Originally Posted by MajMike
In June of 1996 I was wounded in the terrorist bombing of a US military barracks in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, called Khobar Towers. Nineteen young men died that night, and over 200 more men and women sustained wounds. I received a significant blow to the head knocking me out for a minute or so, and I have had a headache almost every day of my life since.
My problems are threefold: chronic refractive daily headaches with migraine, a seemingly permanent post-concussive syndrome (that was not my first one), and PTSD (also not my first time). Each can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of the others, as can their resulting prescriptions.
In the decade since, I was treated by the best and brightest military and civilian physicians, tried every known regimen and medication, but still I got worse. I was retired by the military, unemployable, disabled, newly divorced (she couldnâ??t handle the transition), and living alone. If not for my wonderful daughter, my folks, and my dog Baylee, I would most likely have left this life to see whatâ??s next.
When I decided to stay, I also decided to live the rest of my life on my own terms, and it was then that I started to try MM for my conditions. Florida isnâ??t an MM state, but I did consult with my doctor and he agreed it was worth a try, and so for the first time since college I tried it. Almost immediately I saw a decrease in the headaches, and with the co-benefit of depression/anxiety relief it was as if the sun came out after a very long time.
Instead of OxyContin or Demerol, I can now control my headaches with the MM and simple Darvocet most of the time, and I no longer live in a narcotic haze with the corresponding constant fatigue. My depression has lifted, and my PTSD symptoms have been reduced as well. Donâ??t get me wrong, I am not â??magicallyâ?? whole again, but I can look to the future with hope instead of despair. MM has given me back my life, as it has done for so many others.
To be honest I am still a bit conflicted, having been raised to obey the law and now always at risk for legal problems, but my father once told me itâ??s â??better to be judged by twelve than carried by sixâ?. [Originally in reference to self-defense, but applicable also to suicide vs. possible arrest] I have conquered my depression, moderated my pain to a livable level, and been well enough the last year to have met (soon to marry) a very special woman. For these blessings, I must risk the authorities while thanking God for His bounty.
My parents are victims of the Drug Warâ??s propaganda campaign, and have always seen marijuana as dangerous and addictive. But, they have also seen the positive changes in me since beginning this treatment. While they are concerned like me about possible legal problems, they are happy my life is turning around and that I have finally found some relief.
Some will say I should move to a state with MM legislation, and I have considered that, but I believe to move that far from my child would risk bringing back the depression. I cannot go back to that, and no one has the right to ask me to. This is my home, and here I will stay.
