would just like once again to encourage all those with reservations about Ketamine to at least consider speaking with their Doctors about it.
A little less then a year ago, I honestly didn't want to live anymore because I couldn't take the pain. My RSD began in my neck at least 7 year ago and spread from head to toe on my left side. I spent most of my days unable to function through the pain despite being on every opiod, narcotic, etc.

Since my 5 day in patient Ketamine last November, improvement was slow but steady over the winter months. I followed the protocols, has my boosters with Dr. Shwartzman and now receive them every 6 weeks with a more local Dr. and before I realized it, the pain was gone. Not down to a one or two, that happened months ago. I'm now at a zero.

I haven't felt this good in 10 years and really didn't believe I ever would again. If anyone out there is on the fence about trying it, please seriously consider it. I went undiagnosed for 7 years and it still completely turned me around. I do expect flare ups, especially come winter, but this is more then I ever could have dreamed of.

My RSD is head to toe on my left side, it been in my brachial plexus area most likely after a fall from a tree and then spread through 6 surgeries which followed, not to mention tons of icing and every "wrong treatment" that could have been done. If mine could be turned around like this when doctors said it was severe, who knows what it could do for so many others.

If you're considering it but on the fence as to whether to try it, PLEASE give it a a chance. Words really can't express how grateful I am to finally feel like I have my body and life back.

Best wishes to all,
Dawn

Best wishes to all,

Dawn

I just found out that I am going to be doing the Keatmine inpatient treatment. What was the experience like? Please I would love to know anything possible! I am very nervous but excited at the same time. at finally being able to relieve some of this pain. Please anything you can share I would love to hear.

[QUOTE=Reddawn600;788896]would just like once again to encourage all those with reservations about Ketamine to at least consider speaking with their Doctors about it.
A little less then a year ago, I honestly didn't want to live anymore because I couldn't take the pain. My RSD began in my neck at least 7 year ago and spread from head to toe on my left side. I spent most of my days unable to function through the pain despite being on every opiod, narcotic, etc.

Since my 5 day in patient Ketamine last November, improvement was slow but steady over the winter months. I followed the protocols, has my boosters with Dr. Shwartzman and now receive them every 6 weeks with a more local Dr. and before I realized it, the pain was gone. Not down to a one or two, that happened months ago. I'm now at a zero.

I haven't felt this good in 10 years and really didn't believe I ever would again. If anyone out there is on the fence about trying it, please seriously consider it. I went undiagnosed for 7 years and it still completely turned me around. I do expect flare ups, especially come winter, but this is more then I ever could have dreamed of.

My RSD is head to toe on my left side, it been in my brachial plexus area most likely after a fall from a tree and then spread through 6 surgeries which followed, not to mention tons of icing and every "wrong treatment" that could have been done. If mine could be turned around like this when doctors said it was severe, who knows what it could do for so many others.

If you're considering it but on the fence as to whether to try it, PLEASE give it a a chance. Words really can't express how grateful I am to finally feel like I have my body and life back.

Best wishes to all,
Dawn


Dawn,

So happy for you. I'm sure your good fortune will continue.

I saw you on the Ketamine Klub:RSDS/CRPS Facebook Site, you look beautiful by the way on your wedding day. What a great year you truly have had. Congragulations again. It's always nice to hear a happy ending.

Good luck again and truly wish you the best.

Gabbycakes

Thank you for sharing. I have really been thinking of trying ketamine but probably with Dr Kirkpatrick. I am just so fearful of getting worse with this condition from past issues that have. Positive stories help though in terms of being more willing to try ketamine.
How long was your wait to see Dr S? I thought he did not do boosters?
I just put in a request for the site on facebook.
Anyhow I am so happy for you and congrats on getting married too

Thank you for sharing your experience. I am set to do the treatment in September. I am very nervous, but excited at the prospects of getting out of this pain! Did you have any adverse side effects?

Thanks Daniella! It's been a very busy but very happy couple of months. I was actually very fortunate and did not have a wait to see Dr. Shwartzman. Dr. Richman at HSS in NY did my in patient and has a close working relate ship with Dr. Shwartzman. Dr. Richman made the calls and arranged for me to have my boosters done there with Dr. S.

I did actually leave Dr. S though a few months ago although I do think he's wonderful and I owe him a debt of thanks I could never repay. I a, currently seeing a Dr a bit closer to home and getting my boosters more frequently and at a higher dose which either is a coincidence or is what has brought me into a remission.

My Dr in NY did not do boosters and Dr. S did not do 5 day in patients so they worked together to get those done for the patients.

Thanks for your feedback. I am glad you are having happier times.
I had thought Dr S did not do boosters? So he refered to Dr Richman or do I have it backwards?

You have it backwards. Dr. Richman doesn't do any outpatient ketamine, Dr. Shwartzman does in his infusion suite which is located across the street from Hannehman. There's 10 chairs and normally there were 2 nurses and Dr. S would come be once during the infusion to briefly check in on each patient. Dr. Richman does do pain management at HSS but to my knowledge, none odd the doctors at the hospital for special surgery do outpatient boosters.

How wonderful that you found relief!

Would you mind sharing with us the plan long term for boosters. Do the boosters eventually stop?

Also, does insurance cover the cost and if so is there a limit for treatments?

I am also wondering abut a common complaint that ports must be implanted because of problems with veins. Have you had this issue?

Is my assumption correct that your doctor follows Dr. Schwartzman's booster protocol?

Thanks so much for sharing you success story!!!!!!!!!!!! Your positive attitude is infectious!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Ballerina,
As far as I know, the plan is just to continue what I've been doing. I suppose at some point if I stay in remission we can space the boosters further apart but that's something I still need to discuss with my doctor.

I was just talking with a friend about getting a port. She's getting one soon and I'm realizing I really do need to do it. It's getting harder each time to do a blood draw or get an IV in, they all just roll back or there's too much scar tissue, etc. I wind up feeling awful for the nurses because they're afraid they're torturing which is kind of funny. The prick I consider a welcome pain since it usually means ketamine or a pain reliever is coming.

My doctor started off with Dr. Shwartzman's protocol and still bases his for the most part on it but he's a bit more flexible in that he tailors it more to the individual patient and what works best for them. For me, that's turned out to be a higher dose of ketamine and more frequent treatments, for now.

So far, Aetna has not paid for any of my infusions. They did cover the hospital bill when I was inpatient for 5 days but they won't pay the doctor's fees.

I'm happy to share my story and answer any questions anyone ever has. The relief ketamine gave me really was a lifesaver and I always hope that at least one other person I talk with will try it and have the success I had. I also wish for the few dollars ketamine itself costs, the medical community could somehow make it more affordable for everyone.