the largest needle I have ever seen!! It kind of looked like a joke needle!
I will be honest, it did hurt. It was a very odd feeling as I felt the needle break the skin and then push through into the muscle. It was a long needle, but also quite thick. I could feel an odd burning sensation as he pushed the botox into the muscle and then removed the needle.
I really had my fists clenched and was trying not to swear as he then repeated this three more times on my left side, before moving onto four injections on my right side. The injections were on the front of my abdomen. If you rest your hand on your stomach with your thumb by your belly button, then the injections were about in line with the little finger.
It took probably 15 minutes in total and once it was done, I walked back to the ward. I felt the effects almost immediately. The muscles relaxed and my hernias extended pretty quickly. Back on the ward, I had a cup of tea and a slice of toast and then was able to return home.
After the procedure
It’s now been four weeks since the injections. My surgeon told me to expect for it to significantly worsen the hernias. He said “you will be cursing my name for the next month!” and he is right! Every day it feels looser. My hernias are sticking right out and I can feel so much movement inside my abdomen. I have spent most of the last three weeks resting, either sitting or laying down as it is incredible painful to be stood up.
I am using the hernia vests and support garments that I already had, but have found I need to wear two or three to feel secure. But when I do this, it squashed my ileostomy bag and I have leaks. So it is a difficult balance.
I am taking strong painkillers every day and struggling to sleep through the night. It is very uncomfortable even when I am laid down in bed. I feel like I can feel every movement inside my belly. When I lay on my side, it feels like my insides fall to that side! Very weird feelings!
It worsened every day, it isn’t the most painful experience ever, but it is very very uncomfortable even when sitting or laying, and when I am up and about walking or standing, it does feel like all my insides are going to fall out.
I just hope that the benefits during surgery will make all this discomfort and inability to do anything for the past month all worth it.
My next surgery is tomorrow and I am just hoping that it will resolve all my issues and this is the last time I will need to be dealing with hernias and the complications around them. Fingers crossed and I will update after the op.
I would love to hear from anyone who has also had the botox injections for an abdominal reconstruction so do get in touch!
Sam xx
All the very best of love & luck for tomorrow Sam. You really are overdue for a lot of health & wellbeing. I will have everything crossed for you ?
Thank you!
That is an interesting use of Botox. Thank you for describing your experience. I hope for the best possible outcome for you from this surgery
Hello, I’ve checked your Twitter & FB updates. Rough going. The lack of sleep is horrid. Is a private room possible? Sleeping pills? I hope you can be discharged soon. In the US, patients are often tossed out too early due to the expense and end up readmitted again.
Hospitals are needed but unpleasant places. You are in my thoughts for continued improvements and peace for your family too.
Best,
Laura
Thank you for all your information. I hope you have recovered and enjoying life again. I am going to have the Botox shots in the next couple of weeks. Then it will be four weeks before surgery. I had surgery for a hernia in Fl. and something went really wrong. Was in the hospital for thirty day had infection and incision opened. Had vac machine for three months. Now I have a very large hernia which looks like I am seven months pregnant and am in pain all the time. I hope this surgery will be successful. Take care stay safe. Thanks Vicki
Sam thank you ! I go tomorrow January 12th 2021 for the exact same reason you did to get my bottom shots but they are sedating me ! I’ve had 23 surgeries for the same reasons as you! My next surgery they will use larger pieces of mesh to reconstruct my abdomin!
Hope you are doing ok!
Hi Sam, how did the surgery go? O hope it went well for you…I’m due to have the botox soon for exactly same reason as you….but I’m going to ask fir sedation xxx
I hope all went well. Will you update us as to your post operative results?
My dad goes in tomorrow for the Botox shots prior to his hernia surgery (4 weeks later). I noticed you said you was in pain after the injections as you waited for your surgery…My dads in his 70’s and is under the impression he will not be in pain..praying for all.
Hi there thank you for your post I have my botox on the 4th October after many operations and hernias were my stomas were and now are ie moved from right side to left …. your post is the only post were it gives explanation on the procedure so thank you and I hope ? you are doing well ?
I had abdominal botox injections last week in readiness for my operation in 4 weeks to repair a large incisional hernia but I’m now very confused. My injections were given in my sides above my hips..is this right? I’ve also felt no difference at all to my muscles or to my hernia so am now worried after reading your article that this has been done incorrectly. I’d be grateful if anyone could advise.
Hi . I have just come across your post . I had Botox in my abdomen ready for surgery 4 weeks ago . I have an 18x 5 cm hernia caused by previous surgery. My abdominal reconstruction surgery on the NHS was due to be carried out tomorrow but it has been cancelled . I have private medical insurance but my surgeon won’t do the op in a small hospital. Can I ask where you had your surgery and could you recommend the surgeon as I’m desperate to get this done and I can’t get a date .
Hi all my bootox appointment soon please share ur experience thanks