A Routine Anti-Wrinkle Injection Left Me Paralyzed - The Symptoms Started Within 24 Hours
A mother has shared her harrowing experience after using a lesser-known Botox alternative, which left her grappling with severe health complications. Stephanie Ottaway, a 35-year-old from Bakersfield, California, revealed that her quest for beauty turned into a nightmare, leading to her being 'partly paralyzed' and suffering from debilitating symptoms that she describes as a form of poisoning.
Stephanie's journey began in March 2023 when she decided to try Xeomin, a Botox alternative, to 'rid a few wrinkles.' Initially, she felt satisfied with her decision, but within 24 hours, she was hit with debilitating headaches that escalated quickly. In just two weeks, she found herself struggling to walk, a stark contrast to her previous active lifestyle.
Despite her alarming symptoms, Stephanie initially brushed off her concerns after consulting with doctors who failed to connect her issues to the injections. In July 2023, she went for a second round of Xeomin injections, thinking nothing of it. However, her condition worsened significantly after this second treatment, leading to extreme joint and muscle pain, tender skin, and severe breathing difficulties that left her gasping for air at night.
As a mother to a four-year-old daughter named Millie, Stephanie faced the heartbreaking reality of being unable to pick her up due to muscle weakness and joint pain. Everyday tasks, such as washing her hands or opening the fridge, became monumental challenges. The emotional toll of her condition was immense, as she struggled to fulfill her role as a mother.
After enduring months of uncertainty and countless doctor visits, Stephanie was finally diagnosed with iatrogenic botulism in March 2024. This rare neuromuscular junction disease is caused by botulinum neurotoxins, the same active ingredient found in Botox. The diagnosis came after a long process of ruling out other potential causes for her symptoms.
Financially, the ordeal has been devastating for Stephanie. She estimates that she has spent over $15,000 on medical appointments and treatments, with no specific cure available for her condition. Even two years later, she continues to undergo regular physical therapy to manage her symptoms.
Reflecting on her experience, Stephanie expressed deep regret about her decision to pursue cosmetic treatments. "It's my life's biggest regret," she stated. "I have friends and family who have had Botox done, and I thought I was completely safe. But two years of my life have been lost because I didn't feel beautiful enough." Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers associated with botulinum toxins.
Stephanie's initial treatment involved paying over $400 for 36 units of Xeomin, which she had injected into her forehead, crow's feet, and under her brows. After the first treatment, she felt fine initially, but the headaches soon began to plague her. "I was told this was normal, and I did all my research, but everything just felt wrong and it kept getting worse," she recalled.
As her symptoms escalated, she found herself unable to perform simple tasks. "There were days when I couldn't walk, open the fridge, or string sentences together. It was the scariest time," she shared. The pain was so intense that even the slightest touch against her skin was unbearable.
Despite her persistent symptoms, doctors were baffled. They initially dismissed the possibility that her condition was related to the injections, suggesting it could be an autoimmune disease or severe inflammation. After months of testing and no clear answers, Stephanie returned for a second round of Xeomin injections in July, this time receiving 40 units. Unfortunately, her symptoms returned with a vengeance.
At her lowest point, Stephanie struggled to perform basic activities, including typing, opening jars, and even walking. The pain was so severe that she couldn't pick up her daughter, who was just two years old at the time. Nighttime was particularly distressing, as she frequently woke up gasping for air, unable to tolerate anything touching her sensitive skin.
After extensive research, Stephanie stumbled upon a forum where others shared their experiences with Botox poisoning. It was there that she recognized her symptoms and the potential for the injection to spread and cause paralysis in other parts of the body. This realization ultimately led to her diagnosis of iatrogenic botulism.
Describing the moment of her diagnosis, Stephanie said, "It was a bittersweet moment. But there is no cure and no promise that I will be 100 percent back to normal." She was shocked to discover how many others had been affected by similar experiences.
Now, two years after her initial injections, Stephanie continues to deal with the lasting effects of the poisoning. She has turned to frequent physical therapy to help manage her nerve and muscle damage and is exploring alternative treatments, including Ozone IV therapy and holistic approaches to her health.
Stephanie and her husband, Tanner, are taking each day as it comes, focusing on their family and her recovery. "Now looking back, I don't even know why I had the injections in the first place," she admitted. "My wrinkles have come back, and I embrace them." She is determined to raise awareness about the dangers of botulinum neurotoxins, emphasizing that anyone can be affected, regardless of their health status.
