Today in my Irvine office I had the honor of taking care of Kathryn R.  She is an amazing 83 year old women who developed peripheral neuropathy (pain originating from damage to the nerves themselves) from taking a drug called amiodarone to treat her atrial fibrillation.   When I introduced myself to her she said “you are my last hope.”

Kathryn suffers from so much pain that she described wanting to give up on her life.  Her husband died 4 years ago and I could sense she was at the end of her rope.   Although I felt an intense sadness I was encouraged because she had never before tried cannabis and I am so optimistic for her.   She is so tired of taking “pain pills” (opiates) that not only don’t work but constipate and nauseate her.

The majority of the clinical research that has taken place with cannabis has been studying peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain.   Cannabis has shown to reduce pain in small doses.   On top of the analgesic effects Kathryn also complained of a lack of appetite and difficulty sleeping.    She also suffered from nausea from the laundry list of medications she is taking.

Cannabis is extremely successful in helping elderly patients get sleep.  It allows them in most cases to sleep throughout the night and they do not wake up feeling groggy.

The biggest risk for patients like Kathryn are injuries sustained from falling.  Cannabis can effect a patients balance and coordination and extra pre-cautions have to be taken in elderly patients.  She gets around with a walker at home and does not have to use stairs which is a bonus.

By the time Kathryn left my office I could sense her attitude had changed as the thought of getting a goods night rest after eating a nice big dinner started to sink in.   She came in with her daughter who was also very encouraged.

Kathryn- I think you will do great.  You will be in my prayers.  Hang in there and hopefully cannabis will help you find a renewed hope in life.