I was diagnosed in July of 2007...however, it has become more and more apparent I may have had Lyme for many many years prior. I have neurologic Lyme. In some ways I consider myself lucky - my sister has more of the rheum. Lyme...she has awful allergies and asthma and does suffer from some neuro lyme...me? I don't even know who I am half the time.

Since my spinal tap came back positive, I've been gearing to start my PICC, however, I keep getting some weird illness...one after another. It's ridiculous.

What made me come to this forum, however, was I googled Lyme and marijuana and I found a thread on this site. I need to tell you all, if I was not a marijuana user, I would probably be dead.

I am fortunate to have a team of doctors (unfortunate that they don't take insurance and my care has cost over $100k - thanks mom and dad's 401k)...however, ALL of my doctors have told me that my marijuana use is one of best things I can be doing for my care.

I don't drink alcohol - I do smoke cigarettes, which I know is NOT ok at all, but for those who have posed the question about, Does Marijuana Help? The answer is a resounding 100% yes!

Is it illegal? Yes. Is risking a fine and or possible minimal jailtime worth improving my quality of life - again 100% YES!

Hopefully, with this administration, we will finally get legalized marijuana and the gov't can make money off the taxes.

Marijuana is not a gate way drug. Marijuana is not addictive. Marijuana has kept me alive. It has calmed me down when I just wanted to die and has relieved pain when I didn't want to put opiates into my system. (As many of you know, opiates reek havoc on one's intestinal track - mine barely moves - I take 5 different laxatives - alternating each night. Pain killers cause constipation...and that's NOT ok for someone like me.

If anyone has any questions and or wants to know more about my dealings with Lyme and how marijuana has helped...please feel free to contact me.

Thanks and to all of you - be well and know there is a long arduous road ahead, but you are not alone and it's ok to cry and it's ok to get angry - but, it's not ok to keep it all inside...it WILL slow down your recovery.

Also - I finally got to see a screening of Under Our Skin and highly recommend it. You can go to www.underourskin.com

Take care and know WE CAN BEAT THIS!

I would really like to take it, can't smoke it, would have to cook it in some majick brownies, but that should do the trick. But as it could really hurt my family's businesses, I can't risk it. That's why I need it to be legalized.

I would like to welcome you to the group and also say hey! I like your views! *hugs* and I hope we can all heal together one day!

Jen

Julie

Yeah - I have fiduciary responsibilities and in my profession, I would lose my licenses. For me, it's worth the risk, cause I know how much it's helped. I dream for the same dream of marijuana legalization. Alcohol is far more deadly.

Also - in response to your tag...The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Actually, that's the definition of practice! LOL

And thank you for sharing! I am in total agreement with you and have found the same to be true in my own case.

It certainly would be a bold move on the part of the new administration, and even though the possible revenues would be worth it, I just don't think we are going to see it happen anytime soon. Too much stigma still attached.

Alcohol is a far bigger plight for this country, in my opinion. That and perscription drug addiction!

I won't go off on a rant and I'll leave it at...

Welcome!

Anyway - you didn't have to go on your rant...so, I went on mine!

Thanks for sharing...feel free to e-mail me direct!

Hugs and TGIF!!!

E

I'll take a vicodin when I need it, cuz the over-use and over-prescription of NSAID's for me has caused me to get 2 ulcers on the upper part of my stomach. Had I had a better option for pain killers, such as some good ol' Mary Jane, I probably wouldn't have them. At this point, I have NO options for pain killers other than vicodin, and I ONLY take that when I absolutely must, cuz it really only takes the edge off. And it has Tylenol in it, so it has its side effects.

Now, I'm not saying anything about people being addicted, cuz IMHO that's insane. That means you didn't need them to begin with, or didn't need them at the high dosages or whatever. But you have a problem that should be dealt with. I like the show House, but for different reasons, and I don't like the advocacy of prescription pain pill addiction, but I also have a different view on them showing it. I think that it highlights a problem in this country and that not only is it not being addressed, it's being ignored and about how the DEA basically sucks!

But as you can see, that's JMO, and that's pretty much how I am around here! LOL

Peace, girlies, and oh, you got it, TGIF!!!! *hugs*

Jen

Yes good Old Mary Jane does work often for me - altho I only do it at night after the kids are in bed - and generally when me and the hubby are going to have some quality time. Unless I am having a massive episode with my spine, like last night, MJ will stop the pain and if I do something pleasureable , the good feelings become great (understatement) ...

On occation when I am in distress with my pain, I have done it - but only if the hubby is home. I just wont try to cope with the 4 kids and doing that...but that is me.

I totally agree with Jen, as I have been on OOODDLES of pain meds, including morphine up to 150 mgs 2x's a day, and I have never had a problem with adiction. It was what I needed in order to function. Honestly, I know now that the Lortab I am taking is not enough, but it is all I am willing to take - I just dont want to go on more - of course I couldnt live without the Lyrica. But there are times when NONE of it helps and that REALLY sux...like last night and most of today...there I was on the floor begging for death the pain was so intense.

EEEshh...ok - gotta get kids to bed...thought i would throw my 2cents in tho...

Christine