Oh Sandy.
I feel very badly for you.
Was the test painful? That's a generalization, but, it's your hands that would lose color, not your arms. (Not important now). I simply got so good at it, being hospitalized by Dr S., he trooped a dozen med students into my room twice a day, to show them. (Maybe they don't even use that test any more).

I'm sure glad that Dr Getson thinks the ketamine will work well for you! I simply thought it was more for rsd. I've had lidocaine, never had ketamine.

What's happened with my brachial plexus injury, is some muscles have atrophied, as Dr S told me they would, so some of the pain has reduced on it's own! Sudden loud noises, or sustained loud noises hurt my head, and yes, bumps do too! But, less so than 20 years ago.
It's another terrible kind of pain, and, in fact it's what caused my rsd as well.
The headaches are horrific! Using my arms overhead, or for any strength things, triggers headaches. I can carry heavy shopping bags, if I let them "hang", using only my fingers.

You're in my thoughts and prayers, Sandy!
I'm happy you've found some direction with Dr Getson!

Pete