[getwellsoonerorlate]

I have had full body RSD/CRPS for about 50 days now and scalp neuropathy and cervical pain (neck problem) for over 100 days. After getting positive responses to Stellate Ganglion Blocks and a cervical epidural I tried 3 days of a Ketamine infusion with Dr. Levarone in Watsonville. The first day I tried 500mg, the second day 650mg the third day 800 mg over a 4 hour infusion with Versed (Midazolam). Levarone usually does 1000mg in 4 hours but I went for a lower dose, knowing that's very high compared to other doctors. The nurses were great. Levarone is very kind and adjusted the other drugs in my mix (for nausea) rather perfectly after the first day. I didn't have scary visions. I was completely unconscious (asleep). The infusion began at about 7am and I would wake up at about 1pm. I would go back to the hotel room feeling fairly unwell however. I am a sensitive person and I felt as if I was somehow being "poisoned". That's a strong word, but I could definitely feel the strange drug moving through my system with a strong taste in my mouth. My veins were more apparent everywhere as well. My abdominal area sort of hurt. Yet, oddly I didn't note a big noticeable change in my CRPS symptoms or pain or even my pre-existing bulging disc pain or my cervical neck pain.

Was the dose too low? Too high? (Toxic?) Was the duration too short? Should I have felt something notable by day 3 already? 2 days after the infusion I would say my feet were more tender and my body ached more...

I had a facet joint injection today and lumbar epidural and I'm going back for a Stellate G. block tomorrow.... what happened with the Ketamine?

Do I give it another go?

I have a chance to do it again with Levarone over a longer period (10 days) starting August 27 or some time in September with Prager in Los Angeles as part of his 5 week recovery program. Suggestions? Thoughts? Thank you.