Categories
Stories

Story of Inspiration – Meet Brandi

What does Realm of Caring mean to you?

Brandi:  I love the support and transparency. It’s a real deal community. I once called a listed practitioner and received [great] advice. I give every month 🙂

Tell us your story.

My name is Brandi, I am 46 years old, I am happily married with 3 sons and 2 grandsons. I am a personal trainer and nutrition coach. My fibromyalgia was triggered 8 years ago and came in the sudden onset of extreme fatigue and food allergies. We quickly determined I could no longer eat gluten, and then eventually soy. I have been a clean eater for over 10 years and in excellent physical shape so this was surprising. I now know that all my life I have had pain, the pain was my normal. It steadily increased to the point that I could barely move in the evenings.

I am not comfortable with prescription medications and last year I turned my self-study research to not only anti-inflammatory eating such as Keto or low-carb, higher healthy fats, but also to CBD. I developed anxiety in 2017. This was confusing since it mostly hit me when I was exhausted and trying to sleep or when I was very happy, like when I am hiking or with family.

CW Hemp was the third oil I tried. It was so confusing to find a quality oil that had been lab tested for not only impurities and toxins but also to prove that it contained CBD! Since I have chronic pain, I went straight for the highest strength, Everyday Advanced. I take one full dropper morning and night and occasionally a 35 mg capsule on a hard day. It is like magic! My anxiety is a rare occurrence now and the pain went from a daily 8/10 to most days being around a 2! I have tons of energy and I just feel great! I only strength train 3x a week for 45 min, I do EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques/Tapping)  when needed, take walks with my clients and make sure I have time for peace and quiet and I am learning the acoustic guitar.

CW Hemp has changed my life. I went without it for 2 doses on accident and paid the price. Thank you for this product, your diligence and your caring for your fellow humans. This little oil allows me to get up every day at 4 am and train my clients til 3 pm on most days and still play with my grandsons!

I spent my 46th bday in the canyon on a 4-day intense hike.
I am a wife, mom, grandma, and coach.
All because of my clean diet of high fat, low-carb, moderate protein,
no grains, and other inflammatory foods,
and my CWhemp…
There is life with fibromyalgia!! 
Go live it!

Categories
Client Spotlight

Client Spotlight: Chris

I tried several brands of oils and now I buy Elixinol only because of consistent quality. I had issues from one bottle to the next from competitors and Elixinol has been consistent and excellent for my usage.

I first bought the oil to combat stress, as drugs have failed me or worsened my condition. Anxiety feels physically painful at the extreme; I now lead a much calmer, peaceful existence with absolutely no mood impairment or cover up. Elixinol works nearly instantly when administrated under my tongue.

Here’s a list of results thus far:

  • At 63, I wear stronger glasses each year. I have been using Elixinol maybe 3 months, now on 3600 strength. When I spoke with a doctor on the phone, he asked about eyesight which is driving me nuts. He suggested I get last year’s glasses. I am now using a prescription from April 2014.
  • I have some rosacea on my very fair skin, topical application has reduced size and redness, continuing use. I also have shingles on lower back, and the pain is gone, the length of breakout is reduced by about half and the blistering was gone within hours!
  • As to anxiety? I have woken up nightly and in the A.M. for about 5 years with painful heart pounding, gasping for breath in terror seemingly for little reason. I been able to discontinue a prescription medication- 1 down, 2 now gradually decreasing strength. Depression has lifted. I wake up fine, and am returning to a noticeably happier person; my entire family has noticed.
  • Just yesterday I ate too much sugar (danged holidays), last night the acid was burning (pretty agonizing feeling) my throat, and I have no problems with that in my normal diet. About 1/2 dropper-full of 3600 and it was gone. I’m a tad tired from sugar poisoning but no lasting gastrointestinal effects. Although I’m fairly careful, I once did take prescription drugs for this- genetically this acid reflux caused gastro/esophageal cancer in my father and grandfather. I am fortunate that my diet has helped as long as I follow it – but it was Elixinol that settled it last night, nothing else has EVER done it- prescription or over the counter.
Categories
Client Spotlight

Client Spotlight: Eli

Our son, Eli, was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 5. He is currently 15 years old. He has had fine motor and developmental delays since he was born. He never had complete seizure control. When he approached adolescence, his seizures increased dramatically to at least one per week. We had difficulty controlling his seizures and his behavior became more and more erratic with the increased anti- seizure medications and frequent seizures. After more testing, we found out last year that he has a genetic disorder, which was helpful to explain many of the symptoms he has had, but upsetting because we knew the seizures would not be outgrown.

We had been following the Charlotte Figi story, and once we were aware that the hemp oil was available to ship, we decided to try it for our son. He started taking the hemp oil supplement last July, and he has been seizure free ever since! We are so thankful! He still takes an anti- seizure medication and has a VNS, but he has now been seizure free for 10 months (longest since initially diagnosed)! He has been taking the Everyday supplement.

Categories
Stories

Let’s Talk About Epidiolex

Today was a big day in the world of cannabis. The first ever plant-based pharmaceutical drug made from cannabis rich in cannabidiol (CBD), Epidiolex, was scheduled by the DEA. You’d think it would be scheduled as a II or III because “marijuana” is schedule I (no medical value with high potential for abuse/federally illegal). Not the case. Epidiolex was scheduled as level V the lowest possible schedule – least restrictive – which legitimizes the proven health benefits of CBD and its low potential for abuse. To give you a comparison, Epidiolex is in the same category as cough syrup with small amounts of codeine and yes, it requires a prescription. The FDA approved the drug in June for two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) and Dravet Syndrome. It is possible that doctors will write prescriptions “off-label” for other epilepsy conditions that can benefit from CBD.

There is a lot of confusion surrounding this topic so we wanted to clarify a few things for you. As we learn more we will update this article.  First, this doesn’t change anything for those of you who are using whole plant botanical extracts made from industrial hemp. The molecule CBD did not get scheduled today, only the drug Epidiolex. This motion by the DEA does allow for future FDA approved cannabis-derived pharmaceuticals as long as the THC limit is less than 0.1%.  CBD did not get patented, you can’t patent a plant. CBD is not illegal if you are following your state laws, plus we have the added protection from the Farm Bill and Omnibus Bill from federal prosecution. Accessing CBD is a personal decision and you should make the best decisions to improve the quality of life for you or your loved one.

Currently, there are synthetic (man-made) forms of cannabis pharmaceuticals Cesamet and Marinol on the market which are scheduled as II and III and are prescribed to chemotherapy patients with vomiting and severe nausea. These drugs are THC based, not high in CBD. If you live in a medical or recreational cannabis state you can access THC products under state laws, although it is still federally illegal with “marijuana” as schedule I.

Having Epidiolex on the market is a move in the right direction because the US government clearly recognizes the medicinal benefits of cannabis. FDA approval also means insurance companies should cover the cost because it is expected to be pretty pricey. If they don’t (and you may need to fight for coverage)this may turn into an unaffordable option.

Fun Fact:
Did you know cannabis was available as a pharmaceutical drug in the US until 1947? Then reefer madness happened and the public was largely misinformed. We are thrilled cannabis is getting her positive reputation back!

Did you know:
We are conducting the largest observational cannabis study in the US in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University. In our epilepsy population, the average dose of CBD is 2mg/kg (the range is 7mg CBD-600mg per day). The starting dose of Epidiolex is 5mg/kg. Their studies titrated participants up to 20mg/kg or higher.  It is really important to know and discuss this huge variance with your doctor.

If you found this article interesting, please share it with your friends and comment below!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJNLGIr37Ls]

Categories
Events

Raise the Realm Day 10: Addy- Brain Malformation

Before Cannabis: Addelyn was born with a significant brain malformation that causes her to have seizures that are very difficult to control. When Addy’s seizures started at 5 months of age, we fought them with an army of traditional antiepileptic medications legally prescribed by her epileptologist. It was then we learned the dangers of these medications. Overly medicated, Addelyn basically stopped living. She slept 22 out of 24 hours each day, suffered significant developmental regression, and stopped interacting with the world around her, including her loved ones. We carried her body through life with us for months and were provided with palliative care counseling for families with a terminally ill child.

After Cannabis:
Within five minutes of Addelyn’s first dose of a high-CBD oil, she smiled. At that point, there was no doubt that this treatment option would make a positive difference in her life. Over the next year, we slowly added more cannabis to her treatment regimen and reduced the standard pharmaceutical drugs that were holding her hostage. Slowly, we got more Addy back and maintained reasonable seizure control. Addy is not “all better”, but is SO much better than she was. Today, she smiles, laughs, hugs her brother, and is even eating by mouth once again- all skills robbed from her by the traditional prescription medications she was prescribed. Her development continues to amaze us. Last week, Addy said, “Momma” for the first time and she is learning to use an augmentative communication device. She even attends preschool with her typical peers. Our family is SO thankful to have found a safe and effective therapy that has given Addy a quality of life that is worth living again.

For the latest visit Addy on Facebook

Addy

Categories
Client Spotlight

Client Spotlight: Stacey

I started having episodes, as they were called back then (now known as seizures), back when I was in elementary school. I’m now 40 years old and still have epilepsy. It’s a constant fight and stalker in my life, but CBD oil has given me some hope. It works far better than any of my seizure medications ever have.

At my age I have completely depleted all my options, so I am reliant on CBD oil to keep the seizures at bay and give me hope for the rest of my future, so I can be around and be functional to care for my family and be here for all the family moments and moments with grandchildren. I wouldn’t go a single day without my CBD oil. It truly does help. No side effects, that’s good too!

-Stacey

Categories
Stories

#HopeMatters Meet Paula and Jordan

Episode 1 of 7

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVLnq4-Dvqs]

Tune in tomorrow to hear the rest of Paula and Jordan’s story.

Donate Now!

In 2013 Paula and Jordan made a decision that would forever change their lives. Leaving their family and friends in Ohio and moving to Colorado was something they never imagined. All in hopes of a treatment to control Jordan’s seizures caused by a catastrophic form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome.

Her seizures started when she was 6 months old and by the time she was 18 Jordan had tried a dozen different pharmaceuticals and nothing controlled her seizures. On her worst day, she would have more than 70 grand mal seizures in a 12 hour period. Jordan’s mom, Paula, was desperate to find some relief for her struggling daughter. “She’s living, but she’s living in a zone,” says Paula. Jordan was placed on palliative (hospice) care and the doctors said there wasn’t anything else they could do.

Paula heard about Charlotte Figi’s story and her success with cannabis, specifically CBD products, for Dravet Syndrome. But Paula didn’t know anyone in Colorado and thought it was crazy to pack up their lives and leave her husband and their other daughter in Ohio.

That’s when Paula said she asked for divine assistance and their path was made clear. Within a couple of months, they moved to Colorado and got started with cannabinoid therapies right away. Since then, Jordan has been able to wean off two pharmaceutical medications, one highly addictive. Jordan has improved cognitive function and better quality of life.

Quality of life matters.  You can make a lasting impact for a family like Paula and Jordan’s by donating your time as a volunteer or by making a tax-deductible donation to the Realm of Caring.  With your support, the Realm of Caring can continue to offer programs and services to thousands of families around the world who are looking for guidance with cannabis therapies.

For just $1/month you can be a RoC Friend and support families like Paula and Jordan’s. Join us today.

Donate Now!
Categories
Events

Raise the Realm Day 9: Mary- Pain

Hi! This is Mary, and Its been almost two years since I participated in Evolve the storytelling project presented by Realm of Caring Foundation, and I wanted to update everyone on how well I’m still doing almost two years later! For starters I’ll be celebrating my 59th birthday in a couple of months, and I’m holding steady! Better then steady actually! I’m sure most of my doctors thought all my canna meds (CW, THCA & THC) was going to be a placebo effect. Still they couldn’t deny the decrease in pain, increased mental clarity, and my 58 pound weight loss since I started taking my canna meds in May of 2014. The biggest benefit for me was getting off all my prescriptions except for 2 1/2…thyroid, hormone and blood pressure being the half. I did have a setback when my doctor agreed to ween me off my Zoloft after 23 years of use because I was having breakthrough anxiety. That Was A Big Mistake to do that right after Thanksgiving and before the December holidays and to date the hardest thing I ever put myself through. What helped me through that rough spot was upping my canna meds and changing to 200mgs SAMe, (Zoloft replacement) meditation, therapy, a wonderful husband, friends and the RoC community! Keep the faith, and when they (the doctors, the specialist, the government) tell you there is nothing they can do but pump you full of pharmaceuticals call Realm of Caring! The caring of their patients, clients, the quality of the products they recommend, and the fact that they will have your back every step of the way! I say Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Here’s to a better quality-of-life!!!!!

Mary

Categories
Client Spotlight

Client Spotlight: Taylor

Submitted by his mom, Stacey,

This young man has lived his entire life plagued by epilepsy since he was born and will continue to do so for the rest of his life. But this is not just any epilepsy, It’s UNCONTROLLED EPILEPSY, among other medical issues. Being born one month premature set the stage for so many of his issues, including epilepsy, Autism, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, both generalized & social. He has a learning disability. He has spent more of his life in doctors offices & hospitals & asleep recovering from seizures, then he has normal activities. He is special needs due to all these issues combined. He will probably never be able to live on his own due to all this and his disabilities. This disease & medical problems, being born premature & just never having a normal life due to them has deprived him of the ability to learn and retain even basic life/ living skills. We are his advocates.

So with a lot of research & a recommendation from two of his doctors, we began using nonconventional medical treatments/therapy to treat Taylor’s epilepsy and other issues. It’s proven thus far to help, and better than what was previously being used which caused him more harm than good. Great to find an alternative therapy and medical treatments to work in his favor, but the expenses of his medical treatment are a downfall. We cannot afford it, and none of it is covered by his insurance. We struggle financially to make things work for him. He has been through so many medications (seizure meds), that he ran out of options. Meds had begun to start to show signs of making his insides “angry.” Liver tests come back abnormal in areas they shouldn’t and so he’s having to be weaned off meds and is undergoing this special treatment to address his medical problems to help control his epilepsy. The nonconventional methods have been of some help to him and more so then the medications, without damaging his internal organs.

NONE of this is covered by insurance, and so we are drowning and killing ourselves trying to afford this form of treatment, to keep him healthy and seizure free. It’s his only option at this point. We need help with these medical expenses and therapies! He’s a fighter and we continue this battle every day, without CBD oil Taylor probably wouldn’t be with us. He fights with all his might. Please like and follow his page on facebook https://www.facebook.com/taylorsfight4anormallife

Categories
Stories

#GivingMatters Part 2 of Paula and Jordan’s Journey.

Episode 2 of 7

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Exo7qUbx4]

Tune in tomorrow to meet our next family, the Jergers, and hear their incredible story!

Donate Now!

We hope you feel inspired to make an impact after watching part two of Paula and Jordan’s story. Today, when Jordan has a seizure it is much less severe and overall her life has been positively affected by cannabinoid therapies. Paula is thrilled they made the move out West more than 5 years ago to try a plant-based, non-toxic option. “She’s never asked to go back home,” says Paula. They were one of the first families to relocate to Colorado before hundreds of families with medically fragile children migrated here. These families were known as “medical refugees” for leaving their home-states to try an option that wasn’t available to them at the time.

In the United States (at the end of 2018) we have 33 states plus Washington D.C. with medical cannabis laws, and 10 states which have legalized recreational cannabis, so hearing the term “medical refugee” is a little archaic, although it’s still happening as you’ll discover in episode three of this series tomorrow. It took families like Paula’s to completely uproot their lives and instigate major changes surrounding the medical cannabis stigma and legalities.

Without sacrifices like theirs, would more than half of our country have medical cannabis laws? These fearless families made a huge impact within their communities and beyond. Will you consider making an impact before the end of the year?

You’re probably asking, where does my donation go?

By donating to the Realm of Caring you are supporting education, research and grant programs. To date, donors have enabled Realm of Caring to grant more than $300,000 in financial assistance to families in need, and invest over $600,000 in first of its kind research with Universities like Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and the University of Pennsylvania studying the health outcomes of CBD and cannabis.

Becoming a RoC Friend for $1/month is the most impactful way to give. Become a Friend today.

One of greatest gifts you can give is your time! We would love if you’d consider volunteering for Realm of Caring! Read more about what volunteering looks like.

Tune in tomorrow to meet the Jerger family and learn why they fled the state of Indiana.

Donate Now!