Stories From The Chronic Life
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Easy Open Bottles?
I've been taking Aleve for a year or so now. One of the things that Aleve's manufacturers tout is their new "easy open bottle caps".
HUMPH! Either I'm really uncoordinated or my arthritic fingers aren't suited to easy open. It took me a long time to realize that you have to turn the cap and free it first. Then you have to press in two tabs and twist the cap off. I don't know about you, but I don't have enough working fingers to hold in the two tabs and then twist the cap without the bottle slipping to the ground and spilling all over the floor.
Once I get a new bottle open, it's easier after that. The first twist and open is a real pain though!
I sometimes wonder if these so called ergonomic ideas are ever tested on the people who could benefit from them. It seems like the whole press and hold thing is more difficult than the "push in and turn" method of old pill bottles.
HUMPH! Either I'm really uncoordinated or my arthritic fingers aren't suited to easy open. It took me a long time to realize that you have to turn the cap and free it first. Then you have to press in two tabs and twist the cap off. I don't know about you, but I don't have enough working fingers to hold in the two tabs and then twist the cap without the bottle slipping to the ground and spilling all over the floor.
Once I get a new bottle open, it's easier after that. The first twist and open is a real pain though!
I sometimes wonder if these so called ergonomic ideas are ever tested on the people who could benefit from them. It seems like the whole press and hold thing is more difficult than the "push in and turn" method of old pill bottles.
Labels: arthritis, ergonomics, pill bottles
Monday, July 14, 2008
Is it July already?
Wow! It seems like this year is flying by. Between dog health problem, parent health problems, and my own assorted problems, I feel like I'm perpetually behind.
Do you ever feel that way? Sometimes your illness takes up so much of your mental space that days can fly by before you realize that a couple weeks have passed. Then you realize you haven't done diddly in that time.
I took a look around the house today and realized I hadn't vacuumed in two weeks. Gasp!!!! No wonder their were dusty tumbleweeds rolling around the hallway. I like to stay on top of things but man, it's hard when you spend your days just trying to get by.
Before I know it it will be Christmas, and then what will I do????
Do you ever feel that way? Sometimes your illness takes up so much of your mental space that days can fly by before you realize that a couple weeks have passed. Then you realize you haven't done diddly in that time.
I took a look around the house today and realized I hadn't vacuumed in two weeks. Gasp!!!! No wonder their were dusty tumbleweeds rolling around the hallway. I like to stay on top of things but man, it's hard when you spend your days just trying to get by.
Before I know it it will be Christmas, and then what will I do????
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.
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.
Labels: doctor appointments, records
