Transcript

My name is Maddi. I am a Georgetown University graduate, a hemorrhagic stroke survivor, two-time author, disability advocate, and I work in fashion.

The week after I graduated, I went in for an elective brain surgery. There were some complications in my preoperative procedure, which ended up causing a blood clot in my brain, which burst, leading to a massive stroke. I was rushed into an emergency surgery and then placed into a medically induced coma.

When I woke up, I realized that I wasn’t just going to get better on my own. My doctor diagnosed me with upper and lower limb Spasticity early on. With time, I started to realize that the tightness in my muscles I was experiencing was due to Spasticity. One of my inpatient physiatrists had recommended BOTOX^® to me. So I talked to my different doctors, my therapists, who had experience with BOTOX^®. That all really pushed me to think that this was the right intervention for me to try.

On Screen Text: A physiatrist is a doctor who specializes in treating disabling conditions, such as Spasticity.

Since starting BOTOX^® injections, my muscles started to feel less stiff. My doctor explained to me that BOTOX^® wasn’t just a one-time treatment, that I would need to get injections every 12 weeks. I have appointments with my doctor in between the BOTOX^® injections where I share how my muscles are responding to the medication. He’s always willing to listen to me and always asks for my feedback. So if I tell him actually this time, I think that I’m tighter in my finger flexors as opposed to like my bicep, he’ll listen to me.

On Screen Text: Finding a BOTOX^® doctor who specializes in Spasticity, such as a physiatrist, is a key part of managing your treatment.

Through this experience, I’ve learned how important it is to communicate openly with my doctor. I’ve been able to work towards goals that my doctor and I have set while treating my condition. I was asked to be maid of honor in one of my good friend’s weddings. And I was very excited to stand beside her on her big day.

I’m always thrilled to share my experience with BOTOX^® because it has helped me. And I’ve learned so much going through this experience as a stroke survivor, that I want to pass along the knowledge and help as many people as I can.

If I could tell a person living with Spasticity one thing it would be don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about BOTOX^® and to stick with it. So far treatment with BOTOX^® has been worth it.

The thing is, I don’t want to be defined by my Spasticity. Treating my Spasticity with BOTOX^® injections has made a difference in my recovery journey.

Please see Important Safety Information, including Boxed Warning, at the end of this video or on the website below.