Carol’s story: Managing fibromyalgia and chronic pain with the power of nature

Can you tell me a bit about your condition and what life was like before becoming a medical cannabis patient?

In 2010, I had a hysterectomy, and it went completely wrong. They pierced my bowel twice, and they didn't even check. Under a week later, I got rushed back into the hospital with gangrene, peritonitis - I nearly died. And I had to have a colostomy bag for half a year, which was awful. 

Over the years, since the surgery, I've struggled with pain. I used to work through it, but I was completely off my rocker on tablets. If it were there, I would take it to kill the pain. 

Shortly after that, my body started going downhill even more. I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and a couple of years ago, I was told I've got neuropathic pain, as well, because of the nerve damage I was left with. 

How did you first become aware that medical cannabis might be a legal option for yourself?

I've known about it since 2018, because I first looked into it back then when it first became legal. But at the time, it was really expensive, so I only ever got one prescription and left it. Since then, I have been buying from the streets, although I never felt fully comfortable with that. 

How does it feel now being a legal Releaf patient?

Brilliant. I’m much more relaxed about it. Honestly, I don't live in that fear of persecution because it was always a worry. 

I was always worried and scared. There was that fear with it being the street stuff. But now, since I've been on the prescription through Releaf, I feel 100% more relaxed. I'm even sleeping better.

What attracted you to Releaf, and how did you find the sign-up process?

It was on an advert on Facebook, and the prices are good. I've never seen a prescription that cheap. So in theory, I'm paying much less a month for medication that does work, and that doesn't destroy your organs like some medications.

The sign-up process was easy. The website is very clear, very easy to use. All the doctors I've spoken to so far have been brilliant, honestly. Good laugh, really funny. The doctors are wonderful.

What was it like to receive your first prescription?

I was over the moon. When the doctor first told me about it, he said, "You will sleep soundly on this," and he wasn't wrong. It was such a relief when that med came through. I was jumping for joy. As soon as it came, I was on it. Heaven. Even my mum has noticed a massive difference. 

Another cultivar I have during the day, which is an energy booster as well. Honestly, those two are fantastic.

What do you notice in terms of the quality of the medical cannabis and how it affects you?

I don't feel tired as much. My body is much more relaxed. It all depends on the strength. But this one is definitely better than what I was using before. And with cannabis flower, I can walk better. I take fewer pills. I can play with my grandchildren, where I would struggle before. My son and my daughter-in-law are my carers, and even they've noticed a difference. 

I have actually got a cake in the oven. That's the difference it's made. It's through the medical cannabis that I've been able to stand and mix it all. Before, it would have been too painful.

It has also helped me reduce the intake of my conventional meds. I take my tablets now only if I need them. It's just cannabis all the time because it's better and the effects last longer than tablets, and it kicks in quicker.

That is the difference. That is the power of cannabis. It should be prescribed for pain sufferers because opioids don't work for me. I've had them all, and cannabis beats it all. And it keeps me out of the hospital as well. Since I've been on that, I haven't been in there once.

Have you spoken to people you know about medical cannabis?

Yeah. Friends, family. I've got people on Facebook. My friend down south, her partner, he struggles with pain. I've told her to tell him to go speak to you guys. It's fantastic, and there's a whole range as well.

Have you had any encounters with stigma or any challenges at all?

Some people will look at you going out, but I’ll tell them, “don't judge a book before you read it, because I suffer with my body. And that really helps.” And then they’ll say, “Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't realise.”

Do you feel safe taking your medical cannabis with you outside of your house?

Oh, yeah. I always take it when I'm out and about. I have to because of the pain. I've got a rollator so that helps. I even carry enough with me. I always take my cannabis card incase need it, but I've never had to use it yet.

I went to Turkey with it in June. I was absolutely terrified at the airports, but there wasn't a single issue, either at Manchester or in Turkey. I was in tears at the airport because I was that scared. But they didn't even bat an eyelid. 

When we got to security, I put my bag in with my travel warrant in case it got pulled. They searched it, they swabbed it. I explained I have a medical prescription and a travel letter. They said, “it doesn't matter, you're fine.” 

How was the process of getting your documentation?

Easy. Absolutely fantastic. Straight on the website, put in my travel date and return date and the airlines. A few days later, the certificate came through. It was so easy. 

Do you see a world where medical cannabis is more accepted?

Hopefully. This is what I strongly believe in. I believe that medical cannabis should be used because it is better than any tablet and pill you can take. It's grown out there. If it wasn't intended for use for something, mother nature wouldn't have grown it. 

If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis treatment options for the condition mentioned in this Patient Story, please see medical cannabis for fibromyalgia.