Ketamine infusions

[Angesarah]

I currently live in Spain and have many health issues. I have suffered with depression since age 15 (now 59)and have had 2 break downs and been hospitalized. I moved to Spain because lots of other health issues meant I couldn't work any more so I sold up and left my four grown up children which they didn't understand and one of them won't talk to me even having been here for 6 years. I do not know how long I have had fibromyalgia because in the UK my chronic tiredness, pain all over my body, brain fog was put down to the depression, back injury, menopause and thyroid problems so it was only actually diagnosed and treated 5 years ago in Spain. I have degenerative back and hip problems, digestive problems - now awaiting results of biopsy after second colonoscopy and have had endoscopy, blood problems. Consequently I take a lot of meds. I have now had ketamine infusions intravenous for 2 days and in liquid form for 3 days. . Eight days after the first infusion I was pain free until I walked for 20 minutes - usually only manage 5 and use a wheelchair. I can swim only using my arms if I am able to get out of bed. After 4 days I am back to normal or worse pain and back to sleeping 12 to 20 hours a day. Has anyone else been treated with ketamine and how did you get on. I was told this was the strongest med as I already take oxycodone with naloxone twice a day which the pharmacist calls morphine. I have no quality of life as I only leave the house for hospital appointments, currently under 5 departments. Thanks for reading this to the end - it will make the arthritis pain worthwhile!!!

 

[HighMaintenance]

I am so sorry about your family members not being there for you ...believe me when I say I understand only to well how that feels. I don't know much about Ketamine....so I'll ask if you can keep us updated as you're able. Is it easier to be treated in Spain for fibro? All together I have 7 autoimmune diseases. I hope your sleep time gives you some relief.

 

[Angesarah]

Hello, thank you for your message. Yes, I think being treated in Spain is better. My sister-in-law who lives in the UK has had fibro for about 15 years and my treatment seems to be a lot better. I have lots of other issues and under the hospital system I see specialists in the Pain Unit, Reumatology Dept, Hematology Dept, Mental Heath Unit, Digestive Dept and I have regular blood tests, several MRIs, whole body GI scan and lots of other scans and all between I-3 months' wait for next appointment or sooner if necessary, and seeing a doctor is so much easier here than I remember it being when I lived in the UK, about 5 years ago. So fair I am feeling a lot better most days since the ketamine infusions but it was for the fibro and depression so i still have pain in my hip and back every day but I'm grateful for any improvements. I was hoping someone else might have experienced it to see how long the effects last, although I have my next dose in November. I'll keep the site updated. Have as good a day as you can

 

[SBee]

Good morning @Angesarah
Whilst I cannot add any comments to you treatment, I just wanted to wish you well and say thank you, for despite your pain and multiple heath problems you still remembered to wish another member the best day they can have.

Something that may seem such a small thing can make a huge difference to another person. Thank you for reminding me to so myself more often. Take care

 

[Faustina]

I do not have experience with Ketamine, but would like to know how it works for you in the long run. Have you noticed any side effects?
Perhaps your children miss you terribly and need your affection. I know I sure miss my Mamma and need her desperately. It hurts so bad not to be able to be with her.

 

[ckahern]

What have you taken for the depression?

 

[ckahern]

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Angesarah]

Sorry for not replying sooner but I've had a major issue with my sight for the last few months so have been unable to read without pain. My antidepressant medications are Preglabina, pristiq, elontril, Clonazepam - I live in Spain so these are the Spanish names.

 

[ckahern]

Thank you for sharing! Since doing almost 30 sessions of TMC(transcranial magnetic stimulation) I have stopped taking 4 meds!!!!

 

[Angesarah]

That sounds like a great result. The ketamine is working well for me with less overall body pain and fewer fibromyalgia flare-ups which usually keep me in bed for days.

I have not heard of TMC so will look into it. Good luck with the treatment going forward and thanks for sharing.

 

[ckahern]

I have thought about doing Ketamine injections for the pain. The TMS is effective for depression and anxiety but it doesn't work on the pain. I am wondering how long Ketamine last and how often you need to do it?

 

[Angesarah]

Hello
When I first had ketamine 7 months ago, I had 3 days of infusions in the hospital via a drip and was hooked up to a monitoring machine. They always check blood pressure - if over 150/90 you can't have it. I had to be supervised for 90 mins after and not allowed to drive. Fourth day I had the ketamine orally at the hospital after BP check, monitored etc. Fifth dose I could take at home after checking my bp and had someone with me for at least 90 mins.

Probably about month 4 it was starting to be less effective.

Six months after the 1st round I went to the hospital for my 2nd round which was 5 liquid doses for me to take home - one dose each day after checking bp and 90 mins of supervision.

It has really helped the fibromyalgia - fewer flare-ups when I can't get out of bed for 3 days. I do have various other issues to cope with. I haven't worked for the last 6 years because I couldn't guarantee I could get out of bed and was in pain constantly and need 12-14 hours' sleep. I also very rarely leave my house or see other people.

I am still taking some other meds for depression and anxiety which I am trying to gradually reduce but I live in Spain atm and have to return to the UK next year so I'm not sure what treatment I'll get there.

I do dread not getting the same treatment in the UK and having to return to the level of suffering I had before the ketamine.

Good luck with finding something to help the fibromyalgia x