Dale,

I had major back surgery a few years ago. I have broken many bones and I feel them every day. I can tell you what pain is, because I hurt all the time, actually only when I breath. I take naproxin or aspirin every day for it, but I wouldn't think of smoking dope to kill the pain. I recently purchased a leg and foot massager, and I use it most every night because my legs hurt from my shins to my feet. I deal with the pain. For the most part, medical marijuana is merely an excuse to legalize pot. I will never believe there are hundreds of thousands of people in this country who need MM for pain management.


>Approximately 20 years ago, I damaged the disk in my neck (between c5 and c6). I was in a lot of pain and went from my family doc, neurologist, and neurosurgeon. I went through the cat scan, MRI, and myleogram (I can guarantee that you don't want one of these, unless there's no other option). The neurosurgeon said, yeah, it's damaged, but surgery won't fix it.
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>I went to the pain clinic and had epidurals. The longest relief I got was about two hours.....the injection cost $1500....that's a pretty expensive 2 hours!
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>Since then I've been on naproxen, then celebrex, and others that I can't remember the name of. I get a little relief but, I've been in constant pain (24/7) for 20 years.
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>I've talked to others that are in a similar situation........and I've also read a lot. Many of these people (and they number in the thousands), say the cannabis helps.
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>Now, I'm pushing 72, and I've never used it or any other illegal drug.
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>My doctor is willing to prescribe stronger medication, but I always ask him if it will impair me in any way. Will it affect my cognitive abilities? Will it effect my ability to operate equipment (cars, etc.). If he says Yes, then I say No.
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>Now if someone comes along and says that I'll get some relief in the evening where I might sleep a little better without the pain.....would I smoke a joint?
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>You Bet!!!!!!
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>There are more of us than you would think. When you're 65+, you run in different circles and are exposed to more of these situations than when you were younger.
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>Dale S.