Medical Marijuana Blog

An unbiased discussion on all aspects of Medical Marijuana.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Medical Marijuana Patients

Medical marijuana is used by many patients across the world.

Some do this legally and others are forced to obtain marijuana illegally to help cope with their symptoms form their illness.

I would like to hear from patients who smoke medical marijuana. Has the marijuana been an affective treatment for your illness?

posted by Mark Levins @ 1:37 PM  

21 Comments:

  • At 7:11 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Yes maam! A short history lesson concerning my glaucoma treatment. About 26 years ago I was diagonosed with glaucoma. My wonderful eye Dr. tried everything he could to relieve the pressure from laser treatment, eye drops and a silicone band placement. Nothing worked. I was preparing for the inevitable; when, a nurse recommended I try marijuanna as she heard that it helped glaucoma pressure. I had tried marijuanna before; but, was not a regular user. Found someone who new someone and got some to try. Have to admit the "buzz" was a very nice feeling. You might compare it to having a couple of beers. Anyway, on my next eye appointment my Dr. was stunned. He checked the pressure twice and basically stated this to me which I will never forget, "I don't know what you are doing; but, keep it up because it is working." My pressure was back within normal levels. Well, that is my personal experience. I have been using pot for the past 25 years to control my glaucoma pressure. Too bad I lost complete sight in my right eye before I started using it. Thanks to our dim-witted short-sighted government I continue to look for my "medicine" on the black market. When will the government bureaucrats wake up and smell the reality of what marijuanna is today. I see more and more reports of what marijuanna does to help people. In my opinion they should make marijuanna legal and alcohol illegal. Thank you, A concerned medical user of marijuanna.

     

  • At 8:32 PM, Blogger Altus1 said…

    I have severe PTSD(shellshock) & bipolar disorder. Synthetic meds only aggravate my conditions, and force me to deal with debilitating side effects. Therapy does not help, even EMDR.

    With the use of pot, I am an adequate mother & wife. I can run my business and manage my home. I am a functioning member of society and the community where I live...
    I can give back.

    Without it, I do not function at even the most basic and primitave levels.

    My choice was to go back to smoking pot, or commit suicide.

    Bottom line: POT HELPS PEOPLE!!!

    Thank you.

     

  • At 11:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I am a suffer of PKD (Polycystic kidney disease) putting me into renal failure.. I get so nauseous and don't want to eat.
    I guess I could run to get dialysis.
    To this day I have not had to go through.. I've been a smoker before I got sick.. I had known of marijuana's ability to help with nausea like with cancer suffers.. I also have bad side effects from most meds for nausea.. I never did smoke when I was sick till I was really bad off and my wife asked me if I though that my help.. She was to the point of try anything.. it had been a week, So me beenin to the point of wishing for death I though what can it hurt.. She brings me the bong and 2 hits later I was feeling 100% better 20-30 mins later I was ready to eat something that was in 2000.. 7 years later and I still feel great.

    If only the government could see beyond their fears of the past and look to the future what is good medicine.. Not what good for the back..

     

  • At 10:15 PM, Blogger caseysdream said…

    I am the only Marylander to testify before committees of the Maryland Senate and the House of delegates, this past year. I will be back there next year. I can also be seen in an episode of Viwepoint on Retirement Living TV. I survived polio and I will continue to fight for my right to as pain free as possible.

     

  • At 2:13 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Having been diagnosed three years ago with severe endometriosis, severe adhesions and a large mass I had a 6 hour belly surgery. Six months after the surgery, the pain returned, steadily getting stronger until it was unbearable and the quality of life made the future pretty grim. A scan showed a 10cm X 10cm mass had returned, for which no surgeon was willing to operate because the prognosis was not very good as far as my being a surgical candidate. I have seen three surgeons, on both coasts, all of them pelvic/abdominal pain specialists. Was told by all I would probably end up with (best case scenario) a colostomy or (worst case scenario) peritonitis and infections (requiring immediate, repeat surgeries).

    Have been on some pretty strong pain meds for the past year. Just trying to live with it. Am taking Fentanyl in a patch form 50 mcg, which lasts three days, with Norco for breakthrough pain. When this is not enough, and believe me, often its not...marijuana makes life livable. Without it I would have been gone long ago.

    It helps me in every conceivable way. It helps with:
    Nausea (from the meds),
    Depression (from the pain and the duration of the pain and the seemingly hopelessness of the situation),
    Sleep Deprivation (from the pain and also from menopause, which I entered at 40 because of the surgery I had. This includes severe night sweats, hot flashes, emotional swings),
    Appetite (over the past year and a half I have lost 100 pounds, which is good, but now its getting to be too much and I keep losing. The marijuana helps my appetite, as well as seems to give me the energy to even go in the kitchen and cook something, as it seems i have to 'budget every ounce of energy I have') and, most importantly,
    The Pain, Itself (cannabis seems to dull the pain, and at times will push it back completely when used with the other meds).

    I live for those days.

    I certainly pray that someday cannabis is made legal, so that people in my circumstances don't have to suffer as much as they would without the medicine.

    It truly has saved my life.

     

  • At 1:46 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I have used marijuana medically for fibromyalgia, chronic pain (osteoarthritis/DJD), insomnia, and anorexia. It helps, but the 'smoke' is a problem for me, and the criminalization, of course. The fact that it is illegal adds to my anxiety sometimes, so I stopped. The doctors seem to always get me back on tons of pharmaceuticals to manage all of my depression and anxiety disorders, and coupled with the pain meds, it's a formula for disaster. I've almost died on drug overdoses, and drug interactions several times. It's a catch-22 for me but at this time I take no prescription pain medication other than the awesome help from cymbalta. I pray marijuana is decriminalized in the U.S. before I wither away to nothing...

     

  • At 5:26 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I noticed that all the posted comments are by people with long term health problems. I thankfully am not that.
    But I would like to tell you of a recent experience I have gone through. I broke my leg in 3 places it required surgery to fix torn muscles, & the inserting of 2 rods & 1 plate so the bones could heal in the correct alignment.
    The pain medication was morphine,other available perfered medications like codiene & whatever else they experimented with wasn't able to cut the pain from all the damage & the surgery.
    While the morphine did work, I needed to take another medication for stomach lining protection, a stool softner , laxitives.
    It just didn't feel right to be putting all this stuff, with all these different warning labels into my body every 4 hours.
    A friend told me to try pot for the pain & stop taking the drugs.
    I tried it out & found that not only did smoking marijuana take my mind off the pain, I was able to & wanted to EAT! In less than 2 days my digestive system was working away, I had stopped all medication & just took a couple puffs when the pain would start ot get to me. Because I wasn't taking drugs I could have a beer or 2 at night when my wife got home from work, or a nice wine with dinner, which we have done several times a week for over 5 years together. My life was basicly back to normal, except for the big cast I was lugging around.
    I went to my family Doctor, told him what I had decided to try instead of the pain medications etc. perscribed by the surgeon.
    He told me that marijuana is not recognized as being helpful for pain-in my situation- & he could not recomend it. He spoke on how there are people out there who put other substances like PCP to make pot get you higher, which are very dangerous.
    I assured him of a source who had just good buds available.
    He softly told me I am not the only patient he's had that has used marijuana for pain management.
    Asked me to keep him posted.
    I don't understand why this plant that can allow someone to function by getting a handle on their pain isn't used more often?
    While drugs with known side effects , that can cause serious & possibly deadly side affects not to mention addiction etc. are considered the 'best approach'.
    I am a working, tax paying business owner, I try to be a good person , I obey the laws, respect others, love my family & I am now a criminal because of Goverment policy.
    I could walk down the street with a pocket full of morphine, & codiene & because I had a perscription in my name , there is no problem legally.
    But if I want to use marijuana to help with my pain instead...I am a criminal.

     

  • At 6:04 PM, Anonymous Legalize Marijuana said…

    Great Blog. I'm for the legalization of marijuana and I think that medical marijuana is a great way of opening the doors to that legalization (although I guess I shouldn't say that as that's the argument some people make against it.) Why? Consider that there's no real good reason for marijuana being illegal in the first place. Then add to that fact that it can actually help sick people? It's just insane to me that alcohol and cigarettes - two drugs which are much much more dangerous than marijuana and could definitely never be called "medicinal" - are legal while marijuana is not. It's just plain insanity. Anyway keep up the good work. I can't say I smoke it for medicinal reasons though. I smoke it because I enjoy smoking it. I find it to be an interesting change in perceptions. I also find it very relaxing after a hard day's work.

     

  • At 5:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I am a cronic sufferer of neck pain due to an auto accident in 2002. Since then, I have tried almost every pain relief medication there is. I have epidural shots in my cervical spine every so often, and they help. Pot relieves the pain almost immediately...I sure wish it were legal.

     

  • At 5:45 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I was diagnosed with bipolar over ten years ago, as a child. Nothing really helped, and the best of what did work didn't make me happy, it made me a zombie. I wasn't angry, annoyed, sleepy, grumpy, grouchy, upset, I wasn't anything, I was just kind of there.

    I took myself off my meds, figuring that at least untreated, I'd get the benefit of you know, having emotions, even if they were completely uncontrollable. That didn't work out so well, and I ended up making a couple half-assed attempts at suicide, not because I "didn't really want to die", but because I so feared the pain associated with dying. Yeah, I'm a wimp.

    I began using marijuana recreationally a few years ago, however, and discovered that pretty much all my symptoms vanished. I find myself feeling much more "level", even when not currently under the influence, able to enjoy myself in most any context, where before, there was either soul-crushing dread, or insane manic fits where I wouldn't sleep or eat for days. Instead of either being a zombie or having to deal with my symptoms, I had found another option.

    I know, it's not the typical glaucoma / cancer story, but cannabis has changed my life for the better, I only wish I had found it sooner, and that I didn't have to go through the grey market to find it. Thankfully, living in New York, that may not be the case much longer. I look forward to being able to grow my own medicine without having to worry about having my home taken for me. For now, I'll just have to pay the premium associated with illicit accquisition.

     

  • At 1:17 PM, Anonymous Trevor said…

    New Radio Program Legalization of Marijuana and more KCAA 1050 AM "Can You Handle The Truth" Southern California


    Hi :

    My name is Trevor @ KCAA Radio and I am producing a Radio Program in Southern California called " Can You Handle The Truth " that supports the legalization of Marijuana.

    It is being broadcast for the last month or so here is the Inland Empire. We really need some paying sponsors to help us keep this going and are open for any suggestions. I need about $500 per week in sponsors to keep this show on the air and it is pod cast worldwide at www.kcaaradio.com. I have a few weeks left to get a few paying sponsors. If you can help us let me know. I hope you like what you hear !!! We would be glad to advertise anything you are trying to promote on the show

    If you want to call into the program it is Friday Nights 8 pm P.S.T. The call in number at the studio is 909-888-5222

    I hope you can listen to a few of the past shows we have done and if you want to have any input we would love it.


    Here is the link to listen to the past shows we have done and we have been running your spot for MPP.


    http://yardtv.gotdns.com/kcaa-podcasts/truth/



    I hope you like what you hear.



    Trevor @ KCAA 1050 AM Radio
    NBC News Talk for the Inland Empire


    To financially help us keep the program on the air and on the ineternet contact

    tgarnerkcaa@aol.com


    or we can accept donations via Pay Pal. E-Mail us for the info to help.

     

  • At 9:24 PM, Blogger i. have. no. name. said…

    hi, just wanted to say you have a great blog!!! :) great job!!!!!!!!!!1

     

  • At 3:08 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I am a medical marijuana patient for 2 years now. I had back surgery 3 years ago. I have permenant sciatic nerve damage, and have chronic back spasms. The pain can be overwhelming at times. There are times when the pain from the constant back spasms and the sciatic pain, keep me from walking. I have 2 choices.
    A) take pharmies or...
    B) smoke or eat marijuana.

    I tried A, but i wouldnt be able to work because of the pharmies end up making me sleep for hours and hours, make me nausious, and eat away at my liver.
    The last time i used pharmacuticals for my pain and spasms, i overdosed trying desperatly to control the pain and spasms.
    I then tried medical marijuana, and to my suprise it has helped ALOT.
    I can now work, i can now lead a normal life thanks to MM.
    Contrary to popular belief, i have not become some lazy, do nothing, brain dead moron. I have a full time job, something i did not have while on the pharmies. I no longer have the fear of overdosing, dont go through the phsical and mental withdraws associated with pharmies, and dont have the fear of loosing my mind, or moving onto cocain or heroin like some people suggest that marijuana as a gateway drug.
    I am so happy that the i can choose a natural substance, instead of chemicals that really began to ruin my life.

     

  • At 8:22 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I have extreme pain from the drugs given to me for Hepatitis C. I have been given tramadol 300mg for pain but the side effects are so bad for me I would rather not take the drug. I keep resorting to marijuana even though it's not legal where I live. I would not be able to work without it. I was pretty much bedridden and had to use a cane alot to walk. With marijuana it eases my pain and I can function like an almost normal individual. I am a closet user and was even drug tested to get this job. I'm a 40 year old mom and office manager and no one would think I use but I am tired of feeling like a criminal for needing my 'medicine'(marijuana). I have to go to the 'drug house' to buy it and constantly worry about getting busted! It shouldn't be this way and I'm taking a stand!

     

  • At 2:29 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I was diagnosed with M.S. (multiple sclerosis) in the year 2000. I moved back to Washington state where my parents lived and from there was able to get a letter from the doctor saying it was okay for me to smoke marijuana yet it's not legal here for him to give it to me. I still have to go black market and get my meds. Why? Why? and Why? I've asked myself why did I get this disease and can't find an answer..but to ask why I can't get my medication when I need it..there is an answer and some place to point a finger. I wish just once some of our so called important Government advisors and what not would have to suffer like those of us that depend on the marijuana to make us feel more human..make us able to deal with everyday life. Just once I want them to know what it's like to have to watch your back at every moment worried that the police are going to arrest you for buying medication. I also go through chemotherapy for my M.S. and it sure helps with that as well. Okay, I've vented and I'm done for now but I still want our government to know how it actually feels!

     

  • At 8:37 PM, Anonymous gro4me said…

    In 1993 I was diagnosed with the most advanced case of thyroid cancer ever seen in a living patient at Oregon Health Science University Hospital.

    I had experimental surgery, experimental radiation treatments, and experimental drugs. For 8 years I took more than 25 pills a day to cope with the symptoms of both advanced cancer and radiation poisoning. During those 8 years, I saw my doctor every month, I saw teams of specialists throughout the year, I saw the pharmacist repeatedly throughout every month, and I had fight for my life in the Emergency Room 3-10 times a year.

    Within 1 year of joining the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, I was off of all drugs (except 2 hormone replacements) and had stopped going to the ER completely. I haven't been to the ER since 1999. I see my doctor once a year to get my OMMP application renewed and to get referred to the specialists to verify the progress (or lack of progress) of my cancer.

     

  • At 6:39 PM, Blogger Bill from Jupiter said…

    Happy New Year to all, especially my Viet-Nam PTSD group in West Palm Beach,Fla. I start this blog trying to explain to those who understand what time it is and who donot so are very appriciative they have been blessed by surving so long not getting busted for trying to medicate with an herb, not constantly worrying, not massive meds prescribed. Knowing we are not the bad guys. The chronic and severe PTSD brothers know how hard it is to get to this point. Those CHRONIC and SEVERE, two words are not given out by the Veterans Admin. The reason is, the two words must be used in getting your 100% disability. I just would like to hear if anyone wants to hear more about my. Welcome Home Brothers. Please give me some feedback. Im Bill from Jupiter Florida. God Bless

     

  • At 10:19 PM, Anonymous lilmskeys said…

    I was and am an aspiring singer/songwriter and back in 96 while doing some volunteer work during a rehearsal I fell on the stage seperating my left pelvis from the sacral joint. It took 2 years being bedridden and in horrifying pain when a Dr. told me I needed a fusion so I could walk again. At this point I wasn't a cannabis user, and never took even an aspirin. Just extremely healthy and quite the supermom actually. After being in the hospital for 5 days I ended up back in the ER the first night in so much pain I was screaming so they knocked me out for like 3 days I think. Still the pain persisted with a vengeance all over my entire body and my ex now in utter exasperation suggested I try using marijuana...I said no but that I would try anything so he got some for me and from that day on I have been able to fight my way back to try to get as much of my health back as I can. I have never had a caregiver through the entire ordeal, divorce, you name it,,,,marijuana has saved my life. I was diagnosed with Myofascial Pain Disorder and Fibromyalgia and now have large tumors in my back that hurt like hell when I sit down so I have to lay alot...I watch movies, play my keyboard, go for little outings just to keep me balanced as I've always been a nature lover and now I am getting my own apt. on Monday and want so much to help other people. I'd like to get more involved and keep telling my story because there is power in our testimony. I don't care what anyone thinks about me anymore,,,I used to worry so much about that. I too would be anorexic if I didn't smoke because I know how I am and because I'm alone alot after coming from a large family and then the divorce and accident and surgeries and more I cannot mention I would be in trouble without marijuana and I know it. You see in the past 5 years I've lost both my parents, my brother to a drug overdose, 2 beautiful neices and sooo much loss I actually have a good attitude considering and I contribute this to the regular use of cannabis. Still I know we have to be very careful and follow all the laws to the best of our ability and get involved...enjoying the website, thanks.
    GardenGirl

     

  • At 7:48 PM, Anonymous crazy artist said…

    This is my blog page.
    All kinds of interesting news articles.
    Medical Marijuana for Dummies:exerpts from the book

    Ohio Patient Network - NEW STUDIES DESTROY THE LAST OBJECTION TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA-Human subjects used in study, vaporizer study

    lots more....

    http://marijuanapatients.blogspot.com/2008/02/salem-newscom-articles-written-by-dr.html
    Marijuana Vaporizers for Patients: Salem-News.com Articles written by Dr. Phil Leveque

     

  • At 1:50 PM, Anonymous JR2 said…

    My mother wants to use 'It' for her arthritus. Will it help her and work if she eats it? And ...
    She's a recovering alcoholic and worrys if 'It" will cause a compulsion? She would love to hear from somebody in her shoes that 'It' is working.
    sacrament@happyhippie.com

    Thank you for your time,
    JR2

     

  • At 9:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I am a 45 year old female who is in menopause. My doctor put me on hormones to control the symptoms, this only magnified the moodiness. Smoking pot relieves all of my symptoms (night sweats, hot flashes,moodiness and weight gain). When I cant find it because I live in a non approved state, the mood swings and sleepness nights are hell. This need to legalized

     

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