Good News about Ketamine

[AnnBon]

Hi All,

Just some positive thoughts on Ketamine for RSD. I have gone through the 5 day program with Boosters before and after. 1- 3 day infusion before and then followed strict protocol for follow up boosters 4 - 2 day infusions. The boosters are done on an outpatient basis. After all said and done I have had very good pain relieve with some flare ups, but not much. The disease is really very tricky to keep away. But my believe is to research out a very good pain doctor who knows RSD, some think they do but they really don't.

Ann
:)

[kathy d]

Ann,
I was happy to hear that you had good results with the use of Ketamine. Did you go into the hospital for five days or so and then come out and get boosters...I think it is once a week and I'm not sure for how long afterwards??? How did you feel going through it? Was it bad? I have full body RSD and they want me to go into the hospital in Jan 07 sometime to do the treatment. I tried Lidocaine and it only worked for four months. How long have they told you this treatment will last? Will you have to get boosters each month until it wears off?? I am curious since that is the way I am heading with my doctor. Did you see "little green men running around" or how did they know when to level off your ketamine? Tell me whatever you can about it. Also, did they put you in Intensive Care for the procedure. I want to have it done because after almost two years of constant pain and like you said your family can't deal with it. I have been there and chuckled to myself when I read your email. My entire family doesn't want to deal with it so they pretend it isn't. They are getting a bit better now though. My feelings have been hurt so much I feel as though I have been hit with a truck hundreds of times;.) I pray this treatment lasts you a long time.
Take care,
Kathy d

[AnnBon]

The first question is what major city do you live near? As I stated in my previous post a qualified doctor is very important. Yes, I was in a Step Down Unit enviroment for 5 days Mon-Fri. I really did not have hallucinations I would call it more day dreaming. They give you a med call Versed to avoid hallucinations. You shuold be in a Step down unit. A step down unit is one step down from ICU. The reason for the Step down as explained to me is so the patient is monitored more then on a regular unit.

Ketaimine Therapy is not easy but really not hard you mostly sleep.

I truly have a very smart doctor who has worked with me for 3 years. I have also have problems with the original inquiry so its like what to fix first.

As far as advise you must keep non-stressed as possible before during and after. And remember the feelings and what you will go through with the ketamine is really not bad, but it is a very serious treatment and you must treat it as one and listen to your doctor.

I have done it 2 times and the second time still gives me relieve seven months out. I followed strict protocol with my boosters, never missed one which I really feel is part of my success. I don't know what else to tell you but write if you still have questions.

Ann:)