ketamine treatments - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

neverenough915 · 07-05-2007, 08:21 PM

does anyone know anything about ketamine treatments???? since i have to decide whether i want to have my stimulator fixed again, i think i need to see what the other options are. thanks for any information you have!
Amber

mixtinn · 07-06-2007, 12:22 PM

Neverenough
I don't know of anyone personally whos had the ketamine treatments.. I have heard of it.. My dr has used that course of treatment alot for his other pts with RSD.. He is the only dr right from the US that works with a team of DRs in Germany. He has sent 10 of his pts over there for a ketamine treatment.. Over there it's alot more intense.. They give a very high dose of ketamine that puts you in a coma for 5 days. Right now the FDA in US has not improved it yet.. My dr is trying to work on that right now with the FDA.. The lower dose that they give here in the US has been very benefical to alot.. Sorry I don't know much more about it.. I am actually going in for a lidocaine infushion soon.. If that doesn't work. My next course of treatment will be the ketamine treatments.. Its just so hard for me becuase its an out pt procedure vs. lidocaine being in pt for five days.. I would have to travel everyday two hrs back and forth.. thats alot. plus you have to have someone bring you. If it comes down to it I will.. just hoping the lidocaine helps first... oh yea.. I do know that its not a cure.. And it is possible that the pain can come back. It doesn't work for all...

I wish you luck in what ever decesion you make.. Let us know..
Michelle

numbing hands · 07-16-2007, 12:11 AM

Michelle,
I am new in this board. May i ask who is your doctor? Is he the expect in the field of dx and treating RSD? Is he the only one employing ketamine treatment in the US? Is the ketamine treatment cover by insurance?
Please inform and good luck with your upcoming 5 days in fusion program.
Anita

mixtinn · 07-16-2007, 07:38 AM

Anita,
I am not sure if I am allowed to say his name on here. He's Dr S, from Philadelphia PA. He has been researching RSD for many yrs.. He is one of the few drs who do the ketamine treatments. He is one of the few drs who work with a team of drs in Germany.. If you look up lidocaine treatments for rsd and ketamine treatments, alot of times his name will pop up.. He has been on TV talk shows alot. Talking about RSD. Right now he is working on trying to get the US FDA to approve the higher dose of ketamine treatments..
ARe you looking for a dr? I feel so blessed to have a dr who knows everything about RSD.. The lidocaine treatment has helped me out so much.. I just wish other people could try it.. It just does wonders.
Michelle

mixtinn · 07-16-2007, 07:40 AM

Anita,
I forgot to mention.. Ketamine treatments are not always covered by insuance I guess it depends..
Michelle