Headache Camp and the use of Medical Ketamine
Medical ketamine infusions have been the basis of my chronic migraine treatment plan since 2013. I fondly refer to the Jefferson Headache Clinic (part of Thomas Jefferson University) as “Headache Camp.” I’ve compiled every interview, podcast, and article I’ve written on my experience. And yes, I do still travel to Philadelphia at least once a year from Los Angeles for in-patient ketamine infusions. I was discharged last week from my 13th inpatient infusion at Jefferson.
Podcast
In 2020, the Association of Migraine Disorders asked my headache specialist at Jefferson, Dr. Stephanie Nahas-Geiger, and me to talk about ketamine for chronic migraine on their podcast Spotlight on Migraine. It was pretty special to be able to do this with my own health care provider.
Ketamine: An Alternative for Difficult-to-Treat Chronic Migraine- Spotlight on Migraine S2:Ep11
How a street drug can help reset your brain
I probably get the most questions about my use of ketamine. Honestly, it’s been the basis of my treatment plan (well, ketamine AND advocacy). The following articles were originally written for Migraine.com.
Ketamine for Migraine Management – the basics and history of Ketamine
Headache Camp – My first in-patient experience was actually for lidocaine, which I didn’t tolerate well.
Headache Camp Round 2 – This is the start of my use of ketamine in a hospital setting.
A look from the outside
Headache Camp: From Mom’s Seat – My mom eloquently writes about what it’s like for her to take care of her grown child while I’m getting ketamine infusions.
Patient Perspective: Ketamine – I talked to Terah Kuykendall, a patient opinion leader who discusses the use of ketamine for chronic migraine.
Headache Camp #5 – Advocating for Yourself – How to make the most out of a ketamine infusion.
International Overdose Awareness Day
Today, August 31, is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). Started by an organization in Australia in 2001, this is a day to not only remember those lost to overdose, but also to educate. “The tragedy of overdose death is preventable and more must be done to save lives,” says the Penington Institute who started this initiative.
Dear Congressman, Thank You For Your Vote
Last week, I wrote about the healthcare bill that passed in the House of Representatives, also known as Trumpcare. You can read it here. I challenged you to email, write or call your representative about how he or she voted and to give feedback based on their vote. I wanted to share my letter in…
Call For Artists to Submit Work for Frames of Mind Campaign by Allergan
In an effort to encourage people with migraine to share their experiences through art, Allergan announces its Frames of Mind campaign. This interactive project invites artists to share their work to visually represent the impact that migraine can have on patients’ everyday lives.