If you have a doc that is offering RFA then you need a NEW ONE!!

You are fortunate you are in NJ, there are better docs available within driving distance where you live than almost anywhere else. Yesterday my husband and I saw Dr. Philip Getson in Marlton, NJ (exit 4 off the Turnpike). He is AWESOME!! I waited a few months for the appt, needed to organize and submit the paperwork by myself. For me it was a 270 mile drive it each direction, since you live in northern NJ it would be much easier for you than that. You also have easy access to NYC. I have seen a really good doctor at St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital, I was able to get into his office for an appt within a month or so of calling. But again, my husband and I drove 160 miles each way to get there.

I obtained a list of doctors that offer ketamine from the RSDSA (Jim Broatch) and started calling the closest hospitals to RI until I found places that would take me.

The biggest disappointment for anyone that lives in New England is that the Beth Israel is not taking any new patients into their ketamine program. But, in addition to that, their doctors are hands down the meanest bunch I've come across in the 3 years since I've become sick. The report they issued regarding my diagnosis could almost be deemed fraudulent, in that they called my symptoms "myofascial pain syndrome," yet listed meds and other recommendations consistent with an RSD diagnosis....why they are screwing patients is beyond me. The administrative team at the hospital shut down the ketamine program to new patients because insurance companies were refusing to pay for it, so the doctors are retaliating by taking it out on the helpless patients??? In addition, they missed a key part of my problem that the docs in NYC and NJ found, so in the end they're not as good at detecting things as perhaps they could be.

Anyway - (pardon me for the rant, my experience at the BI was incredibly tramatic for me) - until I got out of New England and in front of the much better doctors in NYC and NJ I did not get a clear understanding of my RSD or a good analysis of my meds. I would urge you NOT to wait to get to the very best doctor, with the very best RSD credentials, that you can. Get the list of ketamine docs from the RSDSA and start calling. Not only do these guys know ketamine, but they know RSD. They can help figure out what's wrong with you, advise you on the best mix of medications, and help you determine what procedures (i.e. - blocks, infusions) will relieve your pain in the best manner possible. And in the end, hopefully you will become painfree ASAP.

I still have an appointment pending with Dr. Schwartzman in late June 2010. Dr. Getson, who works often with Dr. S, urged me to keep it. He said that you can never see too many specialists, or find out too many things, about your RSD.

If you have any questions, please let me know. XOXOX Sandy