Show Notes
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Mondala sits down with Dr. Sam Ko, board-certified emergency medicine physician and medical director at Reset Ketamine, to explore how ketamine therapy is helping the 50-70% of autoimmune patients struggling with depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. They discuss how ketamine resets hypersensitized pain receptors, reduces inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and IL-6, influences the gut-brain connection, and provides real hope for conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, MCAS, and POTS. Dr. Ko shares success stories, introduces Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) as a complementary treatment, and reminds us that your struggle is real and there are evidence-based tools to help you reclaim functional living. Key Takeaways 50-70% of autoimmune patients experience depression, anxiety, and central sensitization - there's a fascinating connection between autoimmune conditions and mood disorders Ketamine resets hypersensitized pain receptors via NMDA receptors down the spinal cord, making it powerful for central sensitization The central nervous system and enteric nervous system share the same embryological origin (neuro crest), explaining the profound gut-brain connection Ketamine influences the gut microbiome, which in turn affects the central nervous system and mood Extended infusion protocols (80 minutes to 4 hours) are used for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia Ketamine reduces inflammatory markers including TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10, helping to "turn down the volume" on overactive immune systems Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) provides a "hardware reset" for the sympathetic nervous system, complementing ketamine's "software reset" Success is measured in functional improvements - getting out of bed, doing hobbies, walking 5 minutes daily - not running marathons Team-based care is essential, especially for patients on biologics and immunosuppressants - collaboration with rheumatologists and primary care is key Your struggle is real, your body is wise - if a provider doesn't listen, find one who will
Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: Ketamine for Autoimmune Depression, Anxiety & Pain 00:30 The Autoimmune-Mental Health Link: Why 50-70% Experience Both 01:00 Central Sensitization: Resetting Hypersensitized Pain Receptors via NMDA 02:30 Ketamine Beyond the ER: Treating MCAS, POTS & Complex Autoimmune Conditions 03:00 The Gut-Brain Connection: Embryology of Central & Enteric Nervous Systems 04:00 Serotonin in Gut & Brain: Why "Trust Your Gut" Is Literally True 04:30 How Ketamine Influences the Gut Microbiome & Central Nervous System 06:00 Success Stories: Fibromyalgia & Extended Infusion Protocols 07:00 Rheumatoid Arthritis: Visible Reduction in Joint Inflammation 07:30 Reducing Inflammatory Markers: TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10 08:30 Mind-Body Connection: Breaking the Cycle of Pain & Rumination 09:30 Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): Software vs Hardware Reset 11:00 Addressing Autoimmune Fatigue: Realistic Functional Improvements 12:00 The Power of 1%: Micro-Habits & 5-Minute Daily Walks 13:00 What to Expect: Consultations & Finding the Right Fit 14:00 Team-Based Care: Working with Rheumatologists on Biologics 14:30 Safety Protocols: Lab Monitoring & Continuous Vital Signs 16:00 Never Too Early or Late: Hope for Mental Health Struggles 16:30 Validation: Your Struggle Is Real, Trust Your Body 17:30 Finding Providers Who Listen & Building Your Support Team 18:00 Connect with Reset Ketamine & Final Thoughts This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Individual results may vary. Guest Details Dr. Sam Ko, MD Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician & Medical Director at Reset Ketamine Credentials & Training: Board Certified in Emergency Medicine Medical school training in embryology and the biopsychosocial paradigm Extensive experience in IV ketamine administratio
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