Read Nancy’s Journey On M.S & Medical Marijuana.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the brain and spinal cord involving decreased nerve function associated with scar formation on the covering of the nerve cells. MS is believed to be a type of abnormal immune response directed against the central nervous system (CNS). The immune system targets the myelin sheath which is like an insulation around the nerve. This “ insulation” allows the electrical impulse to travel along the nerve cells. When the myelin is damaged the impulses slow down.
More than 2.3 million people are affected by MS worldwide. MS commonly presents as a series of relapsing- remitting episodes of loss of neurological function and eventually develops into progressive inflammatory attacks on the neurons and loss of nerve function. The loss of nerve function leads to the development of incontinence, limb tremor, pain, spasm, fatigue, and spasticity. Symptoms depend on the part of the brain that has been affected. Women are affected two times more than men. Sources: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Consortium of MS Centers
M.S is currently not curable.
Watch What is M.S? to learn more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpUMT-SA75Q&t=9s
Nancy’s Journey with Multiple Sclerosis and Medical Marijuana
On July 4th, 2000, I was diagnosed with MS. It was a scary time, but it also provided me some relief, because I finally found out what was wrong with me after many years living in pain, confusion, and frustration.
Over the past 21 plus years, I've been on so many medications, it's hard to remember them all. One of the worst symptoms of my MS is constant pain that affects my entire body, often times, all at once. In an attempt to ease this pain, I was prescribed opioids. Even though it's always under the strict supervision of medical professionals, I've always worried about the possible side effects of long-term opioid use. Because of this concern and my ever increasing tolerance to opioids, I decided to stop taking them.
In January of 2019, I decided to try medical marijuana. Unfortunately, due to the restrictive rules of the pain clinic where I received care, I could no longer continue opioid treatment while using medical marijuana. I had to taper off the opioids. I was stubborn and tried to wean myself, and not having much luck; the withdrawals were terrible.
Luckily, I went to the Maitri Medicinal’s dispensary in East Liberty and met with the pharmacist.
She spent almost two hours explaining different treatment options and helped me navigate tapering off the opioids with an opioid taper plan that I could share with my doctor. I can't say it was easy, but with her help and plenty of support from my family, I am proud to say that I am now completely off the opioid painkillers.
It's now been over 2 years, and while the pain hasn't gone away, I am feeling 100% better about my pain management and overall wellness. I wholeheartedly believe that in addition to my doctors, Maitri Dispensary and Terri have become valuable parts of my team, and they have irrevocably improved my quality of life. I'm so thankful for them all!
MS Walk April 10th 2020 Pittsburgh and April 30th Greensburg-
Maitri is sponsoring team Quarantinis who are uniting to end MS forever, and we invite you to donate or join the team at the M.S. walk at Point State Park on April 10, 2022.
https://mssociety.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=16769#donate
For more information on M.S. and Medial Marijuana – If you have a question regarding M.S. or any of the qualified health conditions reach out to the pharmacy team. We are scheduling tele-consults every day and will make as many accommodations as we can to ensure your visit to the dispensary doesn’t create another stressor in your life.
To schedule a telephone consultation, https://www.maitrimedicinals.com/scheduling or contact us at contact@maitrimeds.com or call us at 412.404.7464 in Pittsburgh or 724.550.4565 in Uniontown.
Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) FAQs- National MS Society -
Further reading and research on multiple sclerosis and marijuana
A 2012 study by the MUSEC group demonstrated the superiority of cannabis extract over placebo in the treatment of muscle stiffness in MS. Adverse events in participants treated with CE were consistent with the known side effects of cannabinoids. No new safety concerns were observed
A 2018 study concluded that THC:CBD oromucosal spray provided better and clinically relevant improvement of resistant MS spasticity compared with adjusting first-line antispasticity medication alone.
The National MS Society prepared this 2017 Cannabis summary which includes additional research and key points relevant to MS and cannabis
This information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA nor approved by any other government or official body. Nor is it intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease or disorder of any kind.