Denver for retired COPD, post-cancer & degenerative osteoarthritis (high school, living in)

[happypants 3235]

Please don't lecture me on how druggies like Denver b/c of the rec mj? I am in so much pain from my various ailments, and considering moving there since the NSAIDS will and probably are causing more health concerns than those issues (?). Balancing the concerns about the cold and altitude versus the notion that cannabis oil and med mj edibles might save my life in the long run.

Your thoughts?

[SkyDog77]

The altitude could be a significant factor for you. I have an aunt in North Carolina who cannot visit here because of COPD.

The upside is National Jewish Hospital is located here and is consistently rated as the top respiratory hospital in the country. They know COPD treatment options better than just about anywhere else.

If the only reason for the move is MMJ, why not go somewhere else like Washington where you could live at sea level.

[bluescreen73]

Something to think about - is cold, dry air a trigger for your COPD? The altitude combined with the low humidity could be a problem.

[JohnnyDenver]

I have E.I.B. based on a lung test and reading from National Jewish of 2% asthma. I use an inhaler 2x a day, more when I have a hockey game. I live at 8500 feet and sometimes it can be a slight problem. I never thought about asking for med pot since I've never been into that scene. I don't believe it would help anyway.

[Texas Ag 93]

Originally Posted by SkyDog77

The altitude could be a significant factor for you. I have an aunt in North Carolina who cannot visit here because of COPD.

The upside is National Jewish Hospital is located here and is consistently rated as the top respiratory hospital in the country. They know COPD treatment options better than just about anywhere else.

If the only reason for the move is MMJ, why not go somewhere else like Washington where you could live at sea level.

Agree with SkyDog. Anyone with a known lung and/or heart condition would be wise to reconsider living in an area with high elevation, including Colorado (though Denver is certainly not as problematic as the mountains).

At minimum, you should spend a brief amount of time here (several days or week+) to see how you feel before making a decision to relocate.

[happypants 3235]

Washington's too far to drive. I'm actually scared to move to Denver, to tell the truth, but a lot of folks--rightly or wrongly--are saying that cannabis oil prevents a recurrence of cancer, and supports a host of other wellness issues, as well. I have no idea if this is accurate or not, but the pain, barely remedied by Ibuprofen, is pretty bad and I know med mj would help that, at the very least.

[happypants 3235]

Originally Posted by JohnnyDenver

I have E.I.B. based on a lung test and reading from National Jewish of 2% asthma. I use an inhaler 2x a day, more when I have a hockey game. I live at 8500 feet and sometimes it can be a slight problem. I never thought about asking for med pot since I've never been into that scene. I don't believe it would help anyway.

Didn't know what E.I.B. was until I looked it up. I don't want med mj for the COPD but for the osteoarthritis, which is unbelievably painful. Also for cancer.

Looks like Denver is 5,280 feet, so you are WAY above that!!

[Suzatlarge]

I've seen a lot of media coverage of the use of MMJ (cannabis oil specifically) to treat severe seizure disorders in children. Never heard claims that it prevents cancer recurrence. It's supposed to be good for some kinds of pain.

I'm also concerned that Denver would be a really bad place for you with COPD. Have you asked your physician about that issue?

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by happypants 3235

.... I don't want med mj for the COPD but for the osteoarthritis, which is unbelievably painful. Also for cancer.....

My sister back in MD had PMR for about two years, she was in misery, the various pills and potions from the usual legal sources were of little help. Her neighbor gave her a joint to smoke and she said the relief was amazing. You can probably try MJ where you live to see if there's any relief at all. There might be a certain strain that works better for you, but I'm not clued into that realm to know for sure.

[JWEvergreen]

I think the way altitude affects people is very different for each person regardless of health conditions. You could take a young high school football player who has no health issues and is not a user of any drugs and team them up with a much older, over-weight smoker, possibly even with some health issues and ask them to hike one of the 14ers together and often times you'd lose your bet if you bet on the healthy kid making it to the top. Adjusting to the altitude takes only a short time (maybe a week or two) for some people, and for others it takes a long time (possibly up to two months) before feeling comfortable with it.

I'd be more concerned about the cold affecting the arthritis pain.