Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Update: Medical Marijuana & What Works for Me

Hello all!

It's been a while since my last visit... I'm just now exploring the new KA, it looks good.

This summer I stopped taking narcotic pain killers (and have been off ever since) and began to use marijuana as an alternative. I'm posting this because it has changed my life so much. My friends and family notice, and support my decision. I was taking oxycontin everyday, and I've had AS for about 4 years now. I'm only 23, so I saw what my future could hold if I kept going down that path.

So I began to do two major things: use marijuana when I would have normally taken a pill (not at work of course, only at home, and no driving) and exercise multiple times a week. The combination of the two keep my pain under control. I'm still on tramadol and celebrex, which I don't see going away any time soon, but I can handle that.

I use the marijuana for a couple of reasons. It treats the pain on the spot, works as a muscle relaxer, and some research shows it slows inflammation, which I believe is happening in me. My pain hasn't gotten worse (it was quickly doing this before) and I have only had one flare in the past 6-8 months. I was having one a month before this.

I truly believe that everyone here will have various treatments that work best for them. I understand that my decision isn't for everyone, but I think it should be talked about. I feel like an entirely new person.

I was at the point of questioning if I could even have a career. I'm happy to say that I'm moving forward quickly in my field now, and I was seriously doubting I could even get through a 40 hour work week. I'm still not sure about having a child, as I know there will be no marijuana use at all during pregnancy. However, I'm warming up to toughing out a pregnancy, and being able to be active in raising my children, without wanting to sleep or being in pain all the time.

Another savior of mine is taking vitamin B every morning. I use the lozenge, which can be found at any grocery or drug store. This is great because of the energy. My fatigue has greatly reduced. By some miracle I don't need a nap everyday anymore. I also try to combine taking this vitamin while out in the morning sun, which I've heard helps set your sleep cycle, and makes the vitamin more effective. Definitely give this a try if you have fatigue.

Well, I know this sounds like an info-mercial for pot. The truth is I have found my treatment plan, and I feel I'll use this plan forever. I found a way to live my life. That's why I want to share this. I really feel like it's been a miracle. It makes me sad that so many people refuse to understand. Even if this plan isn't for you, please keep people like me in mind when you vote.

I want to thank everyone at KA for helping me understand AS and how it fits in my life. I feel like I'm finally at peace with my body and how I deal with it. I hope that everyone here can find that.

Aly

Aly that is awesome news. Thank you for sharing. I have given some serious thought to this because I seem to have this nutty "drug metabolism" where meds like nsaids and pain killers only work for 2 days max. Sucks 2 B me, right?

From what I understand you don't even have to smoke it, right?
It could be mixed into various baked goods.

Do any of you know which states medical marijuana is legal in?? I need to go do some googling!!!

Here's wishing you relaxed muscles, less pain and peace!!

-Donette

Donette,

I use a vaporizer most of the time. It's much less harmful than smoking. It costs some money, but worth it in the long run. You can bake too, but it's kind of a pain. It gets complicated if you don't want it to taste awful. Some people prefer it though.

I don't think it would be legal in Idaho, although I could be wrong. I just moved from Washington, and it is legal for medical purposes there. Let's hope for some more progress!

Aly

Yeah, not yet in Idaho. Were always slow to get on the boat! Just kidding, love ya Idaho! We grow great potatoes!!

aly,

that is wonderful news! i'm so glad you have shared what works for you. we certainly can learn a lot from one another in this way.

Hey Aly!
I'm glad you feel better! Me too! I'm a daily user (well night time, and all day week ends -no that last part is a joke from Knocked Up ). I use a vaporizer as well... and what a difference. I went off my SSZ and all nsaids Sept 09. It could be an awesome coincidence.... but my inflammation levels are down to nothing (C reactive 1.5, westergen sed rate 1). I feel good enough to have started PT and that has, of course, helped a lot. And I feel emotionally less ill.

I have lots to say about parenting on different levels of 'under the influence'... from pain to traditional painkillers to pot... so if you get to that point and want to pm me...

I can't say enough about vaporizers...
...and I'm afraid we will be the last hold outs here in Texas... but it does look better every year!

Please keep us posted, your good cheer was catching!

cc

Thank you for sharing that Aly and Ciara. I have not heard of using a vaporizer and not sure I understand how that would be done. Are you talking about a regular vaporizer or one specifically for marijuana?

I'm not presently a user but like most of us am fed up with feeling miserable so much of the time. Keeping my options open.

Lisa

Hey Texan, that is quite the love letter to the herb!

I just thought I'd jump in and mention that I had found considerable relief through medicinal marijuana. I just got it all set up with the local Compassion Society earlier this week and it sure is nice.

I eat pot cookies (by the eighth...now) earlier in the day which is by far the best thing for pain relief. Worked like a charm, just the way I had hoped it would. For periodic breakthrough, I'll have a few hits from a joint. This is largely limited to my choice to only ever smoke outside so I can only manage those stairs a couple of times, on a good day.

For me, the effects from smoking drop off within ten minutes and then linger with limited benefit for a couple of hours or so. The cookies are amazing but the first night, I took half of one cookie (I thought I was going to ease myself back into it but that half cookie knocked me on my AS). The cookie's effects will last for about 12 hrs or so. The amount I take of a cookie is a balance between pain relief and feeling high. In the evenings, I generally feel more up to taking the dog for a walk which is also when I smoke part of a joint.

I'm sorry that this can't be made available to more people, I know it can help with a lot of people's lives. I just hope it lasts, I don't want to let my tolerances build up the point where I cannot afford to buy it.

Glad to hear it works for you too Texan,

Chris

CC and Chris,

that's great to hear for the two of you as well!

Chris, hope it keeps helping you......

Heck I havn't smoked that stuff in 25 years but the way you all are talking i might have to consider it. I guess its an option but what about drug test at work??? guess its not an option till I retire. Glad it is working and your off the oxycotin. take care everyone