Sometimes I wonder if I am being unrealistic to want my pain 100% controlled, perhaps that is not even possible? It is a sad state to be in any way you look at it. For many years, I did not even have so much as a tylenol in my house, now I could literally stock a pharmacy…No fun being chronically ill.

My opinion however, about the marijuana-I think if it helps people control their pain, GIVE IT TO THEM. It is usually those that have no idea what it is like to suffer that decide what can be put to market & what can not. If it worked for me, I would move heaven and earth to get it. The bottom line is that suffering 24/7 with chronic pain is nothing short of hell and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone;I would however wish good pain control by WHATEVER MEANS NECESSARY for everyone. It’s the humane thing to do.

Thanks so much for posting this piece.

Take care,
Jeannette
http://missingmythyroid.blogspot.com/

P.S. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment to my blog-I really appreciate it! :>)

I am so glad it relieves your pain.

Thanks for posting on the topic of medical marijuana use, a controversial subject at best. As you know, I’ve lived with chronic pain from various illnesses for the past 18 years, and am no stranger to the world of narcotics to be able to enjoy some quality of life. I have “lived” in the world of percocet and fentanyl which did little for my overall pain other than making me too sleepy that I would *almost* forget about my pain for a brief time.

A few years ago, about 3 to be exact, I switched pain doctors to someone who specializes in treating chronic pelvic pain and fibromyalgia. It was one of the best decisions of my life and a very needed one at the time, as I could often be found huddled into the fetal position of my office at the hospital as I was doing my internship. After listening to my experiences with short-acting narcotics, including a rapid withdrawal from fentanyl that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, my pain doctor had prescribed me something called Cesamet. Cesamet (nabilone) is THC that has been extracted from the marijuana plant, and is often used in the treatment of MS and also for the nausea associated with chemotherapy.

Cesamet had helped my pain levels decrease so much that I was actually successful in being able to make it through both of my social work internships providing quality work along the way. It doesn’t leave the user with any type of “high” feeling as may be experienced through smoking the actual plant, and takes away the risks to the lungs associated with smoking in general. At first it did make me more tired, however once my body had adjusted to the medication, it was a dream come true. Gone were the days of needing to take Gravol on top of the pain meds just to avoid being sick, the strong “fog” that short-acting opiods can create in users, the ever increasing tolerance levels… Back was the days of actually being able to function! I also used a THC product spray called Sativex for the relief of breakthrough pain that I occasionally experienced.

What’s interesting to note in the article is that they speak of the risks of addiction. To me, I would think that there would be an equal risk of addiction to stronger meds such as demerol and vicodins and yet the risk of addiction seemed to be overlooked in this case.

I do hope that one day our options for adequate pain relief as increased, and if it means legalizing marijuana in order to be able to provide such options to others, then that is what must be done.

Thanks again and take care!
Melissa