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Ketamine for chronic pain

Chronic Pain | Last Active: Nov 19, 2023 | Replies (120)

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@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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Replies to "Hello to all! I wanted to share a little of my Ketamine experiences. I was prescribed..."

Fantastic that you're getting relief! I just asked my neurologist about the infusions and I was told insurance doesn't cover them (in my area) and I could go to a Ketamine Center locally and pay out of pocket. Do you mind me asking how it works for you?

Thank you teetee. The procedure part sounds a bit like chemotherapy but with a different medicine. I've never heard of a Ketamine Center but I will ask around. It's probably too far away and too much recovery time but I will ask my pain doctor any way. Peggy

Hi.. just reading your blog about chronic pain. I am on the fentanyl patch as well as hydrocodone. I was supposed to try the implanted pain nerve stim, but really don't want another surgery. I've never heard of ketamine. I want more than anything to be off this patch as I don't want to lose my pain management doctor and the next one won't prescribe. Thanks for info, I'll do some research! Carolinapearl.

Does insurance/medicare pay for the infusions?

Hi there, wondering if you could give me your experience in how to go about working with my doctor to get a ketamine nasal spray prescription to a compounding pharmacy in AZ. I also have small fiber neuropathy, but my neurologist is not informed about the benefits of ketamine. Do you have a specific clinic or doctor you could recommend? Thanks so much

TeeTee, may I ask what city you live in— and where you got your treatments? I’m almost afraid to hope. Did your insurance cover it? Thank you.