Question:

Hello, I hope you can help me with this. I have been smoking marijuana and drinking for about 20 years, Im 32 now. Recently I smoked some marijuana from a friend and it gave me somesort of stomach problems that no marijuana has ever given me. after I smoked it I noticed my stomach or abdominal area was having a hard time processing it. I noticed my abdominal area doing a squezing motion and didnt experience any pain but I felt pressure in my abdomen, and I was habing gurguling noices. When I went to the bathroom to do a number two it alleviated the pressure but I still get that gurgling noise from time to time. I seem to have gas accompanied either passing gas or burping its nothing extreme but I am concerned because of this one time I smoked this marijuana the symptoms have not ceased. also accompanied with the drinking yesterday I felt something I never felt before which was lower back pain. I am an occassional binge drinker and I know my lifestyle is not healthy and I should change it but I want to know the seriousness of these symptoms. the stomach noises and gas its been ongoing since That time I smoked my friends marijuana and like I said its not extreme but its been going on for two months. The lowee back pain is something new and I have experienced it twice along with sometype of pressure in my stomach. I thought it might be the kidneys since it feels like something is struggling to process something and even though this might not be ongoing but yesterday I had it for several hours as It felt uncomfortable to stand. It was more like a dull pain and happened after I took some ginseng pills so I can stay awake in my job. But its not something that happens all the time or for long periods of time. I have also had sharp pains in different parts in mu abdomin which are no longer present but I have felt them from time to time. I havent seen any change in my stool or urine as far as blood or anything unusual. no itching and as far as I believe no fever just discomforts from time to time. I know its time to stop these things and I have slowed them down dramatically. Im planning to see a doctor as soon as my health insurance kicks in, I just wanted to know you take on this if I should go to a hospital before waiting to see a doctor. Thanx in advance.

Answer:

It is difficult to do a true assessment of your condition without an in-person history, physical exam and lab work.

I would advise that you err on the side of caution and get medical help. My biggest concern is that your friend’s marijuana may have been contaminated with something that is causing your symptoms.

For more information:

Go to the Addiction and Substance Abuse health topic.