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@kypaint75

Oh, no I haven’t heard of esketamine therapy. What does it treat? How does it work?
Yes, I’ve had 14 electroconvulsive shock treatments - did nothing except badly damage my memory. I’ve had pharmacogenomic testing and genetic testing. I carry 21 genes for bipolar and I have some crazy genes for my enzyme metabolizers, which make up about only 2% of the population that has mutations or carries 2 copies of the wrong genes. For example, most chronic pain medication like hydrocodone oxycodone and morphine codeine and tramadol have no effect on my pain whatsoever. But what medicines are supposed to work Arkansas Medicaid will Not pay for, so I’m looking at anywhere from $400-$1000 a month. There’s NO way. And did I mention I fell a couple of years ago and broke both my wrists and ruptured both thumb tendons - 7 screws and steel plate in my right wrist-broke it in 3 places - had to have metal removed, carpal tunnel release and thumb repaired = 3 surgeries. Haven’t gotten to my left thumb yet. They both ache and hurt every day all the way up to my elbows. So I constantly use biofreeze and wrist braces when I can to no avail. This on top of chronic pain, fatigue and fibromyalgia. I feel hopeless and I’m only 45......if Mayo won’t at least try to help me, what else can I do?

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Replies to "Oh, no I haven’t heard of esketamine therapy. What does it treat? How does it work?..."

@kypaint75
Yes esketamine is used for long standing drug resistant depression, and FDA approved. It comes in spray form, delivered by a nasal spray inhaler. The treatment regimine is similar to the IV- delivered ketamine therapy. The early results are favorable in terms of effectiveness, but many patients seek "maintenance " therapy after the initial treatment course. I tried two treatments os esketamine, but it threw my nausea out of control, so I discontinued treatment for now. In your case it sounds like it's worth pursuing. Mayo Clinic has provided the following link on esketamine:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/esketamine-nasal-route/description/drg-20458442

I am so sorry for the awful pain you must be going through