Can anyone tell me if medical marijuana is permitted pre-transplant?
Hi, I am new to the forum and glad to have found support since I really haven't shared with any friends or family.
I have liver disease (horrible nausea, headaches & sleepless), and am in the process of meeting with a transplant team. Can anyone tell me if medical marijuana is permitted pre-transplant?
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@jmp1234 two years post liver transplant for an autoimmune condition I use medical cannabis regularly for back pain and for sleep. I use a tincture nightly that relaxes me from my back aches that tend to loom large by days end and it helps me sleep. It was recommended post surgery by my liver team for my back problems which began after a fall early in my diagnosed illness when I had an episode of hepatic encephalopathy.
Prior to my transplant I used no cannabis and actually no alcohol though I had to prove that to my team pre listing as I had a small car accident pre diagnosis and the police who showed up accused me of being drunk. That myth dogged me for a bit and if I had learned of marijuana benefits I wouldn’t have dared asked for fear they’d misunderstand and I’d be kicked off the list.
I live in MA where legal cannabis abounds but there is still stigma, especially for a liver team which has to consider substance abuse a lot. I get it. Depending of your own background related to substances I think it’s fair to ask and negotiate if possible but if you can’t, perhaps incorporate “sleep hygiene” techniques into your life- I still do even though I use cannabis. Pre transplant I listened to, at bedtime, tapes of Yoga Nidra a friend sent to me. I am not a yoga person at all- however for several months I used that alternatively with trazodone 50 mg and I found it very effective and I still play it occasionally at times. Get creative and in the process you’ll learn a lot about yourself. Take good care.
In my case for liver transplant same reaction. My medical cannabis doctor here in Florida was very surprised and is a leader in the field. The same could be said for shell fish, mushrooms in sauces, etc. . I used to make my own edibles from oil extracts like RSO . We currently have a bill pending in senate Tallahassee Florida to try and look at this from a broader perspective. Especially for veterans and the VA . Been a very long battle that pits advocates against legislators whose political careers are directly tied to big pharma. Follow the money all the way to the state house in every state.
Ty !!!
Marijuana is not allowed pre transplant. They test for it and other drugs pre transplant. I was tested once a month while I waited for a liver. The doctors especially don’t want you smoking it. Post transplant my transplant doctors said I could do gummies that were 50/50 cbd and thc. I was severely under weight and needed something to help me eat. I took 1/2 a gummie at night. It did help. I did that for a month and my appetite came back. Always ask your doctors before you do anything. Certain types of drugs can get you kicked off the transplant list. Marajuana May vary depending on the state and doctors, but I didn’t want to risk anything, so I left it alone, no booze whatsoever, no marajuana, etc.
Outstanding info! ty
Hi, I am 33 yrs post transplant. My nausea has always been biggest problem. My GI and transplant team said NO smoking bc of fungal spores on flower, but edibles really help. I use Zofran sparingly and gummies. Talk to ur team. Pls don't jeopardize your health. Thanks for your honesty and sharing.
In a word.. no. The reasons I was given were varied and quite frankly the usual ignorant of the subject type of reasons. I chose to do as my team suggested and cease use since they hold the yes or no power on my life and liver transplant. I was at the front lines for many years in Florida to get medical passed. I chose to pick my battles and mayo for me, isn't the place to advocate and educate on the subject of cannabis. When fed deschedules this will be revisited. Until then I will advocate for my liver at mayo clinic, and abstain. I get UA'd once a month to verify abstinence like a criminal would, but this is the world we live in. Follow the money. I was deferred due to this, and once again up for commitee review next week. Not going to upset the apple cart, and I hope this helps.
And in jacksonville we came to a reasonable conclusion compromise. I ceased my medical cannabis and started on trazidone and extra strength otc at bedtime. This achieved about a 50 % effective rate and it beats being denied. Hth
It's been a long road, but we shall overcome:) ty