Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 4 hrs ago
Michigan woman hospitalized twice with cannabis-linked vomiting syndrome
Andy Timmons, 19, from Michigan, was hospitalized twice after severe vomiting and stomach pain.
She began using cannabis at 15, and doctors identified a possible link to Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, a condition associated with prolonged cannabis use.
The syndrome can cause repeated nausea and vomiting, which may lead to dehydration and other serious complications.
Timmons’s potassium and magnesium levels became dangerously low, and doctors found an electrical abnormality in her heart.
Long, hot showers briefly eased her symptoms, a clue that helped medical staff recognize the condition.
There is no FDA-approved treatment, and doctors often focus on managing symptoms until they pass.
Her mother is seeking stronger cannabis-product warnings and more systematic reporting, and hopes lawmakers will support legislation.
Andy Timmons, 19, of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, has been hospitalized twice after developing symptoms associated with cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.
She began using cannabis at 15, and her mother says she did not know it could be linked to the illness.
Timmons experienced repeated vomiting and severe abdominal pain, and doctors found dangerously low potassium and magnesium levels.
Medical staff recognized a possible sign of the syndrome after Timmons said long, hot showers eased her symptoms.
Her mother is calling for stronger warnings on cannabis products and more systematic reporting of CHS diagnoses.
- Who
- Andy Timmons, 19, and her mother, Mindi Giorlando-Timmons.
- What
- Timmons was hospitalized twice after developing symptoms associated with cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.
- When
- She was hospitalized last month and readmitted four days after being discharged.
- Where
- St. Clair Shores, outside Detroit, Michigan.
- Why
- The syndrome is linked to prolonged, frequent marijuana use; Timmons had used cannabis since she was 15.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Timmons began using cannabis.
She was taken to an emergency room and admitted to hospital after developing severe symptoms.
Her vomiting returned, and she was readmitted to hospital.
Medical staff identified hot showers as a possible warning sign of CHS.
- Age
- Timmons is 19 and began using cannabis at 15.
- Hospitalizations
- She was hospitalized twice.
- Location
- St. Clair Shores, outside Detroit, Michigan.
- Low levels
- Doctors found dangerously depleted potassium and magnesium.
- Symptom relief
- Long, hot showers temporarily eased her discomfort.
What people are saying
I don’t want any other parent to have to go through this and not know this could happen,
You can’t make a decision for yourself without information, and if you don’t know that CHS is a potential possibility …