Talking to doctor about MMAR

[pho]

***Skip to the bottom for cliffs***

For those who are registered with Health Care, how long did it take you to get MMAR? How did the discussion go with your doctor or specialist. And were you met with resistance?

As mentioned in another thread, I've been a chronic migraineur since I was 5 years old. I'm turning 25 soon and I finally allowed my family doctor to put me on all the conventional pharmaceuticals. None of them worked effectively without side affects, but I keep triptans on hand because they've worked the best (but cost around $20 a pill and it usually takes 2 pills for relief).

One thing I did recently was went to another doctor because mine moved to another clinic. Not wanting to piss him off, I waited for an opportunity like this in case his ego got damaged. The new doctor immediately recommended me to a pain specialist which took over a year. The pain specialist empathized with me and says medical marijuana WORKS. But later on in our discussion, he said "my way" of obtaining marijuana (off the street) is better for me..... he gave me a small bullshit speech about how being legally pardoned isn't anything really, and that I won't run into problems if I haven't already. Definite bullshit. Nice guy, but I think he just wanted to keep shrugging it off.



So... I found a private clinic that's willing to work with me but they need the specialist to fax over copies of my consultation/s. I've sent a couple faxes but they haven't sent the private clinic anything. I've never been to a specialist and don't know if I'd have to wait another year to see him or if I'd be bumped up the list. I really don't want to be phoning around and annoying people because I fear I'll blow my chances and look like a typical drug seeker. The specialist and my family doctor know I'm intelligent and disciplined, but they don't want to be bothered and keep changing the subject anytime I bring this up.

What the fuck can I do? I'm still getting migraines and can't afford to go fill thousand dollar prescriptions. My employer is downright pissed that I'm missing so much time off work and I fear being fired at any minute (I've brought in notes, but the company is going downhill and starting to find crafty ways of letting people go - can't afford to fight it in court).

What's worse is that all the stress these past few years have dealt has led to recurring throat ulcers, so I can't even smoke my medicine now for instant relief. I've been on 4 anti-biotic courses, this being the 4th. And I'm sure my employer is ultra pissed. I'd like to note that my wife and I bought a house too and we learned shortly after moving in that our neighbor is a police officer. Not being able to afford my medicine and thinking I'd get medical marijuana sooner, I started growing too. 8 plants that are 2 weeks away from flower. Bit of a faint smell coming out of the exhaust that thankfully blows away from their home, but it's something else that's causing some stress. I thought about taking it down but I'm not. I've invested too much time and money and my head is a mess. Too stressed out to care but I really need to tackle this.


Can anyone help me sort this out? Not looking for a handout but just some guidance. I shouldn't have to, and don't want to "doctor shop" because I think these guys should be doing their job. I just need help.


***TLDR version***

- Chronic migraineur
- Allowed doc to try pharm meds - they suck and cost an arm and a leg if they do work
- Finally got referral to pain specialist
- Pain specialist agrees with MMJ and understands my situation... but doesn't seem to want to get involved
- Found private clinic to help get MMJ, needs specialist to fax docs
- Pain specialist MIA... no faxes to private clinic yet
- Not sure what to do.. don't want to piss off specialist and be written off as drug seeking
- Scared of losing job due to time off work
- Vigorous stress cycle of being sick and missing work causing further sickness, now getting recurring oral ulcers, migraines, missing more work, on the verge of unemployment
- Halp?

 

[Gm421]

Whats up?? Sorry to hear about your problems!

I was in the same position as you about 2 months ago. Expect your Dr. to take his or her time. My file was transfered to my signing GP about 5 weeks after I requested it.

 

[atarijedi]

What province do you live in?

 

[apartmentblower]

Go back to your GP and explain that you don't agree with his POV. Tell him you think he may be afraid to sign because of the CMPA. Bring in the release form that is available on their website and have him sign it for his own records. Show him your filled in forms including the grams per day you require, and after explaining to him that you are taking your health into your own hands and have found something that works (bringing in peer-reviewed scientific studies to back up some aspects of what you claim will help) show him where to sign. Also remember to get your passport ID pics signed by him while you are there.

Go to the specialist clinic physical office, and talk to the secretary. Don't leave until you have your file in your hand or a copy of it. I dont have the Category 2 forms on me but does your specialist even need to sign? or can your GP just state that the specialist is aware? my buddy got his MMAR card and he is category 2 and all the GP did after seeing the specialist file the patient brought in himself, was send the specialist a letter stating that my buddy uses MMJ and will be getting his MMAR card. Exploit whatever loophole in the MMAR rules you can to get your card.

Your GP can and will sign your forms, it is all about you. dont give up. I used a private clinic the first time I got my forms signed but I got sick of pretending like its illegimate by having to skip my regular GP and went to him last time I had to renew and did the above. I was lucky he is a very understanding guy but the fact of the matter is you can't let your doctor act like the gatekeeper. you aren't asking him for any approval, only a signature to show that you use and will continue to use MMJ. get that shit done brother and dont give up

 

[pho]

I live in BC, atarijedi. Apparently it can be pretty tough here.

Thanks again, apartmentblower! That really helps. I'm going to read your post again once my mind is clear and start printing out some forms. My supervisor just called from work and he sent me an email... fuckers want a "work readiness report" filled out by the doctor! What in the flying fuck?? Doctors here don't fill out forms without a payment... this is disgusting.

Like I said, I'll read your post again when my head is clear and start printing out forms. I feel so disgusted by my employers as well as the Health Care system. I hate feeling like some ultra sketchy conspiracy theorist but Jesus... I pay my taxes and work hard. I shouldn't have to do anything else!

 

[BubsNugs]

Well good luck with your forms dude its a shitty situation they force patients into. that said theres a couple things that should be addressed. 1 fix that odour from your house now, set up a carbon filter and deal with it. 2 about the weed id say keep on growing and if u can get a certificate then fine and if not then fuck em and keep growing , keep it small with no tell , no see or no smell and you could be growing the rest of your life no probs. 3 dude if u in BC i am pretty sure theres a million other fish to fry for the pigglywigglies before they start messing with you.

Good luck

Peace

 

[atarijedi]

There is the "Do No Harm" Clinic in Kelowna, the Doctor there works on his time off, although I have heard it can be quite expensive, since they can't bill the Province. I have heard it is $400 to get the MMAR paperwork filled out.

I have found a doctor here in Ontario, and he will take any patient, his name is Dr. David Saul. I have an appt for July, so I am currently considering him to be my back up, and looking for a doctor (unless I can convince my current ones) to sign the paperwork sooner.