Stewart’s story: Managing physical and mental symptoms following his MS diagnosis

Could you please tell us about your condition and diagnosis?

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the start of 2024. I got quite ill, and I was in the hospital for a couple of months. My diagnosis took a while. My first symptoms were numb feet, and I'd go to the gym and try to run on the treadmill, and I noticed my balance wasn't quite there. 

So, I went to the GP. They did blood tests and found I was chronically low in vitamins D and B12, and I ended up being prescribed supplements for a couple of months, but they didn’t help. By that point, I was limping. I eventually went to see a physio who told me that I needed to go to A&E, which was quite scary. I was there for about 12 hours, got an MRI and was told I probably had multiple sclerosis. 

They admitted me and put me on IV steroids. It slowly got worse over a couple of months. I was in a really bad way. I couldn't walk. I needed a Zimmer frame just to get to the bathroom and back.

How have your symptoms affected your day-to-day life?

It had a detrimental effect on my mental health. Especially because when you're first diagnosed with MS, you don't know if it's relapsing and remitting or primary progressive, which was really difficult to process. 

Physically, I get chronic pain in my lower back and legs. I get a lot of sciatica pain. My legs are simultaneously numb and always in pain. It feels like my feet are being dipped in fire or boiling oil all the time. I can't walk far, about 100 yards, before I have to sit down. 

But I'm getting stronger - this time last year I couldn't do even that. I'm on paracetamol, ibuprofen, and naproxen when it gets really bad, and something to protect my stomach from all the pills.

What made you decide to consider medical cannabis?

I was at the Neuro Rehab Centre in Danesbury doing physio and a fatigue management course, and I saw a leaflet which got me looking into medical cannabis. So, I started googling different companies, reading reviews, and decided to go with you guys.

What hooked me was the no-obligation assessment. You pay for the consultation, but if you decide it's not for you, you get the money back. I felt like I had nothing to lose. I initially tried to book with another company, but they couldn't see me for six weeks. I didn't want to wait that long, so I approached you guys, and you got me in within a week.

How did you find the sign-up process and your initial consultation with Releaf?

The whole process was really easy. I was initially prescribed to help with my depression, but the doctor realised that my low mood was because of my MS. She provisionally said they could help, but wanted me to speak to a neurologist. So, I had a second consultation, free of charge, with a neurologist. He understood more about what I was going through. He gave me my prescription, and after that, it was easy.

How would you say your treatment plan has impacted your day-to-day life?

I think it helps in a lot of ways. One is pain relief. Before I started with you guys, I was religiously taking all my painkillers as soon as they were due, three times a day. But now sometimes I don't. I had some (medical cannabis) this morning when I got up because I'm always quite sore and stiff in the morning, but I haven't had any more.

I work from home in the mornings, and I work from home in the afternoon, which is nice. I can have my medicine at home in peace while I work. Before joining, I was taking Zopiclone every night to help me sleep, which I don't take anymore, which is great.

How have your family and friends reacted to your treatment?

My friends are pleased for me. I have a 13-year-old daughter who lives with me, and my diagnosis was really rough on her. She saw me go from being the invincible dad figure to being in the hospital and not being able to walk. She was really upset. She doesn't know about my medical cannabis treatment yet, but I think I will share it with her soon. 

Have you experienced any stigma or challenges because of your medical cannabis treatment?

Sometimes there's the stigma of what other people might think. When I first started taking the medicine with my Releaf prescribed medical cannabis, I thought about what the neighbours were going to think, but at the end of the day, it's not really any of their business. If anyone ever asks, I'll be perfectly honest with them. 

I've gone to a friend's house once or twice and taken my legally prescribed medication with me. 

One of the main reasons I wanted to sign up with a clinic was because I knew cannabis was helping me, and I wanted some form of protection. At least now, if I ever get pulled over, I can show my prescription and my Releaf medical cannabis card and have some legal protection.

Have you tried travelling with your prescription?

I went on holiday to the Canary Islands in October and took it with me. The vaporiser was great for travelling or being out. I emailed the Spanish embassy and got the travel certificate from you guys. I had my medication in its original packaging and everything, and it was fine.

What advice would you give to someone considering medical cannabis treatment?

I wanted to share my story and encourage somebody else who might be considering it and has preconceived notions to give it a go. It's definitely helped me take fewer prescription meds, which can only be a good thing. It's been a good experience all around.

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 multiple sclerosis.