Spasms and insomnia are common consequences of spinal cord injuries. Veteran wheelchair user Anthony Ghillino looked to AKOS BIO and its medical cannabis products as a way to manage these consequences.
“I was interested in AKOS BIO’s precision cannabinoid medicines because I battle to sleep and have to contend with severe spasms,” he says. Anthony had tried cannabinoid products before with disappointing results.
“Before starting on AKOS BIO’s B25 NOIA I had a few concerns, namely, I did not want to feel high. I had previously tried another cannabis-based product and had not enjoyed the experience. I was left to my own devices after purchasing the product with no one advising me on dosage or what to expect,” Anthony shares.
“I have a job and need to be able to perform during the day. I was wary of feeling groggy and tired in the morning,” he adds. Aside from his position as general manager for the QuadPara Association of the Western Cape, Anthony serves on various other committees and boards for disability organisations.
AKOS BIO experience
His experience with AKOS BIO and its products turned out to be very different. He shares: “My experience with AKOS BIO has been the complete opposite. It started with an open and honest discussion about my expectations and how their products work.”
After initial discussions with the AKOS BIO team, Anthony had an online consultation with a prescribing doctor who made sure that Anthony was prescribed the right cannabinoid medicine, ensured that it won’t interfere with his other medications, and explained to Anthony what to expect.
Following the doctor’s prescription, the AKOS BIO Pharmacy dispensed and couriered the medicine to Anthony at home within 24 hours. Once Anthony received the medicine, he received ongoing support and guidance from the AKOS BIO team on how and when to take the medicine.
“We started off conservatively with a relatively low dosage so that my body can adjust slowly. The AKOS BIO team were also very aware that I did not want to have the feeling of being high, so they tailor-made the approach that was taken to suit my needs,” he shares.
The AKOS BIO team used their start-low go-slow approach to achieve the desired therapeutic window for Anthony that would help him achieve better sleep and less spasms.
Better sleep, less spasms
Despite his initial reservations, Anthony fell asleep quickly and slept deeply! He also experienced fewer and less severe spasms during the evening.
“I fell asleep within around 20 minutes of taking the product! While I did not sleep for a full eight hours, I did sleep for longer than I had previously. My spasms were greatly reduced. They did not cease entirely, but the frequency and strength were reduced,” he says.
After about a week, once it was clear that Anthony was comfortable with the dosage, the team increased it by 50 percent for even better results.
“This has improved my sleep and I’m getting far more rest than I did previously. The impact on my spasms remains similar to what it was on the lower dosage, but I have noticed that the effect lasts well into the next day, which is fantastic. We are going to continue to adjust the dosage to further reduce spasms,” Anthony comments.
No side effects
While there is always the possibility of experiencing some hunger or tiredness on cannabis-based medicines, Anthony hasn’t see any negative effects.
“I have had absolutely no negative side effects. I wake up feeling fresh and ready for the day and have no grogginess or lasting drowsiness at all,” he adds.
Cost-effective
As the AKOS BIO products are NAPPI coded, they can be reimbursed through medical aid. Anthony isn’t currently claiming it through medical aid, but still finds it to be very cost effective.
“With the dosage that I use, the product will last for at least two months and it works out to be relatively cost-effective. As I continue on this journey, I will try to wean myself off the medication that I take for my spasms, which would then make the AKOS BIO product very cost-effective,” he shares.
“We are so pleased to hear the positive impact our precision cannabinoid medicines have had for Anthony,” says Anton Ofield-Kerr, co-founder of AKOS BIO. “Anthony joins a growing number of patients accessing AKOS BIO’s precision cannabinoid medicines who have experienced a significant improvement in their quality of life.”
Try it yourself
If you are interested in trying the AKOS BIO products, visit their website at www.akos-bio.com or reach out on WhatsApp at +27 66 269 1108.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on medical cannabis! Complete our short survey to give your feedback here.
