Life Before Medicinal Cannabis
My name is Antonín, and I am 41 years old. After an accident at work, I have been on a disability pension for the past ten years. For the last 17 years, I have lived in Scotland. My mother and father, along with my sister and brother and their families, reside in Slovakia. My partner also lives there.
Struggles with Pain Management
I tried almost all the medicines available for pain relief. The most effective one was the fentanyl – Duragesic patch, but it came with numerous side effects. Over time, my body developed resistance, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms. I am 193 cm tall and weighed just 70 kilograms. My condition left me bedridden, apathetic, and depressed.
Discovering Hemp for Pain Relief
In 2016, I first tried hemp for pain relief, but my commitments – mortgage, car, dog, ex-partner, and PhD studies – limited my ability to afford more than a few grams a week. Growing it seasonally in the garden and in a tent was financially demanding and difficult due to my limited mobility and severe pain. In 2021, after two more spine surgeries three years earlier, I saw an advertisement for medicinal cannabis. Friends helped me with money for the first healing oils. Thanks to these oils, I started climbing at the Edinburgh International Climbing area, swimming, and going for Nordic Walking. Although my legs are weak, my hands help me move a lot.
The Impact of Medicinal Cannabis
Cannabis significantly improved my mood, reduced pain, and increased my resistance to residual pain. It also improved my sleep and appetite. Today, I weigh 100 kilos and exercise daily. I write poems again, laugh more, and have become more of a diplomat. I have made new friends and, after seven years of solitude, found a partner. I also have a new goal: to achieve full NHS reimbursement for my prescription cannabis.
Looking Ahead
Despite the improvement, I am still in severe pain, which forces me to think about the future. I tried to manage the pain, but it was impossible to eliminate it completely. There is a possibility of further surgery, such as disc replacement without screws in my back or implanting a neurostimulator to eliminate pain. These are extremely expensive private operations. I am in constant email contact with politicians, advocating for full reimbursement of cannabis through the NHS for all patients.
Conclusion
Cannabis has brought significant positive changes to my life. From improving my physical health to enhancing my emotional well-being, it has given me hope and a new purpose. I am determined to continue my fight for the rights of patients to access medicinal cannabis through the NHS, ensuring that others can experience the same benefits that have transformed my life.
Antonin Superlezec
