Thanks Gabby for clarifying the relationship between the 2 institutions (Drexel and Hahnemann). I grew up outside of Philly and always had heard that Hahnemann was an amazing place. It seems like something has definitely changed.

Too bad we all can't see Dr. Richman. He sounds awesome. But he doesn't accept WC. As a matter of fact, I may have read that he's not accepting any insurance right now at all...only cash.

Dr. Getson accepted me as a patient, knowing I was a WC victim, and he never sent me a bill (which I ran up to the tune of $40,000). He waited for the RI WC courts to approve payment for his services, which took many months. In the meantime, when I freaked over the under payments by United Healthcare, he calmly told me, "I know I am going to get paid." He is one of the nicest doctors I have ever met. AND he is highly competent. I have yet to find a PM doctor in my home state of RI that will take care of my RSD without WC pre-approval.


Sandy

Kathy -

I am so sorry to hear what you went through.

This is all so strange to me. Six years ago I had a 5-day Lidocaine infusion at Hahnemann, owned at that time by Tenant, with wonderful care provided by Dr. Schwartzman and his group, Drexel Neurological Associates. I remember one morning in great pain - the Lidocaine wasn't working - and a kindly resident prescribed a shot of Demerol. And then when my hospitalization took an extra day because I needed a (now quaint) central line in order to get the leads into my constricted veins, Dr. Schwartzman came in on a Saturday and spent over an hour in a discharge meeting with my wife and me, explaining that a trip to Germany for the ketamine coma was then my best option: something that was scratched once the German doctors learned I had glaucoma.

But in my time, the only thing that people of that time routinely complained of was how hot the 20th floor always seemed to be.

I have no idea what/why things appear to have changed. The one thing that hasn't - to my knowledge - is the ketamine patient's need to remain as stress free as possible in the weeks after discharge, in order for the infusion to do its thing. As tough as that sounds, you have to try and give it a go.

Good luck.

Mike

PS Sandy, let me get the jump on Pete here, Dr. Getson trained with Dr. Schwartzman alright, but it was at Thomas Jefferson Hospital, i.e. pre-Drexel University School of Medicine. Heck, I remember when Drexel was just an engineering school adjacent to 30th Street Station.

Thanks Mike, I knew there was another hospital involved but could not think of the name.

I was shocked also to here of the care but the takeover by Tenat or Tenant
has changed things.

Gabbycakes

Thank you for clearing some of my questions up. So Dr S does not see you daily while you are having the treatments? Is there another doctor who is checking you? See for me the reason I would go to Dr S would be to see him and be treated by him not by someone else.
I'm wondering if things have changed with how Dr S because he is busier now with so many RSD patients plus the other type of patients he see's.
Anyhow kathy I hope you are resting and feeling better.

Dear Wendy and All, Yes I did have a real bad time with the inpatient ketamine at Hahnemann and no I would NEVER go there again to do it. It was the worst experience. I was on Fentanyl for over five years so today I find out that Dr. S "had he known that" which he totally did...would have given me suboxone or something else to help me with withdrawls. It has been a painful and horrible nightmare. AND they want me to wait four weeks for my first booster shot. Everyone there is so laid back and really don't care about me or the pain I am in. I went to ER next day after discharge and then yesterday finally was able to get to my family doc who felt my entire back/neck area in spasms so I am taking more meds for that and still have not slept in over 8 days now. Oh, Dr.s said he would give me "Ambien" which would help with pain and the secretary made a comment like "Boy these doctors get you on this stuff and they you all have problems" I was furious. I would have had more help and treatment going to a detox clinic than to get the ketamine treatment. I never would do it again...I think right now I would rather have intractable pain than to go through what I just did. My son is so depressed (and suicidal) now because he thought I was going to die there and my 80 year old mom had to leave because she was so depressed because I was not getting any better. Work comp today said they can't get me any help around the house even though I can barely stand. Life really sucks for me and my family right now. I have cried over and over and even pray mostly every day for Jesus to take me because I really don't want to live any more. sad but true. Thanks for all your help guys and gals.
love ya,
kathy d

I am so sorry for all you have and are going through. I wish I had words to comfort you and your family and to take away your pain. I know it is so hard to hold to hope but you never know what in the future can help your pain and give you relief. Do you feel you are safe cause I am very concerned about you? Please reach out to a professional if not. I am here by email or phone and I know others here are too.
As for your family I know our condition impacts the whole family so I hope that they get support for themselves in terms of possible therapy and reach out to each other.
Sending feel better thoughts.

Kathy,

I am so, so, sorry for everything that you are going through ! What a nightmare !

Discharging you home unable to walk and care for yourself is unacceptable medical practice. Are you working with a lawyer on your WC claim ? He might be able to help with or recommend someone you could discuss possible legal action with for the way you were treated there.

Have you talked to your primary care doc about your inability to care for yourself at home right now ? Could he refer you for inpatient rehab ?

Did the studies done post fall show any new injuries ?

Hon, of all the times I have wished for a magic wand to slay the rsd beast, I've never wanted it as bad as I do for you right now.

:hug:

Love,
finz

Kathy,
I can't express enough how deeply sorry I feel for what you have been through and your son and Mom. You have our support and compassion from the depth of our hearts. Your treatment sounds so horrific.
I agree with someone who talked about the importance of lowering your stress level. I know that is not easy in high pain or flare. Is there music that brings you comfort, photos of past places of happiness and peace? Can you visualize those places?
I only mention this out of love-as we know anxiety increases our pain levels and we all here are on your side! What ever others do that benefit their pain levels, please mention these to Kathy if you feel comfortable with this request. It can be PM if we have any knowledge of how to get home care. Kathy, I'm going to check into home care for you- what state do you live in? I'll get back with you soon. One of your many friends, loretta with soft hugs:grouphug:

Dear Kathy,

I truly wish I lived closer to you so that I could help you. We all need to stick together....please take care of yourself and NEVER EVER give up. I gave you Dr. Getson's phone number. Try giving him a call.... even if you don't want to do anymore ketamine, he is still an awesome resource when it comes to RSD and he is located very close to Philly.

Send me a PM if you would like. I'm am so sorry for all you've endured.

Love and Peace, Sandy

Oh Kathy, I am so sorry for your horrible experience. You surely do a have a right to feel angry and depressed about what happened along with your family. I will pray for you tonight, and hope you regain yourself again. Lisa