Posted by Larry Hoover on December 18, 2005, at 23:50:44
In reply to Re: Anybody used medical marijuana? » Larry Hoover, posted by Declan on December 18, 2005, at 22:27:14
> So Larry, cannabis was of some help in dealing with the pain? Assuming it was, do you think cannabis is analgesic (so to speak), or is it the mental effect of cannabis that makes pain a little easier to bear?
Ya, it was analgesic, and in just the right way. Unfortunately, language about pain really fails to properly describe what's going on. It seems you have to resort to analogies and metaphors, far too often.
The neuropathy produces a complex pain signal. The opiate (oxycodone) does dampen the pain signal, but leaves some of the characteristics of the pain untouched. Like different channels, some gets through, virtually unscathed. And I take nortriptyline, which didn't seem to do much, until I tried to go off it, and I realized it was significantly dampening the "bass notes", the ache. Then, I had Lyrica added in, and it cut the treble notes, the stabbing, lancinating stuff. But there is still this background humming pain, that can throb or pulse or this painful tingle thing, not responsive to the meds. Or not adequately responding. And I'm still very tender. Walked into the wall the other day (thank you, Lyrica), and I had a lovely moment.
To summarize, it's really a rock (the complex pain) and a hard place (the various drugs....I hate them all). And, I'm exhausted. The drugs cause insomnia.
But, the cannabis was the complement. Seemed to be the missing piece. Now, one exposure does not a pattern create. Moreover, as I have recently learned, there are more types of marijuana out there than I could have imagined. I guess I've got some trials yet to do.
In my long-winded way, I can say there was definite analgesia. Long-lasting analgesia. I'd like to try some different strains, and all that. Indica, sativa, ratios thereof, skunk, white crystal strains......my goodness. And oral vs. smoked vs. vaporized.
And getting a license.....good grief. At least my doctor is onside. I think.
> I find *low dose* cannabis a little helpful in the discomfort associated with the last stages of methadone withdrawal which (pathetically) is difficult in going from (say) 0.4mg/d to 0.3mg/d, at least for me with my stubbornly downregulated opiate receptors.
> DeclanOh, don't be hard on yourself. It is what it is.
You seem to compare it to a mental distraction effect? Have I got that correct? As opposed to analgesia, which would be signal reduction?
I also have to wonder about the psychoactive component. I was at a party. I know I was stoned. (I don't drink.) And today, I had a craving. I'd happily have smoked some more.
This is going to be an interesting process. But if I can cut down on those other drugs, it's got to be worth it, right there.
Thanks for listening. I really appreciate it.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:589766
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20051211/msgs/590281.html