Friday 17 August 2018

First Aid for Burns

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Working with melted sugar you need to be extremely careful. I highly recommend using a silicon or an oven glove to prevent the melted sugar from getting on your hands.
Always stir and pour heated syrups very carefully to prevent splashing and spills. 

First Aid in case of burn:
Is it a major or minor burn?Call 911 or seek immediate care for major burns, which:

  • Are deep
  • Cause the skin to be dry and leathery
  • May appear charred or have patches of white, brown or black
  • Are larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) in diameter or cover the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint
A minor burn that doesn't require emergency care may involve:
  • Superficial redness similar to a sunburn
  • Pain
  • Blisters
  • An area no larger than 3 inches (about 8 centimeters) in diameter
Treating major burnsUntil emergency help arrives:
  • Protect the burned person from further harm. If you can do so safely, make sure the person you're helping is not in contact with the source of the burn. For electrical burns, make sure the power source is off before you approach the burned person.
  • Make certain that the person burned is breathing. If needed, begin rescue breathing if you know how.
  • Remove jewelry, belts and other restrictive items,especially from around burned areas and the neck. Burned areas swell rapidly.
  • Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist bandage or a clean cloth.
  • Don't immerse large severe burns in water. Doing so could cause a serious loss of body heat (hypothermia).
  • Elevate the burned area. Raise the wound above heart level, if possible.
  • Watch for signs of shock. Signs and symptoms include fainting, pale complexion or breathing in a notably shallow fashion.
Treating minor burnsFor minor burns:
  • Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water or apply a cool, wet compress until the pain eases.
  • Remove rings or other tight items from the burned area.Try to do this quickly and gently, before the area swells.
  • Don't break blisters. Fluid-filled blisters protect against infection. If a blister breaks, clean the area with water (mild soap is optional). Apply an antibiotic ointment. But if a rash appears, stop using the ointment.
  • Apply lotion. Once a burn is completely cooled, apply a lotion, such as one that contains aloe vera or a moisturizer. This helps prevent drying and provides relief.
  • Bandage the burn. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage (not fluffy cotton). Wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the area, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
  • If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
By:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-burns/basics/art-20056649






Thursday 16 August 2018

How to Make Perfect Gummy Bears with Cannabis Butter

Have you tried making gummies with cannabis butter in the past and it turned out horrible? I can tell you exactly why and how to make store quality gummy bears using cannabis butter.

Gummy Bears made with cannabis butter

I had experience in regular candy making but adding cannabis butter was all new to me. My first few attempts I tried lollipops, they tasted great but the cannabis butter was not evenly mixing and when I poured the syrup into the mold the first few had a lot of the canna butter but the last few had very little.

I had to figure out how to mix a water base product with an oil based one and I remembered an emulsifier is needed.

An emulsifier (also known as an "emulgent") is a substance that stabilizes an emulsion by increasing its kinetic stability. One class of emulsifiers is known as "surface active agents", or surfactants. Emulsifiers are compounds that typically have a polar or hydrophilic (i.e. water-soluble) part and a non-polar (i.e. hydrophobic or lipophilic) part. Because of this, emulsifiers tend to have more or less solubility either in water or in oil. Emulsifiers that are more soluble in water (and conversely, less soluble in oil) will generally form oil-in-water emulsions, while emulsifiers that are more soluble in oil will form water-in-oil emulsions.

I was familiar with two different emulsifiers; soy or sunflower lecithin and guar gum. I did some experimenting with both products.  I found using lecithin changed the flavor and color of the candy that I did not like but it did fully incorporate the cannabis butter. Next I tried the guar gum and they candy turned out way better, Guar gum does not change the flavor or color and fully incorporates the cannabis butter into the syrup. Guar gum is my preference when making gummy bears.)

Follow the recipe below to create store quality, great tasting gummy bears at home.

Makes approx. 100 bears
Instructions:
1 3-ounce box Jell-O Gelatin Dessert powder (Raspberry, lemon, orange, pineapple, lime or strawberry)
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
1/4 teaspoon citric acid
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1/2 cup cool water 
1/4 cup water cool water (for unflavored gelatin)
3 tablespoons Cannabis butter melted
1/8 teaspoon guar gum 


You will also need:
2 1-inch silicone bear mold or any other silicone shaped mold you would like.
Spoon or spatula


Directions:
Combine Jell-O, and citric acid in a bowl and stir to combine.

In a separate bowl add 1/4 cup of cool water and evenly sprinkle the unflavored gelatin on top of the water and allow to sit for 5 mins so the gelatin can bloom.

Combine the Jello, citric acid and unflavored gelatin in a medium sauce pan let stand 3 mins.

Turn stove on to medium-low heat and heat syrup to all the sugar has completely dissolved and  syrup is clear. Stir gently trying not to create air bubbles. 

Once the candy syrup is ready, remove from heat and add the cannabis butter and guar gum.

Gently stir the candy syrup for 1-2 minutes or until all the butter is fully incorporated into the syrup. If  the butter is not fully blending in the syrup, add a pinch of guar gum at a time until mixture is all a uniform color.

Use the dropper that comes with mold to fill the cavities of the mold. Do not over fill the cavities.

Let the candy sit for 30 minutes, then put the molds into your refrigerator for another 2 hours.

When the candy is firm push each piece out of the molds and arrange them on a baking sheet or in a large storage container so that they are each standing upright. Let them sit this way for 48 hours, then lay them on their backs for 24 hours. This process will help the bears dehydrate so that they are chewy like the originals. 

Depending on your climate, your gummy bears may have shrunken enough after 72 hours. If not, leave them out for another day or two, until they are chewy. Toss them around every so often as they dry out. When they are chewy enough for you, seal them up in an air-tight covered container or zip-top bag. Keep them stored in a sealed container and they should last for a couple weeks.









Wednesday 15 August 2018

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - Are you Frustrated with Getting Diagnosed?

Is anyone else frustrated with their health care provider and getting properly diagnosed and treated for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome? I am and my frustration has hit a whole new level.

Today, I had an appointment with my nurse practitioner to get an updated note for my sick leave benefits and to get any test results or referral updates. First off, my nurse practitioner has absolutely no idea what Ehlers-Danlos is other than the definition she read on Google on my last visit and all she understands is it's a connective tissue disorder. She can't even spell it, today she had to ask me several times how to spell it while she was filling out requisitions. 

I asked her if she received the assessment from the Physiotherapist. She was looking in her email and my file and could not find any report. I let her know it's possible it came under by married name and not my maiden name. She says if it came with a different last name she would not get it. My NP had to step out of the office for a minute. I was looking on her desk and saw a fax with my name on it from the Physiotherapist's office. I picked it up to look at it and it was the report from the Physiotherapist. 

How much confidence can I have with my NP when she is not smart enough to think the report was for the same Elizabeth just because the last name was different? How many patients can she have with the Name Elizabeth going to Concept Movements with the same home address and phone #? My guess is none.

Next my NP, does not believe I have EDS, because my Rheumatoid Factor is high, she thinks I have Rheumatoid arthritis. I told her that the RF would be effected by EDS. I've shown her my floating knew caps, loose skin, scares, and she looks at me like a deer in the headlights. 

In the last few months I have been losing a lot of weight. I have gone from 125-112 lbs in 3 months. I expressed my concern about the weight loss and she told me to eat. Once again her knowing 0 about EDS and that it can effect the bodies ability to absorb the calories and vitamins needed. Even though I eat, it goes right through me.   

After 3 months of seeing her to try and get properly diagnosed and treated, I'm pretty much no further ahead. She has not prescribed anything for the inflammation or chronic pain, nothing to help with sleeping  as I only get about 2-4 hours of sleep a night. She has not referred me to a Dr's who knows something about EDS.

I've done a lot of my own research to better understand the EDS and how I can better cope living with chronic pain and how to take care of my body to avoid injuries. I have never been one to take pills, especially pain killers like Percocet or Tylenol 3's. I never take anything stronger then extra strength Tylenol. The Tylenol only helped with headaches but does not for the wide spread body paid. 

Recently I tried "edibles", I wasn't sure if I was high but the one thing I did notice was my shoulders were very relaxed and the pain had subsided quiet a bit. A friend of mine gave me some cannabis butter and I made some baked goods and candy and found they work better then any pain medication I've tried before.  I'v posted a couple of my recipes and will continue to post edible recipes you can make at home. One nice thing about making your own edibles is you can adjust the dosage that works best for your pain or ailment. So far I've made banana bread, peanut butter cups, lollipops, caramels and gummy bears.

I would love to hear from you about the frustrations you face having EDS, or have tips or suggestions living with EDS and chronic pain.


Some images of my EDS.








Sunday 12 August 2018

What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

WHAT is EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROMES?

The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a group of connective tissue disorders that can be inherited and are varied both in how affect the body and in their genetic causes. They are generally characterized by joint hypermobility (joints that stretch further than normal), skin hyperextensibility (skin that can be stretched further than normal), and tissue fragility.




The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are currently classified into thirteen subtypes. 
Each EDS subtype has a set of clinical criteria that help guide diagnosis; a patient’s 
physical signs and symptoms will be matched up to the major and minor criteria to 
identify the subtype that is the most complete fit. There is substantial symptom overlap 
between the EDS subtypes and the other connective tissue disorders including
 hypermobility spectrum disorders, as well as a lot of variability, so a definitive
 diagnosis for all the EDS subtypes when the gene mutation is known—all but 
hypermobile EDS (hEDS)—also calls for confirmation by testing to identify the 
responsible variant for the gene affected in each subtype.

For those who meet the minimal clinical requirements for an EDS subtype—but who 
have no access to molecular confirmation; or whose genetic testing shows one (or more) 
gene variants of uncertain significance in the genes identified for one of the EDS subtypes; 
or in whom no causative variants are identified in any of the EDS-subtype-specifi
c genes—a “provisional clinical diagnosis” of an EDS subtype can be made. 
These patients should be followed clinically, but alternative diagnoses and expanded molecular
testing should be considered. 

Please remember that an individual’s experience with an EDS is their own, and may not
necessarily be the same as another person’s experience. Diagnostic criteria are meant
solely to distinguish an EDS from other connective tissue disorders, and there are many
more possible symptoms for each EDS than there are criteria.

What are the symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes?
Clinical manifestations of an Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are most often joint and skin related
and may include:
Joints
Joint hypermobility; loose/unstable joints which are prone to frequent dislocations and/or subluxations; 
joint pain; hyperextensible joints (they move beyond the joint’s normal range); early onset of 
osteoarthritis.

Skin
Soft velvety-like skin; variable skin hyper-extensibility; fragile skin that tears or bruises easily
(bruising may be severe); severe scarring; slow and poor wound healing; development 
of molluscoid pseudo tumors (fleshy lesions associated with scars over pressure areas).
Miscellaneous/Less Common

Chronic, early onset, debilitating musculoskeletal pain (usually associated with the Hypermobility Type); 
arterial/intestinal/uterine fragility or rupture (usually associated with the Vascular Type); 
scoliosis at birth and scleral fragility (associated with the Kyphoscoliosis Type); poor muscle
 tone (associated with the Arthrochalasia Type); mitral valve prolapse; and gum disease.

Each type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is defined as a distinct problem in connective tissue. 
Connective tissue is what the body uses to provide strength and elasticity; normal connective
tissue holds strong proteins that allow tissue to be stretched but not beyond its limit, and then 
safely return that tissue to normal. Connective tissue is found throughout the body, and 
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are structural problems. An analogy: If one builds a house with faulty
 materials, say half the necessary wood or with soft aluminum nails, it is certain there will 
be problems. Some problems are more likely to show up than others, but because those materials 
were used everywhere and are not necessarily visible, one can be surprised by where a problem 
shows up or how serious it is.

It is much the same thing with an Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and connective tissue.

The connective tissue a person with EDS is built with is not structured the way it should be. With a
 badly-constructed or processed connective tissue, some or all of the tissue in the EDS-affected 
body can be pulled beyond normal limits which causes damage. Connective tissue can be found
 almost anywhere, in skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments, blood vessels, organs, gums, eyes, 
and so on.

The problems resulting from one’s body being built out of a protein that behaves unreliably
 can be widespread and in a wide range of severity. It shows up in places that seem unrelated
 until the underlying connection to an Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is recognized.

What are the types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome?
There are thirteen defined types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, as well as a number of mutations 
identified as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that fall outside the current system. The major types of
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are classified according to the signs and symptoms that are manifested.
Each type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a distinct disorder that “runs true” in a family.
An individual with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome will not have a child with
How is an Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome diagnosed?

If you think you might have one of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) or hypermobility spectrum 
disorders (HSD), and particularly if someone in your immediate family has been diagnosed, ask your 
doctor if a diagnosis fits your symptoms. If they choose to, any doctor who can diagnosis a disease is 
able to diagnose EDS/HSD; but most likely you’ll be given a referral to a geneticist, because EDS are 
genetic disorders and geneticists are most adept at distinguishing between those diseases, as well as 
in doing any testing necessary to differentiate EDS/HSD from the more than 200 other 
heritable connective tissue disorders.

A diagnosis is important because, although EDS/HSD are not curable, they are treatable. Knowing 
the type of EDS/HSD gives you and your medical team some idea of where problems might come 
from and why they’re happening. When eventually there is a cure, you’ll know to use it. And as more 
of us are diagnosed, EDS/HSD gain the attention all of us need, increasing the likelihood of expanded 
research that might lead to finding that cure.

Your path to an EDS/HSD diagnosis starts with an examination. There may be physical testing: using 
the Beighton Scale to assess how mobile your joints are, a search for abnormal scarring and testing 
your skin to determine what it feels like and how much it stretches, as well as any additional tests 
your particular doctor feels are needed. There’s likely to be a look into your medical history to look 
for conditions and problems associated with EDS/HSD, and a discussion of your family to help 
determine if an EDS/HSD was inherited.

Diagnosis of an EDS subtype comes by finding the one that most matches your symptoms. There are 
clinical criteria that help guide diagnosis; your signs and symptoms will be matched up to the major 
and minor criteria to identify the subtype that is the most complete fit. There is substantial symptom 
overlap between the EDS subtypes and the other connective tissue disorders including HSD, as well as 
a lot of variability between them. So a definitive diagnosis for all the EDS subtypes—except for 
hypermobile EDS (hEDS)—also calls for confirmation by testing to identify the responsible variant for 
the gene affected in each subtype. These molecular testing results also provide the basis for genetic 
counseling for our families, guidance on treatment options for ourselves, and help in reaching research goals.

The genetic basis for hypermobile EDS is still unknown, so an hEDS (or HSD) diagnosis rests on the
criteria and what your doctor finds during your examination. The hEDS criteria also established 
serious consideration of joint hypermobility with all related symptoms and conditions, with hEDS at 
one end of the spectrum. HSD can be no less consequential than hEDS, either to your health or concern 
for treatment.

You can find the diagnostic criteria for the 13 subtypes of EDS by clicking here.
How prevalent are Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes?

At this time, research statistics of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes show the total prevalence as 1 in 2,500 
to 1 in 5,000 people. Recent clinical experience suggests that Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may be more 
common. The conditions are known to affect both males and females of all racial and ethnic
backgrounds.

How are Ehlers-Danlos syndromes inherited?
The two known inheritance patterns for the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes include autosomal dominant
and autosomal recessive. Regardless of the inheritance pattern, we have no choice in which genes 
we pass on to our children.

What is the prognosis of someone with an Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
The prognosis depends on the type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and the individual. Life expectancy can 
be shortened for those with the Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome due to the possibility of organ and 
vessel rupture. Life expectancy is usually not affected in the other types. There can be a wide or narrow 
range of severity within a family, but each person’s case of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome will be unique. 
While there is no cure for the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, there is treatment for symptoms, and there are
 preventative measures that are helpful for most.

What can I do now?
The Ehlers-Danlos Society members are sharing information online and learning from each other in 
ways that were impossible not very long ago. Visit The Ehlers-Danlos Society’s Facebook page
The Ehlers-Danlos Society Inspire Online Community, or look through the Resource Guides.

Information from THE EHLERS-DANLOS SOCIETY https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/








Crazy Caramels - 20 mg THC per piece

Yields approx 25 to 36 pieces 
Tools Required
Candy thermometer
Medium saucepan
9x13 inch baking pan
Silicon spatula
Wax paper
Parchment paper

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup butter 
  • 1/2 cup cannabutter
  • 1/2 cup  light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  •  1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

 Directions
  1. In a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, cannabutter, brown sugar, white sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Heat to between 234 and 240 degrees F (112 to 116 degrees C),   Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla.
  2. Meanwhile, line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. When the caramel is ready, pour into the buttered pan. Allow to cool completely at room temperature. Remove from the pan and cut into squares using scissors. Wrap individual pieces in waxed paper or cellophane.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Working with melted sugar you need to be extremely careful. I highly recommend using a silicon or an oven glove to prevent the melted sugar from getting on your hands.
Always stir and pour heated syrups very carefully to prevent splashing and spills. 






Twisted Lollipops - 20 mg THC per lollipop

VERY IMPORTANT:
Many cooked candy recipes require the use of a candy thermometer. As you read in the "Candy Basics" section of your cookbook, you can use a cold water test instead of a thermometer, but a properly calibrated candy thermometer takes the guesswork out of candy making.

What do we mean by a properly calibrated candy thermometer? There are two things that can have an effect on a candy thermometer:
  • Simple inaccuracy: Even a brand-new candy thermometer can be off by a couple of degrees.
  • Altitude: Since there is not as much atmospheric pressure at higher elevations, altitude can have an effect on boiling point, affecting temperatures for cooked candies.
Both of these factors can be accounted for by doing a simple test each time you use your candy thermometer. Unless otherwise indicated, cooked candy recipes are written for sea level, where water boils at 212º F. To calibrate your candy thermometer, follow the simple steps below:
  1. Place the candy thermometer in a pan of water and bring to a boil. Make sure the bottom of the thermometer is not directly touching the bottom of the pan, as the temperature of the pan and not that of the water will register on your thermometer.
  2. Once the water boils, check the temperature on your thermometer.
  3. If the thermometer reads higher than 212 ºF, you will add that number to the degrees given in the recipe. For example, if your water boils at 214 ºF (2º above 212) and the recipe tells you to cook to 234º F, you will actually cook to 234 ºF plus 2, or 236 ºF.
  4. If the thermometer reads lower than 212 ºF, you will subtract that number from the degrees given in the recipe. For example, if your water boils at 205 ºF (7º below 212) and your recipe tells you to cook to 234 ºF, you will actually cook to 234 ºF minus 7, or 227 ºF.
  5. It’s that easy, and you should check your thermometer each time you make candy. If you don’t check your thermometer and adjust the recipe accordingly, you could either cook your candy for too long or not enough time, resulting in an inferior product.
  6. If your thermometer is off by a large number (more than 15°) consider replacing your thermometer.

Makes approx 6-8 lollipops depending on mold size

Tools Required:
Candy thermometer
Medium saucepan (heavy bottom preferred)
Silicon lollipop mold and lollipop sticks
Spatula
Oven glove or mitt

Ingredients for 6-8 lollipops
2 cup sugar
1 cup corn syrup
2 tablespoons cannabutter
1/2 cup water
1-2 drops of candy flavouring
1-2 drops of food colouring (optional)
1/4 teaspoon sunflower or soy lecithin
1/8 teaspoon guar gum

Nerds candy (optional)

Ingredients for 16-20 lollipops
3 1/4 cups sugar
1 and 1/2 cups corn syrup
4  tablespoons cannabutter
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon sunflower or soy lecithin
​1/4 teaspoon guar gum
2-4 drops of candy flavouring
2-4 drops of food colouring (optional)
Nerds candy (optional)


Directions:
Combine sugar, corn syrup, in the saucepan and place on Med-Low heat.

Stir gently and continuously  until the candy syrup begins to boil.

As soon as the syrup begins to boil, stop stirring and attach the candy thermometer to side of the pot.  To avoid crystals from forming in your candy, DO NOT STIR AGAIN UNTIL TEMPERATURE IS REACHED.

The syrup will take approx 15 mins to get to desired temperature 295-309 F or 146-154 C.  I personally like the temperature 298 F 148 C.

Note: The syrup will get up to approx 220 F and stay at this temperature for approx 10 mins. Be assured the cooking process is working and do not increase the stove temperature. After approx 10 mins you will  see the temperature rise. At this point the temperature will rise pretty quick and it's very important to not leave the kitchen or get distracted. Keep a close eye on the thermometer.

As soon as the syrup reaches desired temperature, remove from the heat immediately and add the cannabis butter, lecithin, guar gum,  flavor and colouring. Mix until syrup is one solid colour and the cannabis butter if fully incorporated. If the butter is not fully incorporating sprinkle a pinch of guar gum at a time until syrup is an even colour and texture.

Carefully pour the syrup into the mold. If the syrup becomes to stiff to pour, place on low heat to melt.

If you have a two piece mold, allow the syrup to set for 1-2 mins before putting the mold together then add the lollipop sticks. Allow to cool on the counter for 1-2 hours.

Remove lollipops from the mold, wrap in wax or cello paper. Store in an air tight container and keep in a dry, cool place.


I would love to hear from you if you make these or if you have any questions, comments or suggestions.