Medical marijuana is increasingly being introduced as an additional treatment for some conditions but unfortunately your Doctor may not yet be familiar nor perhaps sympathetic to the idea, so before you head out to see your doctor make sure you have done your research.
If you can find documentation that medical cannabis may have helped other people with your condition or is actually being used as a potential treatment, make a copy of the study, article or video and bring it to your appointment.
A reputable source, scholarly journal or academic study is the best way to inform your Doctor and will be your best evidence, but you may also bring along patient testimonials, blog posts or general articles.
Since medical cannabis – marijuana is being used as an additional or alternative treatment, you need to feel confident that your symptoms can be better managed through the use of medical cannabis – marijuana and you need to be able to convey this to your Doctor in terms that she/he can understand.
Here are a few points:
Draw up an exhaustive list of all of your symptoms.
Indicate which ones can be managed through the use of medical cannabis.
Provide a list of all medication and treatments or therapies you have used.
Indicate how you responded to each medication, treatment or therapy.
Here are 4 questions that you should ask your Doctor:
1. Given my condition, could medical cannabis be a valid treatment for me?
2. Is medical cannabis safe for me to use?
3. Will taking medical cannabis affect my other medications?
4. What are the side effects?
As new studies roll out and more jurisdictions legalize the use of medical marijuana, the medical professional will
be more and more inclined to integrate medical cannabis – marijuana as a treatment option.
Many people believe that marijuana can help control or relieve some of the symptoms of cancer or the side effects of cancer treatments. But research shows that taking marijuana is not a clear cut solution to minimizing the effects of cancer treatment side effects or pain. However there are studies that show that taking cannabinoids may help.
Marijuana is not all the same:
Strains are developed to intensify specific characteristics of the plant, or to differentiate the strain for the purposes of marketing or to make it more effective as a drug or treatment.
Marijuana contains THC which is a type of cannabinoid but there are many different types of cannaboids. There are at least 113 different cannabinoids isolated from cannabis. Phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) being the two major cannabinoids constituents of the cannabis plant.
According to cannabis experts, there are at least 779 known cannabis strains in the world. Some strains have been around for a long time. New strains are developed on a regular basis. Many come and go every day. Most strains can be found at a dispensary somewhere in the world. But the sheer volume of strains also increases the difficulty for researchers to properly study the effects of marijuana. With new strains being developed and new claims being made constantly yet never quite actually confirmed through clinical studies.
Research studies are few and far between. And many are still ongoing.
What we know about Medical Marijuana so far:
1. Using medical marijuana, drugs containing cannabinoids or both may help you relax and give you a sense of well-being.
2. Several studies have shown that some cannabinoids can relieve nausea, vomiting or both. These are side effects of some cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
3. Some people find that medical marijuana can increase their appetite.
4. Some people claim that medical marijuana can help relieve long-term (chronic) or severe pain.
Drugs derived from marijuana:
There are a number of cannabis derived medications available today through prescriptions by your doctor. Some are still in the legal approval process. Others are still in development and clinical tests.
1.Sativex
Mouth spray whose chemical compound is derived from natural extracts of the cannabis plant. Sativex contains two cannabinoids: THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
Used for the treatment of neuropathic pain and spasticity in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS); Analgesic treatment in adult patients with advanced cancer who experience moderate to severe pain.
2.Dronabinol / Marinol
Synthetic Delta-9 THC.
Used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting for patients in cancer treatment; appetite stimulant for AIDS patients; analgesic to ease neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis patients.
3.Nabilone / Cesamet
Synthetic cannabinoid similar to THC.
Used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing cancer treatment.
4. Dexanabinol
Synthetic non-psychotropic cannabinoid that blocks NMDA receptors and COX-2 cytokines and chemokines.
Is a neuroprotective (protects brain from damage) for use after cardiac surgery; regain memory and other high-level function following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI); possible future use as an anti-cancer drug.
5. CT-3 (ajulemic acid)
Synthetic, more potent analog of THC metabolite THC-11-oic acid.
Used for the treatment of spasticity and neuropathic pain in MS patients; anti-inflammatory properties may help relieve pain from arthritis.
6.Cannabinor (formerly PRS-211,375)
Synthetic chemical that specifically binds to the brain’s secondary cannabinoid receptor (CB2).
Used as an anti-inflammatory; treatment of chronic pain with an emphasis on neuropathic (nerve) pain; bladder control.
7. HU 308
Synthetic chemical that specifically binds to the brain’s secondary cannabinoid receptor (CB2).
Used for the treatment of hypertension; anti-inflammatory.
8.HU 331
Synthetic chemical compound composed of central cannabinoid (CB1), peripheral cannabinoid (CB2), and non-CB receptor-mediated pharmacology.
Used for the treatment of memory, weight loss, appetite, neurodegeneration, tumor surveillance, analgesia, and inflammation.
9.Rimonabant / Acomplia
Synthetic chemical that blocks endocannabinoids from being received in the brain, and, as a result, suppresses appetite.
Used for anti-obesity (appetite reducer).
10.Taranabant / MK-0364
Targets receptors in the brain linked to appetite; acts as a Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) inverse agonist, blocking cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which suppresses appetite.
Used for anti-obesity.
So is Marijuana the new miracle drug?
The answer is not simple. With the bulk of research still ongoing and new strains and products in development, we still need to wait to know for sure. But what we know so far is that, yes, marijuana can help in some way. We also know that – like all new products being promoted- it is hard today to differentiate fact from hype.
Sleeping postures can have an important effect on your health:
For such a simple thing, sleeping is not an easy thing to master. From obesity to heart-related issues, multiple things can be associated if your sleeping is disturbed. It turns out that it is not just the quantity of speed but also what posture you sleep in that matters. Your sleeping posture matters a lot so it needs a definite check!
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Some of the sleeping postures and their pros, as well as cons, are described below:
Back sleepers:
The good:
You may be surprised but this is not the most popular sleeping position. Only eight out of every hundred people prefer sleeping on the back. This is although the best position to sleep in. Sleeping on the back allows the neck spine and head to be in a relaxed position. This will lead to minimal pressure on these vital areas. It is also good for patients suffering from gastric acid reflux. Make sure you also add a pillow so that your esophagus always lies higher (superior) than the stomach.
The bad:
But this sleeping posture has its cons as well, especially for people who suffer from sleep apnea and snoring. This can lead to an increased incidence of apneic episodes and worsen snoring as well.
Sleeping on the side:
The good:
In this position, the torso and legs are relatively straight but sideways. This is also a good position to sleep as the body is relatively stretched and spine is supported. It helps decrease any acid reflux, neck pain, and back pain. The benefit of this position oversleeping on the back is that it does not cause or worsen snoring. It is the posture of choice for patients with sleep apnea and loud snoring.
The bad:
Sleeping on your side can lead to nerve compression and joint pain. This is worse if you are suffering from nerve impingement or rotator cuff injury.
Fetal position:
The good:
Fetal position is one of the most popular sleeping postures. Around 40 percent of all adults prefer sleeping in fetal posture. This includes a person being on side with knees in a bent position. This position is especially good for sleep if the person is pregnant. In pregnancy left lateral fetal position is recommended to increase blood flow to the maternal heart as well as fetal tissues.
The bad:
This position is however not good if you have joint problems as it can lead to joint soreness. It also restricts bleeding by not allowing a person’s diaphragm to move properly.
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Stomach position:
Seven out of every one hundred people sleep on their stomachs. This posture unsurprisingly is one of the worse sleeping postures for your health. It leads to back pain and neck pain. It also leads to unnecessary pressure on your joints, muscles tingling and aches. It is especially recommended to change your habit of sleeping on your stomach if you have spine problems.
So how exactly should you sleep?
People mostly try to sleep whatever posture they feel comfortable in. You can experiment with whatever position you feel comfortable with. Each position has its benefits and flaws. It could be difficult to switch from one posture to another suddenly. Always try to consult your doctor first if you feel any changes in your body after you wake up so they may guide you more about your sleeping posture.
Hi Doctors, I am a 21 year woman and asking what is the best way to have sex without protections.
Female
Age: 21
Medications: None
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES – DO’S AND DONT’S ABOUT STDs :
STDs are sexually transmitted diseases that are very commonly seen in both the sexes
especially in sexually active candidates. They are also called as Venereal diseases (VD).
They spread most commonly by vaginal discharge, semen, blood, body fluids etc. STDs can
be caused by both virus and bacteria.
Most common bacteria- associated STDs.
-Chlamydia : Chlamydia trachomatis is very commonly involved in risk of STDs among the
bacteria.
-Gonorrhea : affects male and female genitourinary tract.
-Syphilis / lues : The second stage of syphilis is highly infective followed by the first stage
which is associated with the chancre on the penis.
Most common virus – associated STDs.
-Herpes virus II (HSV II) : Usually involves lower parts and genitals.
-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) : AIDS.
-HPV (Human Papilloma virus)
-Hepatitis : Most commonly Hepatitis type B
Signs and symptoms :
Irritation and rashes in the genitals
Genital sores
Discharge from the penis and vagina associated with color change and strong odor
Severe itching with painful urination
Genital warts
Painful intercourse
HOW TO PREVENT STDs ?
DO’s to prevent STDs :
The best way to prevent STDs is to use protection for every sexual intercourse.
Although they are not 100% guaranteed to prevent STDs. Earlier it was thought that
condoms with nonoxynol- 9 are effective in preventing STDs as they are bactericial
(kills the bacterial organisms) but it was associated with irritation in vagina which
caused secondary infections.
Talk freely and honestly with your partner about your health and sexual history and
get to know theirs as well before any sexual activity. But remember that it is not
completely reliable as the symptoms may take some time to appear clinically . Also your
partner may not share and may miss few informations.
You and your partner can get the tests for HIV done before any activity.
Timely blood investigations potentially reduces the risk of STDs and also if present it
can be cured without any complications at an early stage.
In case of active course of a disease, choosing sexual activities which are less risky is
wise. It includes masturbation, dry humping, cuddling etc.
Practicing safer intercourse with the use of female condoms and also gloves for manual
exploration and penetration. Proper use of new sealed packaged condoms including its
proper placement without tearing . Read the instructions and manual provided along
with it for proper use.
Use of dental dams during oral sex is also helpful.
If the condoms accidentally breaks during the intercourse due to friction, it is advised
to take oral contraceptives. And also prophylaxis may be needed if there is a previous
history of STD. For such incidence, consult your doctors as soon as possible.
Store condoms at room temperature.
Keep condoms away from sharp objects.
Using sterile biocompatible lubricant which does not cause allergy or irritation. Prefer
water based lubricant as oil based may weaken the latex resulting in tearing during the
intercourse.
Sex toys and prostheses may serve as a vehicle for STI transmission and should be used
with a condom or properly cleansed between each use.
Urination after the activity for females is beneficial as it removes the infectious
materials reducing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTI).
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (Pr-EP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are effective in
preventing the transmission of infections such as HIV in patients who are at risk for
exposure or who have been exposed.
General hygiene maintenance : This includes proper use of sterile razors, use of clean
underclothing for intimate hygiene , use of clean sterile towel for cleaning the private
parts and washing it before and after the intercourse. Other measures includes- daily
clean bath with use of intimate hygiene wash which helps in maintaining the pH of the
genital area which maintains normal immunity functions to kill the bacteria and
viruses.
Vaccination : They are most commonly recommended for Hepatitis B and human
papilloma virus. This increases the resistance power against HBV and HPV. Also
vaccinations for hepatitis A and Herpes are available.
DONT’s to prevent STDs :
It is better to avoid love making if any of the symptoms (mentioned above ) are
encountered . They should be examined by a doctor and investigated. Once cured or
subsides, it becomes comparatively safer to proceed for intercourse.
If the disease is already under progress, it is always better to completely avoid until
the treatment is completed and your doctor gives you an approval.
Avoid multiple sex partners and avoid contact with sex workers.
Having any type of unprotected sexual contact with an infected person posses a very
high risk and chances of getting STD.
Intercourse must be avoided under the influence of alcohol or drug abuse. Alcohol,
and some prescription and illegal drugs can interfere with your ability to have a
conversation and make decisions to have safer sex.
Anal sex poses a high risk because tissues in the rectum tear easily. Fluids from the body can
also carry the viruses and bacteria.
During menstruation, intercourse should be delayed until the cycle gets over. As
there are higher risks due to direct contact with the blood.
Avoid sharing same razors , towels and under clothing.
Female and male condoms should not be used at the same time. Using 2 condoms
together may result in a condom breaking and tearing.
Avoid using old expired and broken packaging protections.
While unpackaging the condoms avoid using scissor or teeth to prevent damage or
accidental tearing or micro- cuts.
Do not reuse condoms.
Avoid oil based lubricants like petroleum jelly.
Overall to sum up
Measures can be taken to prevent STDs without the use of protection. But this does not
significantly reduce the risk .
Use of protection along with other measures greatly reduces the risk but it is not 100%
effective especially during the active course of the disease.
Over-all immunity markedly varies from person to person. It plays a primary role in
prevention and cause of any disease.
If the partner feels unsafe for love making. It is necessary to respect them and accept it. After
all proper healthcare and healthy practices plays a huge role in healthy and happy life.!!!
Question: My wife had a cervical stitch procedure done in the 19th week of pregnancy. She is now almost 37 weeks old and doctors oppose the removal of the suture. The last time the cervical length measured in week 23 was 36 mm. We suspect that he did this to encourage the delivery of a caesarean section. Do we have to get a second opinion in this case? My wife does not like going to cesarean section unless absolutely necessary. What to do now?
Female
Age: 37
Medications: NA
Answer: After inserting the cervical suture( to prevent pregnancy or premature birth), the goal is to remove it after the woman enters the latency phase or works actively in the workspace. There is no reason to have it withdrawn earlier so she can return home because this renews possibility of labour.. Once again, it is not related to cervical suture. If the baby is in proper position delivery must be performed. But if there is asynclitic (first shoulder) or non-progressive labor or fetal burden at birth or a tight neck strap, as determined by ultrasound and based on NST (non-stress test), then only cesarean section is planned and not due to the cervical suture. So she is right not to get rid of it now and continue with intent to deliver. You can actually wait until finished 40 weeks plus 3 days to start natural labor.
I am a 22 year old girl who has had an unplanned pregnancy. have gone the way of an abortion. I was not sure whether I am pregnant or not because I did not take a pregnancy test. No pregnancy test but I did do abortion kit, called Mifegest kit, on the third week. On day 2, I had heavy bleeding and I saw some kind of ejection of meat or flesh looking material. I wanted to make sure that whether I was pregnant or not. It has been a week after taking the abortion pills, I am still having bleeding. Did I do something wrong….what should I do next?
Hello there doctors, I am a 31 year old woman, and I experience pain in my back. I need to find out know about the possible connection of back pain to lung cancer and if it is a cause of lung cancer. My family history has zero signs of cancer.I do not smoke and have not done so for over 16 years. No real vices – no alcohol – tobacco gum – no drugs, weed or any thing else!!! Rarely eat junk food. rarely go out to restaurants and when I do its good expensive ones. Veggies and fruit and fish is my thing . No meat Little fatty stuff. I am slightly overweight but do exercise every so often. I have been suffering from mostly upper back pain for awhile and do suffer from Vitamin D deficiency which I am now addressing with D supplements Lately the pain has become more severe in the last few days Most often it arises near the center slightly to the right side of the back. There is no coughing symptoms no breathing problems no loss of appetite no fatigue or lack of energy. No pain while breathing or at night when sleeping or lying down. I do have sinus issues which were examined by an Otorhinolaryngology specialist who said it was just drip problems. Is back discomfort a common symptom associated with lung cancer? And what stage does that} usually happen? Exactly what are the probabilities my getting lung cancer if I have back pain?
Hello Doctor, I am concerned that I may have vaginal cancer, can you please tell me what are the physical signs of vaginal cancer and what testing is done? Thank you
I have developed problems to sleep with medication, why can’t I sleep? My doctor prescribed me zoloft after I was diagnosed with depression. I have been taking zoloft before going to bed for about 2 weeks now and I now have big problems sleeping for the past 2 days. Just don’t seem to be able to get to sleep..it takes a long time and I don’t sleep well during the night. Can the meds me the reason why? What should I do?
I have developed spine pain, I have told I need a CT scan to check for nerve compression but is it true? Is this the best imaging test to do? Or is an MRI better? Do I need an MRI or CT scan?
I had a CBC blood work done and the results are elevated WBC and platelets. It was 16.8. Neutrophils absolute 11.2, lymph’s absolute 3.4, platelets 403. All else was normal, I am very worried it may be Leukemia?
I have had severe problems with tingling in my feet. It began in my right foot and later moved on to my left foot. I also have a little numbness sensation. Feels very painful especially during the evening. It seems to get worse then. Feels like pins and needles, tingling, and some slight burning pain. What can it be?
The color of my face skin varies in color. It is white on upper left side and changes to a more dark color on lower left side. It has been last this for a long time. Photo has been uploaded. What is the solution?
My CT scan results indicate splenic hamartoma, left renal angiomyolipoma. I had a scan done because I suffer from stomach pain. Is this dangerous? What do I need to do now?
Every night I am having severe pain in my right hip and groin. This has been going on for about 7 months now. It is always on the same side. Right side hip, groin and down to my right leg. When I wake up the pain dissipates within half an hour after walking. During the rest of the day I experience no pain.
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