Chris Shaw, a father from Musselburgh, has successfully managed his fibromyalgia symptoms through the use of medical cannabis. For years, Shaw endured chronic pain, extreme fatigue, and disrupted sleep, which severely impacted his daily life. Activities as simple as watching his son play football left him drained for the rest of the day.
Shaw’s struggles intensified after he contracted a viral infection at the beginning of 2024, which caused severe swelling in one of his hands and spread pain throughout his body, including his knees, feet, and back. This episode brought on debilitating fatigue and cognitive difficulties, prompting him to seek a diagnosis. His general practitioner confirmed that he had fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue.
During his research on treatment options, Shaw discovered that medical cannabis had been used effectively for fibromyalgia pain relief. Motivated by this information, he registered with the Releaf medical cannabis clinic, where he received prescriptions for both cannabis flower and oil starting in October 2024.
The effects of the treatment were immediate for Shaw. He reported significant improvements in his sleep patterns, stating, “Before treatment, I struggled to sleep, often staying awake until 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. and waking frequently due to pain. Now, with the vaporizer and flower, I sleep through the night and wake up feeling much better.” This marked a notable change, as he had not experienced restful sleep in years.
Additionally, Shaw noted that his work performance remained unaffected. He reported feeling less stressed, more energized, and generally more positive about himself. His quality of life has improved to the point where he can now actively participate in family activities, such as watching his son play football or going bungee jumping, something he would have never considered before starting treatment with medical cannabis.
Reflecting on his journey, Shaw expressed gratitude for the changes he has experienced since turning to Releaf. He stated, “I’m in a better place now,” emphasizing the newfound control he feels over his life. His story highlights the potential of medical cannabis as a viable treatment option for those suffering from chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.
