In this blog, we share ketamine’s mechanism in treating chronic pain and why it’s more effective in treating some types of pain more than others. We also talk about the things you have to consider when treating pain with ketamine and why ketamine isn’t the only “magic potion” you need to fully heal.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a clinically heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by skin, joints, ligaments, blood vessels and internal organs that are fragile soft connective tissues. EDS has an effect on one in 5,000 births. EDS can be defined into six subtypes, the most common is the subtype of hypermobility (EDS-HT), meaning that the extremities, vertebral columns, costovertebral and costosternal joints, clavicular articulations, and or temporomandibular joints are subluxed and dislocated. Symptoms include overly flexible joints that can dislocate, and translucent, elastic, and easily bruised skin. There may be dilation and even rupture of major blood vessels in some instances. Treatment helps to control symptoms and track complications.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING KETAMINE INFUSION TREATMENTS?
Don’t look at ketamine as a “fix-all” solution. Yes, it is extremely helpful, but it should be paired with therapy, lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, and a willingness to change the aspects of your life that are holding you back. You need to be ready to work toward your own healing.
In this post, we wanted to share with you a question we’ve been asked several times: "What is your opinion on eating/drinking before ketamine infusions?”
No Drinking or Eating For At Least 3 Hours
At our clinic, we typically recommend that someone does not eat or drink for three hours prior to their ketamine treatments. Why? Well, some of the side effects of ketamine is nausea and vomiting.
You have a friend or perhaps a significant other who has decided to undergo ketamine infusions. You may be all about ketamine or you may be skeptical; all are valid reactions and we’ve seen them all.
But let’s cut to the chase – this isn’t about you. This is about your loved one. They have been dealing with depression, anxiety and/or PTSD, as well as mental and/or physical pain. Perhaps you have been witness to it, have had your life affected by it, or are vaguely aware of it. Regardless, your loved one has decided on their own to try ketamine infusions.
Whether they say it or not, your loved one is going to look to you for support. So how can you support them while they receive ketamine infusions?
When we have anxiety, chronic pain, or depression our mind can get stuck in a rut - also known as rumination within the default mode network. Thought patterns emerge which further hurt and potentially prevent our healing
Ketamine clinics are popping up left and right in your town, or maybe you are ready to take a flight to find one. How do you know if the clinic is for you? How do you know if you should go there? We’d love to have everybody come to our clinic, but our clinic isn’t for everyone!
While there is no perfect way to do this (nor is there a perfect clinic!), here are a few questions to get answered to help find the right clinic for you.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful, disabling neurological condition. Previously known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), it affects 1.2% of the adult chronic pain population. Women are affected more than men, with a 3:1 ratio. CRPS can develop after trauma, minor injuries, or surgery. The signs and symptoms are classically clustered into four groups.
Ketamine has a long track record being used as an analgesic for medical procedures. Historically, this medication was used to reduce peri-operative pain (pain before, during, and after a procedure). Now, ketamine is proving to be useful in treating daily chronic pain, unrelated to a medical procedures.
