How to ask GI for prescription

[Dobermonster]

I see my GI next week, and I'd like to bring up the MM issue with him. He knows I use it and wasn't exactly against me using it (verbatim: "If you need to, go ahead"), but he was very hesitant about writing a prescription and I didn't push it. This was at my first appt with him about a year ago. I cut it out for awhile, trying to get along with just pharmaceuticals, but the difference between the number of stools I have and cramps when I use it vs. not is night and day. I really want a prescription so I don't have to worry about legal issues. Should I be more firm with him, bring some data for him to review and essentially say, "This is what I need"? I know how easy it is to get a reputation as a 'drug seeker' - hell, I work in healthcare - and I don't want to jeopardize my doctor-patient relationship. He wants to start me on Humira or Remicade - I want to try doing one infusion of Remicade in combination with regular MM for a period of 4 weeks, and then prn qd or bid x 1 week if symptomatic after that.

Suggestions, advice, etc very welcome!!

 

[Jer]

I'm not from Canada, but maybe getting to know the actual laws/rules regarding MM will aid you in your conversation with your doctor.

Check out this link:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/marihuana/index-eng.php

 

[FrancisK7]

Hi there,

I'm Canadian and I am a legal patient under the MMAR. Even though my GI was the one who suggested I try cannabis, he didn't want to sign the forms.

So I found a doctor who would and dealt with the GreenLeaf Clinic situated in BC. You apply, they review your medical file, and if you're eligible they schedule you an apointment with their doctor, who reviews the application again and conducts an interview. Since I'm in Quebec, the interview with the doctor was done over Skype (videoconference). Total cost was 453$.

Health Canada is well aware that this is an unorthodox approach but they also know our doctors are uneducated on the program and are afraid for no good reasons. So they don't have issues with it.

What I suggest you do:
-Grab your forms here: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/marihuana/how-comment/index-eng.php
-Print them out and fill them
-You need forms A, C, E1 and E2 all filled even if you don't intend to buy seeds from HC or cannabis from them directly.

Speak with your doctor and explain to him he is able to help you. Otherwise you'll need to go to a private clinic and pay out of pocket. If you have a long or good relationship with him, he should not have any problems.

Do mention to him UC and Crohn's are on the list of eligible diseases under category 2. You can verify it here:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/marihuana/med/infoprof-eng.php under section 4.6.7.1.

If you have any question, we're here!

 

[SusanB]

Hi, I would sooo like to try MM just to get all these drugs out of my system!! I'm suppose to go on remicade or humira in the next week or so. And I wish I didn't. Does mm work so that you don't have to take biologics?
Susan

 

[FrancisK7]

Hi, I would sooo like to try MM just to get all these drugs out of my system!! I'm suppose to go on remicade or humira in the next week or so. And I wish I didn't. Does mm work so that you don't have to take biologics?
Susan

Hi Susan,

MM really isn't a replacement therapy. MM should be treated like a helpful dietary supplement rather than a full fledge treatment. It's certainly not potent enough to replace the effect Remicade has.

I would not recommend you stop taking other drugs even if you had access to MM, but because it can be so helpful in relieving pain and other symptoms, it's definitely worth getting your MMAR papers.