Hey Guys!


I was trying to find a fun forum where all the cool people hang out! Of course this is a pretty select club you have going here, you have to have something wrong with you to “belong.” So I tried my best, and after a lot of time and effort, succeeded in developing peripheral neuropathy! Hooray! Now I can hang out with you guys!


Hey, it's laugh or cry...


So about 3 months ago I started feeling fire/numbness in my feet, tell Dr. she's like “Meh, stop running so far/surfing in freezing water.” Ok... I'll totally do that (no I won't).

Then my fingers start to tingle. Dr says “You're probably just a weirdo, but we'll run some blood tests.”

Vitamins – ok
Fasting glucose – ok

Cool, I'm just nuts apparently.

Then my feet swell up and some hair falls off my legs. Awesome!

Dr runs glucose tolerance test which of course, is normal. Yay!

So after 3 months of getting the run around she's pretty certain it's neuropathy. Gives me a recommendation to a neurologist who tells me it will be 5 WEEKS!!!! Man... No one cares if you're in pain it seems.

So fast forward to today, it's getting worse, spread to my groin! This just gets better and better. So I'm only 37 and I'm going to go from being super fit surfer guy, to hobbling around in pain, possibly with ED, draggin around a pee bag. “Hey babe, wanna check out my bag?”

Oh, and I hear it can blind you as well! Neuropathy, the gift that keeps on giving! I'd celebrate with a beer or three, but oh yeah, I can't drink anymore...


So the questions:


I called the neuro yesterday, told them I was concerned that it was getting worse, and they told me in the politest possible way to F-off and wait my turn. After doing hours of research on this super awesome condition that we all share, I've learned that it's best to turn down pain meds until you really need them, and to find a Dr that specializes in neuropathy.

Should I wait the 2 weeks that are left? Is that pretty typical for neurologists to be backed up so far? Should I cancel and find one that specializes in Neuropathy? If so, how? Can anyone recommend a Dr in Socal? I'm in Orange County near the beach, but I'm willing to drive if it'll benefit me. I do have a good ppo so I can see anyone.

Pain: When the Dr said it would it would be 5 freaking weeks, I did TONS of research on pain management. So basically nothing works except for the hardcore stuff that knocks you out and destroys your internal organs... No thanks.

Medical marijuana is legal and accepted here, so I went down a couple weeks ago and got my card. For the most part it does help. I take a puff or two of a strong indica before bedtime only. It numbs my legs/hands and helps me sleep. Unfortunately, occasionally it seems to make my symptoms flare up. Sativas make me feel like I'm on fire.

Anyone here have any experience with mmj and circulation? I have swelling in my ankles, other parts. I'm VERY concerned about circulation. Anyone with circulation problems use it? Does it help or cause problems?

Here's what I've discovered so far about mmj taking into consideration ONLY credible studies, keeping biases in mind. To the mmj people it's a wonder plant that cures EVERYTHING, to uptight people it's simply evil and scary. BOO! Not a lot of helpful discussion on either side.

Pros :

-Peripheral Vasodilator – increases blood circulation (in most cases, see below)
-Lowers blood pressure
-Neuroprotectant
-Prevents diabetes in rats
-Lowers blood pressure in eyes potentially stopping diabetic retinopathy/glaucoma

Cons:

-While overall being a peripheral vasodilator, there have been studies showing contricting of small blood vessels in toes/fingers
-Study done in the UK showed constriction of blood vessels in brain
-Light use actually RAISED IQ 's up to 3 points, heavy use lowered by up to 5 which supposedly returned to normal after non-use, every day before bed would be considered heavy I'm sure
-Can be sprayed with harmful pesticides, probably not a concern if getting from an organic dispensary

So, is mmj a good or bad idea? I'm scared to keep using it, don't want to make my condition worse under any circumstances. I personally don't enjoy the high, but I'd rather take that than a med that will kill my liver/kidneys.

So main questions:

1.Should I find a diff doctor, or wait 2 weeks?
2.Is mmj a good or bad idea? My biggest concern is circulation.
3.I've been told that low blood sugar is healing to nerves, <100? True/False?

Thank you for reading my book. If you've made it this far, I'll happily buy you Guiness, ehh.. better make it a purple cow.

Any type of input at all is sincerely appreciated,

Thank you!