Lat Dorsi spasms - Botox?

Sandra in GA · 06-19-2011, 08:06 AM

Hi,
I don't know if anyone else has had problems with muscle spasms following a lat dorsi reconstruction. My plastic surgeon used this procedure on my left side (following radiation) last Jan. 2010. At first, the muscle wanted to work every time I fastened my seat belt, reached backward, or with most any movement. My ps said it would "unlearn" to respond and should learn to just sit there. It did get better with some time, but almost 18 months later, I still have spasms that are quite uncomfortable and unpredictiable. I should also say that because I had Polio as an infant and have limited use of my right arm, my lefty is my work horse. This may be the reason for the persistant problems. Any way, I saw my ps this past Thursday and asked his opinion about injecting Botox to calm that muscle. He agreed that this may be a solution and injected me Friday afternoon. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem. I would love to hear from you about how you managed this aggravating situation.
Sandra

yanyan · 06-19-2011, 06:00 PM

I had latissimus flap on both sides last month with tissue expanders. My chest feels very very tight, i guess it is from the expanders. I have not experienced any spasm that you mentioned but i am still in recovery and havent used my muscle that much.

Sandra in GA · 06-19-2011, 06:51 PM

Yanyan,
I hope you do not have any problems. I have spoken to others who have had this procedure and they have not had this problem. At the beginning, my plastic surgeon said this is rather rare but he had seen it in others and it usually self-corrects. That is why we have waited so long to see if it would go away on its own. He also told me that if the Botox does not work, he can go in and clip a nerve. I am hoping I can skip any extra surgery. Thanks for your input!
Sandra