On March 5, 2019 the FDA approved Ketamine in the form of a nasal spray to be used in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. As I said in my previous post, this is a step in the right direction for many suffering that have yet to find a treatment that works for their depression. But this is also a step in the right direction for those of us suffering with chronic pain. There have been many people trial IV Ketamine for the treatment of chronic pain and find relief. Up to 80% of people, with some having relief up to one year, according to one anesthesiologist that I’ve spoken with.
“Depression is something that doesn’t just go away. It’s just…there and you deal with it. It’s like…Malaria or something. Maybe it won’t be cured, but you’ve got to take the medication you’re prescribed, and you stay out of situations that are going to trigger it.”
-Adam Ant
The above quote mentions staying out of situations that trigger your depression. If you can do that, that is fantastic and you should do just that! But for those suffering from chronic pain, such as the pain that comes along with CRPS, you can’t escape it! You see, chronic pain and depression truly do go hand in hand. I’ve not read one story yet of someone diagnosed with CRPS who hasn’t struggled with some form of depression, and I’m sure this is true for all forms of chronic pain. You just have to learn to deal with it! CRPS turns your entire world upside down. You and those close to you have to learn how to cope and trust me, this takes some time! You see, this isn’t a disease of just the one diagnosed, this disease affects entire families. What once was, isn’t anymore but that doesn’t mean it’s the end. That only means that it’s a new beginning, a new journey. This is so hard to comprehend in the beginning especially for those “planners” like me. You cannot plan anything about this disease only that you’re not going to let it hold you back, you’re only going to keep moving forward! I haven’t mentioned, during this entire process I have also been going to school full time working on my bachelors degree. Only 3 classes left! Woohoo! School on top of being a wife, a mother, and working full-time has been challenging! So much so, I thought why not add a blog on too? HA! If I can do all that I’m doing, so can you! No need to quit! No need to give up! Just keep going, keep chasing your dreams! You’re not guaranteed tomorrow, so we gotta just learn to live for today!
References:
Office of the Commissioner. (n.d.). Press Announcements – FDA approves new nasal spray medication for treatment-resistant depression; available only at a certified doctor’s office or clinic. Retrieved March 8, 2019, from https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm632761.htm
Ami’s Journey 