Have you heard about the controversial treatment available in Germany for severe pain? Patients are put under anesthesia to the point of being in a coma with Ketamine. For many, their pain improves.
However, there’s been concern that significant cognitive (how you think) side effects would occur – and there were no studies to say to patients “it’s safe,” or “forget about it!”
Until now.
The lead author Dr. Sandra Koffler and colleagues at Drexel University in Philadelphia looked at how 5 days of Ketamine worked for a severe pain disorder Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. And they looked at both how it affected pain, as well as thinking processes – attention, memory, etc.
Ketamine is an anesthetic that’s an NMDA-receptor blocker, and studies show that these receptors are important in many nerve pain conditions. However, the fear was that while it helped pain, it had short term and long term side effects.
In addition to the unpleasant idea of a “coma,” the short term side effects of hallucinations and anxiety often made patients quite nervous about using Ketamine. No one wants to have scary visions and hear voices! However, I’d always been more concerned about long term side effects of thinking problems - and the fact that there’s been no research on how safe or unsafe Ketamine is related to your thinking.
The study included 9 patients, whose usual pain was 8 – 10 out of 10 on a pain scale. Side effects from the Ketamine treatment included muscle weakness, dizziness, fatigue, episodes of sweating, and feeling hot and slightly anxious. These resolved within 2–4 weeks. 2 patients had mild unsettling flashbacks at 4 weeks that were successfully treated with Ativan, a medication for anxiety.
Related to pain, the results were great. In 8/9 patients, pain was decreased, and they were able to come off narcotics and other pain medicine at the 6-week follow-up. 1 patient experienced slightly more pain, and considerably more depression and anxiety following treatment.
What was encouraging about this study was that Ketamine appeared to have no bad effects on thinking at the 6-week follow-up. Patients performed the same or better on tests including attention, learning, and memory.
The authors concluded that Ketamine doesn’t hurt your thinking. Patients’ thinking may have improved because their pain was much less, or they no longer had the well-know “fuzzy thinking” side effect of medications.
(Although this study didn’t say, in previous Ketamine studies, patients also took medication that protects nerves from being hurt by Ketamine.)
The study was small, but its results are encouraging. Obviously a coma isn’t the treatment you’d turn to first. But as Ketamine, and medications like it, are studied more, we may have another remedy to offer patients with severe pain who don’t respond to anything else.
And that’s good news - (news that even Robin Cook would like).
So… would you ever use this treatment? Leave your thoughts in the comments section. You might also like to read: Medications for Pain series- Ketamine. (This study is currently in press in the Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 2007.)
And coming next month … contests for you to enter to win prizes, including The Most Creative Way To Relax Contest. Look for more details soon…
67 responses so far ↓
Joanna // Jul 24, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Wow.. I don’t think that I would consider doing this unless it was one of the last treatments on the list for me. There are things that can go wrong when you’re in that state, from what I’ve heard, so it just seems like it would be one of the riskier things to try. The fact that the Ketamine doesn’t seem to have any negative cognitive effects is definitely a plus, however, because of all of the meds that do (ie. Topamax, which I’m currently going off of because of the memory issues I’ve had with it).
HtCwP // Jul 24, 2007 at 4:35 pm
I’d agree that this should be one of the very last things tried, and even then, considered very carefully. Reassuring, however, if you decide to do it.
Unfortunately, many of the medications used for pain have cognitive side effects.
W.H. // Jan 16, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I’d like to contact someone who can help me get this treatment. I am desperate, and I have nothing left to lose.
How to Cope with Pain // Jan 16, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Dr. Schwartzmann in Neurology at Drexel Univ College of Medicine is the best resource I know. Good luck, and don’t give up!
L. G // May 12, 2008 at 10:30 am
My finacee is on the list for the trip to have the Ketamine coma. I am very scared, for all of us, the cost is out of reach and I could not imagine him being there without me. I know how much he is suffering and that is the only reason I will consider this for him. It is breaking the man I knew and making him into something he is not. RDS is a nasty disorder and I wish that he had never had to experience it. Does anyone know if a person who undergoes the Ketamine coma has ever not come out of it?
How to Cope with Pain // May 12, 2008 at 10:35 am
LG, I don’t know the answer to that question. I’d suggest talking again with his doctor here, to discuss all the risks. Let us know. And good luck!
secr // Jun 16, 2008 at 10:40 pm
I’m on the list for the ketamine coma as well. Having lived with this disorder, I don’t doubt for one second or question my decision to go ahead with the treatment. The devestating effects of living with the disease, to me far outwiegh any risks- which are well worth taking at this point. Even considering worst case scenario, I’d still rather be with Jesus in heaven with new bodies and no pain, then live with the disease for the rest of my life.
How to Cope with Pain // Jun 17, 2008 at 4:09 pm
You’re right, that as some point – probably a different point for each person – trying something with risk is worth it, if the potential benefit is to greatly reduce pain.
Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
momof4 // Nov 10, 2008 at 1:27 am
does anyone know if there are any other disorders or conditions that they will consider adding you to the list for? I don’t have RDS, but I do I have chronic pain that is ruining my life – and my children are suffering for it. I’d pretty much go anywhere and do just about anything if I believed it would give me back to them and my husband. And somehow living half-a-life drugged on pain medication for the rest of my life just doesn’t seem like the right answer. It just isn’t good enough.
How to Cope with Pain // Nov 10, 2008 at 7:32 am
Mom of 4-
I’d suggest you call Dr. Schwartzmann’s office at Drexel Neurology to inquire. You should also talk to your pain management doctor about trying other options, or consider a 2nd opinion, if you’re not yet satisfied with your treatment.
Good luck! HtCwP
jafraldo // Nov 14, 2008 at 5:12 am
If you are worried about the safety of ketamine, then Look it up on Google.
In a miraculous stroke of luck, Ketamine is one of the safest if not the safest anesthetic known to man.
Ketamine is the only drug they will give to children to put them under, because it doesn’t depress the breathing at all, and the difference between the anesthetic dose and a lethal dose is about two orders of magnitude- a lot of room for error.
How to Cope with Pain // Nov 14, 2008 at 8:02 am
I’d respectfully disagree with Jafraldo’s comment above on 2 things…
1. Getting info online can be good or bad – you have to know what source you’re looking at. So be careful when you “google” something, and be sure to check the source of what you’re reading.
2. Ketamine has known significant side-effects, even at anesthestic doses that are used. We are learning about how to protect the nervous system when it’s used, but we don’t know how to do that perfectly yet. So I’d say it’s definitely not risk-free – yet!
Betty // Mar 4, 2009 at 4:24 pm
I don’t know much about this drug. My son who is a Paramedic recommended this site to me. I live with chronic pain all the time. I have arachnoiditis that a doctor very likely caused due to having two failed back surgeries. There is no hope for me or others that have this dreadful disease. The doctors cannot go in and try to reverse this because then
we could for sure end up paralzyed. I wear a pain patch and of course it has powerful narcotics in it and I also take narcotics orally as well. Depending on what stage I will get to, is whether I will end up in a wheelchair or bedridden.
I just try to keep positive and if I am having a fairly good day I go out and have a small walk or have my husband take me out for a drive or I have him take me to the mall to walk around to try and take my mind off the pain. It is hard when every inch of my body is burning, hurting including my insides and female parts and stomach. What I also use for pain control is massage therapy which helps me quite a bit. I also see a chiropractor that does not do chiropractic twisting and any kind of manipulation on me. What he does is called A.R.T. which stands for Active Release Therapy. Look it up on the computer and you will see what it all involves. He stretches, and uses his thumb on me in the areas to loosen up my muscles. He also uses his activator a little gun like thing and hits my tight muscles that causes a lot of the pain a person is in. Due to the pain, my muscles tighten up and causes spasm and knots but these two people that do the massage and A.R.T. on me, keep me going. I have seen so many doctors, neurologists, and neurosurgeons that nothing helps but this A.R.T. is free of drugs and helps a lot including the massage therapy. It is not the answer but for a little while the pain is not so bad.
To even have a few hours of relief of pain to me is worth anything when a person’s life is filled with pain all the time. I try to do things that free my mind of thinking of pain all the time and another thing that helps is my grandkids. Their hugs and kisses are like a shot of what the powerful drugs do to me. It all helps and when I need some pain relief because it is getting too bad, I phone my grandkids and they say Grandma do you need us for pain relief and I tell them you betcha and off we go to meet to have our hugs and outings with them. Anything to keep your mind off the thinking. Thinking about the pain and how bad it is, does not help anyone.
How to Cope with Pain // Mar 4, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Betty, I love what your grandkids say – “Do you need us for pain relief?” How wonderful that you get benefit from hugging them and that they know they make a difference!
Thanks for writing in.
Richard // Apr 22, 2009 at 9:02 am
I’ve recently read about this ketamine experience by the Drexel University people. Being a physician (anesthesiologist and pain management), I’m very familiar with the drug and it’s effects; having used it for near 30 years.
It is a very powerful analgesic at low doses and the idea of a prolonged experience with it for refractory pain pomises to be a real advancement for people where all other modes of treatment have failed. My understanding of it is that it is most effective in neuropathic (nerve) pain. Fortunately most of the current meds( gabapentin, pregabalin, etc) are moderately effective in managing those types of pain. However, there are some, eg post herpetic neuralgia that are not very amenable to themfor some patients an something like this ketamine coma treatment might be a breakthrough treatment for them. In the elderly, post herpetic neuralgia is responsible suicide in those unfortunate patients. I have found it very useful in very low doses in post operative pain where the usual narcotics have failed. The ketamine seems to somehow reset a “allostat” so that the subsequent narcotics work effectively again.
How to Cope with Pain // Apr 22, 2009 at 11:31 am
Richard, thanks for your input. I think researching how to use Ketamine safely could help a lot of people.
John // May 6, 2009 at 12:06 am
anyone with RSD hit me up. If you had the coma treatment let me know.
Rachael // Jul 9, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I would do this. I’m trying to finda doctor who will recomend a doctor or someone who will perform this, because I cant handle the pain anymore.I hope this study becomes more popular for those of us who try dail pain meds that just dont do anything.
Thank you for the reasearch.
Nina Richie Soneja // Aug 20, 2009 at 6:43 am
Hi, have been diagnosed with RSD after suffering a terrible karting accident which broke my right foot and knee bone to several pieces. The pain that Iam experiencing is really terrible. I wish I would wake up from this nightmare but until this very day after a month from that tragic accident, I still find myself in pain. I will be operated again on Wednesday, Aug 26, to correct my Ilizarov, align my bones and to ankle fusion. Im in stage 1 of RSD, redness & pain are the symptoms Iam feeling and everytime I stand with my left foot and feel the blood rushing to my right foot, I feel in terrible pain. I would like tp know if the ankle fusion will not make my situation worse?
thanks
Nina Richie Soneja // Aug 20, 2009 at 6:44 am
To add up, it’s only now that I have heard of this disease here in the Philippines, please help.
How to Cope with Pain // Aug 20, 2009 at 7:53 am
Hi Nina,
As you might guess, I can’t make treatment recommendations. But I suggest talking to your doctors about your concerns. And be sure that your team is knowledgeable about RSD.
Good luck!
Bernie // Oct 13, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Hi ,
I am currently on Ketamine oral at home now 2mg a day. I had 3 ketamine infusions at my pain clinic in Sacramento California after many other drugs and infusions. I have lived with RSD for 3 years now and it has spread full body after 2 consecutive foot surgeries for tarsal tunnel and ankle stablazation. I do have memory loss and fatigue My cognitive is impaired but I have now at least got my pain level down to 10…. Thank God for ketamine. I have decided not to do the Infusion after a K-Hole experience. It was the most scary time of my life. I do have hair loss and weight loss….and still deal with the headach everyday. I still feel blessed for the drug tho.
Dede M. // Nov 5, 2009 at 2:49 pm
I have had severe RSD, with chronic pain, shingles, Epstein Barr Virus and Hepatitis B all
by age 17…PAIN,PAIN,PAIN! I’ve had an implanted Intrathecal Pain Pump since 94′,and a few oral medications. I decided to not let RSD win and began workingout 2 hours daily; as I used to run Health Clubs for a living-ironic!
Unfortunitely, in the last 9 months, I started to develop severe pain again as well as unbearble Body Spasms. We thought that it was due to a malfunctioning in my pump! After 7 months of adding oral meds and going in and out hospitals, I was diagnosed with Hypersensitivity Disorder to Opiates and need to start Detox and start again with my pump. Does anyone know anyone that can help me? Has anyone done the Waismann ROD Method? I need help, I’m only 49 and this detox needs to be done ASAP?
How to Cope with Pain // Nov 5, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Hi Dede,
An article in the Medication for Pain series on opiates might be helpful. I can’t give you specifics about medication regarding your individual case, but I’d definitely suggest talking directly to your pain medicine doctor about how to taper opiates, to be sure you get correct information. Good luck!
Alina // Nov 21, 2009 at 11:50 pm
I have had an oxygen cylinder fall on my strenum,I have had radio fequencys and I’m on lyrica three times a day and two ultram three times a day. my Doctors say I have intercostal neurapthy . the Cleveland clinic. Dr. M. Stanton Hicks diagonsed my chronic pain… my husband is a certified registered nurse anesthetis.he is the one that mentioned to me about this research ketamine coma.I would like to know if there is another strong pain medication out there for my situation.thank you for your time.Alina from Battle creek michigan
How to Cope with Pain // Nov 22, 2009 at 12:40 am
Alina, while I can’t make specific recommendations for medications, you might be interested in the Monday series on different pain medications.
Vincent Gonzalez // Nov 28, 2009 at 2:12 am
I have been suffereing from Fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain for 14 years after having 6 surgeries and excessive stress , My pain has gotten
worse.I have tried everything from a-z. Has anyone had anyone had sucess with the ketamine infusion for Fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain (rsd)
Always in pain.
Vincent
julie // Dec 11, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Dr. Schwartzmann DOES NOT DO KETAMINE COMAS!!!!!!! He does ketamine infusions, which is similar, but certainly, not the same at all! There is another Dr. in Tampa who also does ketamine infusions. There are NO doctors except in Germany and Mexico who do Ketamine COMAS. I have researched this a lot, so if I am wrong please let me know, but I don’t want people getting the wrong information. Sincerest best wishes to everyone, and prayers for a pain-free tomorrow. Julie
How to Cope with Pain // Dec 11, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I believe Dr. Schwartzmann is involved in both the Germany and Mexico ketamine comas protocols. Ketamine comas are not approved in the US.
Theresa // Dec 17, 2009 at 2:01 pm
I have RSd in both hands…I have tried alot of medications to control my pain. Alot of times it isn’t under control. I have a spinal cord stimulator..take 2400mg of gabapentin..cymbalta..morphine..percocet”10/325..coming off lyrica-side effects too much. Also have lidoderm pain patches for implant site pain…I could write a book on side effects. I am constantly tired..gained around 50lbs…If I had the chance to try ketamine infusion…I would. Anything to get off some of these medications.
Utah Chiropractor // Feb 15, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Ah, This is great! Dispells a few contradictions I’ve heard.
George // Feb 18, 2010 at 1:42 pm
My wife has not done the full coma, however she has had a 3 day high dose ketamine infusion back in 2008. She has severe RSD in her right arm and it spread to her entire body. After the 3 day infusion she was pain free. It lasted 1 year and 4 months. I am currently as we speak at the clinic where she is receiving her second ketamine infusion. She is on her last day. After day 2 she was pain free. This may be an option for those who do not want to do the full blown coma. It works great and costs approximately $7500 for the treatment. as well as its a lot less evasive…….any questions feel free to email me georgess@tampabay.rr.com
Damon Eversole // Mar 12, 2010 at 4:26 pm
As a CRPS sufferer not only would I, I’m trying to figure out how to come up with the 30k they want to do this in Mexico. If anyone starts a trial here in the U.S. sign me up 34yo M former Marine, 10 plus years of pain..
Rachael // Apr 3, 2010 at 8:52 am
I have RSD/ CRPS and i am 19 an considering this. dont have any other options really, but like Damon Eversole im trying to figure out how to come up with the 30 k to do in mexio as well.
Anyone know of some good pain doctors in WA state?
Shaun // Apr 19, 2010 at 3:02 pm
It is worth the risk i would do it in a second. I wish it was available in the UK. I mentioned it as a point of research to my pain management team and they were clueless.
Carol // Apr 24, 2010 at 5:30 pm
I am desperate enough to try anything that is safe and effective to treat rsd, but I have no money. However, I have Medicare insurance. does anyone know where and what I can do?
How to Cope with Pain // Apr 25, 2010 at 7:45 am
Carol, I don’t know if Medicare covers high dose Ketamine. You could ask you pain management physician if this treatment is an option for you, and if so, get a referral to a Center which does this treatment.
Lori // Apr 30, 2010 at 2:32 pm
My husband (47) has RSD/CRPS complications from hip replacement surgery and peripheral nerve damage 2 years ago. His pain is at 8-10 every day & a lot of times worse than a 10. He has just undergone 5-day in hospital IV lidocaine infusion treatment. He did receive minimal relief. We are starting the process for the Ketamine 10-day outpatient treatment. Hopefully this works.
Krowe // Apr 30, 2010 at 10:12 pm
Hello : I find this article very interesting and the whole idea of the ketamine as a means to stop chronic pain.
Krowe // Apr 30, 2010 at 10:29 pm
oops, i hit the wrong button.
I have lived w/chronic pain for 29 years. I have many causes of pain. Interstitial Cystitis, Endometriosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Herniated Lumbar Disc and Shingles to name a few.
I have been on and off pain medications since I was 11 yrs old. And I would do anything to lessen my pain. Even if it was a mere 10% reduction. Not to mention the ability to be free of the pain meds and all that it envelops.
The political venue regarding pain medications has me scared. I do not know what I would do if I were to lose what little relief I am alloted for the day.
If a Ketamine coma could put a stop to the pain and fear I live with every day, I would at least give it a try.
Carol, if your health insurance will not pay for the treatment try contacting the drug company that makes Ketamine. And I would also look into every other financial assistance program that may be available. If you apply to Medicare and they deny the treatment – In my humble opinion I would appeal their decision and give them information that would allow them to see that it would make good financial sense for them to invest in the Ketamine treatment.
Hope this helps and best of luck to everyone in pain and to those who love someone in pain.
Lori // May 3, 2010 at 10:49 am
does anyone know who makes ketamine?
Rose // May 20, 2010 at 5:53 pm
My son had a ketamine coma last year. Since the coma, he is back in school and playing sports. He scored a 28 on the ACTs and has a90 avg taking calc and chemistry. The coma was the treatment of last resort and it worked.
Lori // May 25, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Rose,
Congratulations. That is fantastic. Where did your son have the treatments? Mexico or Germany?
Lori // May 25, 2010 at 3:19 pm
My husband would defintely have these treatments if it were financially possible. He is doing the pre-treatment for the 10-day outpaitent treatments. Hopefully we can schedule for sometime in June or July 2010.
Lori // Sep 8, 2010 at 9:18 am
My husband had the 10 day treatments in July 2010. He now has movment in his foot and toes. The pain is still there but they make take some another treatment to get rid of.
ros // Sep 19, 2010 at 5:33 pm
hi, please could someone tell me how to access the treatments in germany or mexico? i have found the florida one, but I understand you can’t do the coma treatment there. I would be really grateful if anyone knows the contact details, my email is rosalind.leeming@decc.gsi.gov.uk as I am sure you know it feels pretty urgent! many thanks, ros
How to Cope with Pain // Sep 20, 2010 at 8:55 am
Ros, the best route is to ask your pain medicine doctor about if these treatments might be right for you. If so, he/she should know how to access them.
Dani // Oct 12, 2010 at 5:23 pm
To Rose-
What great news about your son! Could you please tell me how you began the process for the ketamine coma? My mother lives in KS and has suffered with CRPS for 12 years now. We are desperate and any information you can provide me with would be greatly appreciated!
Shaun // Nov 16, 2010 at 8:49 am
Does anyone know of any pro- Ketamine Dr’s in the UK?
nevermind83@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks.
Lori // Dec 21, 2010 at 1:08 pm
My husband now has had a 7 day hospital stay in Nov and the 10 day out paitient treatments of ketamine. He can now move his toes and is walking better. He puts more weight on his foot. He will have to have more treatments but they are working to some degreee. It seems like every treatment he gets at least a little bit of relief.
Leslie // Mar 19, 2011 at 9:12 pm
My daughter died from the coma treatment in February of 2009
How to Cope with Pain // Mar 20, 2011 at 8:33 am
Leslie, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter. Where did she have it done? And do you know what happened?
Rhonda // Apr 4, 2011 at 1:18 am
My cousin is considering having the treatment (coma) in Philly. There is great concern for losing his entire memory. They said that was one of the side effects. Does anyone know about this effect?
Leslie // Sep 1, 2011 at 8:32 pm
My daughter died from this treatment
Thom // Sep 27, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Having lived with the growing nerve pain in my arms for over 15 years now I might be willing to try something like this once the research has been done. I am so sorry to read that people have lost their lives because of such treatments. When the pain gets as bad as it does for many of us then death is a blessed relief if you are prepared for it. God bless you all.
Rose // Oct 3, 2011 at 12:43 pm
As a patient with CRPS/RDS stemming from Degernerative Disc Desease, Ketamine is the last treatment that begins with scheduling tomorrow
I have undergone my first spinal surgery was about 5-6 years ago. The neurosurgeon said I had broken vertebrea and other things that still to this day cloud my mind. Recently, in March of this year, unbelievingly by THAT doctor I had more disc problems, a MRI showed that not only was his surgical area in more need, but so was further up my spine and that my neck is completed herniated from skull to shoulders! Today, my entire spine is crumbling. At 33 and a mother of 3, total spine fusion would be cruel and unusual punishment! So, I say this to say, Ketamine coma is my last futile attempt to salvage some semblance of a non-painful existence that 20 pills a day, everyday, are not doing! I have even had a Necphrotomy (apologize for spelling) that not only had my spine drilled into, but the nerves that were released have caused even more constant unbearable pain. Of course I am terrified to do Ketamine infusion therapy, but I pray it will be my salvation. After reading tons of literature, speaking with three other physicians that range from GP to Cardiologists to the #1 specialist in my state that is the pioneer in Ketamine. All I can do is submit my experiences of a beginning procedure of 5 days a week 4 hours at a time for 20 days, which they hope to be able to bring me down. Wish me luck and will report back!
Rose // Jan 7, 2012 at 11:20 am
Hello again! Well, I have gone thru my two week session and have just did my second round of boosters. Everything has been going great except for two incidents. After first set of boosters I experienced a horrible hallucination; felt like I was covered in bugs. I went berserk digging my skin up and in the process, terrified my husband and 10 year-old son. I have no memory of the ordeal which from the story I was told it’s probably for the best. Now this week, I didn’t take Valium before treatment and endured the “Black Hole effect!” it was the most horrible feeling, like my soul was being ripped away from me and I had no control or power to fight. I remember hearing them call code and the doctor touching me plus the light shining in the eyes. It truly shook me up because I didn’t sleep that night dreading the session the following morning. However, the treatments themselves are working like magic. It has been wonderful not beating my legs and rolling around in pain. I also have been able to take care of my personal hygiene and dressing on my own now which is such a major relief! I still have a few more months of boosters but will be getting an evaluation next week to handle the now present pain from my Degenerative Disc Disease. Will continue to keep everyone posted!
How to Cope with Pain // Jan 7, 2012 at 9:06 pm
Rose, thanks for the update. Glad it’s been effective! What pre-medication are they using for you?
Rose // Jan 8, 2012 at 2:09 am
I’m on Neurontin, Selaxin, Baclofen, Methadone, Valium, Zoform, and I get two doses of Versede during treatments.
How to Cope with Pain // Jan 8, 2012 at 10:12 am
I ask because the pre-medication regimen differs depending on the doctor. What the best pre-medication regimen is is also being researched.
Stan // Feb 2, 2012 at 3:18 am
My wife has been a chronic pain patient for over 15 years. 0bama’s war on chronic pain patients has been a disaster. I am ashamed I voted for him but will never make that mistake again. We will consider this treatment even if we have to leave the US to get it.
Rose // Mar 10, 2012 at 4:19 am
Hello everyone. As of last Friday, I have completed my last Ketamine Infusion Therapy session. However, I was informed that since relief was only found for my arm and head numbness and not my left leg that bi-monthly 3/day 4 hour session may resume. Well that was side tracked by the fact that I just spent 5 days (including my 2nd birthday in a row) in the hospital. Pain reaching levels that were unbearable lead me and my doctors to discover that the leg pain was in fact a result of reherniation of discetomied discs. Now aside from that, I have my impressions and side effects from the Ketamine that I want to share with those of you who are seeking or under going this form of treatment. I was given Valium and Zofran to combat anxiety and nausea. I did suffer from anxiety, but I also suffered from a hallucination. Once and only once thankfully. I was covered in bugs and they were biting me. Went crazy enough to scare my husband to death. But I must say, even that was not the worst I have experienced. The first bad experience would have to be the “black hole” effect that I have read about. During the phase of coming out of drugged state, your brain has not yet to reconnect with your body and it is a scary feeling. Physically, I felt like I was caught in a rip tide. The feeling of forceful water pushing you around and how I could not feel myself breathing, but had to remind myself that I had a conscious thought so I was not dead. This was really a horrible feeling. Several times I have had the technician put the smelling salts under then in my nose to wake me up, but until you become “one” again, nothing matters. The second experience that is horrible is the short term memory loss. At first it would be conversations I’d swear I didn’t have with my husband, or phone calls, things I’ve been quoted on saying and of course I would deny them and eventually become annoyed. Then it was television programs my children would swear we have watched and I would stake my life on it that I had not. Making comments throughout the movie would only lead to three sets of big eyes looking up at me saying “Mom, you said that the first time we watched this!” Then they would proceed to tell me what I said the first time before I would say it this time and they would actually say things I would normally say so then I started to become worried. The final straw was when it was my night to pick the children up from training and I had no idea where to go! My husband was like “Come on Sweetheart, you just dropped and picked them up last week and you were the one to show me where it was!” Now this was the FINAL STRAW!!! I broke down in tears because I honestly had not a single clue as to where my children were nor how to get them! Thank goodness for GPS or I really would have had a melt down. There are medications that will help with restoring memory loss
Rose // Mar 10, 2012 at 4:24 am
Sorry continuation….
And I seriously recommend speaking with your physicians about your options in the event that you start to show signs. Do not let the little things go by without a blink and a thought like I did. The sad thing is the memory loss may be permanent, they are unsure because not many recreational user offer inside information about the effects of Ketamine. Doctors only know so much since they are working within a controlled environment. I strongly suggest in doing your homework so you are not blindsided like I was.
Best of luck to all who read my posts and those beginning or considering Ketamine Infusion Therapy as an alternative to living with RSD and other dibilitating illnesses. Thanks
Gus // Mar 11, 2012 at 6:06 pm
For everyone out there, please take care. But you must be aware that the ketamine coma is very dangerous. My daughter Andrea was one of the first in Germany, back in 2002. She was pain free or 19 weeks. Insurance would not cover follow up treatments so we had to stop. Long story short, the pain came back worse than before. Went to Mexico in the winter of 2009, Andrea died in Mexico, February 11, 2009. Offical cause of death, right heart faluire.
I will never belive that, the RSD took her.
How to Cope with Pain // Mar 11, 2012 at 8:05 pm
Gus, I’m so sorry you lost your daughter. RSD can indeed be a vicious illness. I hope you are healing.
Susan // Apr 13, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Stan,
Please tell me what “war on chronic pain patients” you believe President Obama has been waging. Everyone seems to think that the President has the power to pass and implement any laws and programs he wishes, when he actually only has the power to suggest those things, and then sign or veto the laws congress passes. Unfortunately, congress has fought President Obama since the day he took office, with many senators and representatives declaring outright they would do everything in their power to make President Obama fail!
My CRPS is getting worse almost every day and my severe allergies to most medications leaves me with little hope. I could never go through the side effects Rose did — I applaud you for coming out the other side whole and I send you my best that you continue to improve. My ordeal with CRPS began when an orthopedic surgeon paid no attention to my repeated comments that I was highly allergic to some metals and sensitive to most others, and that the implants he was going to use to replace both my knees absolutely HAD to be 100% titanium. He promised me they would be. He lied. I had bi-lateral total knee replacements twice within 10 months’ time, and it’s no wonder I developed CRPS. My 12 year old daughter has begged me to have both my legs amputated to stop the pain, that’s what my family sees me suffering with each and every day. I’m not much use to any of them, but they love me anyway. I’m so blessed my husband hasn’t left me out of sheer frustration.
I had hoped ketamine might be an option, but reading all your stories, I know I won’t go that route now. Thank you all for sharing. I know how difficult that is!
Judy // Apr 21, 2012 at 5:29 pm
Hi I live in Ontario Canada & experienced 5 hours a day for 5 days of ketamine infusion. The first & second day went fine the 3rd morning I woke up to prepared for my 3rd treatment & for the first time in 6 years i felt one. My body was one entity. Normally I am in so much pain that each expenditure is from someone elses body, so disconnected with no control over them. I was sooo excited. That day I had a lot of pain while receiving the teatment & it set me back. One step forward two back. By the end of the 5 days I was exhausted even though i did nothing but lay there but yet it really did help. Unfortunatly after approx 2 weeks I slowly went back to the pain. I want to go back so bad even if it was short term. Its funny once you experience the feeling of your mind & body being one & being control I would absolutely do it it again. even if its only short term of two weeks. I can see the 10 days in my case may have been the difference to being a better success story. So i ABSOLUELY suggest to anyone it is worth the try but make sure it is for 10 days.
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