She Strengthens

The Agony of Chronic Pain: A Quest for Relief

My world came crashing down on a fateful fall morning in 2018. Excruciating pain, akin to being stabbed in my right ovary, left me helpless on the floor. My roommate’s suggestion of Advil was laughable; I knew it wouldn’t touch the agony I was experiencing. After waiting for the pain to subside, I scheduled an appointment with a gynecologist, who suspected endometriosis after reviewing my medical history and performing an ultrasound. The diagnosis was confirmed, and I was left with few options for managing the pain.

The Imperfect Solution: THC

While hormonal birth control and invasive surgery were possibilities, my doctor suggested alternative approaches, including Epsom salt baths, pelvic floor therapy, and a healthy diet. As a resident of Washington, D.C., where medical and recreational marijuana are legal, I turned to THC as a last resort. However, its limitations were clear: it wasn’t a viable solution for daytime pain, and I couldn’t rely on it during work hours. I was forced to “work through” the pain, relying on a cocktail of medications, herbal remedies, and sheer determination.

The Plight of Chronically Ill Individuals

I’m not alone in my struggle. Erin Cotter Cartwright, a 29-year-old woman living with migraine, endometriosis, and a connective tissue disorder, has found solace in vaping THC concentrates. However, she still worries about losing access to this crucial pain relief. Similarly, Leah, who lives in Seattle, uses both CBD and THC to manage her pain caused by Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, but fears the repercussions of using cannabis at work.

The Workplace Conundrum

Even in states where cannabis is legal, the stigma surrounding its use persists. The federal government’s classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance creates a complex web of issues for those relying on it for medicinal purposes. The fear of retribution or job loss is ever-present, forcing individuals to suffer in silence or seek alternative, often ineffective, solutions.

The Elusive Perfect Solution

Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet for chronic pain management. CBD, while promising, has yielded mixed results. Marissa, who lives in Arkansas, has found some relief with acupuncture and pelvic floor therapy, but the high cost of these treatments makes them unsustainable. She now relies on heat and CBD to manage her symptoms, but even this is not a foolproof solution.

Breaking Down Barriers

The healthcare industry’s failure to acknowledge the lived experiences of patients with chronic pain is a significant obstacle. Doctors often dismiss alternative approaches as “quackery,” limiting our ability to explore innovative solutions. It’s essential that medical professionals listen to their patients, validate their experiences, and educate themselves on alternative pain management options. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and effective approach to managing chronic pain.

A Call to Action

As chronically ill individuals, we deserve access to legal, affordable, and reliable options that allow us to live full, productive lives. It’s time for the healthcare industry to acknowledge its shortcomings and work towards creating a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to pain management. Only then can we begin to break free from the shackles of chronic pain and reclaim our lives.