What to Expect Before, During, & After Treatment
BEFORE
Prior to your first treatment, there is medical preparation. You must refrain from alcohol and any other substances. The night before the Ketamine session you should have a light meal. The day of the treatment, you should not eat anything within three hours of your appointment. Prior to your session you should review your intentions – what are you willing to release, believe and move forward with. Make sure to bring your phone for music, headphones, eyeshades and a comfortable blanket. The music should be chosen ahead of time to avoid any delay in your treatment. The chosen music should be abstract, without words and geared towards a relaxing mood. Playlist should be for 30 minutes to three hours. If you don’t have a playlist don’t fret, while this should be done prior to your session, we can still help you on the day of your treatment.
DURING
Right before the start of your Ketamine session, you should empty your bladder as you may feel the urge to urinate during the session. If you need to use the restroom during your session, you will be assisted to the restroom as your legs may be wobbly for a bit. Ensure that you will be interruption free for one to three hours. Once you begin your session you can finally let go of your intention, relax and observe. Remember, if you do not feel comfortable with what you are seeing and experiencing, breathe in and out, change your music and/or change your mindset so that you gain a different experience. You should be semi-upright or laying down in a comfortable position with your body in a completely relaxed state. For an oral medication, you will receive a lozenge. For an IM injection, you will get a light pinch into your muscle. For an intravenous treatment, an IV will be inserted in you and a saline bag mixed with Ketamine will be attached. The ambiance will be cozy, dark and comfortable.
AFTER
You will be monitored for some time before being given the all-clear to stand up. The first time you stand up you will need to steady yourself as you will be a bit wobbly on your feet. Once your provider discharges you from the clinic, you are free to eat and drink as tolerated. For the next 24 hours it is very important: do not drive, do not make any important decisions, do not operate heavy machinery. This is the perfect time to journal the memories of your experiences, even if you cannot make sense of them. This is why it is so important to have a psychotherapist of integration coach involved, to be able to decipher the messages you are receiving and know what you should do with them next.
TO LEARN MORE OR TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, CONTACT OUR KETAMINE TEAM TODAY.