Meds and Diagnosis

[LockShockBarrel]

So when I go to the World in January, I've been planning on printing out a small piece of paper with a list of my diagnosis and medications with their dosages to keep in my wallet, and a copy to give to my friend to keep with her just in case anything should happen. She knows what I have issues with, but not the names of everything nor what my meds are all called so I figured if I should end up unconscious a list would be helpful. Aside from med alert jewelry, do you guys think I need anything else?

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I'd say on the paper you give your friend you might also want to list some of the most likely major symptoms you might get. This is especially true if you might have a symptom that most people would go to the ER for, but you wouldn't. For example, a friend of mine with CFS/ME occasionally ends up on the ground in pain/fatigue and unable to speak because of the pain/fatigue. For her, she needs to just have a few minutes to rest, but if it was someone other than her (even many people with her same diagnosis) that's something that would mean go to the hospital. She's had a lot of problems with people calling ambulances for her in public places when she knows that she doesn't need to go to the ER and there's nothing they could do for her.

As well, while EMS staff are generally well trained, they're not going to know every diagnosis out there and so many diagnoses have variable symptoms knowing specifically how it effects you is just good extra information.

The only other thing I can think of (not knowing your medical history) is that if you have specific specialists, it'd be useful to have their numbers written somewhere so that in case of an emergency, the hospital in FL could call them. (Keeping them in your cell phone also works as long as your cell phone can be accessed by someone other than you in an emergency, not so useful if you have a password on it)

 

[arminnie]

I put a list of my meds, surgeries, etc in the notes portion of my ICE contact on my phone.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have two lists that I keep on my computer. Both include a complete list of all medications I take, both prescription and OTC. The list includes brand name (if any), generic name, dose, and when I take the medicine.

I print two copies of the list in very small type (usually on a neon-color paper), fold it in half as if it is two separate lists, and "laminate" it using clear tape. I always carry this in my wallet in case of emergency. It also has the name and phone number of my primary care physician on it. I show this list at all doctor visits.

The other list is full-size and also is a quick medical history of surgeries and general problems or tendencies which I have. I will bring a current copy of this list with me any time I go to a new doctor or have been more than a year since the last visit. And I attach it to any meical form I have to turn in, such as for a cruise.

 

[Donut23]

We have a laminator at work - for business card luggage tags.

I made a list of my medications, physician phone numbers and contacts.

I made a couple of copies.....keep one all the time in my wallet, keep one in my travel document pouch and gave one to my family at home.

Finished size is the same as a credit card...basic info in one spot and Emergency personnel will see my medic alert charm on my bracelet and look in my wallet.


I DO like the ide of adding the information in the ICE portion of my phone.

 

[nyrebecca]

Just my input -

I set up a drugs.com account for my grandmother, and she loves it. She can put in all her OTC and prescription drugs, and it will give you the option to print the full size and wallet that will list everything. It also gives the option to add in the dosages, times, ect. It also does show signs/symptoms/interctions with meds.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Thanks for the input guys. I can use the laminator at work for my lists. This friend knows me well enough to know if something is up and none of my symptoms really come out of nowhere so I don't think that'll be an issue. Luckily I can usually feel a low blood sugar or a faint coming on long enough before it actually happens so I can at least tell someone whats going on.

 

[Haley Whippet]

I also keep a small paper with a list of meds, allergies, & my illness.
I keep this under my drivers license in my wallet. I know if something happened to me the authorities would first check my ID & see the paper ..
I guess I need to laminate it.. Didn't think of that