Kaci has had RSD since March 2005. Her pain originated in her right foot and has since spread to both feet from her ankles down.
Upon diagnosis of her RSD her Dr. was adamant that Kaci walk without the use of any aids. She has been diligent in attending physical therapy the last year and a half - undergoing countless hours of desensitization and excruciatingly painful exercises to maintain her mobility.
In efforts to control her pain she has been on numerous medications: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and various narcotics. She has tried a three-day IV infusion of Pamidronate as well.
In the past seven months Kaci has had five continuous lumbar epidurals, four same day epidurals, four Bier blocks, and three sympathetic blocks. She has tried acupuncture, hypnosis and biofeedback -- all with no success. In addition, she has spent a total of 45 nights in the hospital for pain related crises.
She has undergone two spinal cord stimulator trials: One being a percutaneous trial of both antegrade and retrograde lead placement for three weeks and the most recent a week long trial with four paddle leads, both of which failed.
As I write this synopsis, Kaci is currently on her ninth day in the hospital on low dose IV ketamine for pain control. She has been unable to wean off the Ketamine without going into a full-blown pain crises.
Prior to her life with RSD, Kaci was a well-rounded young lady. She was an A student in school, a competitive gymnast practicing 18 hours per week, and enjoyed activities with friends from church and school. Her life since RSD has dramatically changed. Last year she missed half of her 8th grade school year due to pain and ongoing treatments. Kaci is now a freshman in high school and she has only been able to attend school 1 ½ out of the first 6 weeks due to recent hospitalizations. Needless to say she is not involved in any sports and |
would be happy just to be able to walk/sit without pain. Other than RSD, Kaci is a healthy 15-year-old girl.
We have read the numerous articles about ketamine and the ketamine coma studies taking place since our research of RSD and treatment options began upon her diagnosis. Never thinking we would be at this point in her treatment we are now convinced that this may be her ticket to regaining her life back.
Both my husband and I have read and understand all the risks involved with such treatment and are ready to undergo what others might perceive as extreme measures in the hope of giving Kaci a second chance at life. I myself am particularly comfortable with the coma study as I am a nurse with past ICU experience and have cared for many patients placed in induced comas for various medical reasons. Kaci is willing and ready to do anything it takes to end the pain and regain her life back as well.
Our hope and prayer is that Kaci would be accepted into the study at this time as we feel we have thoroughly exhausted all other medical options and we are fearful of further progression of her RSD.
Again, we thank you for your time in meeting with us and evaluating her case.
With strong hope of finding a cure for this horrible disease,
Linda Corrigan
Littleton, Colorado
USA
Mother of Kaci Corrigan |
