I don't actually know for a fact that the marijuana would have helped but I have read a number of articles and heard from a number of fellow fibromyalgia sufferers that indicate that it's actually the best thing out there for fibro pain. It's definitely something that I'm willing to try, especially given that I live in a state where medical marijuana is legal. That being said, however, I have to admit to having no idea how to go about getting it. Do I ask my regular doctor about it? My rheumatologist? Do I skip those and see about getting an appointment at the local "evaluation center" place I found when doing a search online this morning?
I'm sure that the last option would probably be the fastest. I don't currently have an appointment with my regular doctor scheduled until August. My next appointment with my rheumatologist isn't until the end of April. I have my doubts about whether or not either of them actually provides the necessary documentation. I'm betting I could call the marijuana doctor and get in pretty quickly. Of course, that's just a guess on my part, based on an article I read earlier today. Hmm. Turns out I can get an appointment pretty much any time today, between 11:30 am and 6:30 pm. I'm thinking that might be the way to go. This "evaluation center" has a number of positive reviews on Yelp and the price for an appointment for a new patient ($55) is very appealing. Plus, they offer a new patient coupon for $5 off and 50% off your ID card. I'm wondering if I should go ahead and bite the bullet?
On the one hand, I've never been one to do drugs. I've smoked pot all of twice in my life - once at a grad school party and one time with my roommate and her boyfriend after I graduated. I probably had a couple of tokes each time so it's not really like I have a vast experience upon which to draw. On the other hand, is it really any different than taking an opioid-based pain pill? Or two, because, like last night, the first one did absolutely nothing to relieve the pain? Last night, all I wanted was something that would relieve the pain enough to let me sleep. Is my thinking today colored by the memory of last night's pain and my current pain levels and fatigue? Probably. Does that matter? I don't know.
Since I have lived such a law-abiding life and have no experience with things like this, I also have no idea of how much it costs. And since I'm pretty sure that my insurance doesn't cover it, even if it's "prescribed", I wonder and worry about how much it would cost. After just doing a quick check in with my husband by text, it appears that cost is his concern as well. He also seemed surprised that I was really interested in pursuing this. I'm guessing that's the opinion of many people who don't suffer from chronic, on-going pain while anyone who does probably gets immediately that there are times you'd willingly resort to just about anything to make it stop, even for a short amount of time. Right now, my pain levels are high enough that it seems like an idea worth pursuing.
Anyone have any experience with this issue? I'd welcome any thoughts and feedback on the issue.
I can see both sides of this issue. While I have been blessed so far in life to not know what it feels like to feel the need for it, I do know at least one person who carries a card for it. While he doesn't use it because of past alcohol abuse (and he is afraid it would get away from him), he does have the ability due to a severe back injury.
ReplyDeleteYou might find you are surprised by how your doctor responds to you asking. If it was me, I would feel confident you would only use it when needed, just like you would anything else that may be prescribed to you. I would hope your doctor would know you well enough to feel the same way.
I also had an aunt who took it once for various aliments. She was undergoing cancer treatments, had a broken wrist at one point and knee issues (not sure what was diagnosed there to be honest). While I don't think her's was from the doctor just because of the time it was, I know she said there were days it was the only thing that made the pain bearable.
Best of luck as you make this difficult decision. It is only something you and your family can decide on, and I hope you have a doctor who supports you if you decide you need it.