I’m a 76-year-old male who, 49 years ago (when I was 27,) woke up in the hospital three days after falling off of a four-story rooftop. Having landed on my feet, I was told that I had a “90% chance of never walking again.” I spent 33 days in the hospital on morphine and Demerol. After losing 80 lbs and 1” in height, I came out at 5’10” and 120 lbs.
I messed up my vertebrae, most specifically C4, C5, T4, and T5. I suffer from compression fractures that broke both heels. The meniscus between the ankle-foot, foot-leg and leg-knee joint, on both legs, is bone on bone. My knees are shot, and going upstairs is the most painful event imaginable. The pain lights me up like a Christmas tree. Workman's Comp rated me with a 75% loss of use of the right leg, and 35% loss of use of the left leg. The circulation in my legs and feet is compromised. My toes have been pinned and fused, and the sensation in my lower extremities is deadened. Since the fall, I had a stoop in my upper body and had been walking bent over like an old man.
Then, in 2005 I had congestive heart failure. I started to exercise per my cardiologist’s insistence, however, the pain in my feet prevented me from exercising in the “cardio zone” for a sustained period.
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I have been a medical cannabis patient of Dr. Frankel’s since 2008, and as a result have experienced amazing results in managing my pain. Prior to using cannabis, on a scale of 1 ~ 10, my pain threshold was always between a 6 ~ 8. Now I average a 2 ~ 4 level. The continuous vaping (I do not flame anything) three to four times per day, over the years has resulted in greater mobility from the dissolving of the arthritic buildup in the bones of my feet from the fall. My range of motion has been slowly expanding, making my feet closer to normal.
In 2018, Dr. Frankel put me on two different transdermal creams for my lower back. One contains a mixture of CBD and THC, the other a mixture of CBD, THC, and THC-V. Amazing results. My stoop and lower back pain (L4 & L5) have been reduced by 90%. I can touch my toes for the first time since I fell. I now have the ability to stand on my toes again as well. This has been the biggest benefit yet.
Since I’ve lost the ability to run and climb stairs, my current exercise program is race-walking:
3 miles, 17:40 min/mi, 3.4 mph, 3 days a week.
I could not do this in 2005 (14 years ago.)
As I write this letter, I reflect on the fact that had I not met Dr. Frankel, I honestly do not believe I would be in the shape I’m in today.
Sincerely ~
Ron M.
Los Angeles, CA
