[DSW90049]

Ankylosing spondylitis, or, as also affectionately known: spondyloarthropathy:

I would be honored to hear from members of this Forum on what MMJ works best. I am long-time afficionado (hate that word), but, relatively short-time legal CA patient and I really want to put the best to work on my chronic pain and stiffness and flair-ups and almost constant low-grade fever and aches and general miseries of this gift that keeps on giving.

In advance, I thank you all!

[westlafadeaway]

Originally Posted by DSW90049

Ankylosing spondylitis, or, as also affectionately known: spondyloarthropathy:

I would be honored to hear from members of this Forum on what MMJ works best. I am long-time afficionado (hate that word), but, relatively short-time legal CA patient and I really want to put the best to work on my chronic pain and stiffness and flair-ups and almost constant low-grade fever and aches and general miseries of this gift that keeps on giving.

In advance, I thank you all!

Well, first off, my sincere condolences for having been cursed with Ankylosing Spondylitis. I have degenerative disc disease (lumbar & cervical) and scoliosis, so I quite literally feel your pain.

What works for me for pain relief is the following - OGxTrainwreck ! OK, I'll also use just OG if I have to But the best thing, for me, is a strong indica. I also love to use kief, when I can find it. It seems to amplify the pain-relief effects.

I also try to hydrate constantly thruout the day, since the water helps to flush toxins out of your system. These toxins can contribute to muscle soreness and achiness. I'm going to try glucosamine & chondroitin and see if that helps improve my range of motion. My PT recommends a (liquid) brand of G&C that you can get @ Costco - I'll post about it after I try it.

How long have you been wrestling with your disease and do you go to a chiropractor ?

[DSW90049]

westlawfadeaway: Thanks! I had mine diagnosed about 6 years ago now. Prior to that, I and my friends/loved ones thought that I had an awful lot of isolated orthopedic problems~ I mean many many. The hydration point is excellent. It does help to drink huge amounts of water. Weather changes are what kills me. What I do for a living is also mondo stressful, but, I like to think that it is the good kind of stress. Problem is that RA does not know from good vs. bad stress. It all makes my joints and connective tissues hurt like an SOB and think that they have to mobilize their little microbic armies to fight off invaders who aren't really there.

MMJ really really helps, both with the chronic pain and with my mood when it all gets to me. It is such a bad joke that the feds don't get it. I truly wish I could share the pain with a few judges and maybe they would understand.

btw- thanks for the really nice PM you sent me when I first got on here. I am West LA based as well and, you know how I feel about the Grateful Dead.

Thanks again for the help and thoughts. This disease is a real bitch because I look healthy and vigorous and like I am in great health, so a lot of people wonder why I go home after work and don't want to do things and why I need to rest so much on the weekends and go to bed early. Also, this disease won't kill you- it just makes you feel that it is.

[westlafadeaway]

Originally Posted by DSW90049

westlawfadeaway: Thanks! I had mine diagnosed about 6 years ago now. Prior to that, I and my friends/loved ones thought that I had an awful lot of isolated orthopedic problems~ I mean many many. The hydration point is excellent. It does help to drink huge amounts of water. Weather changes are what kills me. What I do for a living is also mondo stressful, but, I like to think that it is the good kind of stress. Problem is that RA does not know from good vs. bad stress. It all makes my joints and connective tissues hurt like an SOB and think that they have to mobilize their little microbic armies to fight off invaders who aren't really there.

MMJ really really helps, both with the chronic pain and with my mood when it all gets to me. It is such a bad joke that the feds don't get it. I truly wish I could share the pain with a few judges and maybe they would understand.

btw- thanks for the really nice PM you sent me when I first got on here. I am West LA based as well and, you know how I feel about the Grateful Dead.

Thanks again for the help and thoughts. This disease is a real bitch because I look healthy and vigorous and like I am in great health, so a lot of people wonder why I go home after work and don't want to do things and why I need to rest so much on the weekends and go to bed early. Also, this disease won't kill you- it just makes you feel that it is.

You know, I was just recently sent to a rheumatologist because my Drs can't figure out wtf is wrong with me. I mean, besides the disc disease & scoliosis, there's something else going on. I really identify with your comments about being sore, achy & in pain all the damn time. I feel like I'm 86 instead of 46

But the rheumatologist says that I don't have rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus, or......... In other words, they're stumped. So onward I go - next stop is an orthopedic specialist. Oh boy !

I'm also a 'type A' personality, so I know exactly what you mean about good stress & bad stress. I've been off work for almost a year now & it's making me insane. I swear, my house is in a frightening state of organization now, I've got nothing else to do but clean and organize

It's funny, because I also APPEAR to be 'normal' (whatever that means ). Altho I limp like a mofo, I look really healthy - good color, happy & upbeat attitude (thanks to MMJ!) etc. People tend to judge based on appearance, which is a shame.

And I'm always happy to chat with a fellow Deadhead - PM me anytime

Sorry to hear you all suffer with RA..Me too, brought on by crohns disease. my hands,hips and knees suffer a lot. some days i can barely use my right hand, which sucks as i am right handed.
it never pays to judge a book by its cover, as i too look "healthy". just because i am 30 doesn't mean i haven't suffered and lived through hell. if i wasn't able to use MMJ, i wouldn't look so healthy, hell i would never be seen, as i would be only able to move from the bathroom to the bed.
hope you find a strain that works for you.

[BrattonBasher]

Originally Posted by DSW90049

Ankylosing spondylitis, or, as also affectionately known: spondyloarthropathy:

I would be honored to hear from members of this Forum on what MMJ works best. I am long-time afficionado (hate that word), but, relatively short-time legal CA patient and I really want to put the best to work on my chronic pain and stiffness and flair-ups and almost constant low-grade fever and aches and general miseries of this gift that keeps on giving.

In advance, I thank you all!

Hello fellow AS sufferer!!! I am at work today so I have to be brief. I will post what I know about our condition when I have a little time. MMJ and occasional Indocin are the only relief I have ever had. Thank you for starting this thread!!!

[b0ng.r3sin]

Hello everyone,

i am glad i stumbled into this thread...

i have recently been diagnosed with RA but am actually going to see a Rheumatologist on Friday. i have tons of questions for him especially since ive been visiting the arthritis foundation site, the big thing that scares me is hearing about the biochem medications that they might try to put me on... are any of u taking these types? What are ur docs prescribing to help slow the progression of this disease?

i actually came across a very interesting article on NORML's site stating:

"Preclinical data also indicates that cannabinoids can moderate the progression of RA. Writing in the August 2000 issue of the Journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, investigators at London’s Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology reported that cannabidiol (CBD) administration suppressed progression of arthritis in vitro and in animals.[5] Administration of CBD after the onset of clinical symptoms protected joints against severe damage and “effectively blocked [the] progression of arthritis,” investigators concluded. Daily administration of the synthetic cannabinoid agonist HU-320 has also been reported to protect joints from damage and to ameliorate arthritis in animals.[6]"

This is gr8 news to me... but im confused... do i not take the scripts and keep smoking only? or do i do both and risk a lot of severe side effects if i take the scripts they'll try to put me on?? What are ur all ideas on this??

im really afraid that if i just medicate using medical marijuana that it wont slow down this disease enough and i might end up crippled... although i already feel crippled because i cant live and work like a normal person anymore due to my chronic disease.

i have been using a variety of hybrids, indicas, and sativas... i think they all work good for me... especially the indicas.. i normally am always changing up my strains because i want to find the one that works BEST.

i think the one that i will say worked best was a strain i picked up in west hollywood and have since not seen it anywhere... the strain was god's purple gift... it was so long ago i dont even remember if it was a hybrid, sat or ind... but regardless it really made all my pains go away.

i cant wait to stumble across something like that again... BTW anyone know of a co-op near the OC area that has top shelf for compassionate donations??

any info will be greatly appreciated.

i hope u all have a great day and good luck!

One love - Namaste,

Feather Sea

[tommyz1052]

also dont understimate Disease modifying agents currently available fore RA patients. Like "Enbrel" and the others like it that get at the problem of RA.

These have been proven to prevent progression of the disease , and was a tremendous step forware for alot of autoimmune diseases.

For any LA Patients with AS or RA:

Dr. Solomon N. Foruozesh
9808 Venice Blvd. Ste. 604
Culver City, CA. 90232
(310) 204-6811
He is My Rheumatologist, and his specialty is RA, AS, and Diseases of the Bone. Board of Regents at UCLA, Board of Directors at Brotman Hospital.. Very Cannabis Positive. He accepts MediCal and Medicare referals. If you are unsatisfied with your doctors progress you might ask for a Referals from your Primary Treating Physician..

This doctor was the only one out of 7 that diagnosed my AS when all the others were still scratching their butts & doing more tests. He is learning through his patients that Cannabis helps with the Inflamation of RA, the pain of AS,and even helps Lupus patients and the inflamatory effects of their illness.

Originally Posted by b0ng.r3sin

Hello everyone,
i have recently been diagnosed with RA but am actually going to see a Rheumatologist on Friday. i have tons of questions for him especially since ive been visiting the arthritis foundation site, the big thing that scares me is hearing about the biochem medications that they might try to put me on... are any of u taking these types? What are ur docs prescribing to help slow the progression of this disease?

This is gr8 news to me... but im confused... do i not take the scripts and keep smoking only? or do i do both and risk a lot of severe side effects if i take the scripts they'll try to put me on?? What are ur all ideas on this??

im really afraid that if i just medicate using medical marijuana that it wont slow down this disease enough and i might end up crippled... although i already feel crippled because i cant live and work like a normal person anymore due to my chronic disease.

i have been using a variety of hybrids, indicas, and sativas... i think they all work good for me... especially the indicas.. i normally am always changing up my strains because i want to find the one that works BEST.

i think the one that i will say worked best was a strain i picked up in west hollywood and have since not seen it anywhere... the strain was god's purple gift... it was so long ago i dont even remember if it was a hybrid, sat or ind... but regardless it really made all my pains go away.

Don't Titrate your Medicine by yourself.. Talk to your Doctor and let him / her know you are using Cannabis for relief of some symptoms.. They can modify your medication for efficacy with the cannabis. Injestion of Cannabis may Increase or Decrease the effects of the prescription pharmaceuticals.Remember Asprin is one of the safest medicines out there, but takng asprin before surgery can be fatal. Drinking Milk while taking Antibiotics nullifies absorbsion.. Talk with your Rheumatologist.
Study the Strain that works best for you.. Make notations that you can show your Doctor.. They also learn from patients.. Time for patients to educate the Doctors

[BrattonBasher]

Originally Posted by tommyz1052

also dont understimate Disease modifying agents currently available fore RA patients. Like "Enbrel" and the others like it that get at the problem of RA.

These have been proven to prevent progression of the disease , and was a tremendous step forware for alot of autoimmune diseases.

Yes, Enbrel will help some people. But at $1500.00 a month, and almost no insurance will cover it, it is very expensive. Also it leaves you suseptable to contracting lymphoma, which would suck. Enbrel use essentially weakens your immune system. My family and I considered the options, and we decided to tough it out with MMJ and occasional Indocin. Vicodin constipates me, which I consider much worse pain than anything. Anybody out there on Enbrel??

I am glad I found this thread too. I was diagnosed last year with Psoriatic Arthritis and also have had a plethra of orthopedic problems over the years. I have good days and bad days, but look healthy overall even though inside I am in a lot of pain. I love that I have found a medicine that is appropriate for me. MMJ has seriously changed me, as it is the best meds around for my conditions. There are so many strains that are helpful vs. the one or two pharmacuticles (sp ?). There is no comparison of the two, and many of us are aware of this, and some not. I think we are the futurists. One day we will look back at this time and compare it to the alcohol prohobition. I hope each and every patient inflicted with this disease can have options to choose the meds that work best for them. Thanks for starting this thread.

Best,
pic4daze

[DSW90049]

Wow- great stuff on here. It really helps to know that I am not the only one suffering through this. A couple of things:
1. Definitely check with yr Dr. about titrating MMJ-- for example, I have been using Vicodin in various forms for years and I am now greatly cutting down on the Vicodin through the use of MMJ which actually kills the pain better anyway and with fewer side effects. THE COMBINATION INTENSIFIES THE EFFECT OF THE VICODIN-- BEWARE AND GET YOUR SEA LEGS BEFORE YOU MOVE AROUND MUCH ON BOTH. NO DRIVING!!!!!!!!
2. I have been injecting Humira twice a month for two years now. It is a Godsend~ I doubt I could still be working my ass off full-time (yes, I'm one of those A types) if I was not using Humira, in fact, I KNOW I couldn't. It is mondo expensive with or without health insurance ($2k/mo vs. about $380/month with) but, I cannot support my wife and kids without it- plain and simple.
3. Help educate people who think that people with severe RA are faking it because they look healthy and robust~ IT REALLY HURTS TO BE REGARDED AS A MALINGERER BECAUSE OF PURE IGNORANCE OF OTHERS. You don't have to LOOK f'd up to BE f'd up- believe me.
4. Knowledge is power-- the more you know about this weird, baffling disease in all its poorly understood (100+) forms, the better you will be equipped to deal with something that has no cure and they don't understand what it is except that your body thinks it is being invaded by evil microbes so it fights off the imagined invaders and destroys your joints and connective tissue in the process.
5. UNDERSTAND FLARE-UPS: For me it feels like the flu- for hours or even days (right now, for example). It is nature's way of telling you to moderate, rest, relax and recharge.

[DSW90049]

The article on RA on the NORML website that Bong-r3, etc. mentioned above is a must-read btw.

How can the feds say there is no medical use? I just don't get it and I hurt like an SOB while I ponder this.

[westlafadeaway]

Originally Posted by b0ng.r3sin

..........i actually came across a very interesting article on NORML's site stating:

"Preclinical data also indicates that cannabinoids can moderate the progression of RA. Writing in the August 2000 issue of the Journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, investigators at London’s Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology reported that cannabidiol (CBD) administration suppressed progression of arthritis in vitro and in animals.[5] Administration of CBD after the onset of clinical symptoms protected joints against severe damage and “effectively blocked [the] progression of arthritis,” investigators concluded. Daily administration of the synthetic cannabinoid agonist HU-320 has also been reported to protect joints from damage and to ameliorate arthritis in animals.[6]"

This is gr8 news to me... but im confused... do i not take the scripts and keep smoking only? or do i do both and risk a lot of severe side effects if i take the scripts they'll try to put me on?? What are ur all ideas on this??

im really afraid that if i just medicate using medical marijuana that it wont slow down this disease enough and i might end up crippled... although i already feel crippled because i cant live and work like a normal person anymore due to my chronic disease.

i have been using a variety of hybrids, indicas, and sativas... i think they all work good for me... especially the indicas.. i normally am always changing up my strains because i want to find the one that works BEST.........

You know, in my experience, I have achieved pretty effective pain management by combining prescription drugs and MMJ. And I've never experienced a bad side effect, mainly because MMJ's drug safety profile is benign. In fact, that quote that you posted states that MMJ seems to prevent the progression of RA.

Many meds have what's called 'synergistic' effects - meaning that they enchance the effectiveness of other meds. This also applies to taking supplements, for instance it's preferable to take calcium with vitamin D, then they both work better !

IMO, as research on MMJ continues, we're going to re-discover what people have known for centuries, that MMJ has so many subtle and positive effects on the human physiology. There's a reason why Mother Nature gave us cannabinoid receptors in our brains

You're also doing the right thing by switching med strains. In my experience, I do not develop a 'tolerance' to MMJ, just to the strain that I'm using the most. One of the most wonderful things about being able to go to a co-op is that they have a wide variety of meds to choose from, so it's much easier to find strains that work well for you.

[tommyz1052]

Originally Posted by BrattonBasher

Yes, Enbrel will help some people. But at $1500.00 a month, and almost no insurance will cover it, it is very expensive. Also it leaves you suseptable to contracting lymphoma, which would suck. Enbrel use essentially weakens your immune system. My family and I considered the options, and we decided to tough it out with MMJ and occasional Indocin. Vicodin constipates me, which I consider much worse pain than anything. Anybody out there on Enbrel??

A conclusion you reached but may not be a good idea for other patients. I associate myself with the comments of "Kushcollective2". The risk/benefits have to be weighed by a doctor and patient. Each situation is individual. The field of self medication is lonely and not easily traveled without hitting a mine.

I only used the example of Enbrel because it came to mind. I know for a fact that the company that makes it has a assistance program because they have it for the other drugs they make.

If someone thought you could benefit , dont give up. (1-888-436-2735) ( for Enbrel http://www.enlivenservices.com/ra/on.../insurance/#q1) they assign you an case manager that exhausts the avenues with the insurance company.

I know of one patient that ended up only paying 100 a month, even though it isnt on the insurance company formulary . They are also can help you obtain economic assistance for federal and state grants that are not generally known about.

[b0ng.r3sin]

wow, thanks for sharing all this information with me everyone! now i can go to my 1st rheumatologist appt tomorrow and hit him with a shit load of questions...

i am STILL very afraid about what i read though when it comes to the types of medication they will want to put me on to help slow the progress.... ive bean reading a lot about severe side effects.... im going to drill my Rheumatologist with these concerns as well... does anyone know, on an average scale, how long it takes to determine what works best??

Also, how long does it take for the disease to actually start showing in the body... for instance i did a google search for Rheumatoid Arthritis and came up with some very nasty images of peoples hands that have this disease... im so araid of ending up like that... without my hands i wont be able to work.. my job consists of using the comp for 8 hours straight :( what am i gonna do?!

[tommyz1052]

Originally Posted by b0ng.r3sin

wow, thanks for sharing all this information with me everyone! now i can go to my 1st rheumatologist appt tomorrow and hit him with a shit load of questions...

i am STILL very afraid about what i read though when it comes to the types of medication they will want to put me on to help slow the progress.... ive bean reading a lot about severe side effects.... im going to drill my Rheumatologist with these concerns as well... does anyone know, on an average scale, how long it takes to determine what works best??

Also, how long does it take for the disease to actually start showing in the body... for instance i did a google search for Rheumatoid Arthritis and came up with some very nasty images of peoples hands that have this disease... im so araid of ending up like that... without my hands i wont be able to work.. my job consists of using the comp for 8 hours straight :( what am i gonna do?!

In general those are pictures pre Enbrel. Medications like Enbrel have really changed the treatment of R.A.

It is very very patient independent. But better to ask your specialist.

[b0ng.r3sin]

Just got back from the appt. , boy am i disappointed.. when i got there a nurse took my blood pressure and then jotted down a few notes about my medical history... after that i got to see the "real" specialist.. whom by the way made me feel like my issues were making her bored. as i tried to explain how my pain is a wanderer (meaning i have pains through out my body whenever they decide to be present) and it isn't always consistent... i explained how for like 1 or 2 days my arm would be so stiff and in pain that i couldnt even move it... and how it would go away and then i would have the same issues in my leg and they would go away too... but if anything she just made notes... no comments or additional questions about it. the only thing she actually "did" was feel my wrists, behind my knees, my elbows, and my shoulders to see if it hurt when she touched it. it hurt because she applied really hard pressure.. but normally if im in pain and i touch that part it doesnt always hurt even more... its just there under my skin making me suffer from within. i even told her i got info from arthritis.org and that i had some informative questionarres i filled out... and she didnt even want to sea them until the next visit. i even brought in x rays that they took a few weeks back.. she didnt even want to see that.

Even though she already had my lab results that clearly showed i had a very high rheumatoid factor, she still decided that i needed to get blood work again. Shes sure that RA is present but i dunno i guess she needs to find out more things? she wouldnt really give me more info... then to top it off. She totally shunned the idea of using medical marijuana to relieve any pain or for use to alleviate my other ailments.... she was ridiculous... im sure very uneducated in the true benefits of medicinal mj as well... she asked if i was taking any scripts and i said no, except for medical mj.. she asked why and i told her because i read up on the side effects and risks in the medication that was prescribed to me and i decided not to take it and instead use the herbal alternative instead. At least until i can get more info on what i have and not just take any script the doc thinks will work without looking into it properly.

For instance, my primary phys. prescribed Naproxen an anti-flammatory script... yet i found the following info when i came back from the apppointment ( a shame i didnt look it up before i went to see her, then i coulda slapped some facts on her):

•This medicine can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use naproxen. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
•Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.
•This medicine can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking naproxen. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.
•Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
•Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to naproxen (such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen). If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this type of medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, or ketoprofen.
•Do not drink alcohol while taking naproxen. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by naproxen.
•Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Naproxen can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.

Regardless, i feel the appt didnt go well.. i dont feel any more informed and now i have to wait another month until i can see her again... which i dont. i'd rather look into another specialist that will be more compassionate and actually take my concerns into consideration.

Any suggestions for a good specialist?, i think Kush mentioned one... Kush if u can give me that info.. id greatly appreciate it.

well, i hope all of u have a gr8 pain free weekend

One Love - Namaste,

Feather Sea.

[b0ng.r3sin]

hehe,, eh nm about the info... i just reviewed ur prev post and saw the contact info u left.

Thanks!

[b0ng.r3sin]

Originally Posted by tommyz1052

also dont understimate Disease modifying agents currently available fore RA patients. Like "Enbrel" and the others like it that get at the problem of RA.

These have been proven to prevent progression of the disease , and was a tremendous step forware for alot of autoimmune diseases.

Danx for the info tommyz!,
i havent had a chance to google some of these, but do u know if there are any serious side effex to take into consideration?

i wanna bee aware of what i might step into.

[DSW90049]

bongr3sin: It is a very discouraging process which is not helped along by medical practitioners who haven't a clue about what you are really suffering, lack curiosity to find out, and would rather have you on prescription pills that have side effects lists as long as your arm. But, that's most rheumatologists out there at this point.

X rays usally don't show much although they often want symmetrical major joint area ones to see the damage to the joints.

If you have a high RA factor in your blood, that tells you something tho.

I subscribe to Carol & Richard Eustice - About.com Arthritis Guide [arthritis.guide@about.com] -- it's free, on-line and they are co-sufferers. Great information and links to other great information.

Have they discussed the DMARD's with you? Humira, Enbrel? These are big and scary and high tech magic with long lists of side effects, but the key issue is that they can keep the joints from further severe deterioration if started early enough. I have two years of Humira experience and took a year of Enbrel before that. I have just read an RA study that shows that MMJ actually can slow down the damage to the joints~ it may have been cited earlier in this thread.

I feel your pain, confusion, anxiety and frustration- I really do.

[b0ng.r3sin]

hehe ye i was actually the one that found that NORML article about MMJ working its magic on the joints :slaugh:

but.. if i do remember correctly... my primary phys said that i had a high level of the rheumatoid factor in my blood... i think it was somewhere in the 140's... ill have to get a copy of it... but yeh.. right now im waiting on getting some more bloodwork and xrays on my hands and feet.

in the meantime... i wait.

oh and ye.. nothing in regards to treatment using biomeds was delved into.. i brought it up as it being one of my concerns.. but as to an informative reply.. or hay read this brochure type of response came out of the specialist...

greatly appreciate the support!

and danx again for starting this thread!!

u rock!

[spiritmoon]

Hi Doesn`t Indica work the best??

Spiritmoon

[veggiegardener]

Interesting thread!

I have arthritis and joint pain. Mostly wear and tear, and post trauma type stuff.

My wife has bursitis, RA and Fibromyalgia.

If anybody is having a lot of pain in joints and muscles, constantly, makr sure you are screened for Fibromyalgia by a specialist.

my wife's Rheumatologist recommended Cannabis after extensive tests showed it to be the most effective medication available for my wife's pain. Even superior to Marinol, which was unsatisfactory because of uneven titration.

This doc is NOT a "pot doc", but a highly respected practitioner.

Oddly, my wife's GP came down with Fibromyalgia shortly after my wife was diagnosed. It made it MUCH easier to get pain meds.

Regarding strains, Durban Poison and a few other African Sativas seem to provide her with the most relief. Lambsbreath is also effective.

For best results, she prefers to switch varieties very frequently, also mixing two or three different kinds. at times.

I should mention that she medicates at saturation levels, and experiences very little of the "high" associated with Cannabis. Roughly 10-15 grams a day, as needed. The pain relieving aspects remain undiminished.