Ketamine - should we or not?
 

Hi all,

My husband has CRPS for over 4 years. He's got pain mainly in feet, knees, groin, and hands. His pain level is not severe. His pain level is usually a 1.5-2 at its highest. He was on pain meds for awhile but had stopped those for a year now. So he takes absolutely nothing now. He's pretty functional and is able to do many normal activities (although he does have to be careful with many things and can't be as active as he used to be).

A few months ago, he saw Dr. Schwartzman and low-dose Ketamine infusion was recommended to him. Hubby doesn't really care if he gets this treatment or not, but is willing to go with whatever I want him to do. I'm leaning towards him getting the Ketamine infusion for the chances of it lessening his pain or put it into remission. My concern is mainly the potential side effects of Ketamine.

For someone like my husband, would you or would you not recommend this treatment? Are there potential side effects we should be concerned about? Could his pain be even greater after Ketamine if it didn't work out? That's probably my greatest fear. He's able to manage his pain so well these past 4 years that I'm scared to think Ketamine would make it worse.

Your input would be appreciated.

Thank you!

many questions
 

Been there, done that. Would I do it again, yes. As long as he does not have an adverse reaction (throwing up) then it will help in my opinion. If he goes for 5 days, the real results will bee seen 3-4 days after.

I wish there was a way I could give you my phone number without posting it here, I would be glad to answer any questions to the best of my ability. Maybe the moderator can do that for us somehow?

Pain is not the only symptom with RSD. Sometimes the other issues can be more severe if pain is relatively low. Does does pain or any of his symptoms reduce his ability to work or his quality of life? Were they more severe at an earlier point?

Any procedure, even a flu shot, carries risks for RSD patients. Ketamine is a great option. It could put him into full remission. You might want to join the Ketamine Klub on Facebook, it's supposed to best a great resource on Ketamine.

Good luck.

I have been having ketamine infsuions for 6 years now and I dont regret any of it, I have full body and internal RSD. It truly has helped me have more of a life, I no longer am in hospitals every 2-3 weeks and was even able to commercial fish with my mom after 5 years of not even being able to get to Alaska from PA to go fishing. I get the infusions but then for home I also have ketamine nassal spray and lossanges which help greatly keeping the burning away. I didnt have any side affects but I know some do we are not all the same. When I ge the infusions I get a dose of versaid which keeps them away. Ketamine is what got me off of crutches and wheelchairs and walking on both feet and actually being able to wear normal shoes again.

Niki