Ketamine post

I sure would like to hear what others might think of this post from another group. I keep in mind that Ketamine was the drug that killed "Friends" actor, Matthew Perry.

Neuropathy or Nerve Pain Relief Treatment, Remedies or Support Group
Michael Van Prooyen

Hello everyone,
I’m sharing my experience with the medication Ketamine—this is for those of you who have lived with daily pain due to being born with a disability, accident, deformity, multiple surgeries, nerve damage, scar tissue, or ongoing joint deterioration. The list goes on.
My Experience
One year ago, I attended a music festival using my mobility scooter. During that time, I was offered a substance called ketamine. Ketamine is commonly known for recreational use at clubs and festivals, but it is also a medication that has been researched and used in medical settings for pain, depression, and PTSD for many years.
I decided to try it. What followed was something I had never experienced in my life.
For approximately 45–60 minutes, my pain was dramatically reduced. For several hours afterward, my pain remained moderately reduced. My joints felt fluid rather than rigid—like the “rust” had been removed. I was able to dance, move, and enjoy myself in a way I never had before. On top of the pain relief, my mood was noticeably elevated. It was the best pain relief I had ever experienced, and I have tried virtually everything.
For context, I had previously undergone a ketamine infusion at age 25 (around 13 years ago) with minimal benefit.
Medical Pathway
At that same festival, I spoke with a medical doctor about my experience. I explained what had happened and how effective ketamine had been for my pain. She informed me that ketamine is now prescribed orally by pain management specialists, and that its effects can be similar because it is the same compound—just delivered in a controlled, medical way.
I booked an appointment with a pain management specialist and was fully transparent about my experience and my reasons for wanting to trial prescribed ketamine. After extensive testing showed severe nerve damage, significant scar tissue, bone-on-bone contact, and structural deformity, he agreed that ketamine was a reasonable option for my condition.
Ketamine works differently from standard pain medications. It blocks NMDA pain receptors, allowing the nervous system to “reset,” and it affects brain chemistry in a way that is very different from opioids or SSRIs. For people who live in pain every single day, this mechanism can be life-changing.
One Year On
A year later, I can honestly say I have experienced many of the best days of my life. Through careful, responsible use and self-observation, I realised that this information needed to be shared—so others might have the same opportunity for improved quality of life.
Practical Considerations
One downside is cost. Ketamine can be expensive. In my experience, liquid oral ketamine is significantly more affordable than sustained-release tablets or troches. I was the first person in my state to use this formulation, which required ordering from an interstate compounding pharmacy. This highlights just how new and under-discussed this treatment option still is.
Why I’m Sharing This
As someone who has lived with severe clubfoot pain every single day of my life, undergone countless surgeries, and tried virtually every medical option short of amputation—this is the information I would want to hear.
I’ve never, seen this discussed in forums or support groups. Oral or nasal ketamine is a newer route for pain treatment, and in Australia it can only be prescribed by a pain management specialist.
If you are suffering, I strongly encourage you not to dismiss this out of fear, stigma, or exhaustion. Pain and depression can make it hard to hear hope—but this is worth your time.
What can this help with?
It may allow you to play with your kids and actually enjoy it fully
Let you move, dance, or feel rhythm without pain dominating the experience
Make everyday tasks like shopping or short walks possible again
Help you get out of your chair, scooter, or aids and use your body when needed
Final Thoughts
I have nothing to gain from sharing this other than the possibility of helping others. There are multiple published studies supporting ketamine’s role in improving quality of life, reducing chronic pain, and enhancing mood, with significantly fewer adverse effects than opioids when used at prescribed doses.
I hope this information reaches the people who need it most.
Take care, and don’t stop advocating for your quality of life.