ST. LOUIS — Botox is typically associated with curing wrinkles but it’s now being used to treat other medical conditions.
Bethany Pettus, 14, was diagnosed with Elhers Down Syndrome at age 7.
“I started having stomach problems, but they didn’t believe anything,” she said.
After seeing multiple doctors, Bethany was finally diagnosed with EDS. It’s a rare disorder that affects connective tissues.
Dr. Amana Nasir, a Pediatric Gastroenterologist at Mercy Hospital explained EDS like this:
“Imagine a beautiful snake and that’s your gut. In EDS that squeeze may be altered. When the tube isn’t flowing right, it’s like a water slide that’s not flowing right.”
Most patients have to undergo extensive surgery to correct the issue. Luckily for Bethany, Botox injections helped ease the problem.
“It’s the same kind of Botox you use for wrinkles and for eyes that are drooping or neck stiffness,” said Dr. Nasir.
The Botox tightens her stomach lining. Bethany has to be sedated to undergo the procedure. The procedure only takes a few minutes and lasts several months.
“We inject that into the muscle at the opening of the stomach and the small bowel. That relaxes your tissue and then food can go in,” said Dr. Nasir.
“It’s made her who she is today, strong,” said Bethany’s mom, Tricia Pettus.