My Spravato Journey - Help Out of Depression

10/07/2022

I haven't posted in a while because life and hurricane Ian got in my way. So far I have had 9 treatments. Still going twice a week which can be difficult with it being so far away but I AM noticing a pretty big difference in my depression. I don't think I would have been able to cope with everything going on right now if I hadn't started the Spravato Treatments.

09/14/2022

Felt bad having to miss one of my appointments but family emergencies happen. Today was my fourth dose. Still hate how it burns the back of my throat but that's a small price to pay for help. I am noticing subtle improvements ... Handling s**t better...feeling hopeful. I just had to stop on the way home and take a photo of the sky. It was really cool, transforming from gloomy stormy skies to pretty sunny skies.

09/01/2022

Today I had my first full dose. Definitely stronger than I expected but the employees at Greenbrook have been great, and made sure I was comfortable. I'm not allowed to drive until after I have had a full night's sleep, and that's not going to happen tonight. Have a concert to attend tonight (Michael Franti) with VIP meet & greet. Feeling hopeful!

09/01/2022

I had my first treatment session Tuesday and this will sound odd but I already think it is helping some. Colors seem a little brighter outside, less dreary feeling. I received 56mg that day which is the "induction phase". Honestly the spray doesn't have a bad taste but it burns the back of your throat. They have you relax in an overstuffed recliner so you are comfortable. Then you self administer the first dose of the nose spray. Five minutes later, you give yourself the rest of the starter dose. Then you remain there for two hours while your blood pressure is monitored. I chose to listen to Michael Franti music while "under". Felt like the meds they give you to pre-medicate you before surgery...very relaxed, very floaty. They gave me a journal to use during these 16 weeks. Next time I get the full dose.

08/30/2022

Today is the day...my first day of treatment with Spravato. Greenbrook Neurohealth Center is 87 miles each way and I need to be there before 9:30am. So, it's going to be an early day!

08/29/2022

08/29/2022

Disclaimer: this is not meant as a recommendation or endorsement or medical advise. It is simply to document my journey. I have had major depressive episodes since the age of 18 along with PTSD and anxiety attacks. I have been on over 8 different antidepressants with no help.

I am embarking on a new treatment for depression and thought I would document my journey, since many people are curious about it. Some have asked me questions so I wanted to answer them here.

1. Why did I choose Spravato instead of a non-drug treatment like TMS?
TMS requires a daily treatment and the nearest center to me is one hour away and they are not accepting new patients. I couldn't wait. It remains an option if Spravato doesn't work.

2. How costly is it?
I got lucky. My insurance is covering everything at 100%.