My Ketamine Story
My name is Gina and I'd like to share my Ketamine story with you. I have Treatment Resistant Depression, which is a type of Major Depressive Disorder. I call it "The Black Hole." Over the years, my episodes have gotten more frequent and last longer. When it became a struggle to keep my head above water, I was forced to retire from a job I loved.
Over the last 30 years, I've tried almost every medication in the book. Sometimes I'd get relief, but it usually took several weeks or months before it started to help. Even if I felt better, the effects of the drug didn't last long. Thankfully, my primary care physician suggested Ketamine.
As a nurse, I already knew that Ketamine was being used for depression. But like lots of people, I had misconceptions about the drug and had never discussed it with my doctor. I was embarrassed to ask about it because of the negative hype that I had read and heard.
I took a step of faith and reached out to the Bluegrass Ketamine Center in January 2023. My phone call was returned within 24 hours. After consultations with the nurse and physician, my first infusion was scheduled for the following week. The nurse made sure I was well prepared for what to expect and what to bring with me.
I felt really anxious on infusion day, but also filled with excitement and hope that I might find relief from my depression. I kept reminding myself to keep an open mind with realistic expectations since every person's response to Ketamine is unique to them.
The actual infusion was a very positive experience. It was pleasant and not scary at all. I didn't lose touch with reality and was able to open my eyes and interact with the nurse if needed. During the infusion, I remembered events from my childhood, but saw them through the lens of an adult. It was insightful and comforting. After the infusion, I felt groggy and slept for most of the day but could feel a difference within 24 hours.
My response to Ketamine has been life changing. I became aware of things I didn't even realize that I had. The heaviness I carried in my chest was no longer there. Conversation was more comfortable. Laughter wasn't fake. If I felt prompted to do something, I'd just do it instead of putting it off. I found joy in simple things like the taste and smell of food. Colors seemed brighter. Time with family felt more precious. I realize how cliché it sounds, but it's really true for me. My husband says I have my smile again. My daughter says she has her momma back.
I'm so grateful that I found Ketamine. I know that it's not a cure and I still have days when I don't feel well. However, there are more good days than bad. Ketamine is helping me outrun "The Black Hole" for now. Please keep in mind that this is MY experience, and everyone reacts differently.
If you would like more information or have questions about Ketamine, please contact the Bluegrass Ketamine Center to see if it's an option for you.
- Gina
My Ketamine Story
I have had an exceptionally positive experience with IV Ketamine therapy at Bluegrass Ketamine Center. The staff is warm, welcoming and reassuring. And Jessica, the RN who treats me is like an angelic presence during my infusions.
IV Ketamine has definitely helped with my depression, anxiety and chronic pain. I have been able to eliminate one antidepressant altogether and reduce the other by one-half. And I have been much more motivated to get up off the sofa and go to the gym. As for my pain….the most encouraging thing I’ve noticed is that it makes the pain much less noticeable. It's still there in the background but it has a much quieter voice and is no longer screaming at me everyday. Overall, I’d say that Ketamine infusions at Bluegrass Ketamine Center have truly helped me.
- 71 year old female
My Ketamine Story
Being depressed is exhausting.
That’s one of the cruelest ironies about mental health. When you’re in a dark place, everyone around you — all your friends and family — they just want to see you doing what you love again, being happy, being “the old you.”
Sometimes it feels like the world is looking at you saying things like, “Come on, man, just get over it. Don’t think like that. Just move on.”
But what people on the outside don’t always understand is that it takes all of your strength and willpower just to exist. Just to keep ongoing. Battling depression, battling anxiety, battling any mental health disorder… it’s all just so unbelievably exhausting.
- Kevin Love
My Ketamine Story
Ketamine Infusion Therapy is something I discussed with my M.D. long before finding the Bluegrass Ketamine Clinic. We discussed the options of infusion therapy versus nasal ketamine. I have MDD and chronic pain and we decided that infusion therapy was the first and best option to try. I did a lot of online research about the process and was ready to start looking for a medical infusion center. I spoke to one or two clinics on the phone and visited one in Lexington that did not feel relaxed and or was just not really set up for the task it seemed.
When we found the Bluegrass Ketamine Clinic, I knew immediately it was a serious and established medical office. I still asked questions (because I am an anxious person). I had a wonderful conversation with the M.D. in charge about the individual experience and that a variety of patients he treats. He stressed that he and the staff were there to answer any questions at any time. I cannot emphasize enough how much such a wonderful group of caring medical professionals helps when something is new for me.
The calm, well-designed interior and comfortable setting helped me feel less anxious. During the procedure they monitor your vital signs and so even though I was a little anxious during the treatment I kept reminding myself they were there and that really helped the first time especially. I also had the experience of talking with a family member with me to my first appointment and he had been for MDD as well and he found his experience was best with noise cancelling headphones and an eye mask, also a comfortable blanket from home. The sensory and tactile comfort during the stages of sedation really help.
I have felt better after only a month of appointments and will continue to go for maintenance for a long time. After trying 30 years or more of treatments, medications, classes, and therapy. Nothing has worked as well and as fast. Yes, I did have anxiety the first session, but getting through that and going back again was the best thing I ever have done for my lifelong treatment.
After the infusion at home, I began to feel my mind settled in a comfortable place. I know it is different for everyone. But for me it felt as if my mind had felt like a dehydrated sponge, and the treatment gave it a relaxed and fluid feeling. Bluegrass Ketamine is about a 5-minute drive from our home in Lexington and I cannot recommend it enough. Just please know what you want to get out of it and know what your anxieties are before you start. I highly recommend the center because of all the things they do for their patients and because of the change to my life that is priceless.
- Ashley M Rushing