BOTOX EXPERIENCE- Washington, D.C.

YOU GUYS. I had my procedure yesterday and am already feeling better. I haven't seen any detailed experiences from the D.C. doctors, so I wanted to highlight mine for anyone wanting to travel to D.C. for it:

After a year of working to solve my stomach issues (cutting gluten, limiting dairy, acid reflux prescription, Tums/GasX, seeing a gastroenterologist, having an upper endoscopy)— it has all come down to this! I've already invested THOUSANDS of dollars in myself to fix my painful digestive issues. Praying this gives the relief I’ve been hoping for.

In the past few days I’ve gone back and forth with myself. Do I really need this; do I really WANT to do this. After going around in my head I KNOW it is the right thing to do for my health moving forward. It would only get worse, so better do it now. Especially when I’m still young and going out with friends / drinking / going to bars / getting cheap takeout, all the normal 25 year old activities I have limited myself to because I was embarrassed.

OP DAY - March 11th

I had my procedure with Dr. Bielamowicz at George Washington University Hospital in D.C. I arrived at 5:30AM and did all routine pre-surgery things (COVID test, pregnancy test, talk through my medical history, etc.)

Around 7AM I spoke with the surgeon and anesthesiologist and they answered all my questions and eased my nerves. They were super nice and had a great rapport with each other which made me super comfortable because that shows they work well together.

I was given a hand IV which was one of the worst parts of the whole experience. I was given 2 extra-strength Tylenol to prevent pain and an anti-nausea patch for after the anesthesia.

At 7:20AM I was wheeled into the OR and given a "cocktail and a shot of tequila" as my anesthesiologist said ;) and then I was out!

Around 8:45AM I woke up with some pretty uncomfortable throat pain (the worst side effect), some jaw/teeth pain, and little bit of coughing. The nurse gave me an ice pack on the outside of my throat/neck which helped a lot. . Swallowing felt weird but manageable. As for other side effects, I was a little dizzy as the anesthesia wore off and felt super dehydrated. Dr. Bielamowicz said I could try carbonated beverages or whatever I felt up to the day of, could do my day normally, and even light exercise if I wanted (just told me to be careful).

I was discharged at about 10AM. I got an açaí bowl and avocado toast then took some ibuprofen and the throat pain got a LOT better! Felt super tired as the anesthesia wore off but not bad and I even sent a few work emails lol. But overall started to feel normal around 12:30! Maybe a little nauseous but not too bad. I also ate a popsicle and some pasta for dinner since my throat was still a bit scratchy.

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DAY 2 - MARCH 12TH

Slept through the night totally fine but woke up with a sore scratchy throat. Still feeling dehydrated and didn't have much of an appetite but decided to make pancakes. The swallowing sensation is a bit weird and I get why many of yall recommend taking small bites and really washing food down with water.

A few minutes into eating, I had my first microburp!! It was barely anything but still very exciting. Now, about an hour after that, I've been having bigger burps with one REAL belch. This is so weird to be excited about but I am!!! My biggest fear was that the procedure wouldn't work and I would be stuck with these stomach issues forever. But now I KNOW it will be my cure! I still can't believe it :)

UPDATE!! It has been about 4 hours since my first burp and they just keep coming haha. Most are pretty small but some are more of a belch for sure. Burping a little after every bite of food or sip of water. Definitely feels strange but I would take this sensation over the pain I had before any day!

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DAY 3 - MARCH 13TH

I DRANK CHAMPAGNE AND WHITE CLAWS ALL DAY WITHOUT ANY GURGLES!!! This was so exciting and I finally felt NORMAL for the first time in so long. Definitely was burping a lot but my friends all understood why and were so happy for me hahhaha.

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DAY 5 - MARCH 15TH

Things are going well! Still have some scratchy throat pain but not bad enough to be taking pain meds for it. More of a discomfort similar to having seasonal allergies. I am still clearing my throat a LOT which is annoying, but burps are slowly decreasing and pretty much only happen when I'm eating/drinking. Swallowing food is still pretty hard and takes me so long because I have to chug water after every bite. Hoping that gets better soon, BUT I have had ZERO digestive pains since my procedure :)

LMK any questions about my experience or Dr. Bielamowicz! Good luck to everyone getting their procedures soon :)