Age: 53
Sex: Male
Primary Medical Conditions: End Stage Liver Disease Secondary to Hepatitis C Cirrhosis
I am a 53 year old Caucasian male born in Salinas California. I graduated high school and then joined the Army. Before I went on SSI, I was a caregiver for my father who had dementia for the last few years of his life. This was a 24/7 job. Before that I worked in the grocery business stocking shelves at night and checking during the day. I have 4 children, 2 step and 2 biological and I am now divorced. I raised my two youngest from the time they were 4 and 5. They are 21 and 22 now. My stepchildren are twin girls age 25. I now am on full time disability and volunteer at my local animal shelter. My youngest daughter who still lives at home is expecting her first child. Life should become very interesting. Father not in the picture.
I have end stage liver disease, Hepatitis C. related. This is complicated by jaundice, chronic fatigue, fluid retention and nausea. This basically means my skin and eyes can be discolored on days when the poisons are greater in my body from low liver function. I am constantly tired and I retain fluid in my stomach and legs, and I often get cramps. I have been on the transplant list at Stanford Hospital since August 27, 2009. Without a timely transplant my condition is terminal
I treat my condition with Xifaxin, Prilosec, Lasix, Spirolactone, and a lot of supplements and vitamins. My only alternative treatments have been cannabis. The Lasix works well for my fluid retention and for confusion and loosening of the bowels. Prilosec works fair for my nausea, and the Xifaxin is good to eliminate poisons building in my body.
While I have not been able to replace any medication with cannabis, it helps me with sleep, nausea, and certain strains give me energy. It also helps with my stomach cramps.
I started smoking cannabis when I was 15. I quit when I was 43 for 8 years and started back again last year. I refrain from daytime use unless I need it for nausea, pain, or cramps. Otherwise I enjoy using it at night before dinner and after and before bed for sleep. I smoke around dinner to increase appetite and avoid nausea.
