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Happy 4/21- Why I Didn’t Write About Medical Cannabis Yesterday

by Janet Jay April 21, 2022
written by Janet Jay
On a white background with cannabis leaves around the bottom and right edges, text reads "Happy 4/21-- why i didn't write about medical cannabis yesterday, janetjay.com"

Happy 4/21! I didn’t write about medical cannabis yesterday, even though I wanted to. Why? Texas, mostly.

On a white background with cannabis leaves around the bottom and right edges, text reads "Happy 4/21-- why i didn't write about medical cannabis yesterday, janetjay.com"

Listen, I’m happy that my sister in Seattle can walk down the street and buy anything she wants. (Really! I am truly thrilled at the spread of legalization, not being sarcastic.). But even though I’ve been in constant joint and nerve pain since I was 15, I can’t. I’m so glad my colleague’s state has such a thriving medical cannabis program that she’s fighting over things like insurance coverage. But there is no medical cannabis program in my state whatsoever. (“Medical marijuana” with no THC doesn’t fucking count. CBD alone does zilch for some people.) This means that anyone with chronic pain who wants to use marijuana for pain relief has to chance telling their doctor about it, and possibly losing that doctor, or not telling their doctor, technically breaking their ‘pain contract,’ also potentially losing that doctor.

I didn’t write about medical cannabis yesterday because it doesn’t matter if it helps your joint pain or muscle tightness more than anything else. Opiates or marijuana?  I certainly hope they don’t help you in different but still significant ways, because from everything I’ve heard from people in states like mine, it usually comes down to choosing one or the other.

Even if cannabis helps you take fewer opiates, it doesn’t matter. We’re not in the land of logic anymore. Even when doctors refuse to treat people who use medical cannabis, they no longer attempt a medical argument for the decision. Because there is no valid argument for keeping marijuana Schedule 1. That means “it has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.” Under current federal law, marijuana is more dangerous than cocaine, meth, or oxycodone.

Sure.

Vintage "Nancy" cartoon with her sitting in bed, saying "I've never been so frustrated in my whole life!"
“Nancy” panel from Ernie Bushmiller’s Nancy’s Aunt Fritzi Ritz

I didn’t write about medical cannabis yesterday because depending on what version of it you prefer, it’s a felony with a lot of jail time in my state. Prefer vaping or edibles to ruining your lungs by smoking flower? According to Austin law firm Guest & Gray: 

“Any edible or THC vape, no matter how small, is a felony in Texas. One THC cookie = felony. One THC vape cartridge = felony. It’s not like regular plant marijuana, where they have to show a usable quantity either. Any amount is enough; one crumb from your pot brownie = felony. Less than one gram is a state jail felony, which is the same penalty Texas has for meth, cocaine, and heroin. That’s right, the geniuses who wrote our state’s weed laws made pot brownies the same penalty as crack. Great job, guys! For an edible over 1 gram but less than 4 grams, the offense is considered a 3rd-degree felony. That means you are looking at 2-10 years in prison for EDIBLES.”

Prefer concentrates/dabbing? Also a straight felony! All forms of THC concentrates are illegal in Texas. And of course anything involving the mail is, you guessed it, a big honkin’ felony. That’s not even starting on county-by-county legislation.

Texas policy in a nutshell: Vape? Go to jail. You want some extract? Go to jail. One gummie? Right to jail.

Republicans are mostly to blame for this– Texas’s ridiculous laws are almost entirely based on Greg Abbott’s political maneuvering and bootlicking. But Dems have plenty of blame here too. Biden promised to– and could at any time!– change this landscape completely. It would be a massive win for Dems and polling shows widespread support on both sides of the aisle. Sooooooooo…

Snip of twitter post by 
Holding Biden Accountable @WaitingOnBiden
Happy 4/20! Today is the 456th day that Biden has refused to fulfill his cannabis campaign promises, which are still up on his website, hand emoji pointing at snip from website:
BIDEN
 HARRIS 
DEMOCRATS Decriminalize the use of cannabis and automatically expunge all prior cannabis use convictions. Biden believes no one should be in jail because of cannabis use. As president, he will decriminalize cannabis use and automatically expunge prior convictions. And, he will support the legalization of cannabis for medical purposes, leave decisions regarding legalization for recreational use up to the states, and reschedule cannabis as a schedule Il drug so researchers can study its positive and negative impacts.
6:00 AM - Apr 20, 2022. Twitter Web App
What the actual fuck, Dems.

I didn’t write about medical cannabis yesterday because in places like this, it can bite you in the ass. Someone I know was recently sent to a cardiologist. They mentioned cannabis use because they had read that it could affect heart rate, and the doctor noted it in their chart. When a different doctor saw it, that person ended up losing the pain management doctor they had been going to for half a dozen years. Despite saying it in confidence. “Always be fully truthful with your doctors” is usually the correct approach, but I don’t have the luxury of thinking it’s always true.

I didn’t write about medical cannabis yesterday because I don’t know what my future holds. I have to keep my options open. 

Happy 4/21. I’m truly happy that the landscape has changed so much and that most people can now access this vital medicine. But there are a whole lot of people still out here suffering. 

April 21, 2022 0 comment
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chronic painLife with chronic painPersonal experience

6 Crucial Questions People With Disabilities Should Ponder Before Getting a Dog

by Janet Jay April 19, 2022
written by Janet Jay
Silhouette of a person in a wheelchair about to give a treat to a dog jumping up, another dog beside him. Text reads "6 CRUCIAL QUESTIONS People with Disabilities should ponder before getting a dog, janetjay.com"
Silhouette of a person in a wheelchair about to give a treat to a dog jumping up, another dog beside him. Text reads "6 CRUCIAL QUESTIONS People with Disabilities should ponder before getting a dog, janetjay.com"

For people with disabilities, getting a dog can be a life-changing experience. In addition to company and love, caring for a dog can get you out of your own head and off the couch at times when you wouldn’t or couldn’t otherwise. Owning a dog is a great way to meet new people and a great excuse to get out in the world (we’re talking pets here, not service dogs). But that doesn’t make dog “parenting” easy, cheap, or something you should get into without fully thinking through all aspects of the choice. For disabled people, getting a dog is even more of an undertaking!

If you’ve got disabilities or chronic pain and are thinking about getting a dog, ask yourself these 6 crucial questions first:

  1. Can you afford it? (money)

Two smallish terrier mutts, one brown wearing a sweater, one black and white, sit in front of the "i love you so much" wall in South Austin
Pretty cute, huh? But they took this trip without me. I was in too much pain.

Dogs are fucking expensive… and that’s if they’re healthy. (Ask me about my dog Kismet and her two hip surgeries! Or just buy me a cup of coffee, hah.) Food is expensive (ask me about my other dog Arrow and the prescription food she has to eat now because her butt got too chonky!). Toys and grooming and everything else is, you guessed it, expensive. One thing some people leave out is travel: can you afford to board a dog, or take it with you? (Boarding dogs costs more than you think it will!) Are you willing to stay home if things don’t work out?  You should also consider breed restrictions in your area: even if your dog is a mutt, if they’re primarily what landlords consider to be a ‘dangerous’ breed, you may pay more in rent or even lose out on housing options.

There are definitely ways to get by on less money! This isn’t to say that no person can get a dog unless they have thousands in their pocket to share. There are free and reduced cost shots and vets. And the cost of a dog is usually spread out over a long period…

Except when it isn’t. Emergency vet visits WILL happen. Your dog might need hip surgery, like mine, or get cancer, like my friend’s dog. How much money do you have / are you willing to spend? Realistically, can you swing a surprise thousand-dollar vet bill? 

2. Can you afford it? (pain/health)

I put pain after money because, shitty as it is, the former can influence the latter. The more money you have, the worse your pain can be. That’s because it allows you to buy toys and equipment and even pay someone to walk the dogs when you’re hurting too bad.

It’s not just money, though: if you have family members or a partner, or even helpful neighbors, they serve the same purpose. They can be sort of a release valve for when things are just too bad for you to take care of anybody but yourself.

If it really is just you without support, look in the mirror and really think about whether your disabilities fit with getting a dog. Are you comfortable making a commitment to walk a dog at least every other day for the next ten+ years? Even when you feel awful? Do you have the spoons to devote to taking care of another living creature? Even on bad days?

Kismet has been chasing tail since day 1

3. Can I accept that dogs have innate personalities I can’t train out of them?

I got both my dogs as puppies and trained them the same way: the older one, Kismet, ended up smart as a whip, devious, a leader, a little bossy. She can even do a bunch of tricks! The younger one, Arrow, is dumb and sweet and wants to be everybody’s friend and is happy to be a follower. She can sit. And sometimes stay.  (There is one trick I’ve been working on for her entire life that she has yet to figure out, and she’s nine now.) They’re both crate-trained and better behaved than a lot of dogs I know. But no matter what I do or how hard I try to train it out of her, Kismet is always going to bark at someone that comes to the door.

A black and white spotted dog named Kismet stands in high grass and smiles up at the camera
Kismet grinnin’ in the grass, pic by Janet Jay

So I ask you: are you prepared to deal with behaviors that fall within the normal range of dog behavior, even if those are unwanted behaviors?

As a friend who lives in a big city and got a puppy last year put it, “Your dog has its own personality and tendencies. Bringing a puppy home doesn’t mean you’ll be able to fully ‘customize’ a dog’s personality. You cannot program the dog. You can be a friend to dog, and caretaker to dog, but the dog is his own being.  And you will never be completely in control of this other sentient being, no matter how good your training is.” Can you handle that? People with disabilities should understand more than the average person that getting a dog who’s in good health now doesn’t mean things will stay that way.

Bringing a puppy home doesn’t mean you’ll be able to fully “customize” a dog’s personality. You cannot program the dog. You can be a friend to dog, and caretaker to dog, but the dog is his own being. And you will never be completely in control of this other sentient being, no matter how good your training is.

4. Can a dog fit into my life, routine and living situation?

Two smallish terrier mutts, one brown and one black & white, in front of Lady Bird Lake and the Austin skyline behind them
Dogs are a great excuse to get out in the world! This is at Lady Bird Lake here in Austin.

Is there a place in your world for the dog to be? People with disabilities getting a dog should know beforehand what to expect, especially if choosing a puppy or a large breed with a lot of energy– don’t be like the couple i know from high school who got a great dane puppy in a two bedroom apartment– but it’s important for everybody to ask.

  • Do you have kids or roommates?
  • How often do you travel for work?
  • Is there a yard, or are you prepared to stand outside with them multiple times a day while they go to the bathroom?
  • How stable is your housing? What will you do if your housing situation changes unexpectedly?
  • Is someone available to take care of the dog temporarily if you are hospitalized or too unwell to care for the dog? What if you die? 
  • If a future partner is allergic to dogs, or you have a baby, or you move and it’s hard to find an apartment that lets you have a dog, what will you do?
  • Under what circumstances would you relinquish this animal? If you realize that your dog is NOT thriving in your care, would you be able able to shelve your feelings and rehome it? No matter how much you love your dog, if their needs are unable to be met, can you find it in you to give them the life they deserve?

5. Am I getting the right dog for me, my life and my disabilities? 

Breeds and individuals have enormously different requirements: there’s a dog to match just about any lifestyle and activity level, but not all owners consider this. There’s a huge difference between getting a puppy of a large, energetic, wilful breed and getting an older smallish dog. It’s important for people with disabilities getting a dog to be aware of both size and potential behavioral issues.

How are you getting your dog?

I asked a friend who runs a rescue org what new owners should ask themselves, and she replied:

New owners should ask: ‘Am I obtaining a dog ethically? Does this purchase or adoption align with my values? Am I educated on issues around dog welfare in my community? Is this dog already spayed/neutered, and do I have a plan to do that?’ 

If you’re getting a puppy from a rescue org, do you realize and are OK with the fact that you truly have no idea or guarantee what it will grow into? The “breed” on the card is nothing but a well-intentioned guess. One friend’s mom was told that their puppy would be 50 pounds, and it ended up over 100! On the flip side, purebred dogs are still dogs and can have characteristics you don’t want. They aren’t insurance against the wrong choice. 

Divided into quarters: top left is very small black adn white puppy, reading "KISMET," below it a pic of the same dog as an adult facing the camera. Top right is very small brown puppy, reading "ARROW," and the same dog as an adult below, facing the camera. janetjay.com at bottom
Look how much these guys changed from what they looked like when I first got each of them!

Have you considered an older dog?

Older dogs are actually perfect for people with disabilities: they’re already house trained, they’re already grown so you know what size you’re getting, and they’ve already gotten past the “constant zoomies, mischief and infinite energy” puppy days. Puppies are very cute. But odds are that there is an older dog sitting in a shelter near you who would be a perfect fit.

6.  Am I dedicated to being a good owner?

Two dogs, one brown wearing an argyle sweater and one black and white, standing on a rock in front of a creek

Do you understand what a dog needs from you? 

How much do you know about dog training? Are you willing to learn more? How much patience do you have? How much time do you have to devote to training and petting your pup? Ready to wake up at 5 AM with a puppy and stand outside, praying for them to poop? Prepared for them to chew on the furniture legs, tearing around the house full of energy for literally years? Everything you do with a puppy has ramifications later on. If you don’t train them well, the next ten years aren’t going to be much fun for either of you. 

Speaking of… puppies turn into dogs, and dogs turn into old dogs. Are you ready for that, emotionally and financially?

Still in? Well hot Diggity Dog!

This story might give you the impression that dog ownership is hard. That’s because it is! But if you know what you’re getting into, a dog can be an incredibly helpful, rewarding aspect of your life. Through some really tough and lonely times, mine have kept me company and laughing. And taking care of them sometimes got me moving on days when otherwise I would have been on the couch. So ask yourself these questions… and then go check out a local shelter! (If you’re in central Texas, Austin Pets Alive is an amazing group. That’s where I got Kismet!)

All photos except puppy photos by Ken from KenWalksDogs. He’s great if you are in the Austin area and need a dog-walker!

 

April 19, 2022 3 comments
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chronic painComplementary medicineGuest PostsLife with chronic painMental healthMental HealthTips & Tricks

Guilt-Free Self-Care Tips for Introverts

by Janet Jay February 17, 2022
written by Janet Jay
Pink background with hand holding coffee cup reading "busy introverting," text: Guilt-free self care tips for introverts, janetjay.com
Pink background with hand holding coffee cup reading "busy introverting," text: Guilt-free self care tips for introverts, janetjay.com
Bottle of clear hand sanitizer with label on it that looks like the famous marquee at el arroyo with text that reads "turns out i was social distancing the whole time"

Guest post by Melissa Howard of Stop Suicide

There’s a wide range of self-care tips for introverts out there, from putting down devices and practicing mindfulness to learning how to say no without feeling guilty. For individuals who have social anxiety, chronic pain, or just need to have quiet alone time, there are several methods of care to choose from.

It’s important to think about your specific issues before creating a routine or plan. For instance, if you’ve been wanting to go back to school but are having trouble with the in-class aspect, take a look at some online programs and set some goals.

Here are a few self-care tips for introverts to put into practice:

Adjust your goals to work for you

Sometimes it’s necessary to make some adjustments to your plans in order to accommodate your physical or mental health, which is why online degree programs are such great options. Not only can you work on your own time when your schedule allows, you can pursue an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from an accredited school within the comfort of your own home. Check out the various programs offered virtually, and make sure the school of your choice offers competitive tuition rates so you can lock in the best deal.

Note from Janet: make sure to check out their disability services office too! The support that the disability office at my university provided made all the difference.

Man on a bicycle cycles past wall with "NO" painted on it, a valuable skill for self-care for introverts

Learn how to say no

Whether it’s for school, work, or family obligations, sometimes introverts have a hard time saying no without feeling guilty. Even if you have a good reason to decline, it can create discomfort or anxiety at times.

Learning how to say no when you can’t give your time or energy to someone else is important, whether it involves your professional or your personal life. It is possible to do so while remaining empathetic and kind, but it takes a little practice.

Give yourself permission to say no even when it’s hard. This is a crucial step in creating boundaries, which is important for introverted individuals. 

Appreciate your own company… guilt-free

While you’re learning to set boundaries, you may find that it’s a confidence booster. Finding self-esteem through your own actions can be extremely rewarding and can help you appreciate yourself a bit more. This means you can look for new hobbies that are perfect for people who like to spend time alone, try some solo workouts, or spend time with yourself without the negative feelings that sometimes come with being alone. You might try complementary treatments like meditation and yoga–which can be beneficial for a well-rounded health regimen–or learn something new, like a foreign language. Set up a spa night at home and pamper yourself for an act of self-care that helps you feel better both physically and mentally.

Woman practices self-care for introverts sitting reading under a tree

Get outdoors

While you’re practicing new hobbies or getting in a workout, consider integrating them with some outdoor time. Getting outside can boost your mood and can help you feel more connected to the world. (Especially if you’ve been avoiding social situations recently due to the pandemic!) Take your dog on a walk through the neighborhood, plant a garden, set up a small workstation on the back porch, or gather some supplies to practice your hobby of choice at the park. Not only will this help you find a good mental/physical health balance, but it also benefits your sleep quality. 

Practicing self-care sometimes requires an open mind. Start small and try a few different things that you think might work for you; if they don’t, move on to another technique. If you’re also living with chronic pain or physical mobility issues, seek support from your primary care physician before trying a new activity.


Guest post by Melissa Howard, founder of Stop Suicide, which provides info, articles, resources, how to contact helplines, and more. “Every suicide is preventable. After losing her younger brother to suicide, Melissa Howard felt compelled to create Stop Suicide. By providing helpful resources and articles on her website, she hopes to build a lifeline of information. Melissa attended school at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and currently works as an executive assistant.”

Do YOU have what it takes to write a guest post for janetjay.com? I make no money from this site so if you can get paid elsewhere, I say godspeed. But if want to write about anything relating to pain, I’m always looking for new ideas! HMU on social media or at pain.chronic.words.iconic@gmail.com

February 17, 2022 0 comment
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