How do you all feel about "alternative" treatment(s) for chronic pain?

[Cape_Cod_Sharon]

~Sha

[JacquiRo]

Hi Cape

I live in the U.K. and with some this is a really taboo subject as you say ...

Mmm difficult one as some could use if for pain etc but what happens when it isn't enough... do they go into harder stuff... no different to painkillers ie paracetamol to morphine.

I have been told it would help my ATN but of course it isn't legal here. Also not sure I would want to.

But having said that... it was here before chemical pks ... I do hate the smell of it I can smell if someone has it on them or had it on them ie a pocket . Just a good sense of smell... anyway I am not here to judge.. if it helps and you are not dealing and taking in moderation then go for it.

I got to a point once with legal meds were not working on my ATN as on max dose and was about to do the unthinkable and my daughter took me to the a and e as my neurosurgeon was on... he operated there and then and saved me... so don't ever get to that point ... do what you have to do but be safe xxx. Healing thought xxxx

[Trikki]

Personally I am all for it....asked my GP re prescribing this and he replied "I think you know more about this than me!!!".... I am sure it will soon be available here but so many seem to think OMG I don't want to be high all day not realising that that particular substance is extracted from medicinal meds. It does reduce pain and helps sleep so for me it is a definite YES PLEASE!!! Take care xxx

[spzgirl51]

Hello Cape_Cod_Sharon ,

I agree with Trikki , and I think there are many people who would benefit hugely if the UK allowed its use for medicinal purposes.

Do you use cbd oil or full strength cannabis? I would be afraid to use full strength 'skunk'.I don't use any form now. But would consider it if it was legal.

[Cape_Cod_Sharon in reply to spzgirl51]

It's funny, the medicinal does not carry that funky skunk odor. The few I have tried have been sweet and aromatic...enjoyable, dare I say. I smoke, but that is my preference. I am a smoker and I'll probably die with a cigarette in my mouth. And, now I am told that if I want my liver transplant I will have to quit smoking or they may not even consider me for transplant...kind of discriminatory if you ask me, but nobody's asking. LOL

[spzgirl51 in reply to Cape_Cod_Sharon]

Hello Cape_Cod_Sharon ,

I understand your feeling exactly. i smoked a generous packet a day for over 30 years and I definitely thought I would die with a cigarette in my mouth? That could have been my personal catch-phrase!

I plucked up the courage to buy nicotine patches in the year 2000. I can still remember shaking with fear as I did it because smoking was my comfortable friend even though I hated it?

Afterwards , I began to realise what a hold nicotine had had over my actions for so many years? and that made me angry too?

So I am happy I managed to give up? I think tobacco is a false friend ? But I know you are dealing with so much right now that I feel for you? And I am more than a little jealous that you can sit on your porch of a summers evening and mellow out with legal cannabis?

My medicine regime now means I cant have even a glass of fully bodied red wine of an evening either?? Oh well, there is always chocolate lol

Take care of yourself xxx

[Hartleyhare2]

I'm happy to be a criminal and purchase cannabis here in UK, trouble is it's usually stronger than I want so can only smoke it late at night and it helps me sleep. Milder edibles would be absolutely fantastic. I know how to make the butter but have never actually done it but had hash brownies in Amsterdam.

The system is corrupt and a joke. They freely dole out to me morphine tablets, oramorph, Tramadol, Diazipam, co codymol, strong sleeping tablets, strong anti depressants and blood pressure tablets and that's all fine. Apart from thousands of people die each year from side effects and accidental overdoses. These are seriously strong chemicals!!! But if I asked mt GP about cannabis he would immeadiately label me a drug seeker and put it on my medical records. A joint reduces pain and numbness, lowers blood pressure and helps me to sleep and is natural!

However, I have come to realise that GPS are nothing but pimps for the hard drug sell of big pharma who have the government in their pocket from consultations in the Bahamas, Associate Directorships and plain old cash bribes. They don't want a cure that would be bad for business, they certainly don't want an effective, herbal alternative that can be grown in the garden and provide effective cheap relief as that would be bad for business.

So wise up people, big pharma, your government and your doctors don't have your best interests at heart!

[Cape_Cod_Sharon in reply to Hartleyhare2]

OMG! I hope everyone reads and re-reads your last paragraph:

"However, I have come to realize that GPS are nothing but pimps for the hard drug sell of big pharma who have the government in their pocket from consultations in the Bahamas, Associate Directorships and plain old cash bribes. They don't want a cure that would be bad for business, they certainly don't want an effective, herbal alternative that can be grown in the garden and provide effective cheap relief as that would be bad for business.

So wise up people, big pharma, your government and your doctors don't have your best interests at heart!"

EXCELLENT! It's the same here in the states although we have many holistic healers who have prescribing rights and don't hesitate to prescribe medicinal MJ when it is appropriate.

[Hartleyhare2 in reply to Cape_Cod_Sharon]

Thanks Sharon, appreciate your support. I'm an ex policy making lawyer within the top of the Ministry of Defence in the U.K. I know how Government works.

Holistic or alternative healing is growing fast in the UK plus is people's attitude to exercise. Unfortunately hard and binge drinking is rife and the norm. I'm actually Irish so don't go there! I managed to stop ten years ago and not touched a drop for nine.

I was concerned to read on the web how many holistic doctors have died in the USA under suspicious circumstances in the last year. It was dozens. The idea floated that a cancer cure was near and they were being silenced to prevent its release.

Have you heard of this? Any truth in it?

Love and light

Patrick x

[Cape_Cod_Sharon in reply to Hartleyhare2]

I haven't heard that Patrick. But I will look into it today and get back to you later today

~Sharon

[naturalnikki in reply to Cape_Cod_Sharon]

A whole back i was reading a medical thread between physical therapists. The PT that stayed the thread was asking for any advice on how to help a patient of his that he just couldn't figure out.

He adviced the original PT that he could try a move where he would push on her sore muscle in a particular way while she moved her muscle in a particular way, but that if he was smart he would just keep doing what he is doing. He said that if the original PT healed all his patients that he wouldn't have a very good business as he would have no clients.

I found this horrific. I disagree. If someone healed me i shout their name for all to hear. If you hurt go here.

People are messed up, not all of them, but enough.

[Gina-wen]

I used to smoke recreationally before I was a parent and before I was ill...I enjoyed it. After my first son was born it was offered to me and I couldn't stand being totally relaxed - incase my baby needed me. Fast forward - I've had symptoms of fibro since 2009 and this year it has got to an unmanagable level for me...I tried a smoke and still I freak out at the 'high'...I'm just so used to being on high alert. Anyway, got some cbd oil recently...can't decide if it's helping to be honest. I don't have 'good days'...I'm lucky to get ' a good few hours'...and I've had enough. I'm sure I'll bounce back one day...as I usually do...but haven't been anythng near right since last October.

[Hartleyhare2 in reply to Gina-wen]

Hi! I tried organic CBD tincture for two months and was very excited about it but unfortunately for me it didn't make any difference.

There are many different strains as mentioned, bud and skunk being very strong. But Lebanese resin and the like are mild and just take the edge off things.

I was a bit worried when I read that you thought you will ' just bounce back one day'. My pain psychologist gives out to me because I have a too positive attitude and it's getting in the way of me accepting my condition and come to terms with it. Acceptance, pacing and treating the symptoms not the illness. This is what has been drilled into me. I don't want do be a doom merchant and I sincerely hope you do bounce back. But fibro has me in its grips and I know my life is never going to be the same.

Take care

Patrick

[Cape_Cod_Sharon in reply to Hartleyhare2]

sad but true

[Gina-wen in reply to Hartleyhare2]

Yes, I do accept it's here to stay...until they find this miracle drug we're all waiting for! When I say 'bounce back' I mean more mentally/emotionally than anything else. I know I'm a strong person inside but the time always comes around where I get too tired, bad thoughts get the better of me then I cry....snot and mascara - it's not pretty - and then I 'bounce back', until the next time. I'd really like this CBD to help...maybe I was expecting too much. xx

[Hartleyhare2 in reply to Gina-wen]

I'm with you all the way ginawen, apart from the mascara bit 😂😂😂 I know I'm strong inside but sometimes it all just overwhelms me, I'm sure others feel the same. How are you at pacing? I'm rubbish! I have a good day and try and fit everything I haven't done into that day then end up in bed for two days feeling crap andvwondering why! Have you heard of the spoons theory it's a great guide to pacing. Boy I wish my head would take on board what advice I give!

Bestest wishes

Patrick x

[Gina-wen in reply to Hartleyhare2]

I'm terrible at pacing...like you, if a good day comes around I think WAHEY!! and I go nuts doing loads and then....crash. I can't do the spoon theory....I prefer the broken mobile phone charger theory.....doesn't matter how long it's plugged in it never charges to 100%....some days not even 10%.

[Hartleyhare2 in reply to Gina-wen]

Hahahaha! Not heard that one love it! Have you done one of the pain management courses at local hospital that covers pacing?

[Gina-wen in reply to Hartleyhare2]

Not yet...

[Hartleyhare2 in reply to Gina-wen]

It's good I did an eight week one, three hours a week called pain management, this one was specially for fibro learnt coping skills, what help is available etc. Was amazing to meet eight other people with fibro! GP can refer you or get in touch with pain clinic at hospital. Well worth it.

[Gina-wen in reply to Hartleyhare2]

I made a GP appointment today...for the 16th...at the end of my tether so I will definitely ask about that. Thank you. xx

[Hartleyhare2 in reply to Gina-wen]

Glad your moving forward and getting some help. Your GP can also refer you to physio, the Pain Clinic or some CBT sessions

Good luck

Patrick x

[Cape_Cod_Sharon in reply to Gina-wen]

I'm sorry sweetheart and I can honestly say "I know how you feel" I have been there for over 2 years now, it is a constant. My babies are all grown and when I am watching baby Lily Fern I don't even take my pain meds, I wait 'til Mama comes home.

[Hartleyhare2 in reply to Cape_Cod_Sharon]

I'd never even considered this aspect of mothers looking after babies before. So thank you all for educating me. My son says I have always been mother and father too him his whole life. My ex isn't the maternal type and I'm just nurturing with animals and kids. Neighbours used to drop their new horns with me or bring kids with stings grazes or splinters around to deal with! lol I miss that but they are all grown and remember.

Fortunately my boy was about ten before fibro really got its claws in me. So old enough to do a lot himself, he's fifteen now a good cook, money wise can use the washing machine do the shopping but never figured out how to do dishes! Lol

The whole point of a partnership is the man does his shift even if been working. With a poorly partner more so. I'm glad I had child rearing thrust upon me, I just applied the same basics as all the foals I've reared! lol I have the best father son relationship in the world😁

Patrick

[rosewine]

If it was legal I would definately give it a go, probably have far less side effects that all the meds we are given.x

[hebden]

I'd try anything to get a small bit of my old life back and have thought about trying the oil you can get but its expensive it it doesn't work. Less pain would be so good. It has been proven to help with certain conditions. xx

[TheAuthor]

Hi Cape_Cod_Sharon

I have the MediPen which is the legal version of CBD in the UK. Just about all (less than 0.02% remaining) of the TCH has been removed in processing. It helps a little but I have found if I use too much it gives me a tremendous headache that I cannot shift for a day or so. So, I am very careful even with the legit stuff.

I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

PS Can I just say that photo is absolutely captivating. I am going to try and save it to my phone as a screensaver if I can?

[Cape_Cod_Sharon in reply to TheAuthor]

Ken, Just snap a pic of it with your phone and make it your home screen

[TheAuthor in reply to Cape_Cod_Sharon]

Thanks, I never thought of that!

[Hartleyhare2]

We sound like peas in a pod!😂😂😂 x

[Hartleyhare2]

I'm totally with you on the smoke side that's why I think the edibles are a good idea I'm sure they could easily make a tablet form. In the USA they smoke pure weed, only here in the U.K. Do they mix it with tobacco. In the Us they grow dozens if not hundreds of strains some are very mild. As it is criminal and illegal here in UK they usually deal in the hard core stuff. Great government drug policy that makes that happen. If they relaxed the law the strains available would be milder. I'm not a big user just twice this year! A little THC is no bad thing it helps take away the pain and causes relaxation, I'm afraid pure CBD does not do this so for cannabis to work there must be THC present but a mild amount not stoner quantity. I want safe pain relief not euphoria. Is it really too much to ask? Our Health Proffessionals do know the benefits, there not stupid people. It's the money in pharma drugs stopping people getting the help they need. It's cruel and greedy.

[Cape_Cod_Sharon]

I apologize for bringing this topic to the group. I did not realize it was forbidden due to the illegal status of the method of treatment I was asking about. so, my apologies to anyone who may have been offended and also to the forum, I certainly don't want to get anyone into hot water.

~Sha with love and hugs for all

[Hartleyhare2 in reply to Cape_Cod_Sharon]

The purchase, sale and use of it may be forbidden but the Police have powers of discretion to just tell off users and dispose of any they have or an official caution. This is before any criminal action takes place. I think they are more concerned with catching dealers and preventing teens from using it rather than adults at home.

Mydexter as a policemans wife might know more. I know we have at least one serving police officer in our club too. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of police officers suffer with the stress and unsocial hours they work. Their role has changed from being community Bobbies to pawns enforcing unpopular government policies like NHS cuts and fracking. I certainly wouldn't want their job.

Patrick x

[Cape_Cod_Sharon]

have they never heard of the power of positive thinking? it's right up there with the power of prayer

~S