Personal HFS History - Vickie Capps
I started having a slight twitch in my right eye when I was 41 years old. I am not a real self-conscious person so it really didn't bother me very much. As it continued I started mentioning it to my doctor but wouldn't you know that it would decide not to show its nasty self. It finally got to where my doctor saw it and he thought it was a neuralgia and started me on Neurontin.
It continued to get worse so he sent me to a Neurologist. As soon as the Neurologist saw me he was sure it was HFS but wanted to rule out some other things. Tests were run and he determined it was HFS.
By this time it was so bad that it was pulling into my neck and shoulders and pulling my good eye closed also. This was around October 2001. He sent me to IU Medical Center in Indianapolis to Dr. Brashear for Botox® treatments which I have been getting every 3 months ever since. Any one who says they don't hurt must have a very high pain tolerance because I think they hurt like He--. They do not put anything on to numb the site before the injections, but for me it is still worth it to not have the constant twitch.
I know I am a good candidate for MVD and if finances were to ever permit then I would gladly go for it but until then I will continue on with the Botox® every 3 months for as long as it keeps working even a little.
Everyone, of course, has to make their own decision as to what is best for them and for me right now it is Botox®.
Permission granted the HFSA to post Personal HFS History on website.
Vickie Capps, October 16, 2003
Back to top
HFSA HOME
Home |
Alternative Treatment Exp.|
Ask The Docs |
Bell's Palsy Exp. |
Botox® Personal Exp. |
Botox® Usage |
Chat Room |
Contact Us |
Contribute |
E-mail Archives |
HFS Histories |
Important Dates |
Informational Pamphlet |
Join Us |
Links |
Medical Advisory Board |
Medical Terms |
Members |
Membership Summary |
MVD Diaries |
MVD Surgeries |
Organizational Structure |
Pictures |
Site Map |
Site Policy
Copyright © 2001, The Hemifacial Spasm Association (HFSA) Rev. 040901