[Kakimbo]

Hi friends!

Last week my new PM infused Ketamine in my epidural along with Lidocane. I am just amazed at the immediate relief I got. Today he gave me a syringe with Ketamine to take at night for pain relief and to help me sleep.

I take another syringe (with no needle) and spray in on the roof of my mouth. He started with .5cc.

He also explained that NIH discourages the use of this for RSD pain. Why? Because they want to market newer meds that cost a fortune so hospitals can make a better profit! Also said that nerve blocks and other spinal injections are the safest and easiest procedures to do. It's not necessary to hospitalize and put the patient under sedation for nerve blocks. Again, more profits!

I'm sorry, but I feel that my health and pain relief are just a little more important than someone's profit margin. I feel like a lab rat at times. It disgusts me. Here we all are, horribly suffering. Alot of us have taken a huge hit to our pockets from this and our families are living in h*ll trying to understand and help us. Luckily for me, my RSD is a result of a w/c accident. If I didn't get hurt on the job, I wouldn't be able to pay for my treatment because I am unable to work. I feel very bad for those of you who have to scrape by just so you can get SOME relief.

I think it's unacceptable that doctors and drug companies are allowed (and even encouraged) to push unbelievably expensive procedures and meds on us. I mean, I've been at the ER and they give me a script for a $400.00 medicine. Then I try to get it filled and realize that I don't have nearly enough money to purchase it; only to call the doctor back and he prescribes another med that costs $10.00. I've had to borrow money (which is humiliating) just so I could get my daughter antibiotics. What's wrong with this picture?

I hope the oral Ketamine works. I will keep you posted!

I hope everyone has a great Fourth of July!

Kim