This is a detailed review, so it might help other patients.
Before starting on the medical THC, I did not have high hopes with respect to obtaining relief. My Neurologist had tried so many powerful medications and all would just take the edge off of my suffering. In fact, the only thing stronger would have been given by an IV. I had gone 14 years suffering from Syringomyelia which has a lot of the same symptoms as MS, but much worse according to my Neurologist. He stated, “The best I can do is to keep you as comfortable as possible.” I was sick of taking pills and started taking myself off of my medications prior to trying the THC, because I wanted to know exactly what it would do to help me.
To my amazement and complete joy, the THC helped me. First, it completely took away my spasticity and involuntary movements. Whereas, I had lived with a level 8-10 pain 24/7 for so many years, it took care of all the pain except what my doctor calls an MS Hug and an occasional pains from over doing it when my body is not used to it. Not only had I tried major pain medications but was on the maximum dosage of a muscle relaxer.
Dr. Shah and his staff are great. Not only professional and knowledgeable but have genuine compassion. After about a month, I was shaking and thought there was no way it could be withdrawals from all those pills because I had been off of them since before starting the THC. Dr. Shah explained how one med could still be in my system and instructed me to take 1/2 twice a day. I had been on the maximum dosage prior to the THC. It worked and my shaking stopped. The THC capsules take longer to take effect than the tinctures, but are effective. The gummy’s were not doing the job. Dr. Shah told me I needed to be patient and he would adjust as needed. And by the way, I do not get high from the THC. I truly did not know what to expect.
I cannot say how thankful I am to be out of bed. I have severe atrophy from being bedridden so much.
Now, I simply have to follow the rules for Syringomyelia and that is not easy since I am so excited to not be suffering like I have been for so long. Syringomyelia is rare and most are born with a Chiari Malformation but mine came with a horrendous fall, which caused a Syrinx in my spinal cord. To prevent myself from becoming a quadriplegic, I am not to lift over 10 pounds, or gallon of milk, no pushing, pulling, straining, etc. I include this for other Syringomyelia patients because the majority of Neurologists are uneducated about this condition. Even as rare as the condition is, I know two people who have died with it and both elected to have surgeries and were paralyzed from not having the correct information.
I have the best Physical Therapist who understands the condition better than the majority of Neurologists, having had a Syringomyelia patient he helped.
After I filled out all the information for Dr. Shah and he checked the information out, he said I more than qualify for the THC.
I just returned from seeing my Neurologist in Dallas. Traveling has been such a hardship on me, but I felt fine in the car. My Neurologist stated this is the best shape he has ever seen me.
I am so thankful to Dr. Shah and his staff. Never would I have thought I would be thanking God for marijuana but I do everyday. And to only have a primary doctor, a Neurologist I see once a year and Dr. Shah is absolutely great. No more pain management doctors, or doctors who are clueless about my condition, surgeons wanting to do surgery which to my extensive research has never been a cure for a syrinx from injury.
If you are suffering with specific conditions, then I highly recommend Dr. Shah. Suffering, or torture, just might not be the only quality of life you will have to endure.