[Alkymst]

I'm posting a link from the November issue of the APF (American Pain Foundation) which describes the results from another small study demonstrating the benefits of smoking cannabis to alleviate neuropathic pain. The authors led by Mark Wallace, an anesthesiology professor at U Cal San Diego mimicked nerve pain using capsaicin and found that an intermediate dose ~4% by weight THC gave a statistically significant reduction in nerve pain vs smoking a placebo. Interesting that a low-dose was ineffective but a high does actually exacerbated the pain.

http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/534655/?sc=dwhn

I'm sure this topic has been posted on before but I can't honestly remember where on the forum so I'll include a link to an earlier study from Don Abrams' and colleagues at U Cal San Francisco re: the use of THC to alleviate the PN of HIV/AIDS patients particularly when the PN is caused by or aggravated by a medical regimen that included NRTI's (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors). I'm sure the earlier post included comments re: the results from Canandian and UK studies on THC and analogues so hopefully many other forum members can make up for my memory lapse.

http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/1667_11275.shtml

I know the topic engenders strong feelings on both sides of the legalization issue as well as possible long-term SE's but I thought it was worth the thread just to bring it to the forum's attention again.

I'll off-line now on my way to Johns Hopkins tomorrow for a Tuesday/Wednesday appt and then back home to say goodbye to colleagues caught up with me in the latest downsizing bloodbath.

I'll post if I have some sort of news from my trip to JH - maybe they can shed some light on a source my idiopathic and refractory pain - something that many, many foum members know all too well.

Alkymst

[shiney sue]

Legal yes no,who cares,oh I know the one in pain..We are talking small amounts. Good luck friend on trip to JH, learn as much aas you can..
So sorry about the job Come back and tell us more please ..Sue

[Silverlady]

And thanks for the article. I hope they are able to help you in some way. Best wishes and Blessings for your journey!!

Billye

[dahlek]

and legs - the toes do NOT cross? For the duration....
I truly hope that they all don't just write ya off with a 'stress' bit of cr*p', I do know of many, many others who have either gone there or to NYC from here in the DC area and have found lots of good sensible docs diagnose and suggest treatments in the process. For some, it's been life saving!
Go in with the attitude of IF you find anything, then anything that can be treated, fine. Do not expect cures? I've learned that Neuropathies aren't easy to either diagnose or treat or cure. Be what I call an 'optimistic-pessimist'...meaning Expect the worst, really hope for the best.

It CAN and does happen!!!! Hugs to you and yours- truly...It's probably feeling like an all or nothing proposition rite now...It's not.

Hugs and all that - good luck as well! - j

[nide44]

Yes, let us know about the Hopkins experience.
My neuro is Griffin, the head of the neuro dept there.
He's been very helpful and open minded.
We've worked together on my treatments, and meds.
You didn't mention what dept you were seeing.
Neurology, or Pain Clinic ? (or other?)
Hope you find the docs there, as good as I have.

[MelodyL]

I think it is absolutely ridiculous that a doctor (or our country for that matter), would take away a person (who is in pain), well that they would take away that person's right to be without pain!!! It's completely mind boggling.

I have heard that terminal cancer patients could be made more comfortable but that the doctor would not prescribe narcotics because the patient MIGHT BECOME ADDICTED!!!

And they wonder why some of us want to move to France!!!

jeez.

Mel