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Update and Keeping Track of Medications

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 1/6/2011 3:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

I don't remember where I left off with my last update, so I apologize if I'm repeating myself a bit here.

I had a consultation with a surgeon a several weeks ago, who recommended that I have my current fusion extended all the way down to the sacrum. I haven't made a decision on whether or not I want to do this yet. I spoke to my pain management doctor about it, and have scheduled an appointment with another surgeon for a second opinion. I'm leaning toward yes, but I can't shake the fear that I will ultimately end up in more pain after the surgery than I am now. The first surgeon is convinced that the risk is minimal versus the chances of it improving my condition. My pain management doctor is suggesting surgery because he's concerned about me having to take pain medications forever, but while he's suggesting it, he's not insisting on it and is letting me make my own mind.

Along with my other medications, I had been taking 7.5 mg vicodin 3x/day, but my pain level has been increasing over the past few months. My PM doctor thinks it's a combination of worsening back problems and increased tolerance to the medication. He switched me from 7.5 mg vicodin to 50 mg Nucynta 4x/day. It helps a bit more than the vicodin throughout the day, but hasn't been working as well when my pain level spike. My next appointment with him is next week, so I plan on discussing it with him then.

* * * * * * * * * *

Since I take several different medications throughout the day, I've increasingly been having trouble keeping track of whether or not I've taken one of them already. What system do you use to keep track of this?
Posted 1/6/2011 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
Or create an excel spreadsheet with cells for your medications names, the dosing, and then you can input when you take them each dose or print it off and then sign into the cell each time you take the dose.
I do think that there are some logs on the internet for tracking meds and doses, so I will take a look around and then post if I can locate one for you.
sandi
Posted 1/6/2011 5:27 AM (GMT 0)
http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/family-medicine/medicinetracker.pdf


Here's one that you can print off and use to track meds and doses........
sandi
Posted 1/6/2011 5:29 AM (GMT 0)
http://www.coregcr.com/pdfs/medTracker.pdf

And here's one for keeping track of medication names, prescribing doctors contact info, and pharmacy numbers.
Posted 1/6/2011 9:04 AM (GMT 0)
I use a plastic pill container that holds one week of medications split into AM and PM compartments.It tells me at a glance if I've taken my meds or not.
Posted 1/6/2011 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
I keep a week-style pill container with 4 compartments/day. Each day pulls out so I can take just the one day with me in a pocket.

I also keep a notebook and pen right beside my pill container on the countertop. I write down each med, including vitamins, sleeping pills. I highlight the pain meds in blue, other Rx meds (I'm on amoxicillin for another sinus infection right now) in orange, important symptoms, drug reactions in red. When I talk with a doc in office on on phone I write down the new information, highlight in yellow.

I keep on the computer a running list by month of all the appointments I've had, tests and new diagnoses in bold type. If I see a new doc I can just hand the office my medical history all neat and readable. I check it for things I didn't remember to put in using my pocket calendar. I transfer all the new appointments to a large calendar which hangs on my fridge. I put the appointments on my daily med log up top the day before so I remember when I get my coffee and morning pills.

Since I have been trying all sorts of fibro meds and am sensitive to foods (mostly containing sulfites), I put what I eat and drink and my reactions in my journal too.

I keep on the computer a list of the meds I have taken, including OTC meds, and my reactions. The ones I am currently taking are in blue. It's an entire typed page in small print. No way would I just remember them all.

In my wallet I have a credit card-size bright yellow card with my allergies, major conditions (heart attack and stents) and my current meds on the other side. I made up my little format in Word, using sideways font for the label Allergies, which sticks up.
Posted 1/7/2011 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Damgalnuna
I remember chatting with you a few times in the chat room.
So sorry to hear of your increased pain and decision to make about your surgery.
Maybe getting that second opinion for your surgery will help you making your decision whether to
have the surgery or not.
I hope you can have some better days with less pain.
Let us know how you make out with the second opinion re: your surgery.

healing hugs
Posted 1/14/2011 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your advice and support. I'm anxiously awaiting my appointment with the second surgeon for a second opinion. I really hate the uncertainty more than anything right now. I apologize for not making it to any of the chat sessions lately, and also for not coming to the forums all that frequently. Someday things will get more manageable and I'll be able to participate more.
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