I am a woman struggling with Treatment Resistant Depression that started with Post Partum Psychosis after the death of my brother and the birth of my fourth baby. Recently, it was recommended that I try the experimental Ketamine treatments. I am going to detail my journey for you.
I went in for an hour-long ketamine consultation with my CRNA. I was nervous not knowing what to expect out of the visit. The clinic I entered was serene and calming. The staff was inviting and reassuring. I had to have my temperature checked upon arrival. Then, we waited a few minutes before being ushered back to meet the CRNA. The room was open, nicely decorated with three chairs and a desk. The CRNA came in and answered all my questions. She explained how glutamate works differently on the brain than typical antidepressants. She explained that the process would take about an hour and a half. I would be in a room with a certified counselor who would walk me through the process. She would act as a sort of guide during my dissociative experience. I would need to wear comfortable clothes, be open to letting go, and trust the experience. There was not concrete answer as to how the ketamine would affect me. She did talk through my psychiatric history and was really reassuring that this treatment would help me. I was described as textbook. After she left, the assistant came in to answer my questions about insurance payment and cost of infusion. I was in network with my insurance so all of my appointment services would be covered for $50 and the actual medication would cost $225. From what I had read this was a reasonable treatment price, and I felt very lucky. I was scheduled for my first treatment the next day.
Living Water 