Where To Start

[aaronb85]

Well, let me start off by saying, this is one scary giant. About three years ago I received my honorable discharge from the US Army after serving three years in Texas and one year in Iraq. What a joy that was, but since then I have not been to a doctor once for absolutely anything. On one hand I just feel uncomfortable and on the other hand I haven't been able to afford health insurance since I have been out of the military. I have had some things happen where I probably should have seen a doctor. ie Metal shavings in my eye, severe bronchitis, and some others. The biggest being that about a year ago while just sitting watching a movie I began to feel incredibly dizzy just sitting down and then I blacked out and woke up sore for about three days. My fiance told me my whole body looked like a board. Again without insurance I said well maybe it was a fluke or I should start watching what I eat. Well over the the past year it has happened one more time with about the same result. Now since I have fed everyone my backstory I can begin with my question. It hasn't happened in a little while now but I am worried that it will continue. My problem is this. I have heard that marijuana can be very helpful to someone with epileptic seizures which is what I believe I have. Without insurance however I don't want to spend a lot of time at a doctor growing a relationship. With that being said I would be nervous enough suggesting the idea to a doctor that I knew. How do I go about finding and talking to a doctor about this without him just thinking I am some kind of junkie looking for a fix. I know that might sound somewhat inconsiderate, but that is the only reason I haven't asked professional. I become very self conscious sometimes and am not sure how one goes about this? Any insight, doctor, or caregiver recommendations would help because I am in a rut, and don't have a clue where to start. I live in southeast MI. Adrian area. And trust me I am not a bad person. I have three beautiful daughters and a loving wife. I live responsibly and for the ones I love. I am just looking for help.

[The Digital Nomad]

Welcome back home.

 

I can agree, this is a big choice - choosing medical use of marijuana. It will not help everyone, but it has helped a lot of people I have met personally. I guess this will be a first - someone using marijuana for epileptic seizures.

 

You have one serious problem - you have to find out if you have epilepsy - you could black out while driving and kill yourself or someone else.

This has to be addressed soon. I believe you are a responsible person and you know this. I know its scary, but it is important - vital even.

 

You can find a doctor other than your primary (you don't have one I know), the doctors that write recommendations will still treat you as a complete patient, he/she will help you with any health issues - your payment for the office visit should include a complete sit down with the doc, questions, and check outs.

 

I am on my second year as a patient, I feel safe. I would not advocate this to other people if I did not believe this was a solution, it is worth while to check out a natural plant, and change the way you see it - marijuana as medicine, God's gift to you.

 

Good luck - do get to a doctor soon, if not for yourself, for your family.

 

-DN

[Grow Thread]

welcome to the site!!

[hofner67]

What about the VA? And thank you for your service. and Welcome.

[jaman]

Well, let me start off by saying, this is one scary giant. About three years ago I received my honorable discharge from the US Army after serving three years in Texas and one year in Iraq. What a joy that was, but since then I have not been to a doctor once for absolutely anything. On one hand I just feel uncomfortable and on the other hand I haven't been able to afford health insurance since I have been out of the military. I have had some things happen where I probably should have seen a doctor. ie Metal shavings in my eye, severe bronchitis, and some others. The biggest being that about a year ago while just sitting watching a movie I began to feel incredibly dizzy just sitting down and then I blacked out and woke up sore for about three days. My fiance told me my whole body looked like a board. Again without insurance I said well maybe it was a fluke or I should start watching what I eat. Well over the the past year it has happened one more time with about the same result. Now since I have fed everyone my backstory I can begin with my question. It hasn't happened in a little while now but I am worried that it will continue. My problem is this. I have heard that marijuana can be very helpful to someone with epileptic seizures which is what I believe I have. Without insurance however I don't want to spend a lot of time at a doctor growing a relationship. With that being said I would be nervous enough suggesting the idea to a doctor that I knew. How do I go about finding and talking to a doctor about this without him just thinking I am some kind of junkie looking for a fix. I know that might sound somewhat inconsiderate, but that is the only reason I haven't asked professional. I become very self conscious sometimes and am not sure how one goes about this? Any insight, doctor, or caregiver recommendations would help because I am in a rut, and don't have a clue where to start. I live in southeast MI. Adrian area. And trust me I am not a bad person. I have three beautiful daughters and a loving wife. I live responsibly and for the ones I love. I am just looking for help.

Hi and welcome. If you are having sizures you should see a doctor right away if you can't pay set up a payment plan most doctors will work with you. I don't want to nitpick but first you say this happened with your fiance and then you say you have a wife and three daughters. That could cause a lot of stress, i know it would me. for all their sake's go to a doctor. good luck

[drtarzanmd]

Welcome " aaronb85 " to MMMA 2.0

 

Thank - You for your Service to our Country ...

[Dubliner]

Thanks for Serving Our Country aaronb85 ,

 

I would Suggest that You Do seek Medical Advice on yer condition , I would Suggest you talk with Dr. Bob Townsend . He has a Affordable General Practice Clinic in Mt. Pleasant and he has also served in the Armed Forces in a Medical Capacity . So he has First Hand knowledge of Combat Stress Related Ailments . He also is a Great Compassionate Doctor that will talk with you about the possible benefit of Medical Marijuana in your situation .

 

Dr. Bob in My Opinion is the One ya need to talk with & I Think he will be Most Beneficial being a Helpful Doctor in yer Particular Situation . I think you'll be Pleasantly Surprised with the Good Man Dr. Bob is & I'm sure he can lead you in the right direction of a more Normal Life once again .

 

http://www.drbobmmj.com/

 

Good Luck and I Hope things work out for You ,,,

[wingnut]

Yes do not mess around any more ! Seizures should not be ignored ,get to a V.A clinic or Hospital and get the ball rolling A.S.A.P ....And a big THANK YOU! for severing your country. WE.have some vets here like myself , and if you need help ,just ask and we will do what we can for you and yours ...

 

 

You are entitled to free Health care for three years after you are discharged ... and who can say that your problem is not due to you severing in the military..

Good luck!

[aaronb85]

Hi and welcome. If you are having sizures you should see a doctor right away if you can't pay set up a payment plan most doctors will work with you. I don't want to nitpick but first you say this happened with your fiance and then you say you have a wife and three daughters. That could cause a lot of stress, i know it would me. for all their sake's go to a doctor. good luck

 

We were married about 8 months ago. July 21st Our oldest daughter is 4 and we have 3 month old twins. They are wonderful. Sorry for the confusion its hard gettin used to calling her my wife all the time still lol. Thanks for the advice everyone and the welcoming. I do intend to go see a doctor soon about this. And I think I would be ok with just seizure prevention medication, but I wanted to explore my options and see what the community had to say.

[jaman]

We were married about 8 months ago. July 21st Our oldest daughter is 4 and we have 3 month old twins. They are wonderful. Sorry for the confusion its hard gettin used to calling her my wife all the time still lol. Thanks for the advice everyone and the welcoming. I do intend to go see a doctor soon about this. And I think I would be ok with just seizure prevention medication, but I wanted to explore my options and see what the community had to say.

Hi i shouldn'be so picky sounds like you have a nice family. Now get your az to a doc. this wk. so your family has YOU

[upperline]

I feel for you, as I have suffered from seizures for the past 6 years. It's a very complicated situation and circumstances tend to be quite specific to the individual. I am a patient and caregiver in the MMM program, and have found some relief from the medication, although it hasn't solved all problems relating to my illness. There are some serious considerations relating to seizures/epilepsy and I would strongly recommend that you speak with a medical professional, or at least do some serious research online so that you are more educated on the topic. And I should also mention that in the State of Michigan, if you experience a seizure you forfeit your right to drive until 6 months has passed since your episode. Don't want to scare you, but I thought I'd point it out in case you were not aware....

 

I don't have health insurance either, so I understand your concern financially. There are 2 primary ways that folks suffering from seizures use MM for medication, the first being for pain relief that occurs following an episode. The second (while still lacking rigorous scientific study) is the use of MM to reduce or eliminate the frequency of seizures. Preliminary research links higher amounts of CBD's in the medication to a lowered threshold for seizure activity.

 

The good news is that medical professionals can test for many of the anomalies that lead to seizure activity. The bad news is that the tests don't work in every case/individual. And epilepsy medication does work for a large number of people, however it usually has very serious side effects. I would suspect that if you're planning to apply for your MMM card, you would need some sort of medical records to document your history. All of the tests that I took came back negative, but I could then use the documentation to support my application to the MMM program.

 

Please PM me if you would any further information - I'd be happy to share any experiences that may help you figure this out.

 

Good luck!

[Croppled1]

Well, let me start off by saying, this is one scary giant. About three years ago I received my honorable discharge from the US Army after serving three years in Texas and one year in Iraq. What a joy that was, but since then I have not been to a doctor once for absolutely anything. On one hand I just feel uncomfortable and on the other hand I haven't been able to afford health insurance since I have been out of the military. I have had some things happen where I probably should have seen a doctor. ie Metal shavings in my eye, severe bronchitis, and some others. The biggest being that about a year ago while just sitting watching a movie I began to feel incredibly dizzy just sitting down and then I blacked out and woke up sore for about three days. My fiance told me my whole body looked like a board. Again without insurance I said well maybe it was a fluke or I should start watching what I eat. Well over the the past year it has happened one more time with about the same result. Now since I have fed everyone my backstory I can begin with my question. It hasn't happened in a little while now but I am worried that it will continue. My problem is this. I have heard that marijuana can be very helpful to someone with epileptic seizures which is what I believe I have. Without insurance however I don't want to spend a lot of time at a doctor growing a relationship. With that being said I would be nervous enough suggesting the idea to a doctor that I knew. How do I go about finding and talking to a doctor about this without him just thinking I am some kind of junkie looking for a fix. I know that might sound somewhat inconsiderate, but that is the only reason I haven't asked professional. I become very self conscious sometimes and am not sure how one goes about this? Any insight, doctor, or caregiver recommendations would help because I am in a rut, and don't have a clue where to start. I live in southeast MI. Adrian area. And trust me I am not a bad person. I have three beautiful daughters and a loving wife. I live responsibly and for the ones I love. I am just looking for help.

 

Maybe this link helps - your going to have to establish a relationship with a Doctor in regards to any medical situation where your asking to be a legal Cannabis patient . Most people suggest you have at least three treatment notes and a verified condition before you find a Cannabis Doctor and get a opinion if you may benefit that leads to a recommendation . Cannabis Doctors are necessary because some treatment networks will not allow their members to be involved in recommendations and or many Doctors are scared and have problems adjusting to mm with even less understanding how it can help where everything else has failed or have more efficacy .

 

There are no shortcuts you may wish to also keep up on the mandatory requirement for health care starting in 2014 . I think as severe as the health situation your describing is you sadly just have to bite the bullet and atleast have a Doctor rule out a correctable or worsening situation . This must be very stressful not knowing I hope you are able to see how it is important to seek help . Just a blood test and simple image may explain allot and save your life . I know how hard this is as you may not be able to drive until you stablize and are seizure free for 6 months I believe it is . You need to talk to a Doctor seizures can be the result of very serious health complications I hope I am not out of bounds saying these things . I can't imagine any Doctor just writting a recomendation based on your saying your having seizures without a throrough medical workup . You seem like a very sensible person other then your like most of us without extra money in your budget . It is so scarey when your unable or there is no work out there to deal with our medical system whose costs are out of control . Good luck .

 

 

http://www.lenconnec...-Lenawee-County

 

http://www.statenews...lth_care_reform

 

BornEagle put this link up at 34 minutes a seizure patient speaks you might like to watch it and use it for reference . This is a great link to attach to letters to politicians .

 

http://www.youtube.c...player_embedded

[imiubu]

Welcome HOME

 

The VA... yesterday

 

I've never lost consciousness completely, yet have semi-conscious episodes often

in the midst of a migraine. Until I realized what was happening... I was freaked.

You must be horrified. Don't waste another minute, PLEASE.

 

I have heard many stories about using the VA. With that in mind, I'd like to share

this info as a possible option.

A friend w/ out ins., in need of medical attention, no doc, low income (seems the

typical story these days) found a program through the State. She uses County services.

This insurance is free. She has a small co-pay for doc visits, some specialists, and

her pharmaceuticals. She applied for medical help with DHS then filed ppwrk with the

County Health Plan. This may be a way to get established w/ a primary doc

(jmo, I wouldn't mention mm to a County doc) that will refer you to as many specialists

as needed. Blood work is free. I think she even sees the County Dentist.

I'm not sure what County you are in and/ or what programs they offer.

 

Maybe someone else could chime in on this option, as that's about all the info I have.

 

--Hum, side note...

If there are all these services provided by the State of MI through

the DCH, when the revenue from the MMMA is transferred to the 'new' Dept. of Licensing

and Regulation(?)(SOUNDS SCARY), what will happen to all these services that so many

low income people so desperately need? Cripes, their trying to kill us.

Just a thought.

 

 

Reference link for mmj:

Granny Storm Crows mmj reference list:

 

http://michiganmedic...post__p__163918

 

Thank you Granny Storm Crow & BG!

I copied the list pertaining to Epilepsy. You said you don't know what

is causing your seizures, yet these my help you in your decision w/ mm.

 

EPILEPSY

 

Marijuana and Epilepsy (anecdotal- no date)

http://www.rxmarihua...om/epilepsy.htm

 

Anticonvulsant nature of marihuana smoking. (abst - 1975)

http://www.cannabis-...how.php?s_id=39

 

Chronic administration of cannabidiol to healthy volunteers and epileptic patients.

(abst - 1980)

http://www.cannabis-...how.php?s_id=42

 

Hypnotic and Antiepileptic Effects of Cannabidiol (abst - 1981)

http://www.ncbi.nlm..../pubmed/7028792

 

Treatment with CBD in oily solution of drug-resistant paediatric epilepsies.

(full- 2001)

http://www.cannabis-...attern=EPILEPSY

 

Therapeutic Aspects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (full - 2001)

http://www.ukcia.org...c/Therapeut.htm

 

Experiences with THC-treatment in children and adolescents (abst - 2003)

http://www.cannabis-...how.php?s_id=80

 

Cannabis may help epileptics (news - 2003)

http://www.medicalne...ticles/4423.php

 

Marijuana Use More Prevalent With Epilepsy (needs free registration)(news - 2003)

http://www.medscape....warticle/465891

 

Endocannabinoids and Their Implications for Epilepsy (full - 2004)

http://www.pubmedcen...&tool=pmcentrez

 

Cannabinoids: Defending the Epileptic Brain (abst - 2004)

http://www.ncbi.nlm....?tool=pmcentrez

 

Epilepsy patients are smoking pot (news - 2004)

http://www.safeacces...cle.php?id=1638

 

Marijuana: an effective antiepileptic treatment in partial epilepsy? (abst - 2007)

http://www.cannabis-...ow.php?s_id=157

 

Cannabidiol Displays Antiepileptiform and Antiseizure Properties In Vitro and In Vivo (abst - 2010)

http://jpet.aspetjou.../2/569.abstract

 

 

For more information on Granny Storm Crow:

Thx PB

http://michiganmedic...post__p__190055

edit: spelling

[solabeirtan]

Welcome to the sight and thanks for your service, also. Everything here is good advice, specially the VA Care. You are entitled to this because of your service and it is, in your case, imperative that you get help, preferably sooner than later. VA also provides prescriptions, although not free, they are affordable @ $8.00 /script /month. It is somewhat time consuminghowever you've been in the service you know the drill by now.

 

The Hospital in Ann Arbor is the one I currently use. It probably has better resources because of its proximity to the UM. It is, like most in this town, a teaching hospital. Last time I was there (couple weeks ago) they had Architectural Renderings of a New Mental Health Makeover that was upcoming. I can't wait to check it ooout. It showed Water falls in the Lobby / Waiting room, looked very inviting. If there is some type of disability you are entitled to compensation also. Good Luck .