I agree. It stinks. After I had the approval from United Healthcare (they denied it at first and I had to appeal several times), they assigned a nurse case manager to my case. Eventually my case was approved by WC, so United never had to pay in the end. But when they thought they were on the line for the treatments, the nurse called me periodiocally to see how I made out. I told her about the definite improvement in the quality of my life, the reduction in the my meds I need to take on a daily basis, and my return to FT work after a year's LOA. Everything is NOT rosy, but so much better. She noted it for future reference and said that my case notes should help future RSD United Healthcare patients that apply for ketamine treatments.

I am always kept on a short leash by WC. My last approval for ketamine was only for 90 days, which runs out tomorrow, when I will get my 27th infusion. Then I will go back to court in a few weeks, where The Hartford seems to have no problem spending gobs of $$ on legal fees (the CPA in me keeps saying stupid stupid stupid - I am off their payroll and back to work!!!!). But I have resigned myself to the idea that I will need to fight for what I need to stay functional for the rest of my life. It's been like that since I got sick. WC is mean and evil and is absolutely nonsensical,....so I will fight.

Once you have completed the 5 day inpatient program, you could start the process of trying the get the boosters approved for as often as you need them (4 weeks perhaps). There may be a place closer to home where you could get them. Don't ever, ever give up trying to get better. I am glad that I didn't. Persistence, support from loved ones, and strong coping skills are key.

Please take care, XOXOX Sandy