Before you arrive
We understand if you’ve suffered for years and given up hope of ever finding relief, RESTORE can be unfamiliar. This page describes what the day itself involves. Whether the treatment helps you is a separate question, and one we answer honestly before we accept you.
Prior to arriving at our RESTORE infusion center, you may experience an array of feelings: anxiety, hopefulness, doubt, or a mixture of many emotions. There is anxiety due to the unknown: is it going to hurt, how am I going to feel, and ultimately, is it going to work? The hopefulness comes from the possibility of actually feeling some relief and getting to back to a “normal” life. The good news is the infusion can be a very rewarding and positive experience for many people who have suffered from chronic pain and depression for years.
Don't worry; we are here to answer your questions before you arrive. If you need any help in planning your trip, we will be happy to help. We can advise you about the most convenient places to stay, getting around town or where to go to relax after your infusion quietly.
The RESTORE Infusion
Most people notice the effect of the infusion within minutes of it starting. It can be difficult to describe in words, but you begin to feel differently about yourself and the world around you. Many people describe a deep sense of calm. Some compare it to a deep meditation. Not everyone experiences it that way, and some people find the dissociation unpleasant.
The three-day course…
The first course is three infusions over three days. People who respond usually notice the change across that period rather than all at once. Some people notice nothing at all, and we cannot tell in advance who they will be.
When it works, people often describe going back to things they had let go of: seeing friends and family, taking up activities again, feeling more alert. That is what a response looks like when it happens. A physician is in the room with you throughout every infusion.
Getting Back To Normal
After the infusion, you will have some time to adjust and let the new feeling sink in. We will assist you to the relaxation room, where you will rest for 30 minutes on a couch or chair. After that, you will be released to go home, but you will not be able to drive yourself, so the best thing is to bring someone who can drive you. If that is not possible or you do come alone, don't worry; we will assist you with transportation and getting back home safely.
How Will I Feel After My Infusion?
For the immediate period following an infusion (usually 4-6 hours), you will be in a very relaxed state, so you should not drive, operate machinery, or sign legal documents. Many patients feel so relaxed after the infusion that they like to rest quietly for a short period of time. After that, your activity is entirely dependent on how you feel.
Some patients enjoy participating in activities after the infusion, such as going to the gym or yoga. Others prefer a sunset stroll on the beach and a quiet dinner. There are many options available to suit everyone's preferences.
Friends and family want to know:
Ask your friends and family not to bombard you with questions after the infusion. They will naturally want to ask, “Did it work?” or “Do you feel better?” But the effects can be extremely subtle at first and many patients have trouble putting the experience into words. You may need time to process it. Even those who can sense an immediate change often find it impossible to articulate at first. When people ask those questions, it can make you feel pressured not to disappoint them. To them, these seem like easy questions, but to you, the answers may be complicated in ways you can’t explain. Let them know ahead of time that you’ll talk about it when you’re ready, which might take a few days.
