Ketamine for chronic pain

Posted by ckeys @ckeys, Sep 3, 2019

My pain doctor recently prescribed ketamine as an adjunct to my pain management. Has anyone had experience with this? It has to be compounded and you inhale it through a nose spray. Since it’s compounded there is not much info on side effects so I’m curious about other’s experiences.

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I wonder if Ketamu e would help for a pinched nerve, Sciatica.

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Good question, nothing has worked for mine or 3 bulging discs. It is wearing me down

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My brother is on it, but he gets infusions and was in the service. I heard the one for your nose was for depression. It lacks 2 ingredients of your typical Ketamine. Though I don't know a lot. I am currently seeking information for myself. But I was told by my Mayo doc in Eau Claire that Mayo doesn't offer it. So I was surprised this chat was from Mayo.

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Does Mayo gives Ketamine treatments? If so where? Is it possible to get it for chronic nerve pain? My jaw, neck, shoulders, arms,hands, back, hip, leg and foot all just burn or ache. I can't have steroids, injections of lidocaine, only last a few hours. I don't want a stimulator in body. I'm on enough meds to kill everything but the actual pain just breaks through. Not on opioids. Don't really want to go that road they lower the threshold for seizures. I feel like my doctor's aren't hearing me. Idk maybe if I walk in in my robe and no shower instead of dressing nicely before I leave the house they would believe me? Everything is documented all the surgeries, testing shows it's there - I'm so tired of not being able to live life.
I'm up a day down 2... This isn't living. It's depressing and lonely too.

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@ckeys you say as an adjunct to your pain management. What else are you being prescribed for pain since it’s an adjunct?

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Frustration abounds! i have had ketamine infusions and every other suggested treatment to ease the pain of idiopathic neuropathy but nothing helps. Sometimes the most challenging aspects of this burning cramping pain is people. If there is anything that helped a distant friends cousin's who tried an awesome drug or treatment I "need" to try it!
People do mean well and want me to feel better but asking me how much exercising I do or did I cut out all sugar does not help!!
Thank you to my supportive folks at the Mayo clinic neuropathy and chronic pain groups it does help to know I am not alone.

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Profile picture for sweetlyfree @sweetlyfree

Does Mayo gives Ketamine treatments? If so where? Is it possible to get it for chronic nerve pain? My jaw, neck, shoulders, arms,hands, back, hip, leg and foot all just burn or ache. I can't have steroids, injections of lidocaine, only last a few hours. I don't want a stimulator in body. I'm on enough meds to kill everything but the actual pain just breaks through. Not on opioids. Don't really want to go that road they lower the threshold for seizures. I feel like my doctor's aren't hearing me. Idk maybe if I walk in in my robe and no shower instead of dressing nicely before I leave the house they would believe me? Everything is documented all the surgeries, testing shows it's there - I'm so tired of not being able to live life.
I'm up a day down 2... This isn't living. It's depressing and lonely too.

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I feel the exact same way. For me the Ketamine did nothing for me but nock me down for a day. No pain relief. Tried what is called a "scrambler" its like a Tens machine but different. You can research. There are not a lot of these around. The only place that had it around me was University Hospital. I can actually say I agree with the last 2 lines. Been to a councilor - several - if they have no chronic pain they have NO idea what I go through on a daily basis. My life isn't worth living. I am on my own island. I used to be larger than life, now I can't walk, pick up my grandson (too heavy at 16 months) * A Thought, consider Acupuncture. Don't be skeptical. It does help calm my nervous system and anxiety. I go every 2 weeks for the last 2 months. Drawback - it is not covered by most insurances so it can be costly.

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I had it done. Did not work for me. It is closely monitored and it is an injection drip from an IV bag. Takes about 45 - 60 minutes. No pain relief after 4 sessions so I wasn't going to waste my time or money. It did knock me out for a day as it is draining.

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Hi everyone!
I have been on opiates Percocet & OxyContin for 10 years for back pain, pinched nerves and several CL compressions. The medication NO LONGER works and thus, I will begin Ketamine infusions this week. Any advice. thoughts or recommendations?

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Profile picture for teetee7 @teetee7

Hello to all! I wanted to share a little of my Ketamine experiences. I was prescribed the Ketamine nasal spray (compounded at an apothecary) over 3 years ago. It is mild and it takes a little while to "build up" in your system. It seems to take the edge off the beginning stages of a migraine and also takes the edge off of my Small Fiber Neuropathy. I haven't had any bad side effects with the nasal spray. You will start off at a couple of sprays a day and then you gradually titrate yourself up, to more sprays a day, not exceeding the dosage you are prescribed.

I just started the Ketamine Infusions, in April of this year, for my chronic pain and widespread neuropathy. They are nothing like the Ketamine nasal spray - no comparison whatsoever. I am prescribed the Ketamine Infusions from my pain management doctor and my Neurologist approved of them, as well. I first started with 3 infusions on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday (every other day for the first 3 infusions). After the first three infusions, you will go by how well your body responds to them and how long it takes for your pain to return. Once your pain starts to come back (usually 2 weeks or more after your 3rd infusion), you then go back and receive a "booster" infusion. The relief can last well beyond 2 weeks and you then return for any "booster" infusions. For chronic pain and Neuropathy, the infusions are 2 hours long. You will need a driver to take you home after each infusion. I hope this sheds a little light for everyone. Best wishes to everyone. I hope to post again, real soon!

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Sounds like you’ve had a good experience with infusion. Any side effects after each? Especially the 1st one? I anxious because I will start them this week. I would be grateful for ANY feedback. Txs!

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