Monday Treatment Update

At the moment, I'm in a bit of a holding pattern. One of my medications, Seroquel, is being slowly tapered down to nothing. As the dosage has lessened, so too have my periods of anxiety, self-defeating thoughts, and mild paranoia increased. Monday, after rounds, I'll undergo another reduction. It's a lengthy process, 50 mg at a time every week, starting from 450 mg which was my original dose. Some of you have asked for in depth information about the study and for right now, there isn't much in the way of it. Have patience, my friends.

Around the first of the year, however, the Ketamine infusions will begin. That's when the really interesting stuff begins. If I'm feeling up to blogging during the active part of the trial, I'll be sure to document the way I feel and the sensations I experience. I'll also write about the way the procedure is done. My doctor informs me that Ketamine has an anti-depressant quality and also aids in sleep. For right now, knock on wood, I've mostly slept well at night. Even if my sleep worsens, I know I only have three weeks to go before the infusions begin and sleep becomes easier. Ketamine, of course, is a tranquilizer.

In the meantime, I have been getting out and about on a regular basis both to break the monotony of the ward and to deliberately force myself to be around other people. Back home I didn't go out very much and self-isolated, so I've enjoyed the change from being a recluse. I feel a bit like an extended tourist in addition to being a voluntary research patient. And on that note, I will prepare myself for another day's excursion in the wilds of Washington, DC. Have a good week, everyone.