Here's A New One

[GlutenWrangler]

Hey Everyone,

I haven't posted in a little while, so I figured it's about time that I check in. There hasn't been any change whatsoever in my condition, which is partially why I haven't posted recently. So I'm still on the IV Nutrition, and I'm still not eating anything at all. But on a positive note, I was able to get on disability, which is such a huge help.

But anyway, my doctor decided to try out a new prescription about a month ago to see if it would help settle my stomach and give me an appetite. It's called Marinol, which I'm sure some of you have heard of. It is pure synthetic THC, which is the main component in Marijuana that causes the psychoactive effects. So basically it's a Marijuana pill. It's supposed great for nausea, gi upset, and appetite stimulation. So far, I'm really impressed with its effectiveness. It works wonders for nausea, and can calm my stomach down within minutes. It also helps to stimulate my appetite, although not enough to allow me to eat. It does get you really "high" though, and can cause some drowsiness too. But all around, it really helps.

Is there anyone else here who has tried Marinol? If so, how helpful was it for you? Thanks in advance!

-Brian

[ravenwoodglass]

I don't have any experience with this but I have heard of it. I am surprised it makes you feel 'high' though, I thought the whole reason they made a pill was so people wouldn't. I am glad it is helping you a bit. I hope you continue to improve and that you are soon able to injest food.

That is good news about the disability also, that must be a real relief.

[cruelshoes]

I took that medication as a teenager during cancer treatment. It was not under that brand name, it was just marketed as THC. It did stimulate my appetite and help with the nausea, but I did not care for the side effects. I had hallucinations with it. I remember distinctly sitting in my astronomy/geology class after taking a dose and watching my teacher's face melt. It made me very paranoid too. I don't know if everyone has the same experience. The few times I tried getting my THC the old fashioned way as a teenager (don't you dare tell my mother!) I had the same effects. Maybe it is just me. I ended up giving the unused pills back to the pharmacy.

Glad it is working for you.

[home-based-mom]

Glad to see that you are well enough to post. That is GREAT news about the disability!

As far as the THC goes, I believe the reason it was put into a pill form was not to reduce or eliminate the side effects such as getting high, but to eliminate the impurities and inconsistencies in the cultivated product, and not subject an already very sick person to lung damage from smoking. (It does not matter the source of the smoke - smoke in lungs causes damage.) The active ingredient in THC still does what it does.

As a "child of the '60's" I think I am qualified to tell you that the side effects mentioned by Brian and Colleen are the reason most (I realize not all) people who ingest THC "the old fashioned way" indulge in that activity. They are seeking those very same side effects.

[GlutenWrangler]

Yeah it's not for everyone. I smoked as a teenager, so I have no problem with the side effects. I started up again to help settle my stomach last fall. But it started to affect my lungs, and my doctor felt that it was worth switching me to the pill form. Home_Based_Mom is right though, the point of the pill is to remove all of the impurities, and to relieve the patient's lungs.

But it helps a lot, not only for my stomach, but also for my pain as well. I would think that a lot of Celiacs could benefit from it, in terms of appetite stimulation, and calming down the stomach after being glutened. But at the same time, it's not the easiest drug to get prescribed.

-Brian

[sickchick]

Hey!

Congratlations on your disability Sweetie! I am so happy you found something to help with your appetite

lovelove

Collette