quote:

Originally posted by SIGnified:
I’m very sorry Norman. I wish I had other alternatives.

Perhaps other members can continue to make suggestions.

What did the doctor say at this point? What’s next?

I guess if it was me, I’d be a very squeaky wheel. Unfortunately it might look like Dr. shopping.

Be careful stacking homeopathic medicine/anything on top of opiates. I know you’re desperate, and your wife may feel like she wants to die… But you don’t want to kill her. You do seem to be pretty good at doing your research.

quote:

Originally posted by mike28w:
Shingles pain really sucks .... as an anesthetist (retired), I used to get called when all of the other options had failed. Sometimes, but not always, folks would get relief with a low dose Ketamine infusion.
Ketamine is an old drug that is very safe when given by a professional. Over the years it has received a lot of negative attention. It is a very misunderstood drug. Most of the negative reviews are dose related. The higher the dose, the greater chance of negative effects. In years gone by, because the drug was so safe, practitioners gave doses that today would be called huge. The huge doses do indeed cause a bunch of side effects.
There are many Ketamine Clinics around the country. They are commonly giving it for severe, refractory depression. They start an IV and give a very small dose over ~30 min. It can be helpful for many depressed folks BUT it can also be helpful for folks who have nerve pain.
If this were my wife, I would look very hard for a Ketamine Clinic. Give them a call and see if they would be willing to treat her. Explain how she has tried so many other options. There are 2 types of health care folks who administer this drug, psychiatrists and anesthesiologists. Anesthesia folks are much more comfortable with it.
Well, there you have it. Just another opinion. I hope your wife finally starts to improve, it's a shame we don't have more to offer.
Mike

PS: Yes, some folks will call it a "horse tranquilizer". The veterinarians do use it on horses and cats and likely on other animals. They use it because it is so safe.

quote:

Originally posted by mike28w:
Remember, be a squeaky wheel!!

Don't let her get lost in their routines. Not rude, just squeaky ...it's your right. They are working for you.

Best wishes, mike

quote:

They are heartless people who pretend to care ...

quote:

Originally posted by mike28w:
I think the approach that I would take is to directly ask: " Is there any reason why we can't try Ketamine?"

The only drawback that comes to mind, is that it's likely that your insurance won't pay for it. (Insurance probably pays the doc for the injections that she's getting now ....)

I don't see any reason why she couldn't have both the injections as well as a trial ketamine infusion. It might take a little shopping to get the best prices for the infusion. I'm sorry to say that I've heard quotes of $500 -$700/infusion. But if she's suffering that much, it might be worth a try.

Best wishes for your wife. mike

PS: I really hate insurance companies ... Insurance companies practice medicine all the time by doing this type of thing, their only real concern is the bottom line. They are heartless people who pretend to care ....

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:

quote:

They are heartless people who pretend to care ...

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I have yet to see the pretend you care. They are worse than used car salesmen.

quote:

Originally posted by SIGnified:
Father Battle,

Love it!

In the other thread, seems like you have a highly trained and excellent way of interpreting people and bullshit.

Would be interesting to know what you know. My senses are instinctual and not so honed.

However , you are well armed to go toe to toe with the doctor to understand what your wife needs.

It doesn’t seem like you’re shy. Don’t let Dr. Speak, Latin/biology and process confuse you. Clearly you’re a smart feller.

Make the doctor always break it down, in engrish and explain it so that you can understand why your wife is still in pain. And why are they not ameliorating said pain. What’s the plan for the next couple of steps? Etc.

Simple human stuff.

(My undergrad was molecular biology so I have an even footing on a lot of issues. Big words and complicated ideas generally don’t phase me. Actually kind of enjoy complexity.)