Comments on: Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and Marijuana (Cannabis); An Alternative treatment approach http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome-and-marijuana-cannabis-an-alternative-treatment-approach Medical Marijuana Card - Orange County Marijuana Clinic - Doctor Breen Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:50:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: J Velmer http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome-and-marijuana-cannabis-an-alternative-treatment-approach#comment-114934 J Velmer Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:37:47 +0000 http://mcsocal.com/blog/?p=47#comment-114934 Hello Doctor. I have been on a long road the last couple years of starting and stopping marijuana use. I remember specifically that when I would consistently use pharmacy quality strains of marijuana that it would help with symptoms of CVS at the time of the onset of nausea, pain, and such. The downside was I was just getting it off the street although most of the time it would be from others how receive medical strains so the quality was legitimate. So when I would run out soon after I would get attacks, and I would run out often due to it not always being possible for me to always have an amount of it. So my attacks were happening way more often then if I wasn't smoking because of that. 2-3 times a week or 2-3 times every 2 weeks as to 1-2 times every month or two since I have quit. Also I have been using opiates and anti-emetics at the onset of symptoms lately which almost always seems to help me through it. Although if I was ever fortunate enough to have a large enough amount to be able to use whatever pharmacy quality strain of (blue dream, OG Kush, Super lemon Haze, Sweet Tooth, Headband, etc.) I would be much more comfortable in my life style, and would never get feelings of nausea and in terms eases the pain associated as well. I was prescribed Amitriptyline but I was told by a specialist marijuana makes Amitriptyline ineffective and the specialist told me that if I stop smoking my symptoms will cease but I have been clean of marijuana for several months now and I still get attacks and abdominal pain just as often and come to wonder what part marijuana plays in this in the long run. Local doctors and my parents are convinced I am only having attacks solely due to the use of marijuana itself and that is what causes me to have attacks, as they harass me about how I used weed and the past and downgrade me for "self-medicating" apparently. Just due to personal experience when I was actually on the drug THC I would feel much more relaxed, had less anxiety about an attack being able to happen, nausea felt as though it didn't exist, and overall felt like I could actually live a normal life. I think my E.R. doctors and parents are just taking it personally that I didn't tell them I was using and tell me as a label of convenience that the weed was what my problem was. I don't really know what to think but it seems like if I could have a continuous supply of Marijuana that it would greatly decrease the chances of having attacks from past experiences where I would have enough of it to be on the drug pretty much for most of the time during the days. Not to mention it would help me with the depression and fear that come with the condition of CVS, and help me be a little more happy about life with the enjoyments that come along with the drug and the increased appreciation for my favorite music and such. Just thinking about the positive aspects of this treatment and how it actually worked for me but because of those complications i've mentioned and how the doctors just tell me "quit smoking and your symptoms will relieve" well it's been like 6 monthes.. WHAT NOW! haha that wasn't directed towards you, towards my dumb local doctors. However I would like your opinion about my situation, any thoughts? Hello Doctor. I have been on a long road the last couple years of starting and stopping marijuana use. I remember specifically that when I would consistently use pharmacy quality strains of marijuana that it would help with symptoms of CVS at the time of the onset of nausea, pain, and such. The downside was I was just getting it off the street although most of the time it would be from others how receive medical strains so the quality was legitimate. So when I would run out soon after I would get attacks, and I would run out often due to it not always being possible for me to always have an amount of it. So my attacks were happening way more often then if I wasn’t smoking because of that. 2-3 times a week or 2-3 times every 2 weeks as to 1-2 times every month or two since I have quit. Also I have been using opiates and anti-emetics at the onset of symptoms lately which almost always seems to help me through it. Although if I was ever fortunate enough to have a large enough amount to be able to use whatever pharmacy quality strain of (blue dream, OG Kush, Super lemon Haze, Sweet Tooth, Headband, etc.) I would be much more comfortable in my life style, and would never get feelings of nausea and in terms eases the pain associated as well. I was prescribed Amitriptyline but I was told by a specialist marijuana makes Amitriptyline ineffective and the specialist told me that if I stop smoking my symptoms will cease but I have been clean of marijuana for several months now and I still get attacks and abdominal pain just as often and come to wonder what part marijuana plays in this in the long run. Local doctors and my parents are convinced I am only having attacks solely due to the use of marijuana itself and that is what causes me to have attacks, as they harass me about how I used weed and the past and downgrade me for “self-medicating” apparently. Just due to personal experience when I was actually on the drug THC I would feel much more relaxed, had less anxiety about an attack being able to happen, nausea felt as though it didn’t exist, and overall felt like I could actually live a normal life. I think my E.R. doctors and parents are just taking it personally that I didn’t tell them I was using and tell me as a label of convenience that the weed was what my problem was. I don’t really know what to think but it seems like if I could have a continuous supply of Marijuana that it would greatly decrease the chances of having attacks from past experiences where I would have enough of it to be on the drug pretty much for most of the time during the days. Not to mention it would help me with the depression and fear that come with the condition of CVS, and help me be a little more happy about life with the enjoyments that come along with the drug and the increased appreciation for my favorite music and such. Just thinking about the positive aspects of this treatment and how it actually worked for me but because of those complications i’ve mentioned and how the doctors just tell me “quit smoking and your symptoms will relieve” well it’s been like 6 monthes.. WHAT NOW! haha that wasn’t directed towards you, towards my dumb local doctors. However I would like your opinion about my situation, any thoughts?

]]> By: Paige http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome-and-marijuana-cannabis-an-alternative-treatment-approach#comment-110663 Paige Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:28:54 +0000 http://mcsocal.com/blog/?p=47#comment-110663 My mom have been suffering from what the Dr.s think is CVS. She's in the hospital every 3-4 weeks(sometimes more frequent) can't stop vomiting, stomach wrenching, dry heaving, and they put her on an IV with morphine and she feels better. She's been sick for almost a year now. She had never smoked pot her entire life until about 2 years ago, and only the one time. I highly doubt a couple hits of a joint one time caused this to happen to her. Before we heard about this marijuana theory, she came to me and wanted to try it to see if it helped her. I went over with my vaporizer and she hit it a few times (she was in the middle of an episode when I got there) and said she felt more "relaxed" and she wanted to lay down so she did and she slept for about 3 or 4 hours. She said she wasn't even able to fall asleep with her sleeping pills. Now her doctors have been telling her all this about marijuana causing or triggering it and shes afraid to do it anymore. Now she's prescribed liquid morphine. I just want to know if there is any real scientific evidence that marijuana is to cause because i'm having a hard time finding it. I would rather my mom not destroy her body with morphine if she can use marijuana instead. My mom have been suffering from what the Dr.s think is CVS. She’s in the hospital every 3-4 weeks(sometimes more frequent) can’t stop vomiting, stomach wrenching, dry heaving, and they put her on an IV with morphine and she feels better. She’s been sick for almost a year now. She had never smoked pot her entire life until about 2 years ago, and only the one time. I highly doubt a couple hits of a joint one time caused this to happen to her. Before we heard about this marijuana theory, she came to me and wanted to try it to see if it helped her. I went over with my vaporizer and she hit it a few times (she was in the middle of an episode when I got there) and said she felt more “relaxed” and she wanted to lay down so she did and she slept for about 3 or 4 hours. She said she wasn’t even able to fall asleep with her sleeping pills. Now her doctors have been telling her all this about marijuana causing or triggering it and shes afraid to do it anymore. Now she’s prescribed liquid morphine. I just want to know if there is any real scientific evidence that marijuana is to cause because i’m having a hard time finding it. I would rather my mom not destroy her body with morphine if she can use marijuana instead.

]]> By: admin http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome-and-marijuana-cannabis-an-alternative-treatment-approach#comment-18420 admin Sun, 04 Sep 2011 01:53:40 +0000 http://mcsocal.com/blog/?p=47#comment-18420 Guinea pigs? And what do you call a child who is given 7 different medications by their doctor that do not work? Major Guinea PIg! Guinea pigs? And what do you call a child who is given 7 different medications by their doctor that do not work? Major Guinea PIg!

]]> By: Joyce http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome-and-marijuana-cannabis-an-alternative-treatment-approach#comment-18107 Joyce Fri, 02 Sep 2011 23:48:38 +0000 http://mcsocal.com/blog/?p=47#comment-18107 Hi everyone. It seems to me that if the CVS started after chronic use of marijuana, then cannabinoid hyperemesis might really be the cause. It can't hurt to give it up for a while and see if the symptoms stop. And if you can't stop smoking for a few months, then get out of addiction denial! If the syndrome started in childhood, I'd still be very cautious about using medicinal marijuana, since it is obviously a trigger for many people. It is hardly the totally benign drug that so many people claim it is. I have first hand experience of a family member suddenly being totally symptom free after years of hospitalizations for "CVS" once he gave up pot. As for giving it to children, how could you do that to a developing brain? It's bad enough to see teenagers starting the habit even before the frontal lobes of their brains are completely developed! Don't let your children be guinea pigs! Hi everyone. It seems to me that if the CVS started after chronic use of marijuana, then cannabinoid hyperemesis might really be the cause. It can’t hurt to give it up for a while and see if the symptoms stop. And if you can’t stop smoking for a few months, then get out of addiction denial! If the syndrome started in childhood, I’d still be very cautious about using medicinal marijuana, since it is obviously a trigger for many people. It is hardly the totally benign drug that so many people claim it is. I have first hand experience of a family member suddenly being totally symptom free after years of hospitalizations for “CVS” once he gave up pot. As for giving it to children, how could you do that to a developing brain? It’s bad enough to see teenagers starting the habit even before the frontal lobes of their brains are completely developed! Don’t let your children be guinea pigs!

]]> By: Sander http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome-and-marijuana-cannabis-an-alternative-treatment-approach#comment-10417 Sander Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:27:46 +0000 http://mcsocal.com/blog/?p=47#comment-10417 Dear all, Apparently my girlfriend suffers from CVS. We just found out and I am now in the process of finding a remedy. First thing that came to my mind was cannabis. i know someone that produces some kind of medicinal cannabis oil that I would like to try. More info on: http://mediwiet.nl/ Short: it is a way to use cannabis without side effects of being high or stoned. Anyway for all of you that suffer from stupid rules and law in your country i suggest moving to The Netherlands where cannabis is legal, as it should be anywhere in the world. Good luck with everything! Dear all,

Apparently my girlfriend suffers from CVS. We just found out and I am now in the process of finding a remedy. First thing that came to my mind was cannabis. i know someone that produces some kind of medicinal cannabis oil that I would like to try. More info on: http://mediwiet.nl/
Short: it is a way to use cannabis without side effects of being high or stoned.

Anyway for all of you that suffer from stupid rules and law in your country i suggest moving to The Netherlands where cannabis is legal, as it should be anywhere in the world.

Good luck with everything!

]]> By: steve purnell http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome-and-marijuana-cannabis-an-alternative-treatment-approach#comment-4906 steve purnell Mon, 11 Jul 2011 02:33:38 +0000 http://mcsocal.com/blog/?p=47#comment-4906 well im from georgia,24 and the doctors came to the conclusion I have CVS. I have been in hospital 3 times this month. I already smoked pot daily for 2 years. Ive been looking on the internet and it states that smoking pot plays a role in me getting CVS. what are the real facts on cvs and the use of pot before even being digionosed with this cvs? well im from georgia,24 and the doctors came to the conclusion I have CVS. I have been in hospital 3 times this month. I already smoked pot daily for 2 years. Ive been looking on the internet and it states that smoking pot plays a role in me getting CVS. what are the real facts on cvs and the use of pot before even being digionosed with this cvs?

]]> By: admin http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome-and-marijuana-cannabis-an-alternative-treatment-approach#comment-57 admin Sun, 29 May 2011 10:35:29 +0000 http://mcsocal.com/blog/?p=47#comment-57 Ron- I always start with the basics. Is he sleeping 8 hours per night? Is he drinking anything other than water? What foods is he putting into his body? How much stress does he have in his life? Once you address and correct each of those above then you can start looking at nutritional deficiencies, toxicities and overall organ function. I have had a few patients with CVS whose doctors have blamed the cannabis. Your son may need to start from scratch, do a detox type diet, cleanse his liver and gallbladder and then see where he is at. Without seeing him personally I really can not give specific advice however probiotics are something to consider. I would go and seek out a naturopathic physician who can take a look at him from a more holistic perspective. Hope that helps. Dr. Breen Ron-

I always start with the basics. Is he sleeping 8 hours per night? Is he drinking anything other than water? What foods is he putting into his body? How much stress does he have in his life?

Once you address and correct each of those above then you can start looking at nutritional deficiencies, toxicities and overall organ function.

I have had a few patients with CVS whose doctors have blamed the cannabis.

Your son may need to start from scratch, do a detox type diet, cleanse his liver and gallbladder and then see where he is at. Without seeing him personally I really can not give specific advice however probiotics are something to consider.

I would go and seek out a naturopathic physician who can take a look at him from a more holistic perspective.

Hope that helps.

Dr. Breen

]]> By: Ron http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome-and-marijuana-cannabis-an-alternative-treatment-approach#comment-56 Ron Sat, 28 May 2011 19:10:26 +0000 http://mcsocal.com/blog/?p=47#comment-56 Dr. Breen, My 26 yr. old son, Tyler, started showing signs of CVS about 5 years ago. He had one episode after a night out drinking. The next morning, eight hours after his last drink, he started vomiting and a hospital visit was required to control the extreme pain and vomiting. Two yrs. later he had his second episode except no alcohol was envolved. Starting Nov. 2008, he has been hospitalized about every 3 to 4 weeks, with several trips right back after being dismissed. Tyler has changed his lifestyle to help eliminate all other factors, except he kept smoking cannibus which didn't upset his dr.s. A couple of months ago, his doctor's turned nasty and blamed pot and Cannabinoid Hyperemesis so he quit. He has not been able to work or even go an hour or so without having extreme pain and vomiting. Now that you know his history, here is the question. His doctor's have done the 'Million dollar' work-up three times and they don't know the trigger. What are they missing?!?!?! Thank you so much for your help!!! Dr. Breen,

My 26 yr. old son, Tyler, started showing signs of CVS about 5 years ago. He had one episode after a night out drinking. The next morning, eight hours after his last drink, he started vomiting and a hospital visit was required to control the extreme pain and vomiting. Two yrs. later he had his second episode except no alcohol was envolved. Starting Nov. 2008, he has been hospitalized about every 3 to 4 weeks, with several trips right back after being dismissed. Tyler has changed his lifestyle to help eliminate all other factors, except he kept smoking cannibus which didn’t upset his dr.s. A couple of months ago, his doctor’s turned nasty and blamed pot and Cannabinoid Hyperemesis so he quit. He has not been able to work or even go an hour or so without having extreme pain and vomiting. Now that you know his history, here is the question. His doctor’s have done the ‘Million dollar’ work-up three times and they don’t know the trigger. What are they missing?!?!?! Thank you so much for your help!!!

]]> By: admin http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome-and-marijuana-cannabis-an-alternative-treatment-approach#comment-55 admin Sat, 13 Nov 2010 04:20:16 +0000 http://mcsocal.com/blog/?p=47#comment-55 Susanne, There are doctors in California who are taking care of children using cannabis. There are not many and the ones who do are taking a risk (even though their treatment plan is working). Most of these cases are in autistic children. I personally have had 17 year olds come in with their parents. Even though I believe it will have a role in pediatrics one day I tend to avoid treating younger patients only because I am afraid of the backlash from the medical community. That being said (hypothetically)... as a parent if I was watching my son suffer and there was nothing the medical community could do for him I may be inclined to give him some and see if it helps. To answer your question I have not seen any side effects from cannabis that are any worse than the alternatives from the medications they would have to take. But then again, most patients that come to me have already tried it on some level and had a good experience.... so I may have a biased sample of patients?? Susanne,

There are doctors in California who are taking care of children using cannabis. There are not many and the ones who do are taking a risk (even though their treatment plan is working). Most of these cases are in autistic children. I personally have had 17 year olds come in with their parents. Even though I believe it will have a role in pediatrics one day I tend to avoid treating younger patients only because I am afraid of the backlash from the medical community.

That being said (hypothetically)… as a parent if I was watching my son suffer and there was nothing the medical community could do for him I may be inclined to give him some and see if it helps.

To answer your question I have not seen any side effects from cannabis that are any worse than the alternatives from the medications they would have to take. But then again, most patients that come to me have already tried it on some level and had a good experience…. so I may have a biased sample of patients??

]]> By: Susanne http://www.mcsocal.com/blog/cyclic-vomiting-syndrome-and-marijuana-cannabis-an-alternative-treatment-approach#comment-54 Susanne Wed, 10 Nov 2010 19:46:36 +0000 http://mcsocal.com/blog/?p=47#comment-54 Hello My son has a mitochondrial disease and recently diagnosed with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. I myself have migraines. My son has entered a chronic nauseaus phase and basically always feels sick. I understand that is highly unusual as patients are typically find between episodes. When this started, he did feel great following an episode, and he was probably more 'typical' out the outset. The doctors are confident that it is CVS and that my migraines are related. How young is the youngest patient you've treated with marijuana? Have you ever seen worsening symptoms with treatment? thanks SUsanne Hello
My son has a mitochondrial disease and recently diagnosed with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. I myself have migraines. My son has entered a chronic nauseaus phase and basically always feels sick. I understand that is highly unusual as patients are typically find between episodes. When this started, he did feel great following an episode, and he was probably more ‘typical’ out the outset. The doctors are confident that it is CVS and that my migraines are related. How young is the youngest patient you’ve treated with marijuana? Have you ever seen worsening symptoms with treatment? thanks
SUsanne

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