Tackling Tough Topics

Tackling Tough Topics with Sharon’s son, George & Matt’s wife, Betsy

Sharon’s son, George & Matt’s wife, Betsy

1/1/2020……. Betsy lost her husband Matt due to Alzheimer’s disease on the same exact day I lost my mother, Sharon due to Parkinson’s disease. It has bonded us together for life. We wanted to share our thoughts and ideas on tough topics in caregiving as well as send thoughts and prayers for others diagnosed and caregivers, so this BLOG was created in their memories. 

 

The Tackling Tough Topics BLOG 2: Licensed Medical Marijuana (specific states)

2/1/2024

This blog is dedicated to all those caretakers caring for a loved one with any disease, to all of those diagnosed. We hear you; we see you and we will never stop fighting until there is a cure!

Sharon’s son, George:

My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and late dementia also set in. Her final four years were very tough. She struggled and as her caregiver I did not know who to turn to or how to help get her the best care possible. We tried everything.

According to the Mayo Clinic, U.S. federal law prohibits the use of marijuana. However, many states allow medical use to treat pain, nausea, and other symptoms.

Specific states do allow for licenses, regulated and state approved licensing. For example, I reside in Florida, and we were able to gain a license for my mother to try medical marijuana for her pain and suffering due to Parkinson’s disease. Sadly, at the time it was new, and the distilleries did not communicate effectively or efficiently to the Doctor prescribing the options. It was like the wild west where we would just wonder, try and adapt. It did not work for my mother, or we just could not figure out what was best for her. She only used the pill form. Either she took too little, and it caused her even more hallucinations and delusions due to the onset of dementia. Or alternatively it was too much, and she fell over in her wheelchair and almost passed out. I do believe that individuals suffering as well as those in the end-of-life stages should be afforded the opportunity to follow the specific policies and laws to gain such a license. If it does not work as, it did not in our case fine. But the option should be present.

It is not an easy process but one that is improving daily. My mother had to pay a fee of around $300 cash to the doctor. Then we applied through the State of Florida for the application. After approval as her primary caregiver, I also was issued a license to be able to pick up her items on her behalf. For the Florida Registry on Medical Marijuana use see https://mmuregistry.flhealth.gov/  Florid also provides updates through Florida Health at https://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2019/01/010419-ommu-update.html

See https://norml.org/laws/medical-laws/ for the specific states that have approved the ability to gain a licensed Medical Marijuana identification card.

For further research see the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use at https://knowthefactsmmj.com/

Research your specific state for the laws that apply to you. It will differ and only specific states have approved and provided such resources for their residents. Follow the law but be diligent about your own research and reach out to your legislators to have this approved in your state if not already. It is just an alternative option for individuals who may be suffering greatly due to various diseases such as Parkinson’s, Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Matt’s wife, Betsy:

I always wanted to try medical marijuana for myself to see if marijuana would alleviate my migraines.  I have not tried legal marijuana yet due to the way I am highly sensitive to side effects!

 

I wished Matt could have tried legal marijuana to see how that would have helped the hallucinations, and agitation of end of life instead of the horrible medications that Matt took which had terrible  side effects!

 

Medical marijuana is expensive, and insurance does not pay for it! The cost to see the doctor varies but last I checked which was 6 years ago was 150.00 to 200.00 dollars then $100.00 for the Marijuana card. The costs of your prescription vary depending on the amount and dosage your doctor prescribes! Gone are the days of $5.00   Marijuana sandwich bags which were in the 70’s! I know as a Caregiver and I have heard from other caregivers the guilt surrounding giving our loved ones anti-psychotic medications to help them which caused terrible side effects!

Matt ‘s Neurologist told me that is the only option even though I commented that these medications are black boxed for those 65 and older! There’s no clear evidence of whether these medications work on a dying brain! I am glad there are more options now, but medical marijuana must be given when our loved ones can respond to questions about pain and discomfort. In my opinion, Medical Marijuana should be given as an option during end-of-life care to make someone more comfortable.

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George’s Biography 

Dr. George Ackerman is from Brooklyn, N.Y. Now residing in Florida, he works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease.

George wanted to honor his mother and continue to help in the Parkinson’s awareness cause and did not know how to bring change. With my family, we started TogetherForSharon® as a family for the purpose of keeping my mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman’s, memory alive and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.

Today https://www.togetherforsharon.com/ reaches thousands of individuals across the country for PD Awareness. George currently interviews individuals throughout the Parkinson’s community including various foundations, caregivers, and Parkinson’s warriors to help share their stories and causes.

Betsy’s Biography

Betsy Wurzel is a graduate of Middlesex County Voc-Tech High School where she received License Practical Nurse training and diploma. Betsy has worked in various hospitals and worked in a state facility caring for the severally disabled clients.

Betsy began her advocacy when her husband Matt was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s and was disappointed and frustrated with the medical community. Betsy created and founded # Kick Alzheimer’s Ass Movement Group on Facebook in February 2019 so no one should ever walk their journey alone during caregiving or after caregiving!

Betsy was discovered by Jeanne M White who is Station Manager of Passionate World Talk Radio in June 2018. Betsy talked weekly on Jeanne White ‘s Caregiver Connect series and encouraged other caregivers to share their stories. Betsy started Chatting with Betsy show in September 2019. Betsy wants people to know there are resources out there to help them and they are not alone! Chatting with Betsy covers a variety of topics. Betsy was nominated for the Caregiving Visionary Advocate Award in Nov, 2021and received the award!

Matt was and will always be my inspiration for all I do!