Does medical marijuana work for chronic pain?

Good evening @betterway, I can sense your frustration and disappointment. And you are correct.....as we age and our bodies decline, there are some days when I just want to have a "pity party" for myself. Why me and why that pain or this one? I just had my annual meeting with my PCP this morning. We reviewed and discussed eight subjects that involved taking a good look at medications, eliminating some, adding others, discussing the effects of increased medical cannabis, reviewing options for incontinence (my least favorite aging issue).

Our relationship is an open one and we share in the decision-making. So now, I will be trying a couple of new medications for 1 month and eliminating or reducing, or increasing others. We will stay in touch and in search of the best protocol we can design together to give me the best quality of life possible. I am so glad she is in my life and in charge of my aging process. Last year I had another TKR and hand surgery. This year I will be focusing on hearing and seeing and I have a partner to share my journey.

What will bring you joy........a found ability, a new experience, a discovered talent? Have you given any thought to mindfulness and meditation? Those daily practices keep me on the happy side of living.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

@betterway - does CBD come in capsule/gelcap form?

I too have chronic pain and sympathize. Non-pain people can’t understand because they don’t see anything broken on the outside. Even my spouse often forgets I am in pain and expects me to do normal things and be pleasant. We just have to take care of ourselves and do the best we can.

@betterway I hear what you are saying and empathize with you. I was seeking a better way to live too. I was depressed, angry, sad and frustrated that my life changed direction. I lived in chronic pain and there wasn't a damn thing that would make it go away. I became disabled and lost my job. My kids had grown and my youngest left for college. I felt very alone, lost direction, independence and questioned my self worth.

Our circumstances may be different, but at the end of the day we both just want to be able to enjoy being a part of life, right? How are you presently helping yourself emotionally handle and accept your life changes and chronic pain? How might you see yourself finding positive distraction, joy or humor?

I was injured in a accident. And now live in constant pain at some level. I have been unable to return to my work. My skill set is such that although I am looking for another type of work that can accommodate my limitations. So far, I have not been hired. Of course, yes, I am concerned that that I may not be up to the new job. Way I see it only way to find out is to go and see.
I'm not feeling pitiful, whoever suggested that. I do get sad and its normal, I get mostly angry at myself and life in general. If you think that's wrong. Get over it., because I think that its normal also. Again, I appreciate the kindness and help I have received. I just never thought, and I guess who does and no one is ever ready or prepared on how to deal with debilitating injury. Onward through it all to wherever it goes.

Remember that 80% of disabled chronic pain patients develop depression and/or anxiety. There is good treatment.

Yep Depressing it can be. Anxious, hmmm, how about energy and just wanting to do something good.

@betterway Your range of emotions are very normal. Been there, done that, anger and all, I relate to you. Again, how are you handling your emotions so they don't beat you up further and intensify your chronic pain? Is Connect your only outlet?

You are faced with difficult life changes and needing support is ok. Do you write down your feelings? Journaling thoughts is therapeutic. Writing down your biggest fears or anger can be a healthy mental release. Also, distraction is incredibly valuable. Digging down deep to find what brings you joy and seeking it out can help shift your focus. Baby steps towards realizing you're worth it. This is a process, a learning curve, and takes time to willfully gain acceptance. I'm rooting for you and am here to support you.

In what ways might you find joy today?

@betterway Amen. Oh how I understand that feeling. When your mind has one speed, but your body has another and cant keep up. Doing something good can look like a lot of different things. I found this required problem solving. Instead of getting mad at myself and the situation (like I used to) I now see it as a challenge. I'm like, OK, I want to do something so how might that look? How might I find what I still "can do" verses what I no longer can. Just because I'm disabled does not mean I am unable. Problem solving is what I use as my challenge. When one door closes, another opens. How might you do something good?

I've had some level of nerve pain, for about seven years now (it's worsened after two surgeries for the rare disease, achalasia). Treatment for chronic and acute pain require a different mindset by the patient. Unless it becomes an emergency I'm resisting medication. Medication for long term pain seems doomed to fail. The best treatment for chronic pain I've discovered, and I'm certainly far from perfect at it, is mindfulness meditation. It teaches a great deal, but mostly how to coexist with the pain (nor react poorly to it), not let it run your life. It does this by changing your perspective, how you relate to it.
In order to make this a successful par of treatment you have to give up on the idea of an instant relief, it takes a while to understand the benefits. In Oregon we have a group called Refuge Recovery (which was founded on Buddhist principles and primary serves addicts and alcoholics but is very welcoming overall) who teaches mindfulness.