My Ketamine Infusion Therapy Experience Part 2/ PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety Relief

[@cyndihull4322]

In 3 days I go for my first treatment. It helped me a lot to see your experience as I was feeling pretty anxious about that whole loss of control and how it would affect me. Thanks!

[@MonteCarloMartin]

This makes me want to cry. I feel horrible everyday I wake up. But you have given me hope with trying this treatment.

[@raresmircea7451]

Many clinics, a wide range of pricing, so beware. The cheapest are in Europe, in countries like Spain or Poland. Also, I got the impression that they have different attitudes towards dosing. I decided that it’s very likely that the prices will fall as clinics continue to spread and I should wait. I managed to find it from a firm in the Netherlands in a slightly modified version (that makes it technically legal because this molecule isn’t yet specified on the forbidden lists) but within the body it does the same thing. I’ve done somewhere above a dozen sessions, some together with acid. The thing is, even tho it was the most uneventful substance for me when it comes to side effects, it’s still unpredictable. Most experiences were positive but it wasn’t without strange or even unpleasant bits. Like psychologist John Vervaeke says, there’s no one mantra or one particular thought or vision that will help you through your journey. What you need is to gather an *ecology* of self supporting, self affording ways of thinking & particular bits of knowledge & visions & vibes (emotional mixes you get from being exposed to certain places, situations, people, music, art) & ability to just sit with equanimity, etc, etc. And it’s so true, whenever I try very hard to protect myself through a bad experience by grabbing to a particular thought it’s always a struggle that goes nowhere. Just *trusting in your own soul to find its way intuitively* (which itself should be part of that ecology of different means) is like a magic spell that helped me navigate & find my way through delicate moments. It’s impossible to convey what goes through my mind as I navigate bad trips because these experiences are so subtle & complex, beyond any language, but it’s like I let myself find the way, very little conscious willful effort, mostly going by instinct, one moment I might invoke certain visions that are meaningful to me, then I might have a loving attitude towards me, then I might see myself as a wonderful person but not that important in the grand scheme of things so it’s not that great of a tragedy, then I might relax & let go and try to endure the bad situation without fighting or tensing up, then I might get up & rub my feet in order to shift my awareness from incessant thoughts/visions to the domain of physical sensation, then I might put on my chill/ethereal/reiki/soft music playlist and see if I can let myself float away on the music, etc. I never did it more than once a week, but on average it’s more like once a month. It’s great to have something to look up to, something positive & exciting in the future to anchor your psyche. Unfortunately my CNS is damaged from past abuse with multiple substances, so instead of experiencing "depression being lifted" & so called "afterglows" which often happen in the subsequent days/weeks, I mostly get very tired & depleted. This is accompanied by a sense that I’ve been through a kind of adventure, which is kinda true, and this feels good, fills my life with a sense of eventfulness. Hope it’s gonna go great for you!

[@kihntagious]

I'm 68. You've waited far less than many of us. I start in a week.

[@Trigger10sn]

Good luck! Praying for you!

[@bodhisattvababe1948]

Thank you soooo so much. This means the world. I'm starting this in a month. You're words of encouragement and crying touched me so deeply, because it's exactly how I feel right now. People have no idea how hard we fight to survive. I am so hopeful. Thank you

[@charlotteknutsen7262]

Very best of luck to you!!

[@vannawinters2776]

Amira Al-Dasouqi I wish you all the luck with your treatment. Thank you for watching and taking time to comment. Please let me know how your infusions went!

[@pcmedics8309]

Did you go? How are things going now?

[@pcmedics8309]

I started this week. First infusion was absolutely beautiful. Second one I had a bad trip. Still recovering this was yesterday at 6. This happens sometimes. Just be aware. Looking forward to tomorrow and feeling better. Good luck to all that are seeking this help. God bless all of you.

[@palart3546]

@@pcmedics8309 hi...how are you doinf? Can you give an update?

[@susannemc2]

Thank you so much Vanna. I can relate to much of what you shared about struggling to function and waking up depressed for so long. Your tears were so moving to me because I could imagine how freeing it must have been for the weight of suffering to be lifted away. I can also really feel how much you want others to know there’s hope, other things that help. I am SO happy for you, that you are living more fully with joy! With love and light, Susanne.

[@powellmom4]

When you said it was like you were next to yourself holding your hand during a negative memory, WOW, that hit home and helped me affirm my feelings about trying this therapy thank you! Thank you so much for posting your videos

[@powellmom4]

I start in 3 days and am very hopeful for some improvement

[@vannawinters2776]

Diane Powell I’m so glad you found the video helpful and validating.

[@vannawinters2776]

Diane Powell good luck and keep me updated!

[@2453Debi]

Oh to have those happy feeling…

[@andrea4505]

Thank you. I too have PTSD with anxiety and depression. You described exactly how it is to carry these burdens. I'm starting next week. I hope you're doing well.

[@tamarat.9439]

I started crying watching this. Thank you for giving me hope about the infusions and being candid about your experiences. I deal with mental health and chronic pain, and I am set up for a consultation to start this treatment. I'm hoping for and needing changes. My life I'd at very low point atm to where I cannot even work. Thank you again. I'm happy for you.

[@jjs070470]

Truly one of the most open and honest reviews I've seen ever. Had me choked up near the end. I started doing oral Ketamine at home to try it, but felt like I wasn't getting the full experience. I recently started the iv infusions at a clinic and feel like it is working better. I agree with everything that you said in all of your videos. For me, the dissociative state helps me look at my depression and problems in my life from a 3rd person perspective. After viewing those things in that way they don't seem as large and overpowering anymore. Definitely helps. Thank you for sharing your experience in such a raw and honest way.

[@jjs070470]

@mrs_Mccoy where?

[@bradkoss203]

Thank you for sharing your story that there is Hope available to anyone that is willing to seek it out. Ketamine is a great therapy and you explain the process so well. I am a CRNA and have been working on my doctorate with my capstone focused on ketamine treatment of depression and will be posting soon an educational video about the safety and efficacy of this treatment. My wife is a CRNA as well and owns one of the Alleviant Health Centers and is located in the Nashville, TN area. Vanna, I hope your path to recovery continues to go well and again, thank you for sharing your story! The rate of depression is increasing at about 33% each year and affects over 300 million people world wide. There is Hope and I know Stephen and his staff will do everything to continue to help all those in the Naples area gain their lives back!!

[@vannawinters2776]

Brad Koss thank you for sharing such encouraging words. I received my treatment at Alleviant Health Center of Naples (Florida) Please make sure to remove your link so your comment doesn’t not get flagged. Thank you.

[@nemrac4321]

I had my first treatment last week and it has helped a lot!! My second one is in 2 days!! I'm so hyped for feeling better!

[@ll-qq9qr]

How did it go? Are you still getting treatments?

[@SherryMcDonaldD]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve been doing ketamine treatments for a little over a year and it’s been a huge help. I also read Complex PTSD: surviving to thriving by Pete Walker. One of the best books about CPTSD that really helped me with emotional triggers. Hooray for treatments that work!

[@vannawinters2776]

Sherry McDonald thank you for the book recommendation. I’ll check it out.

[@andrea4505]

I've read his book too and it's great, helped alot

[@XenoTravis]

I am starting this in a few days. I am happy you made this video. When you showed your bed I related so much. ♥

[@zachsherman373]

Thank you, tomorrow I go for my first time.

[@happytrails699]

This was done in 2019. Do you still feel the same way about it? Is it still helpful?

[@lisaharms9387]

????

[@charlotteknutsen7262]

Hon, it's NOT your fault!! Anything lie having to soend so much time in bed because you were depressed, not your fault. Your brain hasn't been balanced, not your fault, none of it!! So ecstatic for you how ketamine infusions have basically chsnged and opened up your life. I think what you are feeling is grief, grief for sll your unbalanced brain made you miss out in for your life. Finally they have discovered how well ketamine works versus so many barely effective SSRI's in general can be. So happy that this treatment, one that actually works has such a GOOD success rate.

[@vannawinters2776]

Charlotte Knutsen thank you so much for your supportive words.

[@shaunl446]

I hope you are doing well. I am hoping this might one day help me.

[@thesummerland6165]

ty so much for sharing, lifelong Majordepressive disorder, ptsd and fibromyalgia, having my first infusion tomorrow. I am disabled and not covered by insurance, so I can only afford a couple of treatments, but hoping will be beneficial. Sweet cat, I love animals. Best of luck to you.

[@ll-qq9qr]

How did it go?

[@TheUncannyvalleygirl77]

i’m so happy for you. your look and posture, yourself is like night and day from the first video! i’m just sooo soooo pleased your life is improving so ‘Wholey’. i hope that makes sense!

[@dbsabo2]

Those are definitely happy tears - your emotions are working perfectly! Thanks so much for sharing - you are helping so many - more than you know brave woman. Best of luck to you and your family.

[@vannawinters2776]

Thank you. Good luck to you on your journey as well.

[@Jessica197]

How have you been doing since your last video? Curious if you continued treatment. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@annaruiz5522]

I can’t wait to get my life started! I’m 55 and I’m merely existing! I have an appointment soon, yes I’m Scared but I’m more excited for the end result! #life

[@CharleneRoozRE]

Anna, I would love your feedback. How did it work for you?

[@nicholek11]

Thank you so much for sharing. I'm starting mine next week and seeing this gives me hope

[@vannawinters2776]

Nichole Kernreicht good luck! Keep me updated on your experience. Thanks for watching!

[@catfish5272]

How have you been since?

[@jodiej243]

Thank you so much for your videos Vanna. I've had 3, and have my 4th tomorrow. For depression. Sadly I don't feel any better. I haven't had any breakthroughs (I've enjoyed the sessions but they're not productive). I had a loved one in the room for 1st and 3rd, alone for 2nd and tomorrow (think that may be best way). I still wake up feeling the weight of burden/depressed. Hoping the 4th has a better outcome. Thanks again. So happy for you.

[@vannawinters2776]

I'm so sorry to hear that you are continuing to struggle with depression symptoms. Please remember that each person responds in their own time and at their own dosage. Don't give up hope. I didn't notice any noticeable difference until the 4th and didn't experience significant shifts until the 6th.

[@palart3546]

@jodie johnson. How are you doing today? Did the ketamine treatment work for you? Hope you are doing better!

[@issbiss11]

My best friend says " If you can not find one thing to be grateful for than I can't help you." You have a beautiful home and family, but people don't understand how depression grips you and blinds you to everything good in life. I'm considering Ketamine treatment, I just found out about it.

[@rmb3211]

Thank you so much for posting this. You are helping other people by sharing your experience. You look so emotionally different from your first infusion to your third- happy and alive. I hope you are still happy and healthy.

[@jasontaylor4598]

Your story and progress is so touching, and I can only hope and pray that I can experience the same happiness that you have. I had my job of 16 years taken away over two and a half years ago,but it took over a year before the major breakdown to happen to me. Over the past year I have tried medications obviously, and TMS, ECT and now I am giving Spravato nasal spray a chance. I have had three treatments so far,and still don't see the light at the end of the tunnel yet, but watching you reminds me of how I was and still am. The progress you have made makes me so happy for you and I wish you only the best and hope to share my own success story with you. Cheers, peace and God Bless. Jason

[@Momo98123]

How has it been going for you?

[@vannawinters2776]

Jason, I'm so deeply sorry for your struggles with your own mental health and you openness to share them with me. From my understanding Spravato has a slightly lower success rate while iv ketamine. If you haven't seen results from your Spravato you might want to consider giving the IV a try. I'm hopeful you're able to find your healing and recovery either way. Please keep me updated on your progress. Warm wishes, Vanna

[@vannawinters2776]

Hi Mo, I've been feeling great. Thank you for asking. I hope you are well, too.

[@jasontaylor4598]

@@vannawinters2776 Thank you so very much for the time you took to reply to my message. It was very thoughtful of you to give me your insight and advice. I believe that I.V Ketamine runs in excess of$8000 and that is not an option for me. I do not know if you have heard that. I've had sven Spravato treatments and since they wren't as effective as they hoped, i'm on a new antidepressant to go alng with spravato called "Rexzulti". I didn't want to go that route, but as you know, this illness just persists sometimes despite several attepts at various other options. I am better than I was a year ago at least. I'll promise to keep you updated and certainly hope I can learn more ofyour progress. Many thanks again for your resonse. Cheers, peace and God Bless you.

[@thesummerland6165]

@@jasontaylor4598 google 'American Society of Ketamine Physicians'..fees range from 350 per infusion to 1000. Also,some insurances do cover a portion.

[@grtzam4184]

Thank you, I start today. I have felt the same you used to for 15 years and I have the utmost confidence now and you sharing your story has relived my anxiety about this treatment greatly, so thank you for sharing such a personnel experience. Peace and Love....

[@vannawinters2776]

Robert, I'm happy to hear you will also be undergoing infusion therapy. I hope you receive relief from your symptoms. Please keep me updated on you journey with ketamine. All the best, V

[@catfish5272]

How have you been since?

[@grtzam4184]

@@catfish5272 Works very well for me and thank you again...Peace and Love.

[@jamesreves2099]

Thank you for doing these videos! I am going for my consultation and hopefully first infusion in a week. Hearing about going in with the right attitude is extremely helpful. Thank you and I'm so excited to heal and feel better.

[@vannawinters2776]

Hi James, Thank you for watching. I hope your infusion experience is positive. Please keep me updated on your progress. Warm wishes, Vanna

[@sobitysobs]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I start my treatment next week and your videos have provided a lot of important insight to me. Stay well!

[@ll-qq9qr]

How did it go?

[@conman20000]

A lot of feels with what you are saying, I do struggle every day to get out of bed and face the day.

[@patsykaha8052]

I know what you mean! I was very depressed and suicidal. Had tried loads of different medications, yoga, etc. I was going to have to have ECT. I tried Ketamine and it worked. I got my life back. It should be available in public hospitals all over the world with a prescription from a GP, especially for people with suicidal ideation. Opponents say it's experimental; it's addictive, and it's just in the patient's mind (placebo effect). Well, my answers are: everything in psychiatry is an experiment - normal antidepressants had far worse side effects for me and they didn't work at all, it's not addictive unless you have an addictive personality, you will be monitored, and besides which any drug can be addictive, and I know it is not just in my mind. I'd tried loads of things, there was no situation that had made me depressed, it was some sort of problem with my brain. If a patient is willing to sign a waiver, it should be available at a reasonable cost in public hospitals anywhere in the world. The actual drug is cheap and can be given intramuscularly or intravenously. Boosters are oral troches. I agree with you; it is a tool. It doesn't work for everyone, but it works well for many. Pharmaceutical companies don't like it, because it is not patented and they can't make money out of it. That's why they developed Eskatamine. They shouldn't reinvent the wheel and make things that don't work as well anyway.

[@vannawinters2776]

Patsy Kaha that’s wonderful to hear. I’m so glad you were able to also find relief. I completely agree that it should be more available. Progress takes patience. The insurance companies are starting to cover infusions and Spravato. I’m sure it will keep rolling.

[@charlotteknutsen7262]

Absolutely, pharmaceutical companies cannot patent it therefore they can't make the big money. Such a shame putting money before the lives and well being of human beings. I have my first infusion in 2 days. I'm so literally tired and worn down by living my life with my treatment resistant depression. I have tried over 10 meds in the last 30 plus years usually to no avail. I just turned 54 years old. I want to LIVE!! I want to be the best mother, partner, daughter, friend and sister ever. I REALLY do NOT think that is too much to ask for.

[@vannawinters2776]

your feelings are definitely valid and your pursuit for relief is deserved. I wish you nothing but the best.

[@nemrac4321]

Friday I'll begin my first treatment. Life has been so difficult. I hope this works. Thank you so much for these vlogs!

[@stacicaton5804]

That is a great advantage for you. Yes…. Attitude is everything. Go to HEAL.

[@sandysgrandgirlssandysswee2492]

I hope your still doing great!!!!

[@CindaMurphyRealEstate]

Wow! You already had me but then that statement about the bed at the end…. That’s me 😔

[@lorenareyes1713]

This is such a powerful video. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey.

[@purpleblack7100]

Thanks for let us know how is this ketamine. I’m looking forward to start this treatment.

[@mikelobao]

Thank you so much for your vulnerability and information. ❤

[@shecat1964]

Sounds like you got a stronger dose. I went in for pain treatment. would have loved to be able to resolve some mental health issues too. But i was to busy listening to all the talking and noise, i did not get a chance to get into my head. Only that i felt like i was only a head with no body. So what else can you say when they ask rate your pain. What pain? i have no body. But that goes away pretty quick when its wearing off.

[@upfrontcascade]

I'm going in to my first infusion in a few days. I've also been looking into the SGB but think i want to try the ketamine first. How is your overall anxiety? has your general anxiety/social anxiety been reduced?. thanks for the videos btw. EDIT: Thought your part 2 had ended when the music started. the rest is very touching and hits home. again, thanks for this video. Wish me luck!

[@vannawinters2776]

Thank you for watching, Cory. I haven't heard of SGB. What kind of treatment is it? My overall anxiety has lowered dramatically. In the three weeks since finishing the infusions I have been able (under medical guidance) to cut my Xanax dose in half. I'm hoping to be off of it completely in the next few months if I remain asymptotic. I wish you good luck on your own infusion process. Please keep me updated. I would love to hear your experience with it.

[@charlotteknutsen7262]

Best of luck to you!! I too begin mine in 2 days!!

[@9909mligons]

Where you also on SSRI? If so were you able to cut that down too?

[@imogenes7395]

@@vannawinters2776 Does anyone else know what Cory meant by SGB treatments?

[@kathybrady4033]

I am so happy for you!!! This treatment sounds amazing, thank you for sharing 😊

[@vannawinters2776]

Thank you so much or your encouraging words.

[@laurelaugustine6189]

Where you show your bed... this is my life.

[@vannawinters2776]

Laurel Augustine ♥️♥️ I’m so sorry you’re experiencing such pain. You deserve relief.

[@jeffloewi5632]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@micheledaane99]

thank you for sharing I start tomorrow.

[@micheledaane99]

m - i’m in the us.

[@nevadascaredme7436]

Thank you for sharing this video.

[@Anita-ck6ci]

❤️🙏 Thank you so much for sharing! That was really helpful. I can so relate to all you said. Thank you! Thank you!!

[@Jaclynn96]

Hello I love watching your videos ❤️ I’m currently experiencing depression and social anxiety I was told about ketamine but I’m really scared to try it out anxiety is triggering me a lot and has impacted my life :( can u tell me more about ketamine

[@dbsabo2]

Your kitty is adorable :)!

[@vannawinters2776]

thanks. He thinks so too.

[@maggs8964]

thank you for sharing this sounds beautiful

[@bryanstark324]

I really wish that I could afford this. I saved for 10 months to afford just 2 treatments. Hopefully that will be enough. What insurance company helped you pay for it? I'm suffering very deep depression and probably need to be hospitalized if ketamine doesn't help.

[@ahill9477]

Thank you so much for being so honest and for the detail you have provided. I’m starting my first session in two days and I really appreciate you doing this. Do you still go in for ‘booster’ shots every now and then? Thanks.

[@thekizmetzephyr]

I wish my treatments were going this well. I can’t get past this complete black void during my infusion where I have a voice telling me I’m dead, that I don’t exist and that I never will. I see a bright light occasionally to my left where I want to go but I can’t. I’ve had no break through or visions of my trauma. I go into the sessions with hope of healing and ready to face fears but I get stuck in this terrifying black vacuum with nothing but negative voices. I am in therapy as well but it seems my intentions disappear once I am under the influence of the ketamine. I listen to calming music and wear a sleep mask but my mind just grasps at holding on to reality which makes the disassociation terrifying no matter what the dose is...bare minimum or therapeutic. It’s very disheartening.

[@vannawinters2776]

I'm sorry you're struggling with your treatments. I have heard many, many patients tell me they experienced the same "feeling dead" voice. Please remember that everyone's experience with this treatment is so unique. Please don't feel discouraged not having an dissociative experience while under the ketamine does not mean it isn't working. Best of luck and please keep me updated on your progress.

[@pcmedics8309]

Kiz how are you doing? I also experienced this. But didn't complete the protocol. Will be starting a new session list next week. Thanks Darren

[@catfish5272]

How have you been ever since?

[@jonnynovak3514]

I’m starting it tomorrow and I’m super scared

[@Fedko3037]

This is so encouraging. Thank you for sharing your experience. How are you feeling now? How often do you take a booster? Does one need a ketamine psychotherapist to help you decide what to focus on during the ketamine sessions? I hope you are safe and doing well. Thank you.🙏

[@vannawinters2776]

Hi Susan, Thanks for watching. Since this filming I have done back and had booster (single infusions) every few weeks. I've had the ability to be asymptomatic for longer and longer, giving me more space between boosters. During times of my intense trauma work I had additional boosters as a tool along with my psychotherapy. No, my psychologist does not go into the room while I have my infusions. I have had two sessions, at my own request, to have ketamine assisted sessions (psychotherapy immediately after infusion). I find my infusion are most beneficial when I go in with a calm and open mind. Wishing you all the best in your treatment.

[@atticusmccoy6701]

Hello Vanna. Did you go through with additional treatments?

[@vannawinters2776]

Atticus McCoy Hi, after my initial infusions I had a booster four weeks later then a second booster six weeks after that. I’ll continue to space them out as I stay stable and asymptomatic.

[@maryanne2772]

This is really helpful, thank you! I just finished my 3rd infusion of a series, and I also have PTSD. For me, it has been good, overall, but a roller coaster. How are you feeling now? Have you had booster infusions, since your last treatment? I hope you are well.

[@vannawinters2776]

Hi Mary Anne, I'm so glad you are receiving ketamine infusion therapy for your ptsd as well. I finished my 6th infusion in the beginning of October. I had a booster four weeks after that, then a second booster size weeks after that. I am currently 9 weeks out from that and feeling fantastic. I've begun to tapper off my antidepressants and anxiety meds under the guidance and supervision of my psychiatrist. Please keep me updated on your treatment results.

[@maryanne2772]

Vanna Winters - thank you for your response! I’m so glad to hear of your continued healing. I am also experiencing success, having completed the series of six (IV drip) infusions. Since I also have an autoimmune disease that includes a lot of chronic pain, I am setting up a treatment plan with the clinic where I go, that specifically addresses maximizing the boosters. So far, I am amazed at the positive changes I have experienced. Thanks again!

[@vannawinters2776]

That's fantastic to hear. I'm so happy for you!

[@palart3546]

@@vannawinters2776 how are you feeling now? Hope you are still doing good. I really enjoyed watching your videos!

[@kauxkaux]

How often did you get you infusions?

[@vannawinters2776]

I received the protocol of 6 infusions over a two week period. Since then I have followed up with "boosters" (a solo infusion) as necessary when symptoms of depression surfaced.

[@williamswanson7086]

Vanna, I’m very curious how you’re doing. Your last update was almost 1 year ago. I’m going in for treatment this week. I just want honest feedback after everything is done. Please let me know. God bless. Hope you’re well.

[@catfish5272]

How has it been?

[@abiamiamab9677]

$450.00 per treatment. It help.

[@Amanullah-uv2fl]

PRETTY WOMAN I LIKE HER

[@vannawinters2776]

Thank you

[@Amanullah-uv2fl]

@@vannawinters2776 most welcome i want to know one thing is ketamine effective for treatment resistant depression i have depression and anxiety for the last 30 years but now having widespread body pains and aches muscle cramps joints pains and stiffness in all body numbness tingling and tightness chronic fatigue has made me impaired almost disabled plz reply

[@Dave-qf3wc]

Waiting for the VA to approve my treatment. It should be about a month. Im very excited and hopeful. Im a mess and have taken EVERY kind of a pill you can, with no help. Im just scared with all the different traumas from being a combat vet and a career in law enforcement, special agent working narcotics, that the traumas may be too many for Ketamine to help. I pray it does help. Are the effects of your treatment still helping you today? Thanks for this video😁