Getting My Life Back by Ann Marie Owens

I finally have my life back again.

After only few months of treatment at Vireo Health, I am able to get out of the house, take a walk on my own and sleep through the night. It may not seem like all that much to most people, but to me, these simple things mean the world. After being diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis four years ago, I was convinced that my daily routine would never be “normal” again.

One summer morning in 2012, I woke up and my right leg was paralyzed. I was rushed to the hospital and placed on intravenous steroids as the doctors began to access my sudden condition. After a period of uncertainty and fear, I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis – a neurological condition in which the spinal cord becomes inflamed. The increasing damage to nerve fibers and loss of myelin coating ultimately caused the connection within my central nervous system to decrease dramatically, resulting in extreme pain and limited mobility.

On that day four years ago, my life was turned upside-down in an instant.

My tendency to fall or lose my balance increased because of my condition. I was left with no other choice but to use a walker or a cane to move around. My doctor prescribed me oral steroids, and I tried countless other medications related to pain management and movement. As I searched for the perfect treatment, I was overwhelmed with terrible side effects, and a bad situation became worse.

I became determined to no longer depend on pain relief from opioid patches and other potentially addictive and dangerous medications. I decided to explore more holistic treatment options and eventually changed doctors. After meeting my new doctor she informed me that I was eligible for cannabis-derived medicine, and that’s when she recommended Vireo Health.

In April of this year, I met the Vireo team for the first time. I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at the White Plains dispensary. The location was close to home. The facility was clean. The staff was wonderful. Each member of the team that I met with was compassionate and helpful, addressing every question or concern with a smile.

I started my treatment by taking a capsule derived from a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD; on the Vireo spectrum this is considered a well-balanced Green product. To better suit my unique condition and needs, the Vireo team helped transition me to a more THC dominant medication.

I no longer need assistance walking. I no longer need to depend solely on my husband’s care. I no longer have trouble sleeping or suffer from severe migraines.

I have learned to live on my own again, and am proud to share to anyone that will listen that Vireo Health and its products have given me the miracle I was waiting for.