Dianne’s journey to ketamine therapy began when chronic pain began clouding her naturally upbeat personality. The persistent physical discomfort made it harder to maintain a positive outlook. Fortunately, Dianne found relief and a renewed sense of well-being through compassionate care at Avesta Ketamine and Wellness,
Why Dianne Chose Ketamine Therapy at Avesta
“I’ve always been happy,” Dianne shared, “but my pain made it hard to keep up my usual mood.” Ketamine, with its dual role in alleviating pain and depression, offered Dianne a hopeful path forward.
How Ketamine for Pain Works
Ketamine for pain works by targeting specific receptors in the brain called NMDA, which play a key role in how pain signals are transmitted and processed. By blocking this receptor, ketamine can effectively “turn down the volume” of pain intensity. This action is particularly beneficial for chronic pain, where the brain’s pathways become overactive and hypersensitive over time.
Additionally, ketamine enhances neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections between neurons. Chronic pain and depression can “lock” the brain into negative patterns, where specific pathways reinforce the experience of pain or low mood. Ketamine may help the brain “reset” these pathways, creating opportunities for healthier responses to discomfort and stress.
Ketamine’s mechanisms allow patients like Dianne to find immense relief.
Dianne’s Ketamine Experience
Dianne found Avesta Ketamine and Wellness to be a welcoming environment from the first visit. “From the moment I walk in, I feel cared for,” she said. “The staff here is wonderful—professional and kind. That makes all the difference.”
Each ketamine session involved a consistent and comforting routine. With her favorite music playing, Dianne reclined in a cozy setting, wrapped in blankets. “I always listen to Kenny Loggins’ House at Pooh Corner,” Dianne explained. “The song takes me on a journey, much like the infusion itself.”
Diane felt ketamine’s effects quickly after the infusion started.
“It’s like going on a trip,” Dianne said. “The journey starts with the color red wrapping around me like a band, and then it transitions to a bright green. From there, the experience becomes an adventure, full of vibrant colors and sensations of flying.”
“It’s a beautiful, adventurous experience,” she added.
The Emotional and Physical Impact
Dianne valued how ketamine therapy for pain eased her discomfort and lifted her spirits. She likened the effects to a meditative state, helping her disconnect from pain and reconnect with positivity. The protocol significantly reduced the intensity and improved her overall happiness.
“Ketamine therapy was the highlight of my week,” Dianne said.
The Importance of Trust
Trust was a critical factor in Dianne’s positive ketamine therapy experience at Avesta. But it wasn’t easy at first.
“The first time I came in, the experience was new and a little uncomfortable. But I’m perfectly used to it now.”
Dianne bonded with Avesta’s Regional Clinical Lead, Nurse Practitioner Sam, and it made all the difference. “Sam is my guy. I look forward to him coming in and doing the injection,” Dianne shared. “He’s very, very good at what he does.”
Research Backing Ketamine for Pain
Clinical patient data support Dianne’s successful ketamine therapy experience.
Ketamine for chronic postsurgical pain
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether intravenous ketamine could reduce chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) in patients undergoing surgery. Researchers analyzed 20 randomized controlled trials involving 1,561 patients published between 1990 and 2022.
Findings:
The study found that ketamine significantly decreased the likelihood of CPSP 3–6 months after surgery compared to placebo (Relative Risk [RR] = 0.82), meaning patients receiving ketamine were about 18% less likely to experience persistent pain.
Ketamine for craniofacial pain
Another systematic review evaluated ketamine for craniofacial pain (CFP), a broad category of conditions affecting the head, face, and neck. The review included 20 studies encompassing 670 adult patients. Ketamine administration methods included intravenous (delivered directly into the bloodstream), intramuscular (injected into the muscle), and intranasal (sprayed into the nose).
Findings:
Findings suggested that prolonged ketamine infusions provided significant and sustained pain relief (weeks to months) for cluster headaches and trigeminal neuralgia, a chronic condition characterized by sudden, severe, stabbing facial pain.
Ketamine for chronic non-cancer pain
A 2023 systematic review assessed the short-term effectiveness of ketamine for chronic non-cancer pain, including conditions like neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and complex regional pain syndrome. Researchers reviewed three systematic reviews and one randomized controlled trial published between 2020 and 2023, focusing on adult patients.
Findings:
Findings showed that ketamine provided short-term pain relief for all conditions:
- For neuropathic pain, ketamine significantly reduced pain intensity scores within hours to days after treatment.
- In fibromyalgia, ketamine diminished widespread pain levels and improved overall pain sensitivity, offering meaningful relief to patients who had not responded to other therapies.
- For complex regional pain syndrome, ketamine infusions reduced pain severity and improved tolerance of movement in affected limbs.
Adverse effects such as dizziness, nausea, and psychedelic symptoms were common but typically short-lived. Researchers across all studies highlighted the need for well-controlled studies with larger populations and longer follow-ups to determine optimal treatment protocols and better understand ideal dosing, administration, and long-term efficacy.
Dianne’s Advice for Others Considering Ketamine Therapy
Dianne encourages anyone dealing with pain or mood challenges to consider ketamine therapy. “If you can do it, do it,” she urged. “There’s nothing else like this experience. The small discomfort at the start is worth it because the results are incredible.”
She also emphasizes the importance of finding a ketamine practice and team that prioritizes patient care and comfort. “You need people who know what they’re doing and make you feel safe,” Dianne said. “That’s what I found at Avesta.”
Dianne also highlighted the importance of incorporating complementary ketamine practices like therapy and meditation. She meets with a therapist weekly and practices mindfulness to maintain her mental health. These habits, combined with ketamine sessions, help Dianne stay positive and resilient.
A New Chapter
Ketamine therapy at Avesta transformed Dianne’s life. What began as a search for pain relief became a journey toward rediscovering happiness. Each session reminded her of the beauty of imagination and the power of ketamine to restore hope. For Dianne, Avesta has become a sanctuary where pain diminishes, joy flourishes, and life feels full again.
Contact Avesta today and take the first step toward a brighter, pain-free tomorrow.
