The Queen of Ketamine

How far would you go to find relief, if you had three severe pain syndromes, all considered incurable and untreatable? Kaatje van der Gaarden, comedian, physician assistant, TEDx speaker and ex-stuntwoman, has written an exceptional, magical memoir and invigorating Practical Advice book. As one of 40 million Americans suffering from neuropathic (nerve) pain, she argues convincingly that such agony deserves to be treated with ketamine, as well as opioid medications. The Queen of Ketamine is a funny, pragmatic book on her mountaineering childhood, skydiving accident, pain management, science, philosophy and dinners with Prince in Paris. Kaatje's razor sharp Dutch observations on American life, sex, Medicaid and dating with a disability are unique in the memoir genre.

The author has traumatic 'cauda equina syndrome' from a nighttime skydiving accident, which morphed into a progressive neuroinflammatory disorder-lumbosacral adhesive arachnoiditis. Kaatje's mission: to increase awareness of ketamine treatment for moderate to severe, intractable pain, whether caused by adhesive arachnoiditis, CRPS, MS, diabetes or other neuropathies, but also as treatment for depression, PTSD and psychiatric disorders. Ketamine may even be cost-effective if it is administered before acute pain becomes chronic, and permanently changes the brain. The Queen of Ketamine is a page turner filled with honesty, humor and fortitude. This book cleverly explains the multi-modal treatment needed for neuropathy and includes a unique manual for living with debilitating pain. Kaatje turned to comedy after she was diagnosed with adhesive arachnoiditis, and to writing and storytelling when she could no longer perform live stand-up.

Very lovely things have been said about her and her book:

This book is fun and will keep your attention. Most importantly, it educates on the critical, new public health issue of spinal cord injuries, inflammation, and adhesive arachnoiditis. A must-read for all concerned with chronic pain and spinal cord diseases. - Dr. Forrest Tennant, M.D., Dr.PH, author of Adhesive Arachnoiditis and Handbook for Living Well with Adhesive Arachnoiditis.

The Queen of Ketamine will enlighten readers with an extraordinarily unique life but also an extraordinary story of endurance. Neuropathic pain is described better than any textbook or lecture because it is personalized, passionate and evidence based. - Raphaela Francis, PA-C.

An UNBELIEVABLE story that is somehow made relatable on so many levels. Kaatje provides so much valuable information for those suffering from chronic pain, but also for those of us who are oblivious to it. Her insight and charm make tough subjects palatable, but never shies away from the rawness of suffering and depression. - Meredith 'Merf' Hardy, international athlete, BS in Exercise Science and personal trainer.

Kaatje's story is fresh, unfamiliar and original, and her voice so unique it will catch the reader from the first page throughout. While this is not a 'happily ever after' memoir, the author is a hero, nevertheless. She did not drop into the crevasse, fall deeply into the beauty trap, or crumble in the face of debilitating physical challenges. - Mishele Maron, MFA, writer, editor and creative consultant.

The Queen of Ketamine is informative, easy to understand and extremely helpful. - Deirdre Kitchen, patient with adhesive arachnoiditis and neuropathic pain.

Kaatje is a unique and solid writer. She is one of the hardest working comedians I've ever met. - Curt Fletcher, comedian.

I really dig her comedy, and her accent is to die for! - Kris Shaw, comedian.

Kaatje is the archetypal storybook heroine, not only is she still beautiful, she is one of the finest, smartest and most courageous people you'll ever meet. - Jeremy Jones, Ph.D.

Thanks for being so nice to my father, he sends his regards. - Prince, musician.