A woman from West Wales, Julie Bowers, has finally found a cure after years of suffering from chronic pain, electric shocks, and insomnia caused by a rare brain condition. Bowers, 52, who works as a veterinary receptionist, tried various treatments, including neurosurgery and opioid medications, but they only provided temporary relief and came with severe side effects.
In 2015, Bowers was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, a condition affecting the back of her brain, which led to electric shock-like sensations in her face, head, and neck, resulting in intense headaches. Despite undergoing neurosurgery in 2017, the relief was short-lived, and she continued to experience debilitating symptoms like feeling insects crawling on her skin, leading to nausea and insomnia.
Desperate for a solution, Bowers tried numerous medications and alternative therapies, but nothing seemed to alleviate her pain. She was unable to work or even take her dog for a walk, which took a toll on her and her family. However, in November 2022, Bowers tried medical cannabis treatment at Curaleaf Clinic, following a recommendation from a colleague, and experienced a life-changing transformation within six weeks.
The medical cannabis not only reduced and eventually eliminated the sensations in her face but also diminished her headaches, allowing her to regain a normal life. She was able to wean off opioid medications and now rarely experiences headaches, enabling her to sleep better and resume her daily activities. Bowers emphasises the dramatic difference medical cannabis has made in managing her chronic pain and highlights the lack of side effects compared to traditional treatments.
Reflecting on her journey, Bowers describes the medical cannabis treatment as a “miracle cure” that has not only relieved her physical suffering but also restored her quality of life. Her story serves as a testament to the potential benefits of alternative therapies in providing relief for those enduring chronic pain conditions.