Medical marijuana with liver disease?

[promise0210]

Hey all, my husband starts treatment again in the next few weeks. Last time it was very hard on him. We have been researching about things to help with symptoms from tx, we have came across several articles about the use of cannibas to help treat the side effects. My question is tho, if you have cirrhosis then will that harm your liver even more?

We can't ask our dr as its illegal here so I would only get a bias answer. He would not be a daily smoker. I just want to do everything I can to help him be as comfortable as he possibly can be while going thru tx.

Thank you all so much

[flyinlynn]

What treatment will he be receiving? Is he treating for hepatitis c? Is he considered compensated or decompensated? Does he ever have episodes of hepatic encephalopathy? Does he take any meds for his cirrhosis? Do you know his MELD score? Is he currently on the liver transplant list?

All the questions are related as to whether or not it would be safe for him to try medical marijuana.

The new treatments are not like the old ones with shots of interferon I did that treatment as well.

The new DAA (direct acting antiviral) meds directly attack the virus. Most people report minimal side effects mostly some mild headaches which seem to be helped by keeping up with being properly hydrated the 8 or so glasses of liquid we all should be drinking every day anyway.

The new meds are well tolerated, of short duration, and highly effective.

Remember, everything gets cleaned from your system by the liver so you are adding another chemical to the body for the liver to remove so this would adding more workload to an already impaired organ. While there is not much saying marijuana is or is not harmful his liver with cirrhosis is already compromised.

Another consideration is if he should ever need a liver transplant many transplant centers won't allow those with a history of drug or alcohol use to receive a transplant at least not until a demonstrated period of abstinence so it could make his process to receive a liver transplant more complicated.

Just to add I was diagnosed with cirrhosis in Jan 2008. I treated 3 times with interferon based treatment prior to being diagnosed with cirrhosis. I was a non responder to those prior treatments. I treated with Harvoni finished 2 years ago and am still free of Hep c. Compared to my prior treatments my treatment with Harvoni was a walk in the park.

[Emerald67]

my mom almost died in the absolute worst way...for months I was taking her to the emerg for severe swelling...they sent us home...then one day coming home from picking up rx's I got an anfry call from my brother asking if Id talked to my mom that morning..I said no..Im actually on my ay there now..why..he had called an ambulance he thought she had had a stroke...Id been with her the eve before...she seemed sleepy..but Id thought she was tired as she thought she had hurt her back..and was in bed...she was rushed to emerg where she got worse..no one was even testing her blood levels..I demanded a test..they didnt preform it for another 8 hours...now my mom was telling me she had just fed the horse over there some hay...and why did my daughter have blood on her neck? ( she didnt) knowone was listening to me...when I arrived the next morning...I spoke to her one last time before she slipped into a coma they expected her to die from....she would never even remember we were there...she was in a coma for 10 days...we did shifts around the clock..I found out they have a new iv drug that can scrub amonia levels from the blood in 12 hrs..its being fast tracked through the usa...any drug like this that has life saving benifits can be brought in with canada forms under these circumstances...it would have saved her yrs of rehab..she still cant walk unassisted...we began milk thistle extract liquid while she was in coma though her feed tube...then gave it to her 4 times daily while we did shifts....she went through a surgury to remove a blood clot from her ankle caused by the coma...then 2 bouts of c diff...we got her out as soon as we could...leaving her in hospital while recovering would have killed her as her imune system was gone..she was in total blood failure...we kept hopefull I kept researching....she went to hawaii last year...her twin grandaughters are now 6..they at least will remember her...my daughter is becoming an actress Im tring to get into production my screenplay...she has alot to see yet..and Im tring to do everything in my power to keep her here with us...I know high doses of lactulose help bind ammonia and remove it from the body...and liquid milk thistle is the only thing known to man to help regenerate liver cells..its a rx in germany..where genevas liver confrence is held where are the top minds are working on new techniques..like the new iv drug..that scrubs ammonia from the blood...she really needs that therapy...and its not available unless shes dieing...define dieing..shes dieing daily! I dont know if this is any help to any of you but Ill gladdly tell you our story..and what has helped us.Iam looking into cannibis as a pain killer that she can take that wont kill her quicker..and give her back quality of life.I did help my friend aunt..she began apparently behaving the same way...but because of knowing my moms symptoms she called me they adminersted lactulose before going to hospital... And fluids and lasic furosimide and got her onto milk thistle..they avoided a coma...and her liver levels continue to improve..which dr.s are saying is impossible.
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[Emerald67]

my mom almost died in the absolute worst way...for months I was taking her to the emerg for severe swelling...they sent us home...then one day coming home from picking up rx's I got an anfry call from my brother asking if Id talked to my mom that morning..I said no..Im actually on my ay there now..why..he had called an ambulance he thought she had had a stroke...Id been with her the eve before...she seemed sleepy..but Id thought she was tired as she thought she had hurt her back..and was in bed...she was rushed to emerg where she got worse..no one was even testing her blood levels..I demanded a test..they didnt preform it for another 8 hours...now my mom was telling me she had just fed the horse over there some hay...and why did my daughter have blood on her neck? ( she didnt) knowone was listening to me...when I arrived the next morning...I spoke to her one last time before she slipped into a coma they expected her to die from....she would never even remember we were there...she was in a coma for 10 days...we did shifts around the clock..I found out they have a new iv drug that can scrub amonia levels from the blood in 12 hrs..its being fast tracked through the usa...any drug like this that has life saving benifits can be brought in with canada forms under these circumstances...it would have saved her yrs of rehab..she still cant walk unassisted...we began milk thistle extract liquid while she was in coma though her feed tube...then gave it to her 4 times daily while we did shifts....she went through a surgury to remove a blood clot from her ankle caused by the coma...then 2 bouts of c diff...we got her out as soon as we could...leaving her in hospital while recovering would have killed her as her imune system was gone..she was in total blood failure...we kept hopefull I kept researching....she went to hawaii last year...her twin grandaughters are now 6..they at least will remember her...my daughter is becoming an actress Im tring to get into production my screenplay...she has alot to see yet..and Im tring to do everything in my power to keep her here with us...I know high doses of lactulose help bind ammonia and remove it from the body...and liquid milk thistle is the only thing known to man to help regenerate liver cells..its a rx in germany..where genevas liver confrence is held where are the top minds are working on new techniques..like the new iv drug..that scrubs ammonia from the blood...she really needs that therapy...and its not available unless shes dieing...define dieing..shes dieing daily! I dont know if this is any help to any of you but Ill gladdly tell you our story..and what has helped us.Iam looking into cannibis as a pain killer that she can take that wont kill her quicker..and give her back quality of life.I did help my friend aunt..she began apparently behaving the same way...but because of knowing my moms symptoms she called me they adminersted lactulose before going to hospital... And fluids and lasic furosimide and got her onto milk thistle..they avoided a coma...and her liver levels continue to improve..which dr.s are saying is impossible.
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[Emerald67]

my mom almost died in the absolute worst way...for months I was taking her to the emerg for severe swelling...they sent us home...then one day coming home from picking up rx's I got an anfry call from my brother asking if Id talked to my mom that morning..I said no..Im actually on my ay there now..why..he had called an ambulance he thought she had had a stroke...Id been with her the eve before...she seemed sleepy..but Id thought she was tired as she thought she had hurt her back..and was in bed...she was rushed to emerg where she got worse..no one was even testing her blood levels..I demanded a test..they didnt preform it for another 8 hours...now my mom was telling me she had just fed the horse over there some hay...and why did my daughter have blood on her neck? ( she didnt) knowone was listening to me...when I arrived the next morning...I spoke to her one last time before she slipped into a coma they expected her to die from....she would never even remember we were there...she was in a coma for 10 days...we did shifts around the clock..I found out they have a new iv drug that can scrub amonia levels from the blood in 12 hrs..its being fast tracked through the usa...any drug like this that has life saving benifits can be brought in with canada forms under these circumstances...it would have saved her yrs of rehab..she still cant walk unassisted...we began milk thistle extract liquid while she was in coma though her feed tube...then gave it to her 4 times daily while we did shifts....she went through a surgury to remove a blood clot from her ankle caused by the coma...then 2 bouts of c diff...we got her out as soon as we could...leaving her in hospital while recovering would have killed her as her imune system was gone..she was in total blood failure...we kept hopefull I kept researching....she went to hawaii last year...her twin grandaughters are now 6..they at least will remember her...my daughter is becoming an actress Im tring to get into production my screenplay...she has alot to see yet..and Im tring to do everything in my power to keep her here with us...I know high doses of lactulose help bind ammonia and remove it from the body...and liquid milk thistle is the only thing known to man to help regenerate liver cells..its a rx in germany..where genevas liver confrence is held where are the top minds are working on new techniques..like the new iv drug..that scrubs ammonia from the blood...she really needs that therapy...and its not available unless shes dieing...define dieing..shes dieing daily! I dont know if this is any help to any of you but Ill gladdly tell you our story..and what has helped us.Iam looking into cannibis as a pain killer that she can take that wont kill her quicker..and give her back quality of life.I did help my friend aunt..she began apparently behaving the same way...but because of knowing my moms symptoms she called me they adminersted lactulose before going to hospital... And fluids and lasic furosimide and got her onto milk thistle..they avoided a coma...and her liver levels continue to improve..which dr.s are saying is impossible.
0  Edit Reply

[Emerald67]

my mom almost died in the absolute worst way...for months I was taking her to the emerg for severe swelling...they sent us home...then one day coming home from picking up rx's I got an anfry call from my brother asking if Id talked to my mom that morning..I said no..Im actually on my ay there now..why..he had called an ambulance he thought she had had a stroke...Id been with her the eve before...she seemed sleepy..but Id thought she was tired as she thought she had hurt her back..and was in bed...she was rushed to emerg where she got worse..no one was even testing her blood levels..I demanded a test..they didnt preform it for another 8 hours...now my mom was telling me she had just fed the horse over there some hay...and why did my daughter have blood on her neck? ( she didnt) knowone was listening to me...when I arrived the next morning...I spoke to her one last time before she slipped into a coma they expected her to die from....she would never even remember we were there...she was in a coma for 10 days...we did shifts around the clock..I found out they have a new iv drug that can scrub amonia levels from the blood in 12 hrs..its being fast tracked through the usa...any drug like this that has life saving benifits can be brought in with canada forms under these circumstances...it would have saved her yrs of rehab..she still cant walk unassisted...we began milk thistle extract liquid while she was in coma though her feed tube...then gave it to her 4 times daily while we did shifts....she went through a surgury to remove a blood clot from her ankle caused by the coma...then 2 bouts of c diff...we got her out as soon as we could...leaving her in hospital while recovering would have killed her as her imune system was gone..she was in total blood failure...we kept hopefull I kept researching....she went to hawaii last year...her twin grandaughters are now 6..they at least will remember her...my daughter is becoming an actress Im tring to get into production my screenplay...she has alot to see yet..and Im tring to do everything in my power to keep her here with us...I know high doses of lactulose help bind ammonia and remove it from the body...and liquid milk thistle is the only thing known to man to help regenerate liver cells..its a rx in germany..where genevas liver confrence is held where are the top minds are working on new techniques..like the new iv drug..that scrubs ammonia from the blood...she really needs that therapy...and its not available unless shes dieing...define dieing..shes dieing daily! I dont know if this is any help to any of you but Ill gladdly tell you our story..and what has helped us.Iam looking into cannibis as a pain killer that she can take that wont kill her quicker..and give her back quality of life.I did help my friend aunt..she began apparently behaving the same way...but because of knowing my moms symptoms she called me they adminersted lactulose before going to hospital... And fluids and lasic furosimide and got her onto milk thistle..they avoided a coma...and her liver levels continue to improve..which dr.s are saying is impossible.
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[StillDetermined]

As most all have said, if on or close to being on the transplant list, then leave it alone as the protocol requires patient be free of thc for 6 months. The protocol is National, so unavoidable. However, after 6 months without my medical marijuana, I still tested positive and felt bad. Said the heck with it and decided to die at home comfortably and went back to using it. End results are that I am now off the transplant list, labs are stable and my pain is under control. Four tumors found on my liver were said to be "dead" and when you take into account my father and uncle on my fathers side both died of liver cancer due to alcoholic cirrhosis. Only thing different in our care is that I used medical marijuana. And no it is not legal in my state, but to me, it is worth the costs and risks. Simply helps too much and I honestly believe I am still with the living because of it. I am a big research person as well a registered nurse by education. I actually challenged the liver transplant team as to why medical marijuana was not allowed and in what way does it interfere? They relied it was against protocol. I agreed and then asked again - "but what are the medical reasons ruling it out?" They avoided the question. So I asked very bluntly again! I made them admit that there was no medical reason as to why it is not allowed, just that it is against protocol. I also cornered them into admitting that medical marijuana does help with eating and sleeping - two difficult things for me. Also helps with pain and anxiety, again they could not deny it. For me, it is the best medicine I have found and will continue using it as long as I can. Wishing everyone the best!!!

[DDaughter]

My father is in end stages and under hospice care.  His health has declined dramatically since we brought him home from the hospital two weeks ago. He is taking lactilose and has had his fluids drained last week.  Had to call an ambulance to take him to ER because he couldn't breathe, basically drowning in his own fluids.  He cannot get out of bed, cannot go to bathroom on his own, and sleeps or coughs all the time. His kidney levels are so high.  His legs are swollen and too week to stand. Gets a little confused from time to time, but if he focuses good on what you are saying, he understands. It is illegal in GA and I'm seriously considering presenting the idea of smoking to my parents, who are devout Christians! The only marijuana I could get would most likely have more THC than CBD, and it would be illegal. But at this point I would take the chance if it would enhance his quality of life for however long he lives! I can't stand watching him die, and I KNOW he isn't ready to! Any advice???

[DebbieWest]

My husband has ESLD and his Hep. Doctor allows him to use the candies or drinkable with cbc. It helps with pain and function. In our state it is legal and he gets a medical grade. He is on a transplant list but his Meld score has improved from a 28 to a 6.

[merlin462]

I'm not sure what effect the cannabis has on my liver but I have stage 4 cirrhosis and have been smoking now for the last 8 months. I had been diagnosed in early 2014 and was told I had less than a year to live. Since I have been smoking my sleep patterns, appetite and overall attitude has improved considerably. In September my blood tests came back normal for the first time in years and my cirrhosis is fully compensated. I know it's illegal but all I have to do is compare my self a year ago with the way I feel now and I'll take the chance in a heartbeat.

[LW1959]

Checkout projectcbd.org

[bobgunpowder]

y husband is post transplant seven years, he is stage 4 kidney diese, they gave him drug right,after tranplant to boost prograf and never monitred his blood work fried hs kidneys,has diabetes,under control andhas had heart attack,hisheart function is not good/ am i right the more pot he smokes the lower is tacro leval, the more tacro he needs which fries kidneys?Hi cratine is3.7?his kidney fuction went from 20 to 17%,his pottssium is 5.7.he smokes everyday? he also just started crestor and prosiacfor somah and 2 new blood pressue druga?Any help???

[Livelife777]

Honestly I hate to admit it from the most recent findings it does accelerate fibrosis. I believe the source was PubMed which is reputable. I do believe for patients suffering from cancer, pain issues, and various other ailments that it does have benefit.
.....Kim

[promise0210]

We decided not to take the risk of getting kicked off the transplant team but I still don't understand what to believe about it all. Some swear by it others say no. I've read some articles where there are no signs of effecting a damaged liver and then some I've read that it' has so I'm not sure who or what to believe here.

[Livelife777]

The debate continues.  Recent findings actually have surfaced that marajuana does accelerate fibrosis, but the interpretations are somewhat skewed.  
Should you need a liver transplant in the future, pot is off limits.  The continuing bad news is that at this juncture even if your seeking treatment for your Hep C, you may also be outta luck.  You must show 6 months free of alcohol, street drugs and marajuana.
I was fortunate to be taken off the liver transplant list and didn't know that as a SVR patient that I still had to follow the rules.  At Christmas I had a legal hard candy with pot in it with my 90 year old dad and mom.  Harmless so I thought.  Can't drink alcohol so thought it would be OK.  Had my usual 6 month check-up and WOW was I lectured to.  They just about kicked me out of the place.  Now I must see their psychiatrist in order to remain in their care.
Sooooo....Don't even think about.  Yes, it does have many benefits but you do not want to risk your care.  I've definately learned my lesson, and never again!
Wish you well
......Kim

[Candace55]

I live in California but do not have  marijuana card. I have stage 4 cirrhosis. Unfortunately I still enjoy my alcohol but have thought about substituting with cannabis. How is your partner doing and what are your thoughts?

[flyinlynn]

There is no cure for cirrhosis only stopping the cause either stopping excess alcohol or curing hepatitis. Then time is the only cure. Depending on the amount of liver tissue that has been scarred to the point that the tissue has died. Overtime the liver may be able to regain some function with careful diet and exercise as tolerated and avoidance of all unnecessary chemicals that have to be cleared by the liver. This means no alcohol, care with prescription and OTC medicine and all other chemicals. Note THC the active ingredient in marihuana is a chemical that your liver needs to process.

Save your money don't spend it on snake oil but on healthy food. There are no easy answers no magic cures. Only clean living and time will hear a liver with cirrhosis.  

[Denene7000]

I have been Sooo tempted to try That Rick Simpson oil or that stuff called Phoenix Tears. I have seen so many testimonies about it. Does anyone know if there are studies about it helping or actually curing Cirrhosis?? I was told it would cure in 90 days and the cost was $750.00! This was from a reliable source. But I am still unsure.

[Emerald67]

my mom almost died in the absolute worst way...for months I was taking her to the emerg for severe swelling...they sent us home...then one day coming home from picking up rx's I got an anfry call from my brother asking if Id talked to my mom that morning..I said no..Im actually on my ay there now..why..he had called an ambulance he thought she had had a stroke...Id been with her the eve before...she seemed sleepy..but Id thought she was tired as she thought she had hurt her back..and was in bed...she was rushed to emerg where she got worse..no one was even testing her blood levels..I demanded a test..they didnt preform it for another 8 hours...now my mom was telling me she had just fed the horse over there some hay...and why did my daughter have blood on her neck? ( she didnt) knowone was listening to me...when I arrived the next morning...I spoke to her one last time before she slipped into a coma they expected her to die from....she would never even remember we were there...she was in a coma for 10 days...we did shifts around the clock..I found out they have a new iv drug that can scrub amonia levels from the blood in 12 hrs..its being fast tracked through the usa...any drug like this that has life saving benifits can be brought in with canada forms under these circumstances...it would have saved her yrs of rehab..she still cant walk unassisted...we began milk thistle extract liquid while she was in coma though her feed tube...then gave it to her 4 times daily while we did shifts....she went through a surgury to remove a blood clot from her ankle caused by the coma...then 2 bouts of c diff...we got her out as soon as we could...leaving her in hospital while recovering would have killed her as her imune system was gone..she was in total blood failure...we kept hopefull I kept researching....she went to hawaii last year...her twin grandaughters are now 6..they at least will remember her...my daughter is becoming an actress Im tring to get into production my screenplay...she has alot to see yet..and Im tring to do everything in my power to keep her here with us...I know high doses of lactulose help bind ammonia and remove it from the body...and liquid milk thistle is the only thing known to man to help regenerate liver cells..its a rx in germany..where genevas liver confrence is held where are the top minds are working on new techniques..like the new iv drug..that scrubs ammonia from the blood...she really needs that therapy...and its not available unless shes dieing...define dieing..shes dieing daily! I dont know if this is any help to any of you but Ill gladdly tell you our story..and what has helped us.Iam looking into cannibis as a pain killer that she can take that wont kill her quicker..and give her back quality of life.I did help my friend aunt..she began apparently behaving the same way...but because of knowing my moms symptoms she called me they adminersted lactulose before going to hospital... And fluids and lasic furosimide and got her onto milk thistle..they avoided a coma...and her liver levels continue to improve..which dr.s are saying is impossible.
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[Magnum]

Funny you mentioned this when just two days ago I saw my transplant doctor and asked his nurse about this. Her statement was that AFTER a transplant, your immune system is compromised because of the Prograf (anti-rejection medicine) and you could get a lung fungal infection. I did post in another board if marijuana laced cookies or brownies would cause the same problem . The doctor's nurse said NO marijuana. Period. Hmmm... I wonder. It has helped me tremendously pre-transplant, as I was averaging 2-3 hours sleep a night. With medical marijuana, I got at least 6 hours of sleep, giving me more time to dream about Charlize Theron.

However, before the transplant, I was severely warned that if they found it in my system when tested before the transplant, I would NOT receive a liver. The rule in Illinois was no cigarettes, alcohol or any street drugs including marijuana 6 months pre-transplant. Luckily, I quit about a year before. I'm still looking for the answer to cookies or brownies...

Magnum

[KermieVN2001]

My partner started smoking medical cannabis with elevated CBD levels  and low THC levels in May of 2014.  It is legal in California so there is no effort required in obtaining the cannabis through a legal establishment.  I can only rave over the change in her condition.  She went from being depressed, anxious, and lethargic to being active, calm, and happy.  She used to spend 18-20 hours isolated in her room to spending 6-8 hours out in the yard gardening, maintenance or simply enjoying the day outside.  We have had no support through her primary care physician, but each time we visit the physician, she comments on how good my partner looks.  I work in the medical field and I have never seen such an improvement in someone with ESLD (End Stage Liver Disease).  We have seen a specialist at UCSF liver transplant center who mentioned that their board was going to review disqualifying criteria (cannabis consumption) for liver transplantation because it has such prevalent presence in California.  My partner is not a candidate for liver transplantation at this time (MELD score @ 12).  So all I can say is...do what you feel is right and legal in your state.  At some point you must look at the quality of life your loved one is living.

[zarmar]

Are you using the Cannabidiol (CBD) version?

[mckansas]

This is true.  The minute I got if the transplant list tho I started taking it again.

[promise0210]

Thanks everyone

[Advocate1955]

If your husband has advanced Cirrhosis and could potentially require a liver transplant anytime in the future, it is best not to use marijuana as it is likely that any transplant center would not approve him for a transplant whether you're in a state where marijuana is legal or not.  I live in Washington State, where marijuana is legal not only for medicinal use but also for recreational use.  A transplant hepatologist told my friend with ESLD who was attempting to be approved for a liver transplant that if she does not use marijuana not to start.