Medicinal Cannabis as Part of Your Toolbox

Here at QENDO, we encourage individuals to build their “tool box” of resources, treatments and health professions which align with their values. The contents of this “tool box” changes overtime as the condition develops, decreases or perhaps changes in lifestyle and situations.

The use of Medicinal Cannabis for endometriosis and pelvic pain is an ongoing topic of discussion across Australia and a tool many people in this community utilise as part of their toolbox.

We receive many requests about accessing support and information when considering medicinal cannabis. As such, QENDO accepted a paid partnership from NCClinics to deliver a blog post regarding their service. QENDO agrees to this opportunity as NCClinics provide a free resource for people seeking information through a help line. Individuals can talk to a specialist nurse to understand if medicinal cannabis might be an option to add to their toolbox.

This post is sponsored by NCClinics for the purpose of providing another resource for people interested in learning more about utilising medicinal cannabis to assist in their pain management. For further information about the use of medicinal cannabis, contact NCClinics nurse phone line on: 1800 978 622.

The number of Australians using cannabis to treat symptoms relating to endometriosis is rapidly growing, but how compelling is the evidence of effectiveness? We spoke with the team at NCClinics to understand how interested individuals can in learn more about this tool, and to get an idea of their first hand experience with endometriosis patients in their clinic.
In a recent Australian-focused study (Sinclair 2020, et al) observed that 13% of the patients who employ self-management strategies indicated using cannabis as a form of treatment. Of these patients, “Self-reported effectiveness in pain reduction was high (7.6 of 10), with 56% also able to reduce pharmaceutical medications by at least half. Women reported the greatest improvements in sleep and in nausea and vomiting” (Sinclair 2020, et al, p1).
In similar research Reinert & Hibner (2019) found that the majority of their participants (67.5%) reported cannabis/CBD oil to be very or moderately effective at relieving their symptoms.
An Australian based clinic, NCClinics found a significant increase in endometriosis presentations amongst their patient cohorts and found approximately 85% of their patients stated that their symptoms were relieved by their treatment during their last nurse monitoring call.
The NCClinics team expressed their understanding that many of their patients come to them after a long and sometimes painful journey to find a treatment that works for them.
“We know it can be difficult to find healthcare providers that will listen attentively and address your concerns directly. Our healthcare team recognise that the person with the best understanding of pain and illness is the person that is experiencing it. Our team will work with you on coming up with a treatment plan to suit your specific needs”.
NCClinics offers a wide range of educational information for their patients. This includes patient journey pamphlets and an online library of fact sheets and tips. They also offer an “NCC hotline” where patients can either “chat” directly via their website or call their hotline (1800 978 622) and speak to one of their experienced staff members.
The hotline is used for all questions, big or small, they are there to help guide you and offer you another tool for your toolbox.
Pathway
Understanding the pathway when engaging with any health professional or new treatment is important. It helps to understand the steps and set the expectations at the beginning of the relationship with your new practitioner. An example of this is NCClinics patient pathway which a patient can expect to work through if they choose to engage with the clinic.

All patients at NCClinics follow a guided pathway through their treatment journey. See their Patient Pathway Brochure for a detailed breakdown, dose titration guide and tips for new patients!
https://ncclinics.com.au/welcome-guides
Checklist
To further support the individual and their expectations, NCClinics also ask that patients work through a checklist. This also helps to understand the process and expectations.
·         Complete eligibility checker online and/or send through a New Patient Form online
·         Prepare any questions you may want to ask in the triage
·         Prepare any questions for the doctor ie; past medical history, medications, effects of cannabis, cannabis and driving etc
Here at QENDO, we hear from a very diverse and wide range of experiences with all types of treatments or medication and medicinal cannabis is no exception. While this tool can be a great relief for some, for others they don’t notice any different or it doesn’t align with their personal values. We respect and acknowledge this. Building your toolbox is personal and we encourage you to educate yourself and talk to your GP or treating doctor.

References
AE Reinert, M Hibner, Self-Reported Efficacy of Cannabis for Endometriosis Pain, Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Volume 26, Issue 7, Supplement, 2019, Page S72, ISSN 1553-4650, (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1553465019310921).
Justin Sinclair, Caroline A. Smith, Jason Abbott, K. Jane Chalmers, David W. Pate, Mike Armour, Cannabis Use, a Self-Management Strategy Among Australian Women With Endometriosis: Results From a National Online Survey, Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, Volume 42, Issue 3, 2020, Pages 256-261, ISSN 1701-2163, (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1701216319308084)
This post was written for the QENDO blog and shared with consent.

This blog does not constitute medical advice and is a personal story by someone living with pelvic pain conditions. The medications, supplements, health providers mentioned in this blog are not endorsed by QENDO nor does QENDO receive financial incentive for these products or by the medical professionals mentioned. Please consult with your health care team before considering taking any supplement, medication or treatment pathway.

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