Pain and how best to deal with it

Hi everyone,

I hope this is the right place to share my experience. I wanted to ask if anyone has been referred to a specialist who can prescribe medical cannabinoids? The reason I’m asking is that I've been dealing with a lot of pain due to injuries and conditions caused by a major surgery on my spine about 15 years ago. Since then, I’ve been on various medications, including increasing doses of fentanyl from 25ug to 120ug and other painkillers, but they only seem to keep me going and you become tolerant very quickly.

The nureosurgion cut into my spinal cord and claimed the talk nerves, causing constant sciatic pain and problems related to Cauda Equina syndrome, which can affect movement and bladder control. On good days, I can use crutches to walk, but on bad days, I often rely on a wheelchair or have to stay in bed. Additionally, I was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer, which has added to my struggles.

Recently, my pain consultant gave me a trial of medical cannabis. Before that, I had only used standard prescription medications. I’ve never smoked, and I’m cautious because of work drug tests. However, during the trial, something amazing happened on just the second day—I experienced a significant reduction in pain! The pain in my back, leg, and bladder almost disappeared, and I felt almost pain-free for 16 hours each day. This improvement really lifted my mood and helped me sleep better.

Unfortunately, the trial only lasted four weeks, and I learned that medical cannabis isn't covered by the NHS for most people, except for those undergoing cancer treatment. This means I would have to find a way to pay for it out of pocket, which would be quite expensive. I'm just trying to understand what options are available for someone in my situation. I cannot afford £240 per month for the cannibis. Does anyone know how as a cancer patient with a great deal post TURBT pain, whether a referral within the NHS rules is possible? 

Thank you for listening!