Ketamine Day 1 Update

Today I had my first of what will be 4 days of outpatient ketamine IV infusions. I arrived at about 7:30 AM. My doctor was not in today, and he hadn't put in orders for my ketamine, so they had to get another doctor to write the orders for not only my ketamine, but the versad they give me to prevent hallucinations and to relax me as well as the zofran to prevent nausea. But, they were able to do so. Luckily, they got the IV in the first try. I came in with pain at a 9 out of 10 with 10 being the worst pain.

I tried to relax as much as possible. I wasn't that sleepy. I listened to show tunes the whole time. I had also worn my I heart Priscilla shirt for good luck. By the time it was complete, and they took out the iv so i could leave for the day it was 1:15ish. My pain was down to a 5 out of ten. A transport staff member took me down in a wheelchair to the lobby to my dad's car. We stopped at McDonald's on the way home cause i was starving because i have to fast for the infusions. my pain is holding at between a 5-7. Hoping for the best that it stays at that range! It's starting to spike a bit in the neck and lower back, but i'm going to try to use my TENS unit to keep it under control. Trying not to take perocet.

iv for Infusion

fluids and ketamine hanging 

me towards the end of the infusion (Very tired and not looking my best, but listening to music)

my hospital id bracelet for the next few days even though i'm outpatient 

Update after pain management appointment

I saw my pain management doctor today. I'm moving back into college on the 2nd, so i don't have much time until school starts. Therefore, I will be doing outpatient ketamine IV infusions for four hours each morning next Tuesday through Friday. In the mean time, my doctor is going to try to get insurance approval for inpatient ketamine, but if approved (which it hasn't been in the past), i can't have it done till Winter Break. I would miss a week of school if i tried to do it not during break and i couldn't even try to keep up with the work cause i would be so drowsy and out of it from the continuous ketamine, I wouldn't be able to complete homework. As much as i'm looking forward to going back to school and i really want to, i almost wish i wasn't so that i could get the better treatment (inpatient).

New helpful device

Today i broke down with my mom and we got a cane for me. I wont use it all the time, but for when i'm in terrible pain (like now), for going to and from class, for long walks like in the city and stuff, etc. It's not the prettiest cane in the world, but it's a cane. Speaking of the city, im hoping to be able to make it to NYC this weekend to see a Broadway show or two. Hoping to see Porgy and Bess and meet Audra Mcdonald.  I adore her so much, and would love to see her perform in person and actually meet her!!!!

Pain's been bad. I've still been going to physical therapy though. I just wish it would calm down a little. Like i said i want to be able to enjoy NYC even if i stay in the hotel room most of the trip and I reduce my walking greatly and I bring the cane for when i do walk. In addition, I really want to be able to attend school this fall.'

cant sleep

im in too much pain to sleep. im very tired, but the pain is too strong. i took a perocet but so far it has only made me more tired and not relieved the pain at all. i even tried a midnight snack. sigh.

At Home TENS

Today i got an TENS unit to use at home. i can use it twice a day for 30 minutes each session. I used it once so far with 2 electrodes on my lower left side of the back and 2 on my lower left leg. It helped my back,  but not my leg. It also feels good for the 30 minutes its on.

I had an awful time getting up this morning due to pain. It took me over an hour to get out of bed. My legs are really bothering me. Hopefully this TENS unit will start to help more as I use it on a more regular basis. Tommorow I have Physical Therapy again. Hopefully it will go well.

the TENS unit

Physical Therapy Session 3 Update

Today was session 3 of PT. We used TENS and heat on my back first which felt amazing. Then i went in the pool and did almost every number of every exercise this time. The one i struggle with most is like step aerobics but in the pool step where i have to step up and down from it. Then i went to a friends house where we chilled and watched TV.

Now i'm in agony. I couldnt stand my pj pants so im wearing shorts. I dont think the pains from PT i think its just an RSD flare. I'm getting my own TENS unit tommorow. I took a perocet about 2 hours ago and i'm waiting for it too kick in. This pain is really bad though. I can't see my doctor until the 22nd. To make matters worse, my 105 year old great grandmother has just passed away and im most likely going to be in too much pain to attend the funeral. I was in too much pain tonight (and knew i would be) to attend The In bloom Fundraiser Concert at Birdland in NYC where my favorite actor Nick Adams sang a song at. Speaking of Nick, I got a whole bunch of Priscilla stuff in the mail from Tom and Keith. They had been gathering it since i couldnt attend Nick's Super Fan Day (June 3) or Priscilla's closing (June 24th). It was so sweet and kind of them to send this stuff to me including a personalized autographed Nick Adams photo that they framed and decorated. I'm putting some pictures of the package contents in this post. The framed pictures will inspire me to keep going.

cups and ping pong balls

super fan day stuff

nick picture

personalized autographed nick picture

Posse member button (already had the other one)

I'm typing this blog on my new netbook, that weighs less than 3 pounds which will be much easier on my back to take to class. In addition, im getting electronic versions of some of my textbooks or at least an extra copy to keep at home so when i travel home i dont have to lug it home.

last night and today

last night was excruciating. i was screaming and crying in pain. i was super close to asking my parents to take me to the emergency room.

today wasnt much better. i somehow made it to my first pt session where i had to be touched for evaluations of strength. i was pretty weak and given a few home exercises that i have no idea how ill do. tonight is really bad again.