A little bit of background

The thingy & the operation

My neck currently



Failure of prescription painkillers

Alternative medication



Your help

I've been experiencing chronic neck pain since early 2014. I have been to remedial massage clinics, acupuncturists and consulted a chiropractor to no avail. It was only when I was run over by a tractor in October 2014 did they pick up on the MRI that I have a bone tumour/ cyst/ growth/ thingy in my C6 vertebrae.Nobody is sure what the thingy is. A biopsy was too difficult as there are too many nerves in the way. The only way to examine it is through surgery, so they might as well take it out. An operation will involve cutting into my throat, total removal of the C6 bone, inserting a titanium cage, filling it with a bone graft from the hip, fusing with above and below vertebrae sections and supported with plates and screws. Surgery date is very uncertain at this point. The public health system is strained and it is holiday season.Pain in my neck has increasingly worsened since being discharged from hospital. Although stable, my neck fracture has collapsed 25% into the liquid filled hollow of the bone. My neck feels stiff, there is a deep tense pain, and it gives me the urge to twist, jerk and crack my neck (not medically advised) (but feels amazing)For until the operation, I am prescribed opiate based painkillers. Although I am on a very strong dose I don't find it to be effective for the pain. An increased dose means more side effects- constipation, nausea, liver damage. Tolerance for this drug builds up.I am not going to say that marijuana is a miracle plant. I will say that for me, it works. It dulls the pain and relieves stomach cramps and nausea from the pain killers. I'm hoping we can move towards a future that offers medicinal alternatives not under the control of pharmaceutical companies.I am putting this out there because I have not been able to work since the accident and will be unable to after the operation.I am looking for healthier ways to take the THC/CBD in the marijuana. Smoking discourages bone growth and I am not allowed to smoke before or after the operation. I would like your help to purchase a vape- a gadget that vaporises the good stuff out of the plant matter. No smoke or fire.I believe in access to a naturally grown plant that can provide medicinal benefits when used in the right way. And that maybe, maybe the filthy hippies were right?Thanking you for your support, virtual hugs, bear hugs and smiles. I look forward to returning them!