please dont judge me.....yet..long one

well ok...I have been looking on this site for a few days....not in great depth, but I just didn’t really know where to post my question. so here goes....I have bad headaches\migraines, most of the time nothing works for them, I have had them since I was a teenager. I have taken various pharmaceuticals in the past to rid myself of them. Migraine meds, pain pills, it works for so long then nothing, I am tired of trying new pills.  I started smoking marijuana a while back. I tell you I do not condone the use of illegal drugs, and feel ashamed for doing it, not to mention if my kids ever knew I don’t know what Id do, they are very young and will never be exposed to that...ever. But this helps me do what I need to do. My headache is gone, and I am busy. I don’t know what to do anymore. Should I tell my family doc about this? Will they arrest me? lol, or maybe is there something out there I don’t know about that has the same property that helps the pain as the pot? I am not going to lie, I like to smoke it, it makes me feel good. But I hate that it is illegal and I could be put in jail over it. There is no use of medical marijuana in this lovely state of Pennsylvania, so that’s not an option. I was diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst like 7 months ago, yet the doctors seem to think its irrelevant to my headaches. I have to go see another neurologist in a few days just to get my fioricet, which helps some. I switched doctors because we moved to another state,  since we moved here I started 'treating' myself...with the marijuana, but don’t know if I should just tell the doc.  I am sorry this is sooooo long but any advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated

[adgal]

I personally am a strong advocate of legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes.  I'm not even certain what the laws are where I live (Canada) but it is pretty acceptable and no one is ever arrested or charged for it.  I am not certain how to advise you.  I want to say if it works for you, go for it, but at the same time I would hate to give advice that could cause you legal problems.  It's a tough one.  I wish you well.

[TrudieC]

I'd like to think that doctor/patient confidentiality would protect you should you share with your doctor.  I personally think it is important they know what you've been taking and the fact that it is helping might help them to find a diagnosis.  I am also Canadian and strongly believe in the medicinal application of marijuana.  The Canadian government has a program where you can apply to receive marijuana from them for medical purposes.  It is also not criminal to be caught with a personal use amount in your possession, just a fine.  They only prosecute those who are trafficking.

[flmagi]

I get Migraines too. Finding out some of the things that bring them on can help with treating them. Keep a journal of things you've eaten, drank, the weather etc. Mine are caused by low barometric pressure. If I keep track of the weather and take Excedrin Migraine ahead of time , it really helps. There must be a reason why the Pot helps your migraines, so definitely tell your doctor. It could help them zero in on the cause.
Migraines $uck.

[Lonelymom]

I used to get them real bad went through this medication and that medication until I had a doctor realize mine was from stress. Even though to me they just started at my temples and next thing I knew I was paralized with it. Anyway, maybe the marijauna is helping you because it relaxes you and maybe yours is stress related as well. I am not against marijauna for medical purposes.

Your doctor will only advise you the risk of taking marijuana but no legal trouble will follow.

[jesicomp]

kewel, I was hoping so, I knew about the confidentiality thing, but I didnt want to deal with this doctor thinking less of me for that, not that I really care, but I just dont them to think I some kind of drug abuser.....and stop giving me drugs! lol, I would never take another pill again if I could just use the pot, I think I am building a tolorance to it though, thats not good.  

[TrudieC]

By any chance are you on the pill or a similar birth control?  I suffered for years from frequent severe migraines and they disappeared once I had my tubes tied when I was 30.  If so you might want to look at another method of birth control to see.

[redheadaussie]

I have been doing some research on my own headaches which are not quite migraines but do get quite bad. I used to get them when I was around 12 when my periods first started., Man they were like Freddy Kruger axe in the head type of things!
Anyway, my research is showing that often when a woman has migraines it is due to female hormones being out of whack. Yes, stress is also a part of it, but the stress hormones only add to it. If you have slight depression then you can get migraines.

Let me explain it a little simply in chemical terms.
If you feel migraines, and you have stress you then get stressed coz you have migraines.
The brain releases hormones to counter act the stress, but what then happens is after time the chemicals in the brain can't do their job properly and start to shut off. The body tries to make up for it by releasing another hormone called DHEA. Too much of this then causes headaches and migraines.

Using the marijuana will help  as it kind of hops on the DHEA to make it go down. BUT it is only a band aid cure.  Often we have no idea we are building up stressors in our body, but our brains and bodies know better!
  I am not saying you are under stress, but even having chemicals in the brain out of whack to start with puts the BODY under stress. So you feel miserable without even knowing why!

What I am suggesting is that you get a full female hormone test done. Include cortisol, DHEA, neurotransmitters as well. You might be surprised to learn you have your hormone balance totally off centre and just need to fix that problem! It is certainly worth a try.

Technically you should tell your doctor you take marijuana but at the same time, if you feel they might tell on you, then don't!

As an aside, my above ideas are just one of many that can be causing you the migraines. I have a sister who has been on huge doses of pain relief and also anti-epilieptic medication. She is not an epileptic, but suffers horrendously from migraine 24/7. She has a thing called Eagle's Syndrome. Look it up on the net. It is very uncommon but also a reason for migraines. You mentioned an arachnoid cyst. This is a cause for migraine too. I think if it is at all possible to change neurologists, do so. Have you had an MRI? I do think you need further investigations done.

In the meantime, just do what it takes to relieve the pain. I am neither a believer nor disbeliever in the marijuana. Just an understanding person who has had pain many a time!
Cheers!

[FurballsMom]

I get migraines, too.  I've had them my whole life.  While I don't condone illegal drugs either, I would never judge someone harshly for using it medicinally.  I don't think I'll choose that route myself, but I understand.  Do be careful.  Hopefully, your doctor can find the right medication to get them under control when you tell your doctor about using marijuana medicinally.  Too bad people misuse this drug recreationally, because with judicial usage it has helped some people.

[jesicomp]

Well you are on to something there...I was on birth control about 3 years ago. I tried low hormonal pills, I tried the shot, mini pills, many different brands, but in the end it seemed to make matters worse. I do often have migranes (migraines) during, before or after my period. The wierd thing about it is that, they are just so unpredictable, and inconsistant. At times I have all the visual disturbances, sensitivity to light sound smell, ect. Other times it just comes on out of nowhere. One thing is that I have a dull throbbing headache almost everyday, by about 6pm. I have been through many different lifestyles and the headaches are always common and present. For example, I served in the military, before they started to really become a problem, I had a stressful job, and there was no fluctuation, so I know they are not always stress related. I have gone from that to other jobs, to stay at home mom, its like no matter what I am doing, the headaches just come when they come. I know I deal with stress now as I have 3 children in my house.  A 2 yo, an 8 yo, and a 6 year old, so that will have an affect at times. I will look into the hormone testing, I have had an MRI, but it was normal with the exception of an arachnoid cyst in the posterria fossa....I am due for another appt with the neurologist in a few days.  I just moved out of state, and have to re-establish all the doctors.  About 8 months ago I was admitted to an ER, due to crippling pain in my side, I had 5 kidney stones, then that same weekend, I had the worst headache I have ever had in my entire life.  A few days later I had the mri. The doctor said that it was irrelavent to my symptoms. I have developed other strange symptoms that come and go. They are: my right hand index and middle finger tingling numbness. My eyes cant focus on something...it looks as if I have just had my picture taken at times, you know after the flash. Lastly If I lie on my back, flat no pillow, I have a slight hint of vertigo.  I just feel like I had too much to drink, sort of a spinning sensation. These come and go, and rarely affect my life. I am sorry this is so long, I notice I tend to do that lol, Thank you for your input.

[jesicomp]

it is too bad. I feel ashamed for doing it, I just hate getting it, and finding it. Finding it can be 10x more dangerous than using it. I don’t think it is half as harmful for you as some of the rx drugs, I just looked up deaths and side effects related to pharmaceuticals, and that number is on the rise due to over prescribing, and misuse. With the pot, you really don’t have to worry about anything happening to you. I have noticed that I sometimes feel dependant on it, but not like an addiction. I don’t know if that would change if I were to just start taking pills to manage the migraines. Most pain meds are addictive anyway, with a slew of undesirable side affects, all in all, I guess its just whatever works:)

[TrudieC]

Well, I've never heard of someone smoking some pot and then becoming nasty and beating up their friends and family.  You pretty much get mellow, smile and get the munchies.   Can't say the some for booze.

[doctora]

I too live in Canada and I agree with TrudieC. I smoke it to relieve my pain, and to give me an appitite when I am sick to my stomach from a migraine. I think it should be legalized. In Canada we can get medicinal marijuana, but it is pretty hard unless you have cancer. My Dr. said I should print out the form and she would sign it, we both agree that smoking that is better than taking painkillers.

[jesicomp]

I think its only a matter of time before the remaining states follow suite on the RX pot. So far is it like 12 states that have made it ok for rx...yes it is just checked on www.norml.org New Mexico grows it. Until then, guess you gotta do what you gotta do

[Crochetya]

I know you can get the THC in pill form. Whether your doctor will prescribe????? I know this can't be any worst than some of those synthetic drugs we are prescribed that can be addictive. Some of the side effects of the synthetic drugs are really bad. That is the main reason I always have my med list when I see a doctor. I also ask if I can take the drug with the meds I am already on. I would definitely tell my doctor about the pot and how it helped also. That is the important thing. He may be able to prescribe the pills.
I do know they prescribe these, and it is with alot of caution. They keep a tight reign on this here in LA anyway. Good Luck!!

[doctora]

I live in Canada, and it seems that here the authorities are a bit more flexible than the US.
I will look into the pill form, but I smoke cigarettes, so right now anyway, I could do either.
My Dr would prescribe them, she has confessed to me that she also smokes MJ, so she is aware of the benefits.

[jesicomp]

Ive been to other websites and most people are saying things like.."Marijuana is the devil weed. If you smoke it you will die instantly, Do not pass go, do not collect $100.00."  They assume you are some kind of waste that of society. I get frustrated about that. It comes across really ignorant. Maybe this is just a vent right now for me lol. Thats what started this post really, here I have this appointment comming up, and the concern of sharing that detail with your doctor, btw I have seen only one time,(I just moved) I really dont know what to do, I am not worried about the legal aspect, as much as the doctor/paitent relationship. I dont want to have to find another doctor...again.

[scaredmom330]

I also suffer from migraines and have been on anything and everything to no avail. a doctor I seen over 15 years ago told me pot was the best thing for migraines. Because I have heart problems I can't smoke it, so he told me to just be in the same room with it. Indiana is the same as Pn, even though Eli Lilly is located in Indy and they grow medical marijuana. It has also be prescribed to cancer patients. I think not only for myself but for others who suffer from Migraines and cancer it should be legallized. just my opinion, yes I am from the old school, I wouldnt wish a migraine on my worst enemy. It is such a shame that it has been tested and know to work but because of some bigwigs in Washington, we have to continue to suffer or go to jail.

I don't mean to offend anyone, this is just my opinion and no one else., for what it is worth.   :)

[doctora]

I agree with you, I would rather smoke MJ than take a hand full of pills for a migraine. Personally, I think it is the better, health wise of the two. Those who shun MJ either have never smoked it, or have never been in need of it, or would rather take opiates and
codine....think about it, to those who are against it. Never say never.

[jo929]

it is not legal in the US, so you would have to tell the Dr, but it will be confidential, and he can treat you better, if he knows what you have been on  luck  jo

[Crochetya]

It is legal in some counties in California,.....that I know of. Because it is not legal on the federal level, which is priority over local and state governments. I think the reason  it is not legal is a loop hole, the same as certain types of abortions that are allowed, you allow one type of abortion and they will do any type. When they allow MJ, people will get around the law and want the hard stuff.

I have had the migraines before, and I agree totally, if it helps a patient, so be it.

Dr.s have their licenses on the line, and I can see their side also.

[jesicomp]

I was watching a video not too long ago and, it was talking about Obama, and his view on it. I believe he is working to make RX pot legal or at least give the state disgression. The federal government would not be involved. If that happened thats all it would take!!

[doctora]

Well to legalize it for the government it is another tax grab, and income, whether they are considering it for health, I dont know.
I went on line yesterday and printed out all the forms to apply for MJ in Canada. Im going to take it to my Dr to fill out, and I will submit and see what happens.
Really, the only questions they ask the Dr is to state illness/es, and symptoms, and severe migraines is one they accept. They charge $5.00 cdn for 1 gram, and you are given a licence for one year, but you cannot get caught driving even if you have the licence, they look at it similar to liquor.
This should be an interesting experiment.

[jesicomp]

aah, you will have to let me know how that turns out. As for the driving thing I am a little in the middle there, I dont really think you should drive. I would be ok with that. I had my appointment today, it was so silly there was an intern there and the doctor sat there and watched us do these silly tests, it was so lame...i felt like a cadaver. He gave me : topamax, frova and pamelor. I read the side affects, one of them has sucidal thoughts, one is a headache, which is the reason I am taking the **** by the way, the other causes kidney stones, I have had 5 in one sitting...so I am very discouraged, and really dont want to take it. I asked for fioricet, I dont know if he forgot or what, he said hed give it but I didnt notice it wasnt there till I was gone. what a waste of about 3 hours. Now I dont know If I should call my pcm to get the fioricet, the reason I had to go here was so she would give it to me..but if he didnt then WTF!!?!? Good luck on your adventures!! Let me know what happens..I did tell him I have been treating myself with the herbs and he told me to continue that, just do it wisely.

[doctora]

I would call his office and let them know he forgot to add Fioricet to the prescription, and pick up another one. I dont know much about the other drugs he put you on, but I havent had any side effects from it at all, and I have been taking it since I was a teenager for migraines, the same applies for MJ, that too I have been using regularily since I was a teenager (I am now in my mid 40's), I did stop everything for a year when I was pregnant, but thats it.
I also dont drive if I smoke MJ, I just dont feel comfortable doing that, but that also applies to my prescription meds. I usually take them an hour or so before I have to drive.
Otherwise, I have had no bad side effects from MJ, and I would much rather do that, than come home and drink.
I will let you know how it goes with the prescription - I dont see the Dr til Dec 3.