Hi Franķ

I think your conclusion as to how cannabis helps relieve pain is by putting you in a space where you are more relaxed and takes the focus off the pain. In a similar way that the mild antidepressant amytipptaline  works. I had bad pain in my jaw after surgery and radiotherapy and the painkillers that did work also left me dopey and tired. TENS electrical was out as it is not to be used on head or neck. I tried smoking  the flowering buds through a waterpipe. (I know its not as healthy as a vape) as I am a non smoker. It was not as strong as the 20% THC flowers you have or on prescription. But it quickly took effect and did to some extent did reduce the pain for a couple of hours. I dont like the feeling it gives though and abandoned it after a few tries. I dont see why the flowers would be any less effective to vapourising oil extract. Perhaps you could let  us know how you get on. Like Dave I try where possible to deal with pain drug free although this is not always an option. I find distraction by keeping occupied is good and can work during the day. And use a method where you meditate and concentrate on the pain then in your mind move that pain to a place outside your body. This does work for a while.  But as the cancer progresses Im finding increased need for analgesics. I hope that you have success with getting some relief from the effects of Peripheral neuropathy.

Ed

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Hi Ed. Very many thanks for joining me in this thread. You are completely correct when you say that the aim is to take the focus off the pain. I was prescribed amitriptyline many years ago after I had shingles. It worked and with no after effects. The Pain Clinic put me on Nortriptyline, which is a more modern version of the drug. But it did not work for this chemo induced neuropathy pain. Maybe as you get older (I am 77), these anti-depressant drugs have stronger side effects.

You say (of cannibas), "I don't like the feeling it gives". Can you describe that feeling and what it was that you did not like?

I take it from your last comment that you are not cancer free. I am sorry to hear that. I do wish you well and thank for so much for sharing your story.

Frank

HI Frank

I am pleased that you are gettiing relief from your prescription cannabis. If you dont mind me asking how much do you pay for a months prescription. You ask about the unpleasant feeling I experienced. Id say over introspection, Im already carrying enough baggage in my head. Unusual thoughts. Paranoia and Lethargy. In addition to this a very dry mouth, I already suffer from this having had a parotid (saliva) gland removed and radiotherapy. So while cannabis is being touted as the new panacea it may not be suitable for everyone. It may have more benefits in your case of peripheral neuropathy than just pain relief. I have a friend who has been successfully using cannabis for 20 years to control spasticity caused by MS. Wishing you a good day ahead.

Ed

Hi Ed. Very many thanks for getting back to me and sharing further information. Most helpful.

Paranoia is something that you are warned about at the clinic. In fact, they will not prescribe for you if you already have suffered from episodes of this. There are many hoops that you have to get through before you are given a prescription. There is a (short) list of ailments that will qualify for treatment and you have to have been prescribed and failed with at least 2 orthodox treatments. MS is one of the ailments that will qualify.

The monthly cost of the prescription will depend upon how much you use. 10gm of 20% THC flower costs £55. I also use CBD oil at night (THC 20 mg/ml) and 10ml costs £50. Not a bad price for a guaranteed quality product. That is around a month's supply. But you also need to see a consultant every 3 months and that costs £50 a time. You can take out a subscription service which reduces the cost but I prefer to see how/if it works before commiting. 

Baggage in your head. I remember Fraser Crane saying something like "We all have our baggage to carry but sometimes that it what makes the journey more interesting". That quote always stuck with me.

Ed, I wish you well on your journey and thanks again for responding to my thread.

Frank

Hi Ed. Very many thanks for getting back to me and sharing further information. Most helpful.

Paranoia is something that you are warned about at the clinic. In fact, they will not prescribe for you if you already have suffered from episodes of this. There are many hoops that you have to get through before you are given a prescription. There is a (short) list of ailments that will qualify for treatment and you have to have been prescribed and failed with at least 2 orthodox treatments. MS is one of the ailments that will qualify.

The monthly cost of the prescription will depend upon how much you use. 10gm of 20% THC flower costs £55. I also use CBD oil at night (THC 20 mg/ml) and 10ml costs £50. Not a bad price for a guaranteed quality product. That is around a month's supply. But you also need to see a consultant every 3 months and that costs £50 a time. You can take out a subscription service which reduces the cost but I prefer to see how/if it works before commiting. 

Baggage in your head. I remember Fraser Crane saying something like "We all have our baggage to carry but sometimes that it what makes the journey more interesting". That quote always stuck with me.

Ed, I wish you well on your journey and thanks again for responding to my thread.

Frank