Originally Posted by PurpleFoot721

Well, I am back from my consultation. I still don't quite know what to think about the appointment. First, he was more of a salesman than a doctor, in my opinion. Very smooth fast talker that was just trying to make a sale. It wasn't ketamine that he was trying to sell though. He feels that I would benefit more from a SCS over ketamine infusions for two reasons; insurance will cover SCS, and he believes that SCS will also help with my blood flow problems. He didn't talk too much about ketamine, and what he did say, my eyes were kind of glazing over wondering what he just said. I am not even sure how much he even knows about CRPS, especially since when I said CRPS, I got a strange look with a response of "oh, you mean RSD". That doesn't bother me too much, since a lot of doctors are still calling it RSD, but I still get this feeling to keep on looking.

I don't think the appointment was a complete waste of time. It gave me a chance to meet up with another PM doctor and hear what he has to say and learn a little about ketamine, although not much was said about it. What I don't understand is - why do so many doctors want to push the SCS? The doctor I saw today said I would benefit more from SCS than ketamine, but he does not do SCS.

Thank you everybody for your questions and concerns, but since we didn't spend much time talking about infusions, not too many of the questions actually came up.

I really just don't know what to think about today's appointment. I will see what happens with PM #4 on February 9.

Originally Posted by PurpleFoot721

This is the first that I have heard that blocks might help with blood flow. I have not yet had any blocks done, but it is worth looking into as an option again. Thank you for that Littlepaw

Originally Posted by mama mac

The PM docs that I have seen that really pushed the SCS did not do the surgery either, but they do the trial for it. They also sell specific models of SCS's. I'm not sure that they do not benefit in some way from selling a model. Maybe stock in the company. I don't know. As Spike said, they are effective in about 85% of people but it is time limited. I can certainly understand why people that are bed bound or have a consisent very high pain level would try them. They usually work about three years and for some the risk of complications are worth the increase in quality of life. It's such a personal decision. I also paid less for the ketamine than I would for the SCS w/ deductibles and out of pocket costs. There is also a considerable cost per year for maintenance for the SCS even without complications.
Just had to check in and see how your appointment went. Third time was not a charm for me either. You sound like you are keeping things in perspective and have a Plan B or is C or D...... mac