Medicinal Cannabis

[Davewm]

I’ve had a Triple Heart Bypass and Mitral Valve Repair.

Before that I had a Lumber Spinal Laminectomy (which only worked for about 4 months).

I’ve since also been diagnosed with Heart Failure so pain relief is very difficult.

The Spinal Stenosis is now severe all down the Lumbar Region.

I was given Oramorph and have now had MTC Morphine added in addition to Lidocaine Patches.

I’ve been under the Pain Management Consultant for a few years now but at my last appointment he said there’s no further help he can offer me.

He’s suggested that he would refer me back to the Spinal Surgeons and I’m very concerned as they originally said it was too risky to have further surgery due to my Heart Condition.

Does anyone have any experience with Medical Cannabis?

As I’m in the UK I understand that it can only be prescribed by specialist doctors but I think it’s almost impossible to get it on the NHS! (I read somewhere that there’s only been a very limited number of patients who’ve been given this).

I saw somewhere that a lady with Fibromyalgia was spending £80 per month!

Any advice or thoughts would be most welcome.

Kind regards

David

[kenster1]

from what I read Epilepsy MS and help with chemotherapy side effects are 3 of the things it will be prescribed for here in the UK and only with specialist doctors.

[Scotsman53]

I think that £80/month is probably on the low side, generally speaking. You can't get it for pain on the NHS, you have to go private. My experience was that it didn't noticeably help the pain though it did benefit my mental health. If you do decide to go for it the best route here in the UK is through Project T21, they will subsidise in some cases but it's still expensive!

drugscience.org.uk/t21/

[Davewm in reply to Scotsman53]

Thanks for your comment/advice. I’ll certainly have a look into Project T21.

Thanks again

Kind regards

David

[Alex3]

Hi

I have tried legal medical cannabis for sciatica but found it did nothing for the pain, but gave me the most terrible dreams and nightmares! The prescription was given to me by the surgeon who had performed a Lumbar Spinal Laminectomy , which has proved ineffective in treating my pain, as per your case. The cost for a month's supply of the cannabis was approx. £100.

I have recently been looking at having Scrambler ( or Calmare ) treatment, however it is only available in Ireland , Italy and the USA at the moment but should be available in London in a few months time.

Hope you find some relief from your pain...... somehow.

[Davewm in reply to Alex3]

Hi Alex3.

Thanks for the information. It’s really helpful to listen to someone who’s had experience of various treatments. I’ve not heard of scrambler before so I’ll look into that. Thanks again.

[Karm]

Hi. Yes only specialist clinics prescribe. To my understanding only maybe cancer and those types of things you will get on NHS. Not chronic pain or those types of pains etc. every doctor I have asked won't entertain it. Maybe try and ask your specialists or doctors and see what they say. Yes the price is correct . The prescriptions are very expensive and if you don't qualify for a reduced price (if your on benefits or pensions etc) then it's alot more. If you can sustain that sort of amount every few months and prices for your check up appointments then that's good. But to even get started with the first consultation, prescription and then the review your looking at £200 plus and that's depending if you qualify for a discount. It doesn't always work for everyone, that's another thing to think of. If it does work it's a very positive experience.

Integro clinic is reasonable and helpful.

[Davewm in reply to Karm]

Thanks very much Karm.

Very useful information.

[DumplingsLover in reply to Davewm]

My God Davewm, I cannot imagine what you are going through. I'm a Kiwi (New Zealander) and have often thought of using M. but over here hardly anyone would be able to get it and one would have to be very well off to be able to afford it. I've checked it on my computer and you might have some success that way but it would still be expensive. A City Counciller here in N.Z. got some Cannabis Oil and said it helped her a lot as she was dying of cancer. but I don't know how she got it.

My friend, I can only wish with all my heart that I could help you. There are tears in my eyes as I sign off. I can only say that I am still researching it on my Computer and if anything new turns up, you will be the first to know.

God bless and help you. Lauree.

[Hidden]

I use cannabis to help me sleep at night or rest in bed during the day if pain gets really bad. I prefer to get edibles because coughing worsens my pain. I know how much to eat to fall asleep or less during the day to rest in bed. It’s easier to get here in US and is legal for recreational use so I don’t need a doctor. My doctor knows and my arthritis doctor recommended it. Everyone is different, but this is my experience with it.

[DumplingsLover in reply to Hidden]

Hi Sugaree. I wish we could get the Hemp Gummies over here. I badly need something for sleep I'm lucky to sleep 2 hours a night or morning. I usually start sleeping at about five in the morning while plodding around most of the night with my 'hottie'. I believe Some Doctors over here are starting to prescribe cannibis but I haven't found anyone. Like you I have violent fits of coughing which gives me pain like a knife slicing through me.Good luck and God Bless. Lauree.