And Here's Why

A Story of Bravery

By Melinda Bie

In a day and age when Women’s Rights are being compromised and outright denied, I recently had a conversation with a dear friend that gave me hope and reminded me that we are all here to help each other.

I’ve known Julie (not her reall name) for over 10 years now and have learned through our many coffee clatches that she contracted Lyme Disease in 1990. Lyme Disease is caused by the bacterium that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black legged ticks. At first, Lyme disease usually causes symptoms such as a rash, fever, headache, and fatigue. But if it is not treated early, the infection can spread to your joints, heart, and nervous system. Unfortunately, without a quick diagnosis and treatment, the effects of Lyme Disease can be lifelong.

Julie wasn’t properly diagnosed until 1994, when she received complicated antibiotic treatment, but by that time the disease had affected her body with terrible fatigue, headaches, arthritic pain and muscle spasms known as Herxheimer Reaction — a natural response to the destruction of harmful bacteria and other threatening microorganisms in the body.

During an annual gynecological visit around 1997, Julie experienced one of these reactions — and while of all times, with her feet up in the stirrups. While literally fighting to keep her body on the examination table, her doctor was stunned and helpless as Julie’s body contorted from the spasms.

When the spasms finally dissipated, she asked her what she was doing to cope with this, to which Julie replied that she had no other coping mechanism except to try to relax through it.

The only other options being offered by her doctors were pain relievers and muscle relaxants, which as someone in long term recovery, was not an option for Julie.

Her doctor then asked her if she had ever been offered medical marijuana. Keep in mind, this is all happening in 1997. Medical cannabis had only become legal in California in 1996 when voters passed the Compassionate Use Act. Most doctors had not wrapped their heads around the medical use of cannabis - and most certainly didn’t recommend it.

Cannabis had not been a part of Julie’s past, in her words “I could either take it or leave it.” “Would you be willing to try it?” Her doctor asked. Julie was reticent. After 13 years of sobriety, she didn’t want to do anything, natural or otherwise, that would endanger that. Her biggest concern was that imbibing would cause her to want things she couldn’t have. After further discussion, and agreeing that she would have someone she trusted with her to keep an eye on things, Julie decided to give medical marijuana a try.

She has never looked back.

The full body spasms lessened in frequency and intensity in about 3 months and generally abated all together in about 9 months. She may have a bad episode once every 18 months, which is usually tied to an upcoming weather event such as rain. Julie takes two puffs/hits before she goes to bed and two in the morning - and then goes back to sleep for an hour. She has been doing this for the better part of 25 years now and says she has never felt that her sobriety was threatened.

My thoughts and thanks go to that forward thinking doctor who risked her license by providing Julie with that joint. My thoughts are also with my friend, who has dealt with this disease with such bravery. I hope we can all be as compassionate and brave as these two women.

Of Note...

Lyme disease diagnoses have increased dramatically in the U.S. during the past 15 years, rising 357% in rural areas and 65% in urban areas, according to new data released by FAIR Health. “Those who have the resources to see a Lyme-literate practitioner may find relief after treatment—though not always. And many others have no access to Lyme-literate care whatsoever”, says Dorothy Kupcha Leland of LymeDisease.org.

Ms. Leland provides a review of a book that addresses these issues and others — Cannabis for Lyme Disease and Related Conditions - Scientific Basis and Anecdotal Evidence for Medicinal Use, written by Shelley White.