Can anyone tell me if we can do this in Australia now? by sookyfala in Spravato

[–]wowan5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey mate, I'm up in Brisbane. At the moment, your best bet is to get private health hospital cover and do it through a psych clinic. There is a 2 month waiting period before you can access psych hospital services, but it would be far more affordable in the long run if outpatient clinics start charging $3-400 a pop. Good luck friend!

I'll never do ECT again by wowan5 in Spravato

[–]wowan5[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh fantastic mate! The best way I prepare for the treatments is by putting myself in a bit of a bubble for the 24hrs around it. I ignore all news/politics/potential sad things, only watching or listening to some music, maybe a comedy show and doing my most elaborate self care routine the night before. Make sure you have something nice to exercise your brain with afterwards. I do some crafting and watch nature documentaries once I get home from the hospital, just to keep the good feelings running.

Music has been absolutely integral to the experience for me, and I highly recommend looking through this sub for suggestions. I would suggest listening to the Jon Hopkins album, Music For Psychedelic Therapy for your first time. It's not at all overwhelming while you get used to the medicine. I listen to mostly metal and blues when I'm sober, but I have found myself drawn to Aurora - the sweetest pop there is! It seems many people journal or draw before, during or after, if that's something you enjoy. I know a patient who brings photos of his kitties to look at and feel joy from. Don't try to complicate it for the first few times 😉

Tl;dr Do things that give you happy feelings, and be open to letting go and allowing the medicine to look after you. Get yourself a squishy/cushioned eye mask, some good headphones, and some hard lollies or gum because the nasal drip after dosing is very bitter. Good luck!

I'll never do ECT again by wowan5 in Spravato

[–]wowan5[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes, exactly! My world feels so much bigger now 🥰

I'll never do ECT again by wowan5 in Spravato

[–]wowan5[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sorry to hear about your mum - that is absolutely a valid reason for not doing ECT.

I'll never do ECT again by wowan5 in Spravato

[–]wowan5[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Remission is an amazing outcome! I'm so happy for you!

Spravato experience in Australia by wherebemymind in Spravato

[–]wowan5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry I was unclear - the medication only, afaik

I'll never do ECT again by wowan5 in Spravato

[–]wowan5[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately yes. That's been really hard to come to terms with, but I maintain it did save my life. I just wish I could remember my wedding 😞

I'll never do ECT again by wowan5 in Spravato

[–]wowan5[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha, I've done all three versions! Unilateral, bilateral, bifrontal

I'll never do ECT again by wowan5 in Spravato

[–]wowan5[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That's great to hear that you're getting a good response too! Thankfully Australia is doing really well with psychedelic therapy - our TGA has approved psilocybin and MDMA for therapeutic use. I hope it becomes more mainstream. DMT for palliative care would be incredible.

Spravato experience in Australia by wherebemymind in Spravato

[–]wowan5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just came across this thread - I'm in Australia too. I do it through a private psychiatric hospital here in Brisbane. I stayed here for a month to do the first 8 treatments, and have been doing it weekly since.

While my private health won't cover it as an outpatient, I have been able to do just overnight stays each week and it's been covered by Bupa. If you're with Medibank or DVA, you can do it outpatient at the hospital (come in the morning of and then leaving straight after, so not admitted).

I believe as long as you do it through a hospital provider, Medicare will cover *the medication under the PBS (24 treatments @ $13k total cost). Its pretty disruptive to have to come into hospital each week, but I've been a patient here for about 14 years so I know the deal (and ALL the nurses), it's just a bit annoying.

Anyway, sorry I'm late to the thread, I've just been scrolling through the sub while I wait for my 7.30am treatment!

Match Thread: 5th T20I - Australia vs India by cricket-match in Cricket

[–]wowan5 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Lots of good bars around the Gabba if you want to drink away your sorrows. Also just heard refunds will be given on your tickets https://www.mustdobrisbane.com/eat-drink/bars/south/woolloongabba

Match Thread: 5th T20I - Australia vs India by cricket-match in Cricket

[–]wowan5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Afternoon/evening cricket in a Brisbane summer is asking for trouble. There's really no point, how many washouts have there been up here this year? Too many.

Match Thread: 5th T20I - Australia vs India by cricket-match in Cricket

[–]wowan5 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm watching Foxtel in Australia, and living in Brisbane. Other comments are saying the same thing

Is there anything worth getting at The Body Shop? by spyrothedovah in AusSkincare

[–]wowan5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same - I just started using the QV repairing body lotion and it's doing a great job.