Originally Posted by Shay08

I know that some insurance companies can be difficult when it comes to paying for ketamine infusions. I had to file an appeal to finally get them to cover it. My infusions started as a 2 week out patient. (5 days; weekend off; 5 more days.) They gradually increased the amount of ketamine each day. Each infusion lasted about 4 hours. After that there was a set schedule for boosters, but because my liver enzymes were off, I had to wait for 3 months before the next one. I am now on the 2 days every 3 months schedule and my liver enzymes have been good. I can't see how you can get the amount you need in just 1 infusion every once in a while. I sure wouldn't want to receive the full dose that I get now without it being titrated up slowly. It works for me, even though I couldn't follow the initial booster schedule.

Consider getting as much information as you can about it and filing an appeal. Some insurance companies will work with you. Otherwise if you have the finances for it consider private pay and shop around for price. Some places will work with you. Where I go the private pay price is up to $275 per infusion. For me that would be $550 every three months. There is another clinic nearby that charges $1500 per infusion. Big difference is that one is a medical school and the other is a private clinic.

You probably know that it doesn't work for everyone. There are also side effects, but there are also drugs to help counteract some of those side effects. As with every treatment, there is the chance it will help or not and the chance that the side effects will be mild for you or not.

Hope some of this information is helpful. Good Luck!

Shay

Originally Posted by Hotfoot53

Shay,
Thank you! That is really good information for me. I've been asking a lot of questions of my doctor and getting info here plus researching medical/ pain science researchers to get a lot of ideas and opinions. For now the program I'm using is working, but I like to have something thought out in the wings in case I need it!
I'm glad for you that you've found something that works for you!
Best,
Hotfoot

Originally Posted by Hotfoot53

The gabapentin works for me but the long acting one was a nightmare. Everyone does need something a bit different I've been seeing.
Thank you for your greeting and your prayers and kind thoughts-
I'm here everyday with a willing ear also.
Hotfoot

I'm praying for everyone everyday with chronic pain

Originally Posted by CRPSbe

There is such a thing as long-acting gabapentin? If I'm not mistaken gabapentin is not like a regular pain medication and is in itself long-acting. I can't make heads nor tails of this. Can you explain it to me? I've never heard of this.

Originally Posted by lili85

Hi all. I was just diagnosed with RSD 2.5wks ago & was told I'll never dance again. The injury is 2 years old and I've got a lot of damage. I just wanted to introduce myself without disturbing this thread & also have questions but I've read your responses...I learned from back surgery...no needles. For me, I'm to scared of needles now. No nerve blocks. There's research that states it's no more effective then pain medication, PT, etc... I'm sure it works for some...but not me. I finally gave in after 10 years & take pain medication. Do they have a ketamine pill? I heard about a ketamine topical? I can't do an infusion. I'm done with all needles! I've been given Lyrica. What I wanted after 15 years of chronic pain was more pain medicine! I changed my medicine TO A LOWER DOSE (before RSD) and filled it every 2 to 4 months. Then I broke my foot. My doctor of 12 years left the practice. My new doctor doesn't know me. Doesn't know RSD. He is awful (PCP, Same practice). I'd love to switch practices but it's hard to go and say "Hi, I'm opioid tolerant. Every medicine makes me sick but methadone. May I have two, please"? [ I'm over-the moon-happy that this Lyrica seems to work, but it also seems to dissipate quickly...does anyone notice that?] THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE