Over the past few years I have suffered from severe pain as a result of two back fractures that developed from contact sports and skateboarding. I’ve traveled to countless medical professionals, and undergone a dangerous spinal surgery, that ultimately failed. Constantly moving from hospital to hospital without any answers was certainly taking its toll. Some days I felt as though I was becoming more sick than I had been in the first place.
In December of 2015, I found out that I had been misdiagnosed for years. My unique condition resulted from a mix of autism, neuropathy and other rare illnesses. This newfound clarity qualified me to participate in the state’s medical marijuana program. As soon as it was possible, I began filling out paperwork. In February of 2016 I was certified and went to Vireo’s White Plains dispensary for the first time.
This treatment has helped me to eliminate so many of the opioids and pain killers that were once coursing through my body. I am happy to be as holistic as I can be. I took the time to educate myself on the ins-and-outs of medical marijuana. While there is still room for the program to expand and grow, I will always look for any opportunity to share my story with others who could benefit from this treatment.
I have found that my unique condition calls for different ratios and combinations of Vireo products based on the situation. This balanced approach allows me to control my severe pain, helps me sleep through the night and addresses my digestive issues. As a beneficial side effect, I have noted improvements with my autistic symptoms. I have improved eye contact, am not as rigid around others and am more open-minded. No other treatment has been this beneficial for me since I was first diagnosed with autism at the age of 18.
At 24 years old, I’m now looking for production jobs, freelancing, recording and performing opportunities. Over the past 20 years I have played the piano, sang and learned how to play a handful of other instruments. I even have my own recording studio.
I am able to do what I love again, something I never thought I’d be able to do. In addition to being able to perform and play music again, I have worked strenuous jobs. Long hours, physical labor and responsibilities that I never would have been able to do with seizures and convulsions. All of these things I have always dreamed of, and I was able to do them because of my medical marijuana treatment.
I think about what’s next for me in my journey – what I’m going to explore next. I’m doing what so many other twenty-somethings normally do, trying to figure it all out. While I am now at a similar point in my life as so many people my own age, we certainly did not all travel down the same path to get here. I’ve had a few more obstacles to overcome than most, and Vireo Health’s treatments have given me the opportunity to take my life back.
In addition to my improved overall health, I have learned how to push myself out of my comfort zone. From riding a bike again to exploring employment opportunities, I have a lot more life to live and am excited to explore these new possibilities.
Learn more about Andrew’s powerful story by clicking here.