My first post

Tada! Here is my first post on my new blog about my experiences with medical marijuana.

I'm 50 years old. I've had fibromyalgia for over 20 years, before most doctors even considered it a "real" diagnosis. I was officially diagnosed by a rheumatologist about 15 years ago. Overall, I'm pretty functional, but do have chronic pain and fatigue.

I'm also the primary caregiver for my elderly mother. The additional stress takes its toll on my body and emotions. I recently doubled the dose of my antidepressant (NSRI).

I also have hypertension with readings of around 140/92. I've been on medication for several years: a diuretic and an ACE-inhibitor.

I recently quit smoking. Today marks 92 days without a cigarette.

Being middle-age I'm also dealing with typical aging issues like menopause and weight gain.

I'm tired of taking traditional drugs for all these issues. I worry about the longterm effects of NSAIDs which don't help much anyway. I don't like the side-effects of opiates like vicodin. I also have muscle relaxers and anti-anxiety meds. The antidepressant doesn't work as well after awhile, so you have to keep increasing the dose. I'd rather be decreasing it. One of the side-effects of BP meds and antidepressants is reduced libido, which I hate and my husband hates even more! Need to get that corrected if I want a happy and fulfilling marriage.

Medical marijuana has been legalized in Colorado where I live. And I've recently met the owner of a legal distribution center. So about 10 days ago I met with a doctor who authorized my use of medical marijuana for chronic pain, depression, hypertension, PTSD, and caregiver fatigue. I've started trying various strains to see how I feel with interesting and sometimes surprising results.

So that's my background info. Thought it might be useful.