Saturday, June 28, 2008

 

Keep a Record of Doctor Visits

I'm in charge of the medical records, appointments, etc. for a parent. This person sees 4 doctors on a regular basis. In January a simple medication change lead to mass confusion. In order to simplify and insure that each doctor knew what the other was doing, I started to keep a Doctor Visit Record.

This sheet will be updated after every doctor visit. Then it can be printed out and given to each doctor at the appointment.

The sheet is kept in date order. At the top is a summary of why the person is visiting the doctor and if there are any new issues to address. Then under that is a list of all current medications and dosages. Then each appointment is listed from recent to last. The date is given, the name of the doctor, the diagnosis, tests ordered and results, and any medication changes. Also given is any health changes on the part of the person. Did a change in medication cause side affects?

By keeping an updated record, I hope to make it easier for my parent to retain independence and privacy by not having someone go with them to every appointment. I would also like to ensure that each doctor know exactly what the previous doctor has done. In this way, I hope to prevent mistakes and miscommunications. And, the chance that I may have to call the doctor and explain everything all over again.

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Thursday, June 05, 2008

 

Getting Throught the Blahs

I was embarrassed to find that I haven't blogged since March. What the heck have I been doing with all my time????? Sad to say, I haven't been doing anything of note. It's been a trying year and I have found myself drained physically, mentally, and emotionally.

At the beginning of the year, my Dad's emphysema worsened. After a month, we finally learned that a combination of things lead to the situation. By the beginning of March, he was back to good health.

Then my elderly dog got ill. She had a bladder infection. And then two weeks later it came roaring back. She was sick to her stomach and for almost a week I fed her by hand 8 times a day. She got back to good health by the end of April.

In between Mel's Animal Day Care was in business. I took care of my brother's 2 puppies and older dog on three occasions--one for as long as a week.

By May I found myself in the doldrums. I wasn't depressed, I just didn't have any stamina. Fatigue had me in it's grips. I was able to do the regular stuff, but my brain couldn't wrap itself around anything challenging.

Now, I find myself with a list a mile long and trying to get back on solid ground. My motivation has reached rock bottom.

I am attempting to get it back together. I'm making myself work on my list every day. I haven't accomplished much but at least I am working in the right direction.

How do you re-motivate yourself when you don't have the energy to move forward? Post the tricks you've learned. I could use the advice!

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