Doctors love to push opiates and most are in bed with big pharma. Many doctors make money or benefit from the prescriptions they write for their drugs. Most do not care or give a second thought to how it could affect or even ruin a person’s life. The medical use of marijuana luckily is becoming more accessible and widespread throughout the country and could help to lower the rising deaths related to opiate abuse and addiction. This is my personal experience with how my chronic pain led to my opiate addiction and how today I am able to manage that pain with cannabis.
I had always had terrible periods and was in excruciating pain daily. Doctors told me for years that I was just overreacting, had a low pain threshold, and that it was just bad cramps. Deep down in my heart, I knew that something was wrong.
Over the years the pain got worse and worse to the point I could not eat or stand. Finally, after pushing the doctors they decided to do exploratory surgery. I never could have imagined what they found, and was still convinced that maybe this pain was all in my head. Well, it was not in my head at all. They found that I had a severe case of endometriosis, it was everywhere, and had fused my organs together. Endometriosis is the buildup of scar tissue from the uterine lining, which is usually is shed when you have your period.
Being only 32 years old… over the next two years I went through four emotional, and physically painful surgeries. With every surgery more and more of my reproductive system was removed. My fourth and final surgery resulted in a total hysterectomy and the possibility of ever having children. While in the hospital I was given heavy pain meds and sent home with a prescription for Percocet. This very quickly turned into a full blown opiate addiction. Now I was not only left with the pain of my infertility but also by my substance abuse. I was physically suffering also from the effects of opiates on my body. After three years in this vicious cycle, I was detoxed off of opiates and began managing my pain with medicinal marijuana.
If you can take anything away from my story just remember that our instincts are one of the most powerful things we have. We know when something is wrong especially in our own bodies. Never be afraid to advocate for yourself. Just because a healthcare professional or anyone else may brush aside your feelings stay true to yourself and your gut feeling is something is not ok. Remember that they see an endless stream of patients every day and have a set standard for assessing everyone. You are NOT just the same as everyone else. You are a warrior, you know yourself and your body the best, and ultimately you know what is best for you and your health. Do not ever let anyone else tell you any different and know that you have a right to decide how you will be medically treated for your pain!
Crystal Hampton is a 37-year-old avid writer from South Florida. She loves snuggling with her teacup Yorkie Gator and boyfriend Adam. She works for a digital marketing company that advocates spreading awareness on the disease of addiction. Her passion in life is to help others by sharing her experience, strength, and hope.
MS- Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis
B.Ed.- Bachelors in Elementary Education
Been clean for 5 years now – pretty much all because of access to cannabis and support from my family. Wish I had never been prescribed the damn things in the first place.
Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained its fame from being a medical wonder, while Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) received its glory from its intoxicating and pain-reducing effects and now… Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is gaining stature as a weight-loss wonder. THCV has appetite-suppressing properties, which goes against the general association between consuming cannabis and getting the “munchies”. The truth is that…
One of the major concerns surrounding cannabis legalization is the impact that cannabis can have on one’s driving abilities. This is also why medical cannabis patients are not permitted to drive after having consumed cannabis. Fortunately, recent research Lambert Initiative has proven that the cannabidiol (CBD) active component of cannabis does not impact one’s ability…
It’s said that “the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas“. If you happen to live in Dallas, Texas, you might be able to enjoy those stars a little bit more. Cannabis helps many people slow down, feel better, and enjoy life. Unfortunately, some places still support draconian federal…
New York officially legalized recreational cannabis use, and New Mexico is not far behind. More cannabis scholarships are available this summer so apply soon for a chance to win! And Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has declared that federal cannabis legalization will push forward with or without President Biden. Video Transcript: Following New York, New…
When the COVID-19 first began to travel across the globe, many would not have thought that a year later, there would still be reinforced lockdowns, mandatory masks, and continued social distancing. However, as this continues to be a new reality, many are buckling under the pressure, or separation, or stress, or anxiety over the current…
During the process of cultivating cannabis, the plants undergo processing which includes drying. These processes may lead to the accumulation of pathogens…
Cultivating cannabis at home is a very therapeutic and rewarding process. It also requires a lot of work, contrary to popular belief….
Amongst all the benefits cannabis has to offer, a crucial risk has emerged from the results of some recent research. It appears…