What questions do i ask?
 

I have internal RSD caused by several surgeries and i have to deal with 75lbs of abdominal swelling. at this point the doctors hav no clue how to get it off me. I take prednisone to keep it in check but it doesnt remove it, lasix doesnt either.

I take methadone a very small dose and use a fentanyl patch which has been a life saver, i also take neurotin. I am going to a new pain mgt specialist who is familiar with RSD at GW Hospital in Wash DC. I first go for a consultation, no treatment on that day. This doctor does ketamine infusions.
Im scared, will i feel like myself after an infusion? will i be able to drive? Will i get the infusion and stop wearing the patch? I was taking percocet and oxycontin for 5 years and it didnt handle my pain. I am finally pain free and afraid to have pain again. what exactly does a ketamine infusion fel like and what does it do? what questions do i ask the doctor?

Thank you!
Lori

I think it is great that you are seeing a doc that specializes in pain management and offers ketamine - I sincerely hope that your appointment goes well!! Hopefully he will be able to determine the source of your abdominal issues and how to fix it.

I would recommend that you bring an up to date med listing and a written summary your current symptoms. Also a timeline of your surgeries and treatments to dates with the onset of your various symptoms might help your new doc also.

Write down all your questions and bring the list with you. Bring something to write with so you can jot down his answers.

When I started my ketamine treatments my doc did not tell me to go off any of my meds. I was also on fentanyl for my pain. I chose to taper down off the patches within a few weeks of starting my infusions. Ask the doctor what his policy is going to be regarding pain meds and ketamine before you start any treatments so that you know what is going to happen. All docs are different.

Ketamine treatments typically require psych and cardiac clearance. There is also a waiting list that can be a few months or longer at many facilities.

Good luck. XOXOX Sandy

My wife went to Dr. Chin at GW a couple of years ago for her ketamine infusion. Dr. Chin was in contact with my wife's doctor mainly because we live very close to GW and they happen to know each other personally. She's very nice and professional, your wait most likely won't be long. You will need someone to drive you, at the very least, back home. Do not drive yourself. You will feel very funny in the head but it does wear off in a few hours. No longterm effects at all from these infusions. Ketamine is said to reboot your nervous system, especially the coma treatment. In your case it will be either a 4 or 10 day- in or out patient infusion.

You do say you are pain free? I'm assuming the reason for the ketamine is to attempt to discontinue your current medication?