Quote:
Originally Posted by LIT LOVE
OP, I don't mean to hijack your thread, but... 
fmichael,
I keep wavering back and forth about the SCS myself, for the last 5 years or so. Everytime I get up the nerve to attempt the trial, WC stalls the process, and I eventually chicken out.
After going to Praeger for a consult on Ketamine, he pushed for the SCS and his month long detox program. He didn't offer outpatient Ketamine and quoted me what I can only assume was inpatient, all the while trying to discourage me. I don't trust him at this point. He even denied having patient's have spread caused by the SCS... I've had confirmation that this was b.s. Considering this guy is supposed to be one of the best RSD docs in the U.S., it's more than a little disheartening.
So, in your opinion, should the SCS ever be attempted by RSD patients? Does it ever lead to remission? How often does it cause it spread?
My doc considers Ketamine a last resort. I have to say I'm probably more scared of full body spread, than death at this point. Still, the idea of the SCS significantly reducing my pain, and improving the quality of my life, is VERY tempting.
If you've posted the info before, I'll be happy to go through your older posts--I get side tracked every time I attempt to, you do provide such great info! If you know roughly how far back, that would be a great help.
Thank you once again!
Sincerely,
LL
Founding Member of the fmichael Fan Club. |
Dear Lit Love -
More later as I must be brief. At the last dayweek of a meditation retreat, breakfast and pack-up in 20 minutes.
The only study showing remission from CRPS with the use of SCS was among early adolescents, who are really the only group who are likely to go into spontaneous remission in the first place!
I concur in Ballerina's comments re Dr. Prager, who I saw briefly years ago. It's my understanding that the USC Pain Center may now/soon be offerring the 2-week outpatient ketamine protocol, for which they plan on accepting insurance reimbursement, and you heard me correctly. The person you want to see there is the director, Steven H. Richeimer, MD. While it takes a little longer to see him than other doctors there, the rule is that you are forever the patient of the first doctor who sees you there. Their phone number is 323-442-6202, ask for Monique.
Good luck!
Mike