Patient Spotlight: Erin’s journey with medicinal cannabis.
- Name: Erin Franklin
- Condition: Psoriatic Arthritis/ Generalised Anxiety Disorder/Depression
- Local clinic: Medicann Guernsey
Tell us about your condition:
“I was formally diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis at age 17, after several years of knee pain, surgeries, and inability to play sports as a child. I began bi-monthly cortisone shots in both my knees until age 26.
I was diagnosed with GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder) at age 8 and struggled in social settings well into adulthood. I have been through psychotherapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and other specialisations to help with anxiety and depression, including a variety of different pharmaceuticals.”
How long have you been receiving treatment?
“I’ve been with Medicann for over a year now. I’ve been receiving treatment for my mental health for 30 years and 25 years with Psoriatic Arthritis.”
Have you tried traditional drugs prescribed by the doctors?
“For knee pain – steroid injections, NSAIDS (which caused stomach problems), codeine for GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder)/depression – Sertraline, Diazepam”
How did you feel when you didn’t get the help you needed traditionally?
“ I felt beyond frustrated. I had accepted that my knee problems and pain would stick around with me forever – strong pain pills were the only things that would allow me to live a mobile, independent life – although I knew this was not sustainable. Things began to change when I had my first daughter in 2015. My husband and I did all of the NCT classes and the fact that ‘baby blues’ were common. As someone who struggled with GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder) and Depression, I was extremely fearful and could feel myself becoming disconnecting from reality and incessant dark, troubling & uncontrollable thoughts. I knew that I could no longer avoid or ignore these problems.”
How did you come to learn about medicinal cannabis?
“I found out about Medicann through Bailiwick Botanicals during my frequent visits to Guernsey to visit my husband’s family while we were still living and working in London.”
Is being with Medicann your first experience with medicinal cannabis?
“Yes”
Are there any other conditions that medicinal cannabis has helped you with?
“TMJ, acute stress”
How did you find your experience with Medicann?
“It does help to have done some prior research – but the doctors are great, open and honest and willing to answer any questions that you have. They’ve given me great advice during my visits.”
If you could share any advice with others about medicinal cannabis treatments what would it be?
“The medicinal cannabis world can be overwhelming, especially as we see new products, new studies. One suggestion is to purchase a vaporiser that you enjoy using, maintain it well and have someone walk you through the entire process from start to finish.
No question is a stupid question.”
Do you suffer from a condition like Erin’s? See if you could manage this better with medicinal cannabis and guidance from a Medicann consultant by completing our eligibility form.
