Chronic Living Blog

I’ve written articles before about managing your medical records, but I want to say it again. As current events have undergone upheaval, it’s even more important to keep track of your information.

Keep a list of your health issues, both past and present. Carry a current medication list on your person such as your wallet, purse, or your phone. The lists will make gathering data much smoother as you visit a doctor, or have a medical emergency.

There are Printable forms that you can download and fill out that I have designed.

Go check them out, print them, and share with relatives that need frequent medical care.

As you write down your list of medications, familiarize yourself with them. Know the name, dosage, and most importantly the purpose.

People with chronic conditions can easily take 15-20 different prescriptions a day.

It’s a lot to track, but also each have their own side effects and cautions. If you don’t know your medications well, take a moment with your pharmacist for a consultation with your next refill. They are happy to talk about how a medication works, and expected side effects.

Taking a medication to treat a condition does not mean it’s cured. It means it is being managed. If you take something for high blood pressure (hypertension) that brings your BP to normal, you are still hypertensive without it. It may seem like common sense, but people often get that confused.