There are LOTS and LOTS of folks with MS, despite the fact that its still considered and "orphan" disease, everyone seems to know someone with MS. There are 4 types of MS, the most common being relapsing remitting which means you have flare-ups but you eventually recover and continue on with your life. However Primary Progressive means there are NO remissions. Once onset occurs, your disease continues on from there, never giving you a breather. Think of it in this way, remember that flu you had when you were so sick and so tired you could barely raise your head? What if every day of your life felt like that? And what if you were faced with the realization that no matter how much rest you got, tomorrow you wouldn't get any better? THAT is primary Progressive MS.
The other thing tickling my brain is that Medical Marijuana is still greatly misunderstood. Even people close to us don't understand what it does for him. Why can't he just take a pill to treat his pain? Think about lifting weights and how your muscles get tight and hard when you're lifting. Now imagine holding that weight all day. Your muscles fatigue and start to shake. Karl's muscles are in a state of constant flex. When you touch his legs they are hard as a rock and spasming. The cannabis relaxes those muscles, as well as helping with the neuropathic pain that sends shooting pains down his arms and legs. Anyone who thinks that its all fun and games is a moron. Imagine getting up every morning and having to have a beer with breakfast so you could make it to the bathroom the rest of the day. Day after day after day. Not too appetizing a thought is it?
I hope I've managed to enlighten a few folks about the realities of living with PPMS.
