From debilitating pain and fistfuls of meds to cannabis and health … and being an engaged mom again!
Editor’s Note: Any testimonials or endorsements found on this site are for anecdotal purposes only. The information in Rxleaf testimonials is not intended as direct medical advice, nor should it be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with qualified healthcare professionals who are intimately knowledgeable about your individual medical needs.
I didn’t have much hope. The doctors told me I’d be in a wheelchair by 40. Let the meds begin!! Prednisone, nope, Methotrexate, nope, Enbrel, nope. If you’ve seen the med chart at the doc’s office for Arthritis, well I’ve been on them all. Some did work for a little bit, but a max of two years then nothing. I was crawling up and down stairs. Worse, I was trying to raise my daughter and feeling like a failure. It seemed I would be in pain forever from fibromyalgia and arthritis.
One beautiful day, my uncle who had been getting cannabis from the government came by and said smoke this joint with me. I was close to giving up. I thought everyone would be better off without burdening me… so I said what the hell.
I’ve never looked back.
Then I got my life back. First I could walk up and down stairs. Then I could be the mom I want to be. And best, I wasn’t feeling worthless. I had hope again.
I’m Not in a Wheelchair
I was 26 when that happened and I’ve used cannabis illegally since then (until recently, when I obtained my medical cannabis card). When I couldn’t afford it, or it wasn’t available, the pain returned. At one point, my family convinced me to try a new pharmaceutical – “Humira.” They wanted a more permanent/consistent fix. I got 2 years and in November of 2016, it just stopped working.
I’ve decided I’m taking control. I believe Cannabis will be what saves me from the pain, the depression AND the guilt that comes with being chronically ill. I’ve had 1 week now of Critical Mass (1:1 for CBD:THC) and I don’t remember ever feeling this good.
My name is Britt. I’m 44, and I’m NOT in a wheelchair. instead, I’m playing with my grandkids and I’m working in my garden. Cannabis has given me my life back. I’m hoping now, by being strain specific, using all methods available from edibles to patches I will be pain free!!
How Cannabis Relieved Fibromyalgia and Arthritis Symptoms
Along with Britt, around 10 million people in the United States are battling fibromyalgia, and only ten percent of them are men. Women make up the majority of patients with a disease that is difficult to diagnose and treat. Moreover, it can be severely debilitating, and many patients undergo a mix of medication, counseling and dietary changes.
Doctors commonly prescribe pharmaceuticals like Cymbalta, Savella and Lyrica. These manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but for many patients there is no relief. The exact causes of fibromyalgia are still unknown, however, scientists have discovered a few links to the disease. Correspondingly, research shows that people who have suffered childhood trauma may be at greater risk of developing fibromyalgia.
Also, other studies [1]Russo, Ethan B. “Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Reconsidered: Current Research Supports the Theory in Migraine, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel, and Other Treatment-Resistant Syndromes.” … Continue readingsuggest that the disease could come an endocannabinoid deficiency. Chiefly, research from the University of Michigan (2007) showed that painkillers did not bind as well to receptors in the brains of patients suffering from fibromyalgia. These factors may help explain why cannabis has been reported as effective treatment for the disease.
Science still has more to learn in regard to cannabinoids and fibromyalgia, but in this 2014 study conducted by the National Pain Foundation, sixty-two percent of survey respondents said that cannabis was “very effective” in alleviating their fibromyalgia symptoms.
How Cannabis Can Treat Arthritis And Fibromyalgia
In addition to its ability to help ease painful neurological symptoms, cannabis is also showing potential in helping arthritis. A study published in Rhuematology (2006) [2]Blake, D R, et al. “Preliminary Assessment of the Efficacy, Tolerability and Safety of a Cannabis-Based Medicine (Sativex) in the Treatment of Pain Caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Rheumatology … Continue readingran a controlled trial on a cannabinoid pharmaceutical called Sativex. They found that the drug make a significant impact in suppressing the disease. Patients reported improvements in quality of sleep and pain level.
Further, and more recently, the Arthritis Foundation created a CBD guide for treating arthritis after learning about CBD’s popularity among arthritis patients in a survey. Also, among 2,600 respondents, 79 percent were currently using CBD, had used it in the past, or were considering using it for arthritis pain.
In this official press release, the organization stated:
“We are intrigued by the potential of CBD to help people find pain relief and are on record urging the FDA to expedite the study and regulation of these products. While currently there is limited scientific evidence about CBD’s ability to help ease arthritis symptoms, and no universal quality standards or regulations exist, we have listened to our constituents and consulted with leading experts to develop these general recommendations for adults who are interested in trying CBD.”
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