Canadians Living With Crohn’s Disease Benefit From Using Medical Marijuana
Posted by in Uncategorized on July 19, 2011
Marijuana, cannabis, marijuana, pot, weed – no matter what it is called, marijuana has been demonized for years as being an evil drug. Despite positive research from institutes of study in many countries, medical marijuana (not to be confused with cannabis for recreational use) is still a matter of strong debate. Oddly enough, the debate is hottest not between the general citizens of a country, but between the medical community and the respective governments.
In places where using medical marijuana is legal, studies are ongoing and often produce results that surprise many in the medical community. Others feel the results only serve to enforce the belief that marijuana is not the demon plant propaganda has said it is.
Canadians and Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (related to Crohn’s disease) are serious problems for more over 170,000 Canadians. In fact, Canada has one of the highest rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the world. Sufferers may have persistent diarrhea, fever, cramping and abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. Many lose their appetite, which can cause unhealthy weight loss, while some are plagued by nausea and vomiting. Crohn’s disease can affect the joints, liver, skin and eyes, as well, and commonly causes great fatigue.
Crohn’s disease is chronic; periods of remission are mixed with periods of intense activeness. Unfortunately, the medical community has been unable to find the cause of this disease, although they believe it has to do with an overactive immune system, initially triggered by outside influences. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) states:
“Many scientists now believe that the interaction of an outside agent (such as a virus or bacterium) with the body’s immune system may trigger the disease, or that such an agent may cause damage to the intestinal wall, initiating or accelerating the disease process.”
They further state that, “Because there is no cure for Crohn’s disease, the goal of medical treatment is to suppress the inflammatory response. This step accomplishes two important goals: It allows the intestinal tissue to heal and it also relieves the symptoms of fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Once the symptoms are brought under control (this is known as inducing remission), medical therapy is used to decrease the frequency of disease flares (this is known as maintaining remission, or maintenance).” – CCFA
Medicinal Therapy for Crohn’s Disease
Much of the traditional medication (the medical therapy mentioned by CCFA) used to treat Crohn’s disease includes a mixture of anti-inflammatory, antibodies, immune modifiers/suppressants and corticosteroids. Indeed, traditional medical treatments become a cornucopia of pharmaceutical concoctions.
As with most man-made medicinal products, each treatment also causes its own symptoms. For instance, the immunosuppressive medicines can cause nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Steroids also cause these symptoms, with the addition of anxiety and depression, as well as bone thinning, peptic ulcers and other issues with prolonged usage.
Mesalamine, an anti-inflammatory, can cause mild side effects like hair loss, headaches and itching. However, it can also cause severe side effects such as pancreatitis, blood disorders, fatigue and tremors. Kidney dysfunction and IBD-like symptoms are also possible.
Medical Marijuana for Canadian Crohn’s Disease Sufferers
Thanks to a number of organizations, medical institutes and studies, Canada has relaxed the laws on medical marijuana. It is legal for Canadian Crohn’s disease suffers to have a medical marijuana excemption with a written doctor’s prescription.
Many studies have proven that medical marijuana helps as an anti-inflammatory. Users of medical marijuana for Crohn’s disease found themselves able to reduce – if not eliminate – the need for steroid treatment and to reduce the immunosuppressive medications, as well as Mesalamine.
A study in 2005 by the University of Bath in England noted that “some extracts from cannabis, known as cannabinoids, closely resemble molecules that occur naturally in our body, and by developing treatments that target this system, we can help the body recover from some of the effects of these diseases.” Although the University doesn’t condone or support the use of medical marijuana, they are focusing on more research to narrow down the actual effects of cannabinoids on Crohn’s disease.
For actual Crohn’s disease sufferers, however, the evidence is overwhelming. A pilot study by the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, reported at the International Association for Cannabis as Medicine with the following results:
“For all signs and symptoms [of Crohn's disease] evaluated in the study, the patients described marked improvements with the use of cannabis. Beneficial effects were reported for appetite, pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, activity, and depression. Patients also reported that cannabis use resulted in weight gain, fewer stools per day and fewer flare-ups of less severity.”
Medical marijuana has been used to increase appetite, decrease depression, anxiety, vomiting and weight loss, as well as used as a pain suppressant for many individuals with other diseases. Multiple sclerosis, chronic pain sufferers and cancer patients have all found these benefits with the use of medical marijuana. Therefore, it is no surprise that cannabis is also being used by Canadians who suffer from Crohn’s disease for the same symptoms.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Drug Side Effects
Posted by in Uncategorized on May 24, 2011
Nearly all Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) drugs leave the patient with side effects. In certain situations it has been reported that these side effects are just as bad, and in some cases worse, than the actual symptoms of ADHD in the first place. But does this statement ring true and if so, what are the reasons for it?
To begin to understand this statement we must first try to understand how ADHD symptoms and ADHD drug side effects, differ. First of all, the symptoms of ADHD can include any or all of the following, in no particular order: a lack of attention to detail, hyperactivity, becoming easily bored or fed up and possibly aggressive, not listening carefully and interrupting frequently during a conversation. The symptoms could make a child to seem rude, hyperactive and antagonistic, but these all depend on how severe the condition presents itself as every child reacts in a different manner. A few children only exhibit minor attention difficulties, and yet others are liable to become disruptive and aggressive.
Now, for ADHD drugs side effects, some of the following could be prevalent: weight loss, upset stomach, insomnia, mood changes and headaches. Clearly the one side effect that really stands out is the mood swings as ADHD symptoms in the main include the disposition of a child. There are a few drugs that cause a child to develop more aggressive behaviour than before the drug was taken. This has a lot to do with the effect of the drugs wearing off, and the consequences this has on the body could cause a worse reaction as soon as the drug effect has worn off.
But are the side effects associated with ADHD drugs a problem? Well, at this moment in time, the benefits of ADHD drugs for the most part far outweigh any disadvantages that could occur. In saying this though, it’s entirely feasible for a child on ADHD drugs to suffer severe side effects. As with all ADHD medication, it is highly probable that one side effect at least, will be experienced, but in the main these are mild and do not last for an extended period. Although the side effects could be mild with ways of alleviating the problem, sometimes the side effects can get so bad that they turn out to be intolerable for the child, as well as and parent.
Another worrying side effect can be insomnia and this has the potential of causing a child to be short-tempered and have even more problems with their concentration. Stomach problems and headaches do not help matters either.
It’s fairly obvious that drugs assist in the management of ADHD symptoms to a certain point but they can also be potentially a cause for worse side effects than the actual symptoms of ADHD. It is in cases like these that unconventional ADHD treatments such as behavioural therapy and herbal remedies should be looked at. Be sure to confer with a physician or doctor before discontinuing any ADHD medication to try alternatives.
The Two Way Street: Medical Conditions and Mental Health
Posted by in Uncategorized on May 24, 2011
Studies have shown that a strong relationship between medical conditions/problems and mental health exists. It is estimated that up to one-third of individuals with a serious medical condition experience symptoms of depression. Chronic illness can trigger or exacerbate depressive (feelings of helplessness or despair) or anxiety symptoms (concern about the future), not to mention both the mental and physical stress of coping with a prolonged illness. The limitations of the medical condition significantly alter a person’s life, which could create huge and seemingly overwhelming situations. Self image, independence (or lack of), and social interactions are obstacles that are put to limits. Lastly, emotional problems could slow down or prevent full recovery from medical conditions.
The severity of a medical condition typically varies with each person and that person’s subjective ability in addressing the challenges a chronic or prolonged illness can bring up. Medical challenges are not limited to the aging population, as hearing loss, vision impairment, endocrine disorders, gastric issues, surgery, as well as autoimmune diseases could happen to all age groups. Any one of these could create feelings of loss (loss of mobility, social interaction, resources, finances, and one’s own mortality). The rate for depression occurring with other medical illnesses is quite high:
• Heart attack: 40%-65%
• Coronary artery disease (without heart attack): 18%-20%
• Parkinson’s disease: 40%
• Multiple sclerosis: 40%
• Stroke: 10%-27%
• Cancer: 25%
• Diabetes: 25%
Cleveland Clinic: Copyright 1995-2009, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
The relationship between medical issues and mental health is a two-way street. Mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse have a strong link to physical ailments. Sleep and fatigue due to mental health problems affect and stress us, and if we are not given enough time to replenish our body we become more susceptible to illness. When we are experiencing symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks our body experience what is referred to as flight or fight syndrome, which is just one clear example of the stress these mental health issues have on our body. This would also make our body more prone to illness and breakdowns.
Another factor to consider in addressing medical conditions and mental health is medication. Some medications have side effects that could amplify emotions such as anxiety or depression. If a person has substance abuse problems, the risk of abusing prescriptions is greatly increased. Energy level or lack thereof, creates less ability to socialize and increase feeling of isolation, and medications can amplify these feelings as well. Also, some medications may have other side effects such as a change in sexual desire, which could affect self confidence and relationship issues.
It is important to understand that medical challenges could have a huge impact on a person’s psyche. Identify emotional issues that may surface or are surfacing, and have a dialogue with your support group to educate them on what you are currently feeling and what you may experience later on. Try to develop regular sleep patterns and resist the urge to isolate. Your doctor can educate you and your loved ones on medications and side effects. Inviting a loved one or significant other in on such a discussion will only serve to educate them better on what you are feeling and how best to cope with it. There are some exercise programs out there such as water aerobics that may be possible for some with doctor approval. Monitoring your diet is another way to stay both physically and mentally healthy. Lastly, seek out a therapist who has experience working with individuals with medical conditions to get the best help for your situation.
Mark Myers received his Master of Social Work Degree from Loyola University in 1987. He has been practicing in the helping profession since 1981. He is an Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1990. Also, since 1988, he is a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor. Mr. Myers provides counseling to individuals, couples, children and adolescents for a variety of areas including: drug and alcohol abuse, parenting issues, marital issues, depression, anxiety, and anger issues. He presents workshops and consultations to mental health professionals and the community from the mental health and addictions fields.