An Angus mum who suffered decades of pain says her life has been transformed since she began taking medical cannabis.
Lisa Robertson from Arbroath was diagnosed with chronic illness fibromyalgia 24 years ago.
Symptoms and pain were so bad at one point she was taking 18 tablets a day just to get out of bed.
But Lisa, 47, says medical cannabis has “changed everything”.
Medical cannabis has been legal since 2018, and latest figures show 17,000 people in the UK are now receiving it.
But it is not widely available on the NHS so most people access it through private prescriptions.
‘Fibromyalgia steals people’s lives’
Childminder Lisa says, having seen its positive effect on her health, she can’t believe a doctor never recommended medical cannabis to her.
“I’m not the type of person who usually would speak out in public like this,” Lisa explains.
“But I am so passionate about it because it has changed everything for me.
“Fibromyalgia steals people’s lives. Sometimes you wish you were dead, you can’t think how you’re going to live with the pain your whole life.
“It has been hard to keep my job over the last 10 years but I’ve always been upfront with parents about my fibromyalgia.
“I’ve explained that when I’m feeling great we do everything, and we do quieter activities when I’m not feeling as good. They’ve all been great.”
‘Strong medicines’
Lisa had her daughter Abbie when she was 21. Her health changed around that time.
“I had shingles and then a very bad flu,” Lisa explains. “I wonder if those things triggered something.
“But it was another three years before I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.”
Lisa was put on painkillers such as tramadol and dihydrocodeine, as well as antidepressants.
“I was taking all these strong medicines together, and then more medicine to deal with side effects,” she says.
‘Work, eat, sleep’
“The pills helped me get through the day, but I was never pain-free and always lethargic. Some tablets would only work for a month and then not.
“For years my life consisted of work, eat, sleep.
“I tried many different therapies – Kinesiology, Reiki, herbal therapies, exercise and dietary changes around gluten, eggs and sugar, for example.
“These things did help.”
But Lisa’s chronic pain returned during lockdown. And when doctors suggested she take morphine she realised she’d reached a tipping point.
‘I wanted my life back’
Lisa explains: “There are hundreds of symptoms and ailments with fibromyalgia. I wanted my life back.
“All my old tablets were in a box. I looked at them and thought I cannot do this any more, I need to find something else.”
Lisa’s research led her to The Medical Cannabis Clinics: “After you make initial contact, your medical history is sent over, with a note from your own doctor.
“You do questionnaires and a Zoom call with a doctor.
“They tailor your medical cannabis options to your lifestyle and your personal prescription is sent to you,” she continues.
Prescriptions start at £60 per month, but will vary depending on each patient’s condition and individual circumstances.
Lisa says: “Althea is the one I take. It is worth the cost for me. Within four days of taking it I had bounds of energy.
“I had taken a week off work to get used to the medication as I didn’t know what effect it would have on me, but I spent all week doing DIY.
‘Pain-free’
“I woke up without pain, I could sleep and I’ve been pain-free since I went on the meds.
“Now I’ve got my life back. I’ve been on holiday with my daughter, something I’ve never done.”
Lisa believes others with chronic pain could see the benefit of medical cannabis.
She says: “I’ve suffered for 24 years and I feel it is a miracle I’ve found this, it has honestly changed my life.”
‘Illicit market’
Jonathan Nadler, CEO of The Medical Cannabis Clinics, says: “Some of those living with chronic pain are aware of the benefits of medical cannabis but are dangerously accessing the drug through the illicit market.
“Some, despite the drug being legal on prescription for nearly four years, are completely unaware of its availability.
“This must change. Patients have the right to be able to access medical cannabis easily and legally to help improve their quality of life.
“Hopefully stories like Lisa’s will raise awareness of this vital issue.”
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Conversation