Hello. I'm new to this forum. I'm actually relieved to find this group, so I hope you don't mind if I share my story.
In 2006, I was diagnosed with cancer and after the surgery, I had a psychiatrist and 3 med students waiting for me in recovery. Anticipating that I was going to have a major depressive crash, they were there for support. The opposite occurred. I didn't come out of anesthesia struggling to breathe, feeling that I was dying, in terror-- as was the usuall norm after previous. procedures.

I felt good...happy!

In reviewing my records, we found out that Ketamine had been part of the anesthesia.
So, for years, we waited to see when Ketamine would be approved for treatment resistant depression.

In July 2019, I was the first person to blaze the trail at the REMS clinic in Fayetteville NC. I went into the project with an open mind and cautious optimism.
Titration took several months and once I was at the therapeutic level--84 mg of Spravato, maintenance was right around the corner...I felt good...happy!...more than just functional.

Since 1988, I have been prescribed more than 20 meds from the arsenal of anti depressants and their relatives... even a novel med--Neudexta...I also received ECT. With the latter, my MD expected that I would need 12 treatments . After 6, he discontinued them. His response, when I asked "Why?" was, "I'm not getting the results I anticipated"

I was getting a bonus result from Spravato--no suicidal ideations...what a relief!

Then, after my last treatment in January, I found out that as of 1/1/2020, without any warning, Spravato was removed from Tricare's formulary...a total shock...but because the bulk of the titration was completed, the $100.00 copay was going to be manageable, plus I have Medicare and private insurance...Then in March 2020, my provider stopped providing the REMS program.

I was left high and dry while searching for another provider...encountering the anti-Medicare wall ...and then COVID.

I actually experienced "remission" of my depression for almost 6 months...
BTW, I don't rely just on medication...body, mind, spirit...

I found an REMS provider in Benson, NC. Transportation is a great inhibitor.80 miles round trip...and at this point, titration would revert to twice a week== $800.00 monthly co pay...

So, I'm hanging in there...God Bless Us Everyone!