Tried Spravato?

[PWilli]

Last fall I sunk into a deep depression. My husband, counselor and nurse practitioner (NP) who does my psych meds were all concerned. I didn't even get a nativity set out until Christmas Day when I knew the kids would all be here. I struggled with depression for years but it was very manageable until MS became a part of my life. My meds weren't really helping and we'd increase a dose, add another med, treat anxiety and try to taper one med but always then ended up having to go to a higher dose than initially.

My NP called in a favor from another psych NP and I got started on Spravato, a type of ketamine that is a nose spray. It has been wonderful! My first NP said she can tell it's helped since I now sit up taller and look her in the eye. Bragged to my counselor that I was wearing makeup for the first time in a long time (one advantage of telehealth...no mask required!) and he said that was a good sign to care about my appearance.

I go to the hospital 2x/week (it's a controlled substance) and need to be observed for 2 hrs post treatment. It's weird, kinda like going under for surgery but never really going 'under.' I've had dissociation where I can't feel my body and then sometimes I just get giddy and laugh. Trying to eat must look hysterical...I eventually asked the nurse to pull the curtain so I wouldn't embarrass myself publicly! It's better if I concentrate and watch a show on an iPad. I've been watching the same episode for the last 2 weeks and still don't know what it's about! 🤣

Gee, since I haven't posted for a LONG time I guess I'm making up for it with a LONG one. Anyway, has anyone else tried it?

Thanks for listening! Love you all for your help, encouragement and humor!

Pam

[jimeka]

I am so pleased that you have found something that gives you relief from depression, it’s such a hard thing to combat. Good to see you post, blessings Jimeka 🤗

[PWilli in reply to jimeka]

Thanks, jimeka. It has been like a miracle drug for me!

[jimeka in reply to PWilli]

Thank you for sharing, it may help someone else. 🤗

[bxrmom]

So happy to hear that this new med is working for you PWilli Depression is something a lot of people deal with and finding the right meds to help can sometimes be hard.

[mrsmike9]

I am so glad you are feeling better! I have struggled with depression my entire life. It's inherited from down my mom's side. I take several meds and have talk therapy. I have finally had a breakthrough and no longer feel worthless. (It only took nearly 62 years.) Keep at it! It's rather bizarre Not feeling badly about myself but very freeing! So my sister, be well!

[PWilli in reply to mrsmike9]

Thank you. Depression is a difficult illness. I'm so glad that the meds AND talk therapy have helped! Congratulations on living a free life. I hope you never lose that feeling!!

[mrsmike9 in reply to PWilli]

Me, too! It was hard won. I never thought I would ever feel better.

You can, too! Keep trying things to help. Eventually you will get there!

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

So happy to hear from you, PWilli