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This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful. Thank you, dear Universe, you continue to bless me with recovery and health.
Medical cannabis or medical marijuana has gained recognition for its therapeutic purposes.
I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Isaacs’ Syndrome. Isaacs’ is a neuromuscular health condition that stems from muscle hyperactivity. In the process, I also discovered that I had Lyme disease. Lyme is a bacterial illness that is transmitted through ticks.
Glaucoma also accompanied me. Glaucoma is an eye-related disease that damages the optic nerves. And Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease. I faced tremendous issues with my gut, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes. During my journey, I also developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema, and Blood Pressure.
My list of alien symptoms was visible and played havoc way before the actual diagnosis was made.
My symptoms were related to neurology, gastroenterology, and ophthalmology. The list included various deficiencies, diarrhea, indigestion, chronic pain, discomfort, and inflammation.
After diagnosis, I was put on symptomatic treatment, mainly allopathic medicines and therapies. The news of such a diagnosis was life-altering. It put me in a tight spot surrounded by boundaries of rules, challenges, and perspectives. Over time, it became evident that I was thickly disguised, crying for help. And therefore…
I was advised to use Medical Cannabis.
I had the following common concerns before enquiring about it:
- Is it safe to consume as it can impact cognition, heart rate, memory, etc.
- Will I get addicted or dependent on it?
- Can it negatively interact with my other medicines?
- Is it legal to have medical cannabis in India?
It is widely used for alleviating chronic pain and other neurological problems. Many countries have legalized medical cannabis, recognizing its therapeutic benefits.
Understanding Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis is a plant also known as medical marijuana. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to provide therapeutic effects. They are consumed through various methods, like edibles, vaporizing, smoking, and pharmaceutical formulations. The two most popular cannabinoids are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Modern research expands the use of medical cannabis. It is prescribed for epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, muscle relaxation, etc.
Despite many benefits, the use of medical cannabis remains controversial.
Insights from a Rare Neurological Patient who used Medical Cannabis
I do not have my journey with Medical Cannabis. However, in the realm of rare diseases, out of a few stories, Aaron’s story deeply resonated with me. I got the opportunity to chat with Aaron about his personal experience of using Medical Cannabis.
Aaron, an interesting young rare neurological patient from New Brunswick, Canada, who worked as a research analyst.
Aaron’s medical issues began at a young age. His key symptoms were muscle weakness, inflammation, chronic pain, muscle stiffness, and spasms.
Medical cannabis was explored as a treatment option that offered potential relief from persistent discomfort. It helped manage his neurological problems.
This conversation offers a compassionate overview for obtaining medical cannabis to relieve chronic pain.
Q-1) Hey Aaron, can you please share your experience of using Medical Cannabis?
A-1) I was introduced to Medical Cannabis by a group of neuro patients on Facebook. I consulted my Neurologist and other medical experts to be rest assured about its fitment with my kind of ailment and if there are any previous track records to support the claim.
Though there were mixed reviews, I decided to try, considering my level of chronic pain, anxiety, and the inability to perform my daily tasks. Despite a variety of forms, I was put on a Tincture by my doctors. It’s a liquid formulation, put under the tongue for quicker absorption.
I was aware that in some chronic cases, it is known to take time to show effect.
After constant use for almost 2 months, I started to feel a drastic improvement in pain, sleeping patterns, anxiety levels, and muscle relaxation. It has worked on my chronic pain by reducing inflammation and increasing pain-relieving chemicals.
Having said that, lately, I realized that it’s not a magical cure, yet it could act as a placebo and relieve certain symptoms.
Q-2) How many days did it take in your case to show some basic results?
A-2) It took almost 3 weeks to show some bit of pain relief and reduction in anxiety levels.
Q-3) For how long have you been on Medical Cannabis? Are there any side effects?
A-3) I started using it in 2021 and was asked to be careful with the following factors:
- Addiction
- Increased hunger
- Dizziness
- Increased heart rate
- Dependency
- Respiratory issues
- It interacts with other medicines in the prescription
- Keep dosage-related awareness
Q-4) What are some practical questions I should ask my doctor before starting to use Medical Cannabis?
A-4) Cannabis isn’t similar to other traditional medicines. Therefore, it’s important to carry necessary background health information to a doctor’s visit.
Adequate disclosure of information to the concerned medical expert would facilitate the decision-making process. Ask questions like:
- Is Cannabis right for my kind of health condition?
- Which among the variety of cannabis products is right for me?
- How much time will I start seeing results?
- What do you think the benefits will be?
- Are there any associated health risks or side effects?
- Can the doctor suggest any medical references about Medical Cannabis? It would only help to educate on the subject.
- Will cannabis treatment have any interactions with the current ongoing prescriptions?
- What are the associated costs involved?
It is always recommended to gather sound and professional medical advice on topics that aren’t very popular before making any decision.
Conclusion
Studies have shown that medical cannabis has promise in managing symptoms of various rare diseases. Some potential benefits are helping neurological disorders, pain management, controlling inflammation, etc.
Medical cannabis is gaining recognition for its potential therapeutic benefits. It is known to manage various health conditions.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before considering medical cannabis. Also, it is important to check on regulations and availability, as it varies by location.
Patient stories provide real-world insights on shaping the understanding of medical cannabis. These stories are a source of how they face health challenges, and experience relief. Having said that, scientific studies are equally important to validate their benefits, optimize dosages, and ensure safety measures. The combination of patient stories and voices and scientific research is what drives progress in this field.
While medical research is evolving, medical cannabis is gaining recognition as a complementary treatment for rare diseases.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.
