"FOR THE FULL TEN DAYS"
By ClaireB.Forst,RN,MSN, MS
Why this title, you may be
thinking; is this an article about antibiotics? Well, not exactly,
but it is an article about taking medications.
I wear many hats. I'm a
wife, mother, daughter, friend, nurse, therapist, etc. Somewhere in
all this I am a medical consumer because I too, have need of medical
care. When I am the patient, the nurse/therapist hat disappears and
I am as vulnerable as the next person. I ask for written
instructions from the doctor because experience has taught me that
the information and instructions that were so clear in the
consultation room are often a blur in the car.
But there is one thing we
all share, professional and layperson alike: none of us wants to
take medications. Well, that might not be exactly right. It's not
that we don't want the meds; we just don't want to acknowledge the
illness that necessitates the meds. We aren't like kids, who put up
a fuss every time we need to give them a medicine. We don't gag and
throw-up, and we don't throw tantrums...or do we? As adults, seldom
do we come right out and say no, we won't take it. We listen to the
doctor; fill the prescription with the fullest intentions of taking
it and feeling better (if not totally well). Somewhere, somehow,
once the little bottle reaches our home a metamorphosis begins to
take place in our minds. Starting with the enthusiasm that lasts
one, two, or perhaps even three days, doubt begins to creep in as we
begin to feel better and rationalize to ourselves.
"The ankle swelling has
gone so far down and running to the bathroom is really such a
bother; maybe it isn't really necessary to take the diuretics
everyday?"
"The sore throat is all
better and the fever is gone, too. Five days of the antibiotics must
surely be enough."
"The new medication for my
high blood pressure is really great. The headaches are gone and I
feel better than ever. The readings must be normal now, so do I
really need to keep taking it?"
"The last blood test
showed that my glucose level was finally normal. If I follow the
diet, as best as I can, why is taking the pills everyday so
important? I can feel when the numbers start to go up again and I'll
start taking them again when that happens. Besides, it's so
difficult to remember to take them before eating."
Does any of these sound
familiar? They should because in one form or another changing the
plot a little bit, or sometimes not, will make it fit everyone at
some time or another. The question is are we against the
medications, or the illness, or ourselves for being in the position
of needing the medical care that required the meds to start with?
Let me tell you a little
story. I took my father, a very senior adult, to the doctor. My dad
has a multitude of very serious medical problems that require
a scorecard to keep track of all the medications he uses in a day.
At the visit, the doctor, apologetically, told him that a new one
would have to be added. My father thanked the doctor for the
prescription saying that years ago, a person with all his medical
problems would never have had the chance to live to his age because
the medications weren't available. Is my dad always compliant about
taking everything? No more than you or I am, but he realizes that
the medications are there for his benefit and whether he likes
taking them or not, they are keeping him alive.
Are we all like this? I
think not, not even myself. The bottom line is that medications are
not punishment, or a sign of our weakness to deal with the illness.
What they are, in reality is a blessing for us; yes a blessing, For
without them we would often be unable to go on with our daily lives
the best way we can So the next time your doctor prescribes a
new med, and tells you how to take it, please listen, for the life
you save will most certainly be your own. Write it down if
necessary.
Pharmacists are a
wonderful source of medication information. Printouts are now
routinely provided on new meds listing name of med, indications,
possible adverse reactions, and precautions. If such information is
not routinely provided, feel free to ask for it. Many questions on
drug interactions can be answered at the "drug store" and it is much
easier to reach a pharmacist than a doctor.
As usual, in all areas of
medical care, the best consumers, for that is what we should be, are
informed and educated patients.
To protect yourself I
highly recommend you read and have available in your home for
interested family members a booklet called "Survival Guide - A Guide
To Patient Directed Health Management" by Jeanne
Rhynsburger,R.N.,CCRN,MICN,ACLS: This is published by the M.G.
Foundation national office. A copy can be obtained from our Chapter
office if you do not have one.
The information contained
in this publication may save your life and/or make it so much
easier.
|
Forst,M.S.N.
at 718-692-4631 or Ruth Sampson, R.N. at 732-408-0161.
If medical information is needed, call your physician.
Family members may also avail themselves of this service.
For Chapter matters or requests for information, call the
Chapter office at 800- Those with difficulties, questions or
concerns related to living with MG may call Claire
437-4949 (NJ only) or 609-818-0020,
or leave a message on the tape. All calls will be returned
as soon as possible. Our fax number is
609-818-0030. |
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Please note that the medical views expressed in these articles are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect any official position of the Garden State Chapter, or the Medical Advisory Board. If you have any questions, please contact your physician. He knows your personal condition best.
