Making a Medication List

How to properly list your Medications and Allergies.

Every medication that you take orally, nasally, rectally or by injection or as a cream applied topically (to the skin) must be listed. Including all over the counter and herbal items that are taken or used. Remember that there are interactions between these items and between some drugs and certain foods. Thus it is imperative that a complete list be maintained.

It is also important to note whether there is use of caffeine, alcohol or tobacco products. (There will be a future post containing more on this subject.) Remember eating poppy seed muffins will show positive for opiates on a drug screen so everything we consume can show up or cause an effect.

When making the list of medications you should include the details of the prescription and when and how youtake the prescription.

Again I mention that the list should include caffeine, alcohol and tobacco due to interactions or altered effectiveness of the prescribed medications.
As far as allergies, you must list every medication that you are allergic to and what your reaction was to this medication. (there will be a future post with more info on this subject.)

Copyright(c)2009, Angela Gunter

A Complete Medical History

Your Medical History

A complete medical history can be very difficult to remember while at the appointment, especially if you are seeing someone for the first time and needing treatment for illness or pain. However, that complete history is very important to your doctor in determining what screenings and precautions you should have or take to insure better health. Your history should include at least your own medical background.

You should include all treatments, past hospitalizations or surgical procedures you have undergone. You should also include an occupational history; describe any exposure to stress, toxins, radiation, or other occupational hazards that are on your job.

You should also obtain a family medical history if at all possible, note this is for genetic purposes and while adopted or step family history can show a stressor in your life it should be noted that they are not of blood kin. Your family medical history should note each member of the direct family. The history should include the age and health of each along with inclusion of age at death and cause of death for any that are no longer living. The health of each should be noted to include diseases that can be related through family or environment, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Cardiac disease, Respiratory conditions, or Cancers to name a few. The more complete you are with your history the more your doctor can be aware of concerns to your health.

Copyright(c)2009, Angela Gunter

Discussing Your Symptoms

What and How to Discuss Symptoms with Your Practitioner.

When you start to list your symptoms stop to think about when you first noticed the symptom, get a date and time as close as possible. Also remember to note when any objective signs appeared (such as bruise or rash). Once you have determined when a symptom began you should determine if the symptom has changed in anyway and note if it has progressed or intensified during any activity or at certain times of day or after consuming certain foods. Remember it is very important that you be able to discuss the quality and intensity of any pain and or to describe any sensation you are having as this will help your practitioner in making decisions regarding treatment and diagnosis.

A good way to make sure you are not leaving anything out is to go head to toe: As you can imagine this is a long list and that is why I encourage you to write it down! If you think you will remember rethink! It always comes back later "Oh I forgot about..." Give your practitioner all the information so they have the information they need to help you return to healthy and happy!

Copyright(c)2009, Angela Gunter

Own Responsibility For Your Health Care

When you are scheduling a doctor appointment for you or a loved one, there are several things you should do in preparation.

1. First and foremost, write out a list all symptoms you are seeking treatment for.
2. Make a complete family medical history note; include things such as heart conditions, respiratory conditions, kidney conditions, diabetes, cancers, parkinson's, alzheimers or dementia and others. Don't forget to include your own history!
3. List your medical and food allergies and note if close family members are allergic to things you have not taken in the past. Also note what type of allergic reaction you had to each item.
4. Take along a list of all of your medications, keep this list up to date and complete at all times. Make sure you include all over the counter items that you take, aspirin, tylenol, ibuprofen, vitamins....literally all things that you take besides food.

Remember the best way to get the most out of the visit is to be organized and ready with your information and to take notes as the doctor gives you instructions. Don't hesitate to ask questions and verify the information as this will help you assure the correct treatment and that you are doing what the doctor wants you to do in order to improve your health.