Pubdate: Thu, 11 Aug 2011
Source: Bakersfield Californian, The (CA)
Copyright: 2011 The Bakersfield Californian
Contact:  http://www.bakersfield.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/36

DOCTORS, POLITICIANS BOTH FAILING PATIENTS

The Kern County Board of Supervisors stated Tuesday that patients can 
rely upon their "caregivers" to provide their medical marijuana after 
the storefronts are shut down. As an unofficial "caregiver" of my 
71-year-old mother, who suffers from pancreatic cancer, I am not sure 
what the board means. It looks like research is in order.

With pancreatic cancer, the digestive system doesn't function 
properly. It's difficult to understand the idea of prescribing pain 
medication in pill form for these patients, as they cannot digest 
pills or anything else without great difficulty. Additionally, 
doctors advise us that too many pain pills can "paralyze" the 
digestive system. This is a grave problem for pancreatic patients 
because it adds to their pain.

I took my mother for a procedure to help her digestive system. Later, 
at a follow-up appointment, she was having great difficulty. When we 
reported this to the doctor, we were told to go to the hospital if 
her difficulty persists. At the time, she could not eat without the 
help of medical marijuana. The last time she went to the hospital for 
this problem, she was there for two months and almost died from 
numerous infections.

These patients don't have many choices for survival. I'm appealing to 
the public and the officials that actually have compassion for 
patients in need. Please do not allow this cruel and illegal decision 
by the Board of Supervisors to add to their misery. The medical 
profession is failing these patients.

DONNA CUNNINGHAM

Bakersfield
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom