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High-Dose Ketamine Helped Then Became Unaffordable

Day 4 · 1:29:02 · Shannon Holmes · Dean Allison · Glen Motz

  • 💉 A pain doctor secured five high-dose ketamine sessions over two years that eased neurological symptoms during six-hour treatments.
  • ⏳ After two years she was moved to a desert clinic with half the time and lower bolus dose, so symptoms are returning.
  • 💰 She needs double the OHIP-covered amount at $600 per shot and cannot afford the out-of-pocket cost.

Holmes describes temporary relief from ketamine and the financial barrier that ended effective dosing.

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Transcript

Shannon Holmes · 1:29:02

Yeah.

Shannon Holmes · 1:29:02

Well, and so I was getting a treatment that, um, I, I did have access. I was very lucky to get a really amazing pain doctor as well, and he put me into a high-dose ketamine treatment that was happening at one of the hospitals in Toronto. And over the course of 2 years, you get 5 high-dose ketamines. So it's 6 hours of being pretty much in a ketamine coma. And it was actually helping with my neurological issues. But because it's so high sought after, after 2 years, you kind of get kicked out and you get sent to a desert clinic. But the time is half as long and I don't get the same bolus dose. And so everything's coming back because I can't get access because I need double the amount of ketamine than what OHIP pays for. And ketamine is $600 a shot.

Dean Allison · 1:30:00

So that was going to be my next question. Like what type of out-of-pocket costs potentially?

Shannon Holmes · 1:30:05

I can't afford it, so I can't do it. So I'm stuck every 2 months trying to make it last as long as I can, but I can feel all of, like, everything coming back.

Dean Allison · 1:30:19

Well, listen, I want to thank you so much for, for sharing your story and for your daughter coming to be the support and the, and the, the what you're doing at home as well. So we do appreciate you taking the time. We understand completely the sacrifices it takes to be here and be a you, uh, but we can assure you, you are a voice for, for so many other people. So thank you so much. Thank you for having this right to be here.

Shannon Holmes · 1:30:42

Thank you.

Glen Motz · 1:30:45

And, uh, lawyer Myriam Bohémier will be calling our next witness.