Marijuana for Chronic Pain Experiences

Posted by ashby1947 @ashby1947, Mar 1, 2021

Hello Everyone - I have severe osteoarthritis in my lumbar spine ( along with a bunch of other things - stenosis, etc). My Pain Mgmt doc just signed me up for Medical Marijuana. I have no problem with marijuana, and like many of you, probably enjoyed it in our youth during the 70's. But fast forward to a 74 y.o. woman trying to figure out how best to use it for chronic pain. Florida has Medical MJ laws, which I'm trying to figure out. But in addition, the dispensing of it is not something with which I am familiar! So many different dosages and forms. I would very much appreciate hearing about your exploration and experimentation with MJ for pain mgmt. What have you tried? what has worked? what dosage? problems? suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help. I hope you are having a good day! Sue

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

@jenatsky

I’ve heard and read about that too, unfortunate. What was your reason for using mj if not depression, which is still unproven?

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I had been using mj for fibromyalgia, chronic pain from scoliosis surgeries, anxiety. I didn’t find that it helped much.

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Hello, Sue. @ashby1947 Good to see you and hope all is well. Sounds like you're working hard to use all avenues for pain help. I've found good success using mj now in place of most pharmaceuticals. I don't have anymore steroid shots in my hands or wrists, and they are much worse. My lumbar and cervical vertebrae are full of issues, lots of increasing pain and limited use for years. I got regular steroids, epidurals, etc and had good results, but side effects and of course nothing lasted.

I made a decision these chemicals weren't good for my body. I decided to stop the shots and find help another way.

I got the right help with using mj and almost stumbled on a good combination for my needs.
I need help with bone/muscle pain. Degenerative arthritis, fibromyalgia, restless leg, multiple vertebrae injuries, sarcoidosis, neck injuries, compression fractures, anxiety, stress, insomnia, seizures..........mj helps me now with all these issues and more.

I'm no longer taking Lyrica, Neurontin, Lamictal, ibuprofen, oxycontin, and others. I do take requip - dopamine for restless leg and it also greatly helps w/tremors, walking, heavy legs, lifting feet, energy. Cymbalta is helpful for fibro and other pain. Robaxin helps relax muscles and relieves some pain. I'm taking several supplements, including Citrical and glucosomine/chondrotin ???sp.....zinc and D3 for deficiency and immune.

Now, I'm using mj tincture only. Currently, 1:1 250/250mg THC:CBD. an hour before bedtime for anxiety relief, pain relief and insomnia. Works. Also, add melatonin currently, but will drop as I increase dosage, which I think I will try this week for additional help. But, not by much....will chat with MUV consultant. Doc recommended I use Indica. Doing so until I chat with Chris. I need better pain management during the day, so have been using a THC spray, 2-3 sprays for relief, but not quite right yet. I keep the spray and a bottle of CBD tincture in my purse and use both during the day.

I'm determined to get the best combination for day and night and win this crazy battle. I am such a different woman now off all the prescriptions. What a change. Brain fog is gone. GONE. I have clarity of thought, my vocabulary is much greater, using words I haven't used for years. I make decisions much more easily and quickly and better. I'm happy. Even hurting, I'm happy. Life is brighter, colors are clearer.....since off the meds. And, my bones and organs are healthier!

So, there you go. I need a Chris consult. I'm ordering tonight by phone for p/u tomorrow. I sometimes order and have free delivery when I get over $100, which is always. I'm really pleased with this process and results all around. So are my Mayo docs.

Blessings, Sue. I hope your search leads to pain and anxiety relief, a good life with quality.
Hope this helps.
elizabeth

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@cgmc

I had been using mj for fibromyalgia, chronic pain from scoliosis surgeries, anxiety. I didn’t find that it helped much.

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How long did you try mj for? It’s not an immediate effect drug. Many people micro dose throughout the day which gives near constant exposure, less brain fog with small regular doses. My 2 cents. Sorry you had no initial success.

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@jenatsky

How long did you try mj for? It’s not an immediate effect drug. Many people micro dose throughout the day which gives near constant exposure, less brain fog with small regular doses. My 2 cents. Sorry you had no initial success.

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I tried different tinctures, and vaping, mostly high cbd, low thc in various dosages over the course of a couple months. I also felt memory effects....I would have a thought, turn around and it would be gone! I realize it is very effective for some of us. That’s why I tried it. That’s ok. I have a pretty good regime of drugs, body work, diet and light exercise that seem to keep me going 😀. Thanks for asking.

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@ashby1947

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with mj. My pain mgmt doc gave me info on Trulieve clinics here in JAX, and it says to start the process with a consultation with one of their certified consultants. As I've been doing a little research, that seems like the best idea. I am also getting the sense from the many Connect friends, that taking mj is a very individual experience and each person must tweak it to suit her needs. Hope this is a good day! Sue

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I buy my mj from Trulieve and their consultants are really good . You are right that you need to find the combination of CBD & THC that will help you. Good luck, Joan

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HI Joan - Trulieve is the dispensary that my doc recommended here in JAX. I cannot get through to talk with anyone when I call. I have yet to schedule a consultation; however, I just wanted to visit the dispensary to get a feel for things. I'm still trying to get basic information. Some of the You Tube videos help, but I don't know about their veracity. I appreciate your comments that you have had good experience with Trulieve. Thanks! Sue

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@ashby1947 Sue, I used Trulieve for a year or so, also recommended by my pain doc, but the closest location wasn't convenient and I didn't get the help from the consultants that I really needed. Then, my son found MUV in a closer area. They have a good system w/pre-ordering online or via phone customer service, p/u and chat with consultants on site as well as on phone. I do prefer the phone, as this way I can ask questions, get advice and take advantage of whatever discounts are available. They have good delivery free if order is over $100, and it is.
I hope you can get started soon, as this has truly offered me a safe and excellent source of pain management.
Blessings and wishing for pain relief. elizabeth

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@cgmc

I tried different tinctures, and vaping, mostly high cbd, low thc in various dosages over the course of a couple months. I also felt memory effects....I would have a thought, turn around and it would be gone! I realize it is very effective for some of us. That’s why I tried it. That’s ok. I have a pretty good regime of drugs, body work, diet and light exercise that seem to keep me going 😀. Thanks for asking.

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Good luck with your control, I know it’s hit and miss sometimes. I just roll with my pain and try to keep is at bay as best possible.

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@lioness

@wheelerma I use New Age cbd where it's grown is organic farm and certified free of any contaninates It's 100% cbd hemp oil

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Thank you!

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@cgmc

I had been vaping and using tinctures for a few months. However, my Primary Doc did some research and said it would interfere with my antidepressant. I had also experienced this, so decided against continuing with the marijuana.

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Which medicine are you taking that is interacting with the product you take? Thank you.

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