NEED ADVICE FROM MEDICAL MARIJUANA USERS - Page 3

Lindsays Grandma · ‎03-10-2010

@SahmIam wrote:
@Lindsays Grandma Like anything else it seems, this really varies from state to state, doctor to doctor.

My son is on extremely high level of opiates; I have morphine in pill and patch form as well for when what he is taking isn't enough. Of course, this means I have to sit by his side and monitor his breathing for hours due to what this combo can do to the body. Medical marijuana is something he wants to try (as do we as it may help) but.....there are issues.

He has tried the Rx which insurance pays for and is the ONLY MM that a commercial pharmacy will dispense (Giant, CVS, Walgreens, etc) and that's IF the company/pharmacy wants to dispense it. Where I live, the pharmacy manager and the store can choose NOT to dispense specific drugs (opiates and Medical Marijuana aka MM) in particular. The reason is two-fold: theft (gun and knives drawn on the employees) and simply don't agree with it (personal objection). Beyond that, we would have to travel out of state....until 2 months ago.

Currently, we have one facility that works with those who qualify for MM. However, there are issues: someone mentioned the dosage. You really don't know how much you're getting and if th person is doing it correctly despite all the education they're supposed to have...it's not regulated like drugs from your pharmacy. Then there is the type you can get: gummies, loose (to go into food you may make), vape, lollipops, etc. This varies as well. Some places won't allow you leave their dispensary with it so you have to take it there. Do you know how much time you're going to spend driving back and forth? Or, it's a small amount they'll give you...again, time driving back and forth. Then there is the cost....

The facility we can use is NICE. VERY nice. Which means BIG OVERHEAD. Who do you think pays for that? Yep, the patient/customer and it's NOT covered by insurance.

Last, your doc may want you off all your meds due to side affects. But, that may not be possible due to withdrawal and then day to day survival due to the pain.

Overall, it's a GREAT idea but the execution of it....not so great. So far, other than the Rx from the pharmacy (which did NOTHING but make him vomit), my son has not gone down that path. He has his card, we've visited the facility (lovely crystal chandeliers, leather furniture, etc) but that's as far as it's gone.

This is one of those things where I believe it depends 100% on the individual situation. I wish you all the success in the world and hope you find some answers and relief. It's a horrible way to live. I know.

I don't know where you live but it sure sounds like Florida. We spent several months in Orlando two years ago and getting pain medication was a nightmare. I witnessed pharmacies that refused to fill prescriptions while the patient stood there in pain. Than there were pharmacies that only had a small supply of the pills, they would not keep large amounts in the pharmacy. It was awful and my heart ached for the people who couldn't get their medication. I can't take morphine, it makes me throw up, I am on Oxycodone and the Fentanyl Patch. The main problem is that pain doctors are terrified to prescribe more than a certain amount because the DEA might shut them down. I have been taking pain medication since 2000 when I had my first failed back surgery and I never had and never will take more than what I am supposed to but those who chose to, have made life very hard for those like me. I am sorry, didn't mean to make this so long, I get carried away when on this subject. I wish your son well and will pray for him.

The moving finger writes; And having writ, Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line Nor all your Tears Wash out a Word of it. Omar Khayam

luvdoodles · ‎06-19-2010

@PINKdogWOOD You are right. The people that work at the dispenceries are very well educated and knowledgeable about their products. You do get a consult with someone before making any purchase. They spend a lot of time with you also. I felt very comfortable and learned a lot with them. Unfortunatey it did not help me at all. Very expensive too, but if it had worked I would have continued with it.

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

@luvdoodles Oral cancer surgery....horrific and yet you are here. Stories like yours make me wish I was an MD and a JD to fight for patients' rights such as yourself. I am shocked that your MD suggested you try CBD oil....did it have the THC component? Good for him, but I hope you got the the herbal with the most efficacy for you. You are right, everyone is different and it usually takes experimentation to find what is right for you. You gave @Lindsays Grandma good advice regarding hanging on to her current meds. Unfortunately, most docs are not as liberal as yours and will have you sign that you will not take herbals while on opiates. And if they find out you are, you will no longer receive pain management. Currently it is the Wild West out there as far as pain management is concerned.

You are a brave soul, to confront your disease head on. We never know what others are dealing with. I am holding your hand for some relief from your constant pain. The women on this thread have faced such devastating challenges. I wish we could all congregate and just give each other a big hug. Much love.

luvdoodles · ‎06-19-2010

@phoenixbrd You are so sweet. Made me tear up. You get it, not everyone does realize what constant pain is like and how it effects your life and family. It had a tiny bit of the THC, I forget the percent. That's why I went with the oil. I didn't want to feel high all day. There are edibles and lozengers too but I can barely eat. Live on Boost. I did have a feeding tube, but it was removed about 3 months after I finished treatment. I am going for day surgery tomorrow. They are doing a biopsy as a PET scan shows activity in that area. They believe the cancer has returned.

Thank you for being so kind. I so appreciate it.

buddysgirl · ‎07-07-2017

I have been using CBD oil for my Trigeminal Neuralgia. I buy it from www.thecbdistillery.com. Their highest concentration is 5000 mg. It runs about $240 for an ounce, but you don't have to use as much as the lower concentrations. It may not work for everybody, but it's worth a try.

dex · ‎03-09-2010

@luvdoodles@Oh I am so sorry that you have to suffer so much.I will pray for you to heal and the pain to leave your body.

luvdoodles · ‎06-19-2010

@dex Thank you so much. I do believe in prayer.

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

@luvdoodles Keep in touch and let us know the diagnosis. I'm holding you in healing light and much peace for you and your family. I know so much what you are saying about how these devastating diseases are a family challenge.

Just in case you try the CBD again, here is some information: The THC component is important to include when taking CBD oil. it is called the entourage effect. It makes the cbd more effective when used in conjunction with THC. Most who have serious pain will include THC, but keep the ratio of CBD higher. For example 4:1...four times the amount of CBD to THC, always keeping in mind to go low dosage and increase the amount of THC if necessary. This is not about getting high, but getting pain control results. For most, pure CBD will be worthless for severe pain, but it is always highly individual. Only you can determine what is best for you. I am not prescribing.

My thoughts are with you. Please get back to us as soon as you are comfortable to do so. Much love and big hugs.

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

@buddysgirl Trigeminal Neuralgia is extremely painful and I'm hoping you are finding some relief. I'm glad that you have found a product that you are happy with.

Personally, I would not recommend it because it is mailorder and some people have lost their money or had packages confiscated when ordering CBD products by mail. But more importantly, the people on this site are in need and suffering with major pain (like you). The site you are recommending is only pure CBD oil and doesn't include THC and most likely would not be the best benefit. And, lastly, you are recommending a bottle of CBD oil at $240. A small amount could be purchased to test the effectiveness (and possibly adjust the ratio of CBD to THC) before you would ever invest that amount of money. Starting low dose and slowly increase the efficacy is usually suggested..

I am not recommending anything, just using common sense. This is new territory for new users and information is critical. I would highly recommend anyone considering herbal protocol to gain as much information as possible before purchasing any product and before entering a dispensary so you know the questions to ask.

Again, I know trigeminal Neuralgia is a most painful disease. I am happy that you have found something that hopefully works for you and wish you the best.

@Lindsays Grandma

PINKdogWOOD · ‎05-13-2010

@patbz Your DH (or you, or both!) should try your hand at different types of cookies too, whomever the baker is. A friend of mine made excellent types of cookies and sold them at a dispensary in MI some years ago. Clientel absolutely loved them perfect in every way, very pure. He loves making edibles.

I hope your DH finds the relief he needs. Love your post.