WOA WOA WOA wait what?! Before we get all huffy and puffy let me tell you the story of how I got to where I am today, which just so happens to be a very good place...
In high school I was diagnosed with PMDD, which is a severe extension of PMS. Every month for as long as I can remember I would experience bouts of depression, crazy anxiety, horrible mood swings, debilitating cramping, insane headaches, high blood sugars from the hormonal changes (I have type 1 diabetes), insomnia, and major withdrawal from my friends and normal activities that I usually otherwise loved. It made me feel out of control and it was taking a toll on my marriage and my life. In the beginning of this year I knew I had to make a change and needed to find something that would manage my ugly symptoms.
I made an appointment with my OB where I told her everything I was experiencing. I actually started crying in the room because I realized how crazy I sounded saying all of that out loud. After a few minutes of listening she said I was the perfect candidate for Xanax with a side of antidepressants. I told her I wasn't ready for the antidepressants but said I would give the Xanax a try. She told me to take it when the feelings were beginning to come on and I should feel better. Just like that. I didn't like the fact that I like to live my life as natural as possible and yet here I was filling my prescription, and about to pop a Xanax. But I was desperate so I did and within about 10 minutes I felt like a complete muted vegetable-like robot mom. I couldn't believe this was a legal thing that my doctor was so eager to prescribe. That was the first and last time I was ever going to take another one of those bad boys. So here I was again back at square one, although this time I was determined to find a more natural holistic solution, since growing a third eye in 20 years is not on the tippy top of my to-do list ;)
I live in California where Prop 215 has made it legal for patients to use marijuana for their personal medical use given the recommendation or approval by a California-licensed physician. So with my husband's blessing I made an appointment. I was SO nervous. The doctor I saw was amazing and empathetic as I told him all of the things I was experiencing. I told him I was a busy mom of two boys and wasn't totally digging the idea of smokin it up during the day. He explained to me that there are certain forms of cannabis that you don't have to smoke, which are actually very potent with few or no psychoactive effects. That sounded like a good medicinal plan for me. I left that day with my first ever medical marijuana prescription. I was intrigued and hopeful.
My first experience with medical marijuana was the following week as I was getting ready to start my damn period again. This time it was a whole different ball game. My period came and went without disrupting my life and ZERO negative side effects...well other than being hungry ha. I mean WHAT?! This hadn't happened everrrrrrrrr. I can't even express how liberating it felt knowing that I was taking something that is 100% natural and it was freaking working.
It has now been 5 months since I have started using marijuana for its medicinal purposes and it has improved my life without a doubt. Here are the benefits that I have experienced:
- PMDD is gone...like gone girls gone. That right there was a game changer.
- My marriage is better than ever because I made the decision to improve my mental health.
- My anxiety is at an all time low.
- My blood sugars are in the best control ever, since marijuana is known to benefit people with diabetes.
- Headaches are nonexistent.
- I am off all prescription medications except for insulin.
- I am happier and living a more fulfilled life since I am not experiencing the symptoms I described above anymore.
Besides what I have experienced, medical marijuana is also being used to:
So there you have it. My "secret" is out. It feels so scary to share this with the world because so many people have stereotypes and may be uneducated about all the positives effects medical marijuana can have...but that's okay. I know not everyone will understand this alternative holistic route I have decided to take, but if I can help just one person by sharing my story that is good enough for me.
*Disclaimer: I am not saying that all prescription medications are bad. I am simply sharing my story and what did and did not work me for.
*Disclaimer: I am not saying that all prescription medications are bad. I am simply sharing my story and what did and did not work me for.
24 comments:
Thank you so much for sharing this!
So glad you found something that works so well for you! And also happy that you shared it so that others can see that many people can benefit from medical marijuana-that it's not just "stoners" looking for an excuse to get high.
First off, thank you for sharing. It took courage considering so many people have a negative view on marijuana. Oh you are not alone when it comes to being on the crazy train during your time of the month. It is exhausting and overwhelming not being able to control yourself. My husband wants me to do the same thing as you, lol. The past few months I've actually calmed down but I think I'll be going your route, or attempt to, if I go crazy again. Good for you for doing what works. Who cares what anyone else thinks. It's your life.
Marijuana has helped me with so many health issues. When the medical field failed me, I found marijuana and it helped me survive. It's crazy that people put shame around a plant. Thank you for sharing!!
Dear Lindsay, I do not think that you are crazy at all. There are numerous studies on the benefits of marijuana for various conditions. I am from Australia, the State of Victoria and our Government, earlier this year, passed legislation enabling the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
Also, something for you to consider is to get a thyroid panel check (TSH, T3, T4 and thyroid antibodies). A lot of the symptoms that you describe can also be attributed to a low functioning thyroid. Wishing you all the best for a healthy and happy you.
Good for you! I am glad it is helping.
I gotta give props to anyone who is willing to put in the time and effort to figure out what works best for their lifestyle and their body. We're not all the same, and I think it's a very encouraging change to see folks looking toward natural remedies and options (many of which have been around for ages and used across the globe without issue...until they reach the states, which introduce all kinds of fun variables that are largely based on profit-potential). So glad to hear you're having good luck and back to yourself. :)
Would you be willing to talk privately about the type/way you're taking it and how it impacts your diabetes? My A1C is good right now, but I'd be interested in learning more about this. Think it works for T2s/pre diabetics also?
I would love to know how much and how often you have to take it. I have a lot of the anxiety issues that you mention and was prescribed an anti depressant as well. The bottle is still sitting there and I'm afraid to take it. Also in what form do you use it? Thank you
This is so interesting to me! I deal with a lot of the similar monthly issues you mentioned, never even occurred to me to look into medical marijuna! I have so many questions- do you feel stoned? Or is it a different strain so it just helps with the symptoms? Do you have to smoke it? How often do you use it? Wow- thanks so much for sharing!
I'm also curious how you are taking it - in edible form? How often? I'm thinking this could help me as well
wow! this is absolutely fascinating to read! i love that you are sharing your experience. i am also one who is trying my hardest to live as naturally as possible [in a world that sometimes seems dead set against it!], and i am constantly baffled at the amount of horrible things that are legal and prescribed and even pushed by doctors. we already use so so many herbs for medicinal purposes, why not this one? it's awesome to hear that you finally found something to ease your miserable symptoms without having to pop xanax and other pills!
Molly- You are more than welcome to e-mail me :)
For those who asked: I prefer strains that are higher on the CBD side (less psychoactive effects) This is a great article for those wanting more info: https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/whats-the-deal-with-these-high-cbd-strains -- The video in this link is just amazing as well!
Also, everyone is so different so my best advice would be to do some research to determine which strains and form would be best for you and your lifestyle.
I hardly ever comment but wanted you give you mad props for sharing something potentially controversial!
I love when the holistic route beats the pants off drugs with the side effect of suicide.
Ciao!
I smoked weed in my younger years and lost interest in it a long time ago.. So when a few of my friends highly (no pun intended) suggested I try medical Marijuana, I was very hesitant. Having a history with narcotics and not wanting to take pills, I was in a run as to how to help my health issues. I live in WA state, where it is legal now and there are more retail stores opening up all the time. So, I decided to give it a go. I had to do my own research, because I am an active full time mother and wife, and couldn't be all stoned out either. That is when I discovered CBD. I can smoke a high cbd flower or take a high mg cbd capsule and it has helped so much! We have a local "green" farmers market where I can get just about anything I need at a good cost. It is open to the public and the farmer vendors are so nice and helpful. I've now learned how to cook trim/flower into coconut oil and make my own bedtime edibles. I have better managed pain and sleep in my life and I am so much happier over all. Thank you for sharing your story!
Very brave of you to share, Lindsay. :)
Definitely a wise choice over benzodiazepines. Then I'd be worried! Thank you for sharing. I hope your readers will put as much thought into as you have.
Awesome to hear!
Dude, I'm not a partaker (being the biggest stoner EVER in high school sorta burned me out), but I'm all for people using it to medicate. And clearly, the rest of our state agrees, since it's legal now. There's a pot shop on every corner. It's like when Starbucks first opened. Ha! I think it's great that you went for it. Prescription pills are no joke. My husband would probably like me to smoke to mellow me out. LOL Good for you, girly.
Love this post! Happy you found something that makes you feel so much better!
This was the first time I've ever read something where I had an "a-ha" moment about medical marijuana. I have definitely had concerns about increasing marijuana use on the whole, due to its legal availability for medical reasons - and I still definitely have some questions about how to keep it controlled - but thank you for writing this, because it has really made me think and consider the positive effects it can have (especially by reducing prescription meds!). I'm so happy for the relief you've found.
Also, because I'm also all about finding holistic solutions, regarding your PMDD, are there any other long-term ways to balance your hormones? I know there's a homeopath near me that specializes in hormone imbalances. I was just wondering if that would a more long-term solution, or if you feel like the marijuana is long-term (or if it could possibly just be masking your symptoms for now)?
Have you noticed anything addictive about it? Or do you only feel inclined to use it when you are about to have your period/symptoms? Sorry for my questions. I'm so curious now and seriously, you've taught me something!
To the commenter above: I am so happy to hear my post helped changed your perspective on medical marijuana! That is exactly why I felt so compelled to share. To answer your questions: At this time I do feel like medical marijuana is a wonderful 100% natural long term solution for me. It has not only helped with my PMDD but my overall A1C ( a very important test for my diabetes that reflects my average level of blood sugars over the past 3 months and the lower the number the better) is the best it's been since I was pregnant with my boys. And a good A1C means a longer healthier life for me so I can't complain about that.
I have not noticed anything addictive about it and I only use it to manage anxiety and PMDD, which it has done wonderfully and I am so happy about that! Hope that helps answer your questions :)
Thank you for sharing, good for you!! It will be so funny in the future when we look back at all the stigma that was attached to Marijuana.
Post a Comment