Anthony’s story: Making life work around irritable bowel syndrome

Can you tell us about your diagnosis?

I was what I would consider normal until July 2000 when I suddenly developed acute diarrhoea. It wasn't just occasionally. It was every hour. Finally, I decided this isn't normal and I went to see my GP. They sent me for various tests, but they couldn't find any problem.

What treatments have you previously tried to manage your symptoms?

Initially, my GP prescribed me various anti-diarrhoeal products to find one that would work. For a time, I could go to work, do my job, and not worry. But in 2014 something changed. Almost overnight, it went from diarrhoea to acute constipation and, again, they couldn’t really find anything. 

I was advised by a dietitian to give up wheat, gluten, milk, and start afresh, which I did. For a brief period things weren't too bad, but after a while it went back to how it was. So, I started on an even stricter diet. I couldn't have all sorts of things.

In the end, to counteract the constipation, my GP gave me tablets to make me go, which I wasn’t happy taking. Eventually, I stopped taking them and started taking a natural product which helped keep me regular but didn't stop the wind, which made life very difficult.

How has your condition affected your day-to-day life?

You can't plan anything. For years, my nephew's been saying, “Come down to London and see us”. But I said, “if I come to see you, I can't plan anything”. I can't say, "We'll get up in the morning, and we'll have breakfast, and we'll come to see you, and then we'll go somewhere," because I don't know what I'm going to be like.

It's not the kind of ailment where you're in pain, and the cannabis helps you ease the pain, although I know that can help. It's the kind of complaint where your life is just turned upside down, and you don't really want to leave the house. You just want to sit in a corner where everything's to hand. I would also get very bad wind. You can't be around people.

What made you consider medical cannabis treatment?

A friend of mine who was a regular smoker of cannabis said, “Maybe try cannabis because that will relax everything.” I looked into it and there was some suggestion that, as it's a relaxant, it may relax the sphincter as well.

So, I tried it. He let me try some of his cannabis and it worked for the two nights that I tried it. Absolutely nothing… But I'm nearly 70 years old. I don't know where to go to get this stuff or supply it. I left it at that because I had no idea where to go or what to do. Then I read about medicinal cannabis being available on prescription and I thought I'd give it a go. 

How has your experience been with Releaf so far?

Very easy. I was perhaps a little sceptical at first that it might be some kind of rip-off because the thought of getting cannabis sent to you is the stuff of dreams for many people. I'd spent so much on over-the-counter stuff that promised to help IBS and didn't. The whole procedure was very easy. Signing up, getting the appointment, having the regular consultations - everything's been very easy.

How has your medical cannabis treatment helped with your symptoms?

I think it was left to me how I wanted to take it. As I'd been used to taking the flower, I'm familiar with that. So, we agreed I'd be prescribed that. I've been using it for about 3 to 4 months now. It was a bit slow at first, but I would say it's been 75% successful. But I only have the lowest dosage at nighttime. I have it when I've not got commitments - when I'm not driving, or I'm not looking after my grandson. 

I take it at about 9 pm, and it works great. I go to bed and I sleep. I don't have problems with wind. And I was getting up to go for a wee seven times a night, which has stopped. If I were to have it during the day, I think it would help me during the day as well.

How have your friends and your family responded to you being prescribed medical cannabis?

My wife's been very supportive. My two kids are grown up, and I look after one of their children. I was a little concerned they wouldn't like me doing that, but everyone's been fine. I haven't made it general knowledge. But nobody's been shocked or stunned by it when I've told them.

Have you had any challenges or stigma since you started medical cannabis treatment? 

No, but that might be because I only have it in the house at nighttime when I'm on my own. I read some information recently about if I need to go abroad, that I can take my prescription. I will be a little bit nervous doing that when I eventually get around to doing it. But as yet, I've had no problems whatsoever. 

I recently travelled to London to see my nephew and stay in a hotel and was concerned about the rules on smoking in my room, but I had no problems using the vape device in my room as there was no smell whatsoever.

Why did you decide to share your story and what advice would you give to someone who's considering joining Releaf?

Because this has been 25 years for me now. I've lived with this problem: either intense diarrhoea or intense constipation. I've tried everything. I've exhausted other options. 

I've tried the dietitian. I've tried medicinal chemist-type products, and nothing worked. I'm just so pleased with the results that I'm happy to tell anybody. Let people know that maybe it won't work for everybody or every complaint, but for me it certainly worked. So, I’m quite happy to share that knowledge.

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