My name is Steve, and I am a firefighter/EMT. I was severely injured on the job in November of 2008, and end up with 2 ruptured discs in my back, spinal nerve damage as well as severe cuts in my legs. My team was trying to get a driver out of a overturned tractor trailer and the engine fire got out of control and in the rush to get the victim out parts of the truck collapsed on me, we got the driver out, and I ended up in the bed next to him when we got to the ER. I have had 6 surgeries on my back, countless medications and procedures, but I still have severe pain in my back and legs as well as weakness. For some reason I am having problems with anxiety...I assume due to the constant pain. The worst part is that my current insurance company found out that I had pulled some muscles in my back ten years ago(just a minor thing after bending over gardening for a long afternoon, no trauma), and therefore decided to call it a pre-existing condition and refused to pay for the surgeries I already had...to the tune of over half a million dollars. Needless to say as a firefighter, you never get rich, so this has ruined me financially. The pain meds I have been given are incredibly strong narcotics and I hate taking them, and their side effects. Because of the pain, I cannot be on my feet for more than a few minutes at a time, then I get nauseated and dizzy due to the pain. I have been pretty much bed ridden since the accident and the doctors don't seem to know how to help with the pain. I am pretty miserable and frustrated. depressed too. I live near Chicago, but my state does not have a medical marijuana program. I have read online regarding other peoples experience with marijuana that it does help people with severe chronic pain, anxiety and depression too. Having only smoked marijuana a few times...I don't know anything about it. I know the effects it had on me were positive, and much cheaper than the meds I take now. I have never bought any, and don't want to risk wandering around Chicago trying to buy pot...the penalties here are stiff plus you never know what you are getting. I am familiar with hydroponic gardening though, and done plenty of gardening and am in such a horrible position I am thinking about growing some for myself in order to be able to treat my own pain. Apparently you can't buy weed online, or pot brownies(I googled it), but it seems seeds are available. I looked at your site, and there are just dozens of different kinds of pot. How do I know which strain is going to have the best effect on pain? What would you choose if your were in my (painful) position? Is there anything that you can recommend to me? Sorry for the long note, and thank you for taking time to read it.
There are plenty of places to buy weed in Chicago, although you never REALLY know what you're getting, especially in the beginning. It becomes much easier a few months down the road. Growing is an alternative, but can be somewhat expensive to start and requires time and patience to properly grow them. Where are you located in Chicago? Someone may be able to give you a couple hints based on your location. Honestly, I'd buy some and give it a shot before going through the process of growing it. Once you know it helps your condition, then you can grow your own. It does sound like you're taking quite a bit of medication, not sure if pot would have any issues or side effects with your current medication. Of course, one option is always moving to a different state where its legal. I know IL isn't going to have MMJ for atleast another 7-10 years.
Right now I am near the 294(Tollway) and Dundee exit, in the Northbrook area... I see what you are saying about growing...you have a good point. I was out west a year ago, and had tried some weed a friend had(California has a decent medical marijuana system he is a part of) and it actually helped more than the Morphine that I am currently on...pretty amazing stuff. When I was growing up I never really tried the stuff...it wasn't until I started working for the fire department and went to all the medical calls that I saw how many people were using it and having such a good response. It is frustrating to think that people are paying hundreds of dollars a month for new medications, when pot would likely help a great deal, or at least augment what they are currently taking. Big business gets its way I guess. Thank you for the quick reply. Take care.