When I attended a conference some months ago about Mutltiple Sclerosis, one of the talks was about the creation of some sort of Health Diary. I thought it was such a good idea, that I thought I would pass it along here. It is common sense really and I bet a lot of you are already doing this if you have any chronic type of condition whether it be a physical or mental health issue.
I usually just write things on my wall calendar and then I went from that to stuffing items into a manilla folder, but today I went out and got myself a three ring binder which I will be filling with information. One of the presenters at the conference went so far as to use spreadsheets but...lol...you might not want to be that "organized."
Make sure to keep track of time lines...when conditions began...when symptoms first appeared, any pertinent information which you may need to present to your doctors. Keep a list of all your medications, dosages, etc. Also keep any records from the hospital such as MRI's. I have my latest ones on computer disc which is nice...much easier to tote around than the big 'ol scans. For women...keep track of the first l day of your last period...any changes, etc.
Regardless of what conditions you have...I just think this is an excellent idea. Sometimes when you review, you can see patterns of illness. This is a great idea for mental health issues as well...such as how you are handling any medications and if there are any patterns to your mood changes.
Never thought much about my health before but boy am I now! Wish I had done this years ago. For me...my first MS symptom was over ten years ago and it is hard now to remember the details. All I know is that I had optical neuritis and had an MRI. I couldn't tell you the doctor's name or medication used.
So anyways...you never know when you might need this information so write it down!
Do you guys have any other points to consider about recording your health information? How do you guys stay organized?
Come sit a spell and shoot the breeze. Sweeten the day with a little synchronicity...
11 comments:
That is a good idea!
I'm not organized at all but I don't really need to be. I just write my appointmens down and I do have a copy of my last cholesterol test.
I started a 3 ring notebook when I first got sick about 10 years ago. I kept copies of all test results, specialist evaluations, meds tried and results, and wrote up my own case record. I lugged it with me to all new appointments.
I think having the information on hand made me a bit more credible with new docs. Perhaps more importantly, it gave me a sense of structure and direction in what might have otherwise seemed a rather chaotic approach to trying to find some answers.
For managing my bipolar disorder, I am using a Mood Diary to keep track of my medications, sleep patterns, lifestyle, mood changes, etc. This helps me to see the pattern in my mood changes and make necessary adjustments to my lifestyle to avoid relapses of depression or mania, as far as possible. There's a sample of Mood Diary on my blog.
I am also using a Management Diary to plan my schedules daily and keep track of appointments. I am learning to be more organized as I get rather stressed up when I forgot appointments or can't get things done in a day. Breaking tasks into small manageable one and schedule them throughout the week/day helps me.
Thanks for the great post!
Memories of long ago are my strong suit; short term memory is my biggest problem. However it wasn't always that way.
When I was a kid of around 9 or so, I already had about 20 hospitalizations under my belt (mostly for child abuse). In order to keep things straight as to what I was hospitalized for and when, I started keeping the ID bracelets they put on your wrist when you are admitted. They are small enough to not be of much clutter and fit in a ziploc in the bottom of my jewelry box.
It is something I've kept doing to this day. I write on the back in black Sharpie what ailment I was in for and discharge date. (Admission date is on the front).
This comes in handy for history reporting in filling out forms. It also comes in handy for refreshing MY memory when I can't get a date right.
As for 3 ring binders, etc. - I kept a journal for years, replaced by blogging. :-)
We all do whatever works for us personally. Go for it!
Sorry about the prozac. It sucks to find something that offers a little hope then it backfires on you.
Most of my asthma/allergy medication is like that. It offers relief, but at a physical price. I prefer just not to use it most of the time
Hang in there
TV
Happily, I've never had the need to keep such a diary or notebook. I'm sorry I don't have any tips for you! I do, though, have prayers, and I'll continue to say them.
I have 20 years of health diaries--copious notes, EVERYTHING, and people (partner) use to make fun of me, but has come in handy MANY times over the years.
i like your spunk!
i'm poorly organized most times, but have taken to pinning important items, like medical scripts and appointment notices, to the wall by my bed :O lol
health journals are good for keeping track of mood changes, too. to see if there are patterns. i hope yours gives you insights as well as helps keep your doctors on the right track.
This is just me, BUT, I found that keeping a diary was counterproductive. I used to keep one. I still keep a file of test results, ect.
When I wrote in my health diary everyday after giving myself a shot I found that I was running through the list of every numb foot/leg/side of face, every pain, twitch, headache. I found that the focus was way to focused on what was wrong with me...a never ending saga. Now I just keep note when something major sneaks up...like double vision, or i got up but my legs didn't to call the doc..we have a flare brewing.
I now keep a journal of what's right with me and the world i live in..gratitude (sounds corny but it really helps) When my focus is on my ills...they seem to get bigger and all consuming.
feel better kiddo :)
I wish I had kept a log or at least notes 20 or 30 years ago. I did try a few times, so I have a choppy record. I remember the stories, but not the dates.
Very good idea -- and stick to it.
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