Reset Ketamine Patient Interview - Pain Management, Anxiety, and Trauma
We will be posting a series of interviews from patients who have been treated at Reset Ketamine. To protect patient privacy, all responses are anonymous. We hope their answers will provide you some insights about ketamine treatments.
HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT KETAMINE INFUSION TREATMENTS, AND HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO CHOOSE THIS AS A TREATMENT OPTION?
I am a Physician Assistant (PA) specializing in pain management, so I had read literature about ketamine. I have a chronic illness which causes pain, and had the opportunity to receive a ketamine infusion in the hospital. This really helped my pain and also my depression.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, AND WHAT OTHER TREATMENTS DID YOU TRY BEFORE KETAMINE?
I previously thought that I had just anxiety and depression, but as I’ve done more therapy, I’ve realized that I also have complex trauma from a myriad of adverse childhood experiences. I’ve tried multiple OTC/herbal remedies, prescriptions such as Zoloft, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Cymbalta, and Trintellix, meditation, and dietary adjustments.
WHAT WAS YOUR INTENTION OR GOAL FOR THE KETAMINE INFUSIONS?
I initially hoped for pain relief, but as I had more infusions, I realized that my anxiety was better. I was starting to exist in a less “triggered” and reactionary headspace than before. This gave me enough space to start reflecting and gaining insight around my autonomic thoughts and behaviors.
HOW DID YOU FEEL GOING INTO YOUR FIRST INFUSION?
I honestly felt indifferent the day before my first infusion. When you live with anxiety, trauma, depression, and chronic pain, you learn to stop hoping. Not getting my hopes up was a protective mechanism. I cried happy tears during my first infusion because it was the first time in 20 years that I wasn’t in pain. I had forgotten what that felt like, and it was beautiful to have even a moment of freedom from so much suffering.
DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE TREATMENT?
There is definitely a dissociative feeling during the infusion, but other than that, I didn’t experience any side effects from this treatment.
WHAT WAS THE KETAMINE INFUSION EXPERIENCE LIKE FOR YOU?
The experience was fairly intense at higher doses. There is a feeling of floating/lightness for me, as well as vivid colors when my eyes are closed. The music playlist is a perfect compliment to the experience.
WHAT WAS ONE OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES DURING THE TREATMENT?
I would say the most memorable experience was when I had a feeling of releasing negative thoughts and feelings about my body. I live with a chronic illness and used to wish that I wasn’t stuck in this body. I am at a place of acceptance now, and it is so much more peaceful.
WHAT’S ONE OF THE LESSONS YOU’VE GAINED FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE FROM THE TREATMENT?
I think the concept of relaxing into the resistance is a lesson I’ve learned from this treatment. Initially, the dissociative feeling can be unsettling, so I could see how this might make a person want to resist and remain in control. I think that releasing that desire for control and just surrendering into the experience makes it a lot more pleasant.
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.
WHAT STANDS OUT IN YOUR MIND ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH DR. KO AND RESET KETAMINE?
I really like the whole experience. Being in the desert and being “unplugged” makes for a nice set and setting. I also like how kind and helpful Dr. Ko and his staff are. I felt very safe the whole time.
If you’d like to read more patient interviews, click here to see a list of them all .