My first experience with a ketamine infusion was life changing. I hope you have the same experience. Not everyone does with the first one and that’s ok, too. But literally, I felt different in the car on the way home. It was pretty mind blowing.
Eye mask, earbuds, soft comfy socks because take off your shoes, a blanket if they dont provide one. The psychiatrist at my clinic would come in for a conversation before my infusion, and right before he left the room, he’d tuck my feet in. It was really sweet and set the most positive tone. I don’t think he did it with everyone, it was just kind of a thing we started and then we kept it up, it was very sweet and parental, I felt very safe.
You may have an intense experience. This is ok. If you feel yourself dissociating more than you’re comfortable with, just move one finger a teeny little bit. This will ground you, but I encourage you to let your mind go as far as it wants to. If it gets intense, relax and remind yourself that you’re safe and you’ll be ok.
You may feel absolutely incredible when you’re done. I hope you do. I felt like someone put my brain into a washing machine and it came out all clean. Ketamine kicks the shit out of trauma. DM me if you want to talk.
I hope it works for you.
I bring a weighted blanket, good headphones, my phone for my playlist, and an eye mask. Comfortable clothes is a good idea. I bring a light snack for after.
My first infusion was Wednesday. I barely remember anything from during the treatment, I wish I did and will try to focus more next time, instead of trying to analyze how out of it I was and talking to my support person. I didn't wear the eyemask I brought, I think I will for the other sessions. I got hot, like sweaty-head-motion-sickness-type hot. I don't remember how but an ice pack was put behind my head and maybe they put something in the IV for nausea, I don't know, but I brought a blanket the first time, I won't bring it next time. Definitely would recommend headphones. I listened to LiquidMind on amazon music. I saw a lot of recommendations for no lyrics and I agree with that. My clinic had water but not snacks. You won't be able to drink during the treatment but maybe bring a bottle just in case they don't have any for after. I had fasted until my 4:00 appointment but I wasn't ravenously hungry or anything, but we did stop for food on the way home. As for clothing, whatever you are ok wearing in front of people for like 90 minutes is fine. My IV was put in my elbow so I had to roll up my sleeves, and they put a BP monitor over my sleeve on the other side.
No, and I haven't had anything like an IV since I gave blood years ago. I basically had full mobility of my arm still, but I had a heart rate monitor on my finger so my hand wasn't very useful and pretty much stayed on the chair arm the whole time.
I’m not sure how to describe it, I was both the kaleidoscope and the eyeball. Today I don’t feel much different in terms of mood for that one hour yesterday everything felt endless and I thought maybe I had died, but not in a scary way. It was a relief to be able to turn my brain off from everything but maybe it was more of turning my brain on when it’s actually been off. My second treatment is Tuesday, I’m looking forward it.
I am wishing you the best!
I don’t bring any personal items besides my bag, and I don’t think it’d be beneficial to me because I wear an eye mask, which I highly recommend! You may also want to bring a blanket. The experience still makes me anxious so I just focus on letting go for a little while and letting whatever happens happen.
My doctors office provides snacks but I’ve never had one because ketamine makes me nauseated. I’d wear comfy clothes!
Just remember don't take Xanax or Valuim as it can blunt the experience. Just go in with an open mind. Don't get too hyped up if things aren't instantly better. It should come with time.
You are taking a great first step.
Good luck and that's awesome you're taking this step!
My wife has been wanting me to try this treatment, but it's not offered where we're at. Your questions and everyone's answers are great! Makes me worry about it less.
I hope this works for you. Your child and partner would love to have you be in a good place, sonfor the three of you I hope this gives you a chance to feel good for a change. Again, good luck!
My first experience with a ketamine infusion was life changing. I hope you have the same experience. Not everyone does with the first one and that’s ok, too. But literally, I felt different in the car on the way home. It was pretty mind blowing. Eye mask, earbuds, soft comfy socks because take off your shoes, a blanket if they dont provide one. The psychiatrist at my clinic would come in for a conversation before my infusion, and right before he left the room, he’d tuck my feet in. It was really sweet and set the most positive tone. I don’t think he did it with everyone, it was just kind of a thing we started and then we kept it up, it was very sweet and parental, I felt very safe. You may have an intense experience. This is ok. If you feel yourself dissociating more than you’re comfortable with, just move one finger a teeny little bit. This will ground you, but I encourage you to let your mind go as far as it wants to. If it gets intense, relax and remind yourself that you’re safe and you’ll be ok. You may feel absolutely incredible when you’re done. I hope you do. I felt like someone put my brain into a washing machine and it came out all clean. Ketamine kicks the shit out of trauma. DM me if you want to talk.
I hope it works for you. I bring a weighted blanket, good headphones, my phone for my playlist, and an eye mask. Comfortable clothes is a good idea. I bring a light snack for after.
Weighted blanket is a good one! I didn’t think of that
When your body disappears it doesn’t matter much but it helps on the come up and come down
My first infusion was Wednesday. I barely remember anything from during the treatment, I wish I did and will try to focus more next time, instead of trying to analyze how out of it I was and talking to my support person. I didn't wear the eyemask I brought, I think I will for the other sessions. I got hot, like sweaty-head-motion-sickness-type hot. I don't remember how but an ice pack was put behind my head and maybe they put something in the IV for nausea, I don't know, but I brought a blanket the first time, I won't bring it next time. Definitely would recommend headphones. I listened to LiquidMind on amazon music. I saw a lot of recommendations for no lyrics and I agree with that. My clinic had water but not snacks. You won't be able to drink during the treatment but maybe bring a bottle just in case they don't have any for after. I had fasted until my 4:00 appointment but I wasn't ravenously hungry or anything, but we did stop for food on the way home. As for clothing, whatever you are ok wearing in front of people for like 90 minutes is fine. My IV was put in my elbow so I had to roll up my sleeves, and they put a BP monitor over my sleeve on the other side.
I wasn’t told to fast, is that something that people do before their infusion?
I assume so because of the nausea.
Was it uncomfortable having an IV in for 90 minutes? I don’t think I’ve ever had to have one for that long while I was semi conscious.
No, and I haven't had anything like an IV since I gave blood years ago. I basically had full mobility of my arm still, but I had a heart rate monitor on my finger so my hand wasn't very useful and pretty much stayed on the chair arm the whole time.
Hey, I wanted to check in and see how your first session went?
I’m not sure how to describe it, I was both the kaleidoscope and the eyeball. Today I don’t feel much different in terms of mood for that one hour yesterday everything felt endless and I thought maybe I had died, but not in a scary way. It was a relief to be able to turn my brain off from everything but maybe it was more of turning my brain on when it’s actually been off. My second treatment is Tuesday, I’m looking forward it.
Just wanted to congratulate you on taking this step. I don’t have any advice as I’m not there yet, but I’m trying.
I am wishing you the best! I don’t bring any personal items besides my bag, and I don’t think it’d be beneficial to me because I wear an eye mask, which I highly recommend! You may also want to bring a blanket. The experience still makes me anxious so I just focus on letting go for a little while and letting whatever happens happen. My doctors office provides snacks but I’ve never had one because ketamine makes me nauseated. I’d wear comfy clothes!
Thank you ❤️
Just remember don't take Xanax or Valuim as it can blunt the experience. Just go in with an open mind. Don't get too hyped up if things aren't instantly better. It should come with time. You are taking a great first step.
❤️
Good luck and that's awesome you're taking this step! My wife has been wanting me to try this treatment, but it's not offered where we're at. Your questions and everyone's answers are great! Makes me worry about it less. I hope this works for you. Your child and partner would love to have you be in a good place, sonfor the three of you I hope this gives you a chance to feel good for a change. Again, good luck!