New Member- Starting Clearances for Ketamine Outpatient Infusion
 

Hi,

I've had chronic sciatica, muscle spasms, burning, shooting, throbbing pain, fatigue, nausea, migraines, weakness etc. since early teens with no one cause- could be falls, recklessness, minor car accidents who knows!

I'm 37 now and have over the last year been diagnosed with RSD with autoimmune 'features' for lack of a better word.
I met with an inspiring Pain Neurologist Dr. Enrique Aradillas who has recommended Ketamine Protocol. (I still need to clear the neurospsych evaluation, cardiac clearance, QSR test.)
This is not covered by insurance but I feel VERY fortunate that I'm in Philadelphia where there is an infusion suite for this procedure so close to me.
I'm just wondering how to come up with the money since I haven't worked steadily in years... although it will happen somehow.

I've had some major lows from constant pain and soooooo many wasted days, weeks, months, years but if this works I want to do so much. I'm not even upset that I hurt too much to go out to a much anticipated dinner tonight.

Does anyone have experience, advice, or OTC homeopathic recommendations?

Thank you!
Michelle

Hi Michelle,

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

You might like to repost over on the
RSD and CRPS Forum

I'm sure the members there will have support and information for you. :)

Check out the "Sticky" threads at the top of the forum for useful websites and information as well.

take care there.

Welcome Mishelly. :Wave-Hello:

hi Mishelly,

Sorry you had to find your way here but it is a soft landing place with support and solace for the weary. It sounds like you are on the way to getting some much needed help and I am glad to hear it. Just curious, did you have much work up before the CRPS diagnosis? I always harp that it is imperative people have had sufficient rule out in case of nerve entrapment, disc or vascular issues etc. These can cause similar issues and can be tricky to run down. Just hate for anyone to suffer needlessly for something that got missed....all I'm saying. You are your own best advocate.

On helpful remedies, you'll find plenty on the "sticky thread" for lifesavers. I myself take Omegas, vit E, Vit D, N Acetyl cysteine which has good data for CRPS and something called PeaPure, a fatty acid that regulates mast cells. There are Lots of different non-narcotic med options out there. RSDS.org has an informative talk on their website from Dr. Pradeep Chopra which gives a lot of pointers on diet, meds, therapy, etc. He seems conservative and wholistic. For inexpensive starters you may want to consider steroids which can be helpful early on and maybe more so with your autoimmune involvement. Frank Blaes, a German researcher has recently indicated autoimmune involvement in CRPS. Also checking B and D levels can be life changing. Low D is important for moderating chronic pain and for nerve health. It is low in a LOT of people. Even Texans like myself.

On the finances, be sure to tell office staff, billing companies and facilities about your situation. Sometimes doctors and institutions can write off a portion of your bill. Local churches may have some limited funds to assist with medical bills.

Most importantly, never give up and keeping looking for answers and solutions. Keep yourself moving as much as possible, sometimes this means a lot of time in the pool or doing "mini exercises" that would not impress most people but they do make a difference. Come see us on the CRPS forum and take care.
Sending Healing Love:hug:
Littlepaw

Great to meet you!!
 

VERY VERY good topic of discussion which is found in many areas within this forum (BTW welcome to the site and forum as well!) So do some searching around on the keywords from what you seek to find info about and I believe you will find a lot of useful info here based on this particular treatment and medication.

I myself am starting this treatment on the 19th for my first time and looking forward to it VERY much ! :)