The first Ketamine Infusion was about a week and a half ago, I was a little nervous even though I knew what to expect. I was scheduled for 10, four hour sessions over a three week period.

After about an hour of trying to find a vein  we were finally ready to start. I was given a drug to help stop the bad dreams and then they started the infusion. I drifted off to sleep and had strange dreams but knew that they were just that, strange. Mine were dark colored tiles moving, socks that flew up between them and then turned into snakes with very large teeth. I woke up about three hours later and then was in and out of it for an additional hour, recovered for half an hour and was released. After all of that I was tired and slept on and off for the rest of the evening and then slept all night.

The second infusion was about the same but the dreams were a little less intense. However after the first two I noticed that I had a reduction in the amount of swelling I had. The color was a little better and the pain was reduced a little, about 20%. My foot is still sensitive to touch and I could not wear a sock or shoe at this time.

The third, fourth, fifth and sixth I have had fitful dreams but nothing that has been frightening or upsetting. Along with the dreams I had some involuntary movements that were strange and woke me up a little; and I was so cold, thank goodness for the nurses bring the warm blankets. The amount of pain reduction in the left foot has not changed but the amount of pain reduction and overall appearance of the right foot is about 75%. This leads me to believe that the earlier that this is caught and the earlier you have this treatment maybe it could be put on hold or allow a person to have a somewhat normal life.

Next week I will complete the prescribed program. Then the proof of the pudding... how long will the improvement last?!? Like everything in this crap shoot, it s a gamble. I am not sorry that I have done the infusions and hope that with the last four that I will continue to get a little more relief from pain. Like my Dr.'s say each piece or procedure we do is cumulative, and I do believe that someday I will have a little more normal life and be able to do the things that I enjoy.

My husband gave me a small, but meaningful book that has helped my periods of depression; it helped me be grateful for what I have and has a quote that I will carry with me:"Life is not waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain". The book is: Learning to Dance in the Rain The Power of Gratitude, by Mac Anderson and BJ Gallagher. If anyone wants a copy let me know and I will send you where to get it on line along with an accompanying CD.

I will let you know how the last 4 infusions go and what is next for me, in the next chapter. If any of you have had the Ketamine Infusions I would like to hear your experience and if it has helped and for how long.