Tuesday, November 28, 2017

How Medical Cannabis Helps Hemophilia Related Chronic Pain

I'm happy to report to all my faithful readers that I've currently been on medical cannabis to treat my chronic joint and muscle pain as a result of living with severe hemophilia. It's been a long process between going to the prescribing physician and going through the ordeal of establishing care via the new "Compassionate Use Registry" here in the state of Florida.

As a follow up from my post back in July, it took a little over two months for representatives up in Tallahassee, Florida to review and clear my application. But the first week of September, I got the final approval, and was able to finally order my treatment therapy.

I decided to go with "Trulieve" as my supplier, but there are many companies here in Florida offering medical grade cannabis products. Trulieve was recommended by my doctor as a reliable company, and I decided to take him up on that recommendation. On September 21st, my first order was delivered to my house. I was impressed by the employees, and discreetness on getting my medication to me. The vehicle was unmarked (non-branded), and the gentlemen were very prompt and on time. It's really worth the extra $20 for home delivery, knowing that it's coming straight from Trulieve, and my order is being personally overseen. That made me very confident in my decision making, and another gold star mark for Trulieve.

The order included a two month supply of CBD capsules and a vaporizer and 600mg of Indica blend. The capsules administer low levels of THC (the chemical that causes the euphoria feeling), but increased levels of CBD (the nerve ending block compound that treats chronic pain). The Indica 600mg cartridge costs around $74, but there are cheaper options in the 300mg or lower range as well. The capsules range from $37 of low level THC in 10mg form, but also range upwards of $116, depending on the potency of THC needed. I take capsules in the morning, and 2-3 inhales of the vape cartridge at night before bed.

The combination of the both of these daily has vastly improved my overall function and mobility. The effects I feel are minimal, but pain is reduced at least 80%. The only way I can describe the sensation is that still feel the weight of my body on my ankles and knees, but the pain is reduced to the point to where I can now easily get out of chairs, off the floor or out of vehicles. It's almost as if the legs are numb to a tolerable level, and when I walk, it feels like small weights are on my feet. Again, my walking isn't impaired, rather improved! I am sure each patient will have varying results, and some may need more, where others less.

I did notice after a month, I was needing 2 capsules a day of the 10mg dose, up to 20mg daily. Having consulted my doctor, he decided to increased my capsules to 50mg, as well as allowing more THC mixed with the CBD for a more potent treatment. Each person's body chemistry is different, and it's because of this, some will find they may require gradual increases until the ideal treatment plan is achieved.

So far, I've had great service using Trulieve, and their support team is very helpful. I will probably stay with Trulieve until otherwise noted. In the coming months, entering the New Year, I will monitor my progress as a long term medical cannabis user, and see if potency levels remain and be sure to keep those following my progress updated. I highly recommend those, like myself, who suffer from debilitating joint damage stemming from hemophilia related injuries, to pursue medical cannabis treatment ASAP. The benefits really are astonishing, and I'm a firm believer in natural treatments over pharmaceutical pain management.