Re: medication sensitivities (and how to tell your doc)

[Guest guest]

Hi all!

I have CMT (diagnosed 22 years ago) and have worked as a medical assistant for

seven years. I've seen these kinds of sensitivities in all types of patients and

honestly, it's how you approach the doctor(s). The mistake to avoid is trying to

ramble off everything that you've been sensitive to, especially if it's long or

complex or you are off your game that day or whatever, because you waste too

much time and look crazy to boot! First impressions count, and I've had to, as

an assistant, re-direct both patient and practitioner alike because of poor

communication.

Instead, I humbly suggest writing it all out. If you need a friend to help, do

it! Your Nurse/MA and doctor will love you! Here's what goes on the list:

Current meds: including vitamins, herbs, creams, and lotions, everything- even

your PRN (as needed) meds like your inhaler, epipen, whatever; Allergies with

reactions: (stuff that almost killed you, eg. penicillin gives me hives, codeine

makes my throat swell up, etc.); Sensitivities: list all the drugs/foods/etc

that you know make your CMT worse, or that you can't TOLERATE at all. My list

includes benedryl, artificial sweeteners, most perfume (especially when

substituted for bathing!): Surgeries eg. left foot amputated 2003, etc.

Once you've written your manifesto, bring a copy to each of your doctors, and

keep it up to date. Ask questions about new meds, and ask the pharmacist too.

But also remember that for whatever reason, you are special, you are a

challenge, and you deserve to be treated as an individual. That said, if you

can't seem to connect with your doc, kick 'em to the curb! Before you do though,

ask your Nurse/MA for help. That's the part of my job that I love, talking with

patients and trying to solve their problems. I only wish I had more time to do

it!

Sorry for the long post, but I hope it helps, if you need it. Of course, I keep

a personal medical chart, and bring it to appointments.

-

>

>

> >

[Guest guest]

- You are dreaming! My experience is that here in Canada we have

about 7 minutes for an appointment. My doctor doesn't want my lists -

he wants me to tell him. He writes it down on his own shorthand. Kick

him to the curb? If you already have a doctor, you cannot get another

one. No other doctor will take you and you become " difficult. "

Damn right I'm special because I only have one life and these docs can

screw it up royally. My attitude is one of patience and understanding

BUT when it comes down to the crunch, I'll make sure I am not poisoned

by some smart ass doc playing God who won't listen to me because 1)

I'm a senior, 2) female 3) have a disease he's rarely treated or seen

and 4) know more than he does about me.

Crabtree

On 25-Jan-11, at 11:41 AM, wrote:

> Hi all!

>

> I have CMT (diagnosed 22 years ago) and have worked as a medical

> assistant for seven years. I've seen these kinds of sensitivities in

> all types of patients and honestly, it's how you approach the

> doctor(s). The mistake to avoid is trying to ramble off everything

> that you've been sensitive to, especially if it's long or complex or

> you are off your game that day or whatever, because you waste too

> much time and look crazy to boot! First impressions count, and I've

> had to, as an assistant, re-direct both patient and practitioner

> alike because of poor communication.

>

> Instead, I humbly suggest writing it all out. If you need a friend

> to help, do it! Your Nurse/MA and doctor will love you! Here's what

> goes on the list: Current meds: including vitamins, herbs, creams,

> and lotions, everything- even your PRN (as needed) meds like your

> inhaler, epipen, whatever; Allergies with reactions: (stuff that

> almost killed you, eg. penicillin gives me hives, codeine makes my

> throat swell up, etc.); Sensitivities: list all the drugs/foods/etc

> that you know make your CMT worse, or that you can't TOLERATE at

> all. My list includes benedryl, artificial sweeteners, most perfume

> (especially when substituted for bathing!): Surgeries eg. left foot

> amputated 2003, etc.

>

> Once you've written your manifesto, bring a copy to each of your

> doctors, and keep it up to date. Ask questions about new meds, and

> ask the pharmacist too. But also remember that for whatever reason,

> you are special, you are a challenge, and you deserve to be treated

> as an individual. That said, if you can't seem to connect with your

> doc, kick 'em to the curb! Before you do though, ask your Nurse/MA

> for help. That's the part of my job that I love, talking with

> patients and trying to solve their problems. I only wish I had more

> time to do it!

>

> Sorry for the long post, but I hope it helps, if you need it. Of

> course, I keep a personal medical chart, and bring it to appointments.

>

> -

>

> >

> >

> > >

[Guest guest]

,

Amen to this! My experience exactly!

GG

>

> > Hi all!

> >

> > I have CMT (diagnosed 22 years ago) and have worked as a medical

> > assistant for seven years. I've seen these kinds of sensitivities in

> > all types of patients and honestly, it's how you approach the

> > doctor(s). The mistake to avoid is trying to ramble off everything

> > that you've been sensitive to, especially if it's long or complex or

> > you are off your game that day or whatever, because you waste too

> > much time and look crazy to boot! First impressions count, and I've

> > had to, as an assistant, re-direct both patient and practitioner

> > alike because of poor communication.

> >

> > Instead, I humbly suggest writing it all out. If you need a friend

> > to help, do it! Your Nurse/MA and doctor will love you! Here's what

> > goes on the list: Current meds: including vitamins, herbs, creams,

> > and lotions, everything- even your PRN (as needed) meds like your

> > inhaler, epipen, whatever; Allergies with reactions: (stuff that

> > almost killed you, eg. penicillin gives me hives, codeine makes my

> > throat swell up, etc.); Sensitivities: list all the drugs/foods/etc

> > that you know make your CMT worse, or that you can't TOLERATE at

> > all. My list includes benedryl, artificial sweeteners, most perfume

> > (especially when substituted for bathing!): Surgeries eg. left foot

> > amputated 2003, etc.

> >

> > Once you've written your manifesto, bring a copy to each of your

> > doctors, and keep it up to date. Ask questions about new meds, and

> > ask the pharmacist too. But also remember that for whatever reason,

> > you are special, you are a challenge, and you deserve to be treated

> > as an individual. That said, if you can't seem to connect with your

> > doc, kick 'em to the curb! Before you do though, ask your Nurse/MA

> > for help. That's the part of my job that I love, talking with

> > patients and trying to solve their problems. I only wish I had more

> > time to do it!

> >

> > Sorry for the long post, but I hope it helps, if you need it. Of

> > course, I keep a personal medical chart, and bring it to appointments.

> >

> > -

> >

> > >

> > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

I can't tell you how many books and info I have given out on CMT also talked

tell I'm blue in the face! Did they read my info did they even hear me.....HELL

NO!

Geri

>

> >

> > >

[Guest guest]

This may be an area where things are different in the US vs Canada.

 

More and more, records are kept electronically.  Medical Assistants (MA) or

nurses will visit the patient before the doctor comes in and they load all the

updated information into the computerized medical record directly (no hard copy

charts).  In my experience, they really appreciate the list of medications,

allergies, medical history, and current complaints.  They can quickly compare

it against the existing records.

 

I still have one doctor who doesn't use an MA, but he too likes it when I bring

in my list.  He still writes everything in his own scribble in the hard copy

chart, but he refers to my list, writing while I tell him what's going on

verbally.  It speeds everything up for him and he has accurate documentation

for the file, which he really likes.

 

When I had my last surgery, I had to email my medical history and medication

list to the office staff before I could even schedule an appointment with the

doctor.  I'm having another surgery next month, at a different location.  They

emailed me my pre-register package.  They want everything filled out in advance

and they want me to bring in my medication list, including herbs/supplements and

allergies, to the pre-register appointment as well as on the day of the

surgery.

 

More and more, here in the U.S., this is the way things are going.  The lists

aren't just helpful, they are required now by many providers.  It's faster and

more accurate.  Personally, I like it, because I have a hard time remembering

everything, which is frustrating for me and them.

 

> Hi all!

>

> I have CMT (diagnosed 22 years ago) and have worked as a medical

> assistant for seven years. I've seen these kinds of sensitivities in

> all types of patients and honestly, it's how you approach the

> doctor(s). The mistake to avoid is trying to ramble off everything

> that you've been sensitive to, especially if it's long or complex or

> you are off your game that day or whatever, because you waste too

> much time and look crazy to boot! First impressions count, and I've

> had to, as an assistant, re-direct both patient and practitioner

> alike because of poor communication.

>

> Instead, I humbly suggest writing it all out. If you need a friend

> to help, do it! Your Nurse/MA and doctor will love you! Here's what

> goes on the list: Current meds: including vitamins, herbs, creams,

> and lotions, everything- even your PRN (as needed) meds like your

> inhaler, epipen, whatever; Allergies with reactions: (stuff that

> almost killed you, eg. penicillin gives me hives, codeine makes my

> throat swell up, etc.); Sensitivities: list all the drugs/foods/etc

> that you know make your CMT worse, or that you can't TOLERATE at

> all. My list includes benedryl, artificial sweeteners, most perfume

> (especially when substituted for bathing!): Surgeries eg. left foot

> amputated 2003, etc.

>

> Once you've written your manifesto, bring a copy to each of your

> doctors, and keep it up to date. Ask questions about new meds, and

> ask the pharmacist too. But also remember that for whatever reason,

> you are special, you are a challenge, and you deserve to be treated

> as an individual. That said, if you can't seem to connect with your

> doc, kick 'em to the curb! Before you do though, ask your Nurse/MA

> for help. That's the part of my job that I love, talking with

> patients and trying to solve their problems. I only wish I had more

> time to do it!

>

> Sorry for the long post, but I hope it helps, if you need it. Of

> course, I keep a personal medical chart, and bring it to appointments.

>

> -

>

> >

> >

> > >

[Guest guest]

i have to say i agree totally with you geri, and with as well, it has been

my experience that they just don't have the " time " to listen to you. I think it

is really sad. I have been given some really Ugly looks b/c " I KNOW " me!! and i

try to express this to dr's anywhere ( not in an ugly way at all) i have ever

gone to see a dr. right down to the ER. they all look at me like YOU ARE NOT the

DR!!.. i even got into a heated discussion one time in the ER b/c i refused to

take Ibuprofen one time while there and i refused tylenol b/c it just doesn't

work for me like asprin does for a headache.

i had asked for something for a headache and the nurse went out to tell the dr

that i had refused these meds and he came in and was REALLY UGLY (RUDE) to me,

telling me that he was NOT gonna give me anything Narcotic for a headache, i

said to him as calmly as i knew how to, that i was NOT asking for a Narcotic,

just some asprin, and that i could NOT take the Ibuprofen and explained to him

that with certain meds that i was taking at that time i was NOT supposed to take

it either.

He stated that he had NEVER heard of that, so i asked him to go and LOOK it

up..he later came back and told me that he OWED me an Appology, that i was

CORRECT in what i had told him.. *IMAGINE ME KNOWING WHAT I COULD TAKE & NOT

TAKE** i have to say i was very surprised to see him come back and say that, i

figure he only done it b/c he had to come back and give me a diagnosis for me

being there in the first place, needless to say the Nurse WASN'T happy at all

b/c she was as adament as the dr was about me taking what she had brought in for

me.

BUT you have to keep up with what you take b/c they May have your records but it

has been my experience that they don't even READ YOUR CHART b4 stepping into the

room w/you... and you only  have a short time to tell them. i always get

anxious when i have to go to the dr,b/c i always feel as tho i am on a time

limit with a lit fuse at the end waiting to EXPLODE on ME.

i have had drs to tell me that i knew alot about what i was taking and i take

that as a compliment,b/c they don't know... take care of YOU..even with the BEST

of a DR you are still just another Number to them.. mostly a dollar sign.... and

linda IF you get 7 mins you are doing GREAT!! doesn't seem to be even that long

here where i am. and as to getting kicked to the curb, well i have recently been

through a major ordeal with not just my general dr(due to the Office Mgr) but

also with the surgeon who performed surgery on my neck (cervical fusion).

He told me that i was just gonna have to " live with it " ...so i don't think that

dr's EVEN CARE anymore.. i do wish i had an old fashion dr like before

technology blew up.... take care all and best of luck..... tracey

> > >

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much ! You are the first person to acknowledge my effort to give

people a tool to empower themselves as patients. Apparently things are very

different up there, it makes me grateful that we have the rights that we have

here 'in the states'. The right to have procedures explained, the right to

refuse treatment, the right to refuse medicine, the right to be protected from:

elder abuse(financial, emotional & physical), threats, intimidation, the list

goes on- which is why lawyers rule the world and we have so many police.

If I had the 'care' that all the others describe, well let's say if that

happened here in the USA, I am MANDATED to report as ABUSE the actions described

and in good conscious not tolerate it. As a professional, I voluntarily took the

oath of Florence Nightingale, and Physicians in the USA, and I assumed

elsewhere, take the oath of Hippocrates, and above all swear to first do no

harm. I and personally try to conduct myself to the highest moral, professional,

and ethical standards at all times. It is a sad fact, however, that while I

believe that the majority of health care practitioners that I have met are

caring and have the best rapport possible with their patients, there are bad

apples, and they don't always get caught, because the people whose opinions

matter most (here, not the land of the north), the patients who pay the bills

and thus, managers listen to! Here, in San Diego, California the customer is

always right! If enough people complain, or even one complains to the right

person, doctors can get disciplined, even fired!

So, anyway, how 'bout that, er, uh, hockey? Oh, did I mention how we have hourly

earthquakes, the tap water has tons of toxic flouride, chlorine, and toxic

metals like lead, arsenic, etc. and rents are high, pay is low, and you have to

drive everywhere on freeways that are always clogged! OK, we technically only

have aftershocks daily, so often that I only get out of bed for a 6.6 or better.

Really, you're probably better off, besides your French is no good here, except

at the millions of french restaurants and bakeries. Oh, and the real killer, we

haven't had ice hockey since 2006...

PEACE

PS I started a new CMT Group on :

San Diego CMT, I live here, and would like to discuss local issues:

SDCMT/

>

> > Hi all!

> >

> > I have CMT (diagnosed 22 years ago) and have worked as a medical

> > assistant for seven years. I've seen these kinds of sensitivities in

> > all types of patients and honestly, it's how you approach the

> > doctor(s). The mistake to avoid is trying to ramble off everything

> > that you've been sensitive to, especially if it's long or complex or

> > you are off your game that day or whatever, because you waste too

> > much time and look crazy to boot! First impressions count, and I've

> > had to, as an assistant, re-direct both patient and practitioner

> > alike because of poor communication.

> >

> > Instead, I humbly suggest writing it all out. If you need a friend

> > to help, do it! Your Nurse/MA and doctor will love you! Here's what

> > goes on the list: Current meds: including vitamins, herbs, creams,

> > and lotions, everything- even your PRN (as needed) meds like your

> > inhaler, epipen, whatever; Allergies with reactions: (stuff that

> > almost killed you, eg. penicillin gives me hives, codeine makes my

> > throat swell up, etc.); Sensitivities: list all the drugs/foods/etc

> > that you know make your CMT worse, or that you can't TOLERATE at

> > all. My list includes benedryl, artificial sweeteners, most perfume

> > (especially when substituted for bathing!): Surgeries eg. left foot

> > amputated 2003, etc.

> >

> > Once you've written your manifesto, bring a copy to each of your

> > doctors, and keep it up to date. Ask questions about new meds, and

> > ask the pharmacist too. But also remember that for whatever reason,

> > you are special, you are a challenge, and you deserve to be treated

> > as an individual. That said, if you can't seem to connect with your

> > doc, kick 'em to the curb! Before you do though, ask your Nurse/MA

> > for help. That's the part of my job that I love, talking with

> > patients and trying to solve their problems. I only wish I had more

> > time to do it!

> >

> > Sorry for the long post, but I hope it helps, if you need it. Of

> > course, I keep a personal medical chart, and bring it to appointments.

> >

> > -

> >

> > >

> > >

> > > >

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I'm so glad you appreciated my email, but I may have confused you a bit.  I

actually live in Southern California, along with you, rather than in Canada. 

Crabtree is in Canada.  I should have been more clear.  Sorry about

that.

I was agreeing with you about the lists and how more and more they aren't

optional, but  requirements here.

I've observed a significant change in the healthcare delivery system in Southern

California in the last five years, perhaps making it very different from Canada

and possibly even from other parts of the country.  Most doctors have switched

to electronic records and many physicians are utilizing medical assistants and

physician assistants for essential functions.  Some of this may be driven by

the shortage of primary care physicians and some by the need for more efficiency

and cost savings.  Whatever the cause, the result is a major shift in the

health care delivery system here.

One example...I called my primary doctor the other day regarding a sinus issue

and was told I would need to wait 4 weeks to see the doctor, but I could come in

tomorrow if I was willing to see the Physician Assistant (PA) instead.  I was

advised that the PA now handles all minor issues and can prescribe basic meds.

Another example...I had a hip replacement 10 years ago and have been seeing the

doctor annually since. This year, I had planned to speak to himr about replacing

my other hip.  When I called to schedule an appointment, I was informed there

are new rules.  Because I'm not a new patient, I am no longer able to schedule

appointments directly with the doctor.  The doctor now only sees new

patients.  The PA handles all of his follow-ups.  If I need to discuss

something else with the doctor, I must first make an appointment with the

Physician Assistant, come in and see her.  If she agrees I'm ready for a second

hip replacement, then I will be allowed to schedule an appointment with the

doctor, which will be on a different day.  He's scheduling appointments about

1-2 months out, by the way.  It's an hour and a half drive, each way, to the

doctor's office and a major undertaking for me to get there.  Truthfully, I

went into a mini-meltdown when this was

explained to me and I had to launch into a lengthy 'that's just not acceptable'

speech. When the scheduler was unrelenting, I tried to negotiate a compromise to

at least schedule the PA visit at a time the doctor was in the clinic, so it

could be all handled in one day should the PA give me permission to see the

doctor.  She finally relented and just decided to schedule me with the doctor

directly, but it wasn't without punishment...I was chastised and given a stern

warning that such arrangements would never be allowed again and I need to

prepare myself for this next year as no further exceptions will be made.

Times, they really are a changin' here.

   

From: <macheadma@...>

Subject: Re: medication sensitivities (and how to tell your doc)

Date: Sunday, January 30, 2011, 11:51 AM

 

Thanks so much ! You are the first person to acknowledge my effort

to give people a tool to empower themselves as patients. Apparently things are

very different up there, it makes me grateful that we have the rights that we

have here 'in the states'. The right to have procedures explained, the right to

refuse treatment, the right to refuse medicine, the right to be protected from:

elder abuse(financial, emotional & physical), threats, intimidation, the list

goes on- which is why lawyers rule the world and we have so many police.

If I had the 'care' that all the others describe, well let's say if that

happened here in the USA, I am MANDATED to report as ABUSE the actions described

and in good conscious not tolerate it. As a professional, I voluntarily took the

oath of Florence Nightingale, and Physicians in the USA, and I assumed

elsewhere, take the oath of Hippocrates, and above all swear to first do no

harm. I and personally try to conduct myself to the highest moral, professional,

and ethical standards at all times. It is a sad fact, however, that while I

believe that the majority of health care practitioners that I have met are

caring and have the best rapport possible with their patients, there are bad

apples, and they don't always get caught, because the people whose opinions

matter most (here, not the land of the north), the patients who pay the bills

and thus, managers listen to! Here, in San Diego, California the customer is

always right! If enough people complain, or

even one complains to the right person, doctors can get disciplined, even

fired!

So, anyway, how 'bout that, er, uh, hockey? Oh, did I mention how we have hourly

earthquakes, the tap water has tons of toxic flouride, chlorine, and toxic

metals like lead, arsenic, etc. and rents are high, pay is low, and you have to

drive everywhere on freeways that are always clogged! OK, we technically only

have aftershocks daily, so often that I only get out of bed for a 6.6 or better.

Really, you're probably better off, besides your French is no good here, except

at the millions of french restaurants and bakeries. Oh, and the real killer, we

haven't had ice hockey since 2006...

PEACE

PS I started a new CMT Group on :

San Diego CMT, I live here, and would like to discuss local issues:

SDCMT/

>

> > Hi all!

> >

> > I have CMT (diagnosed 22 years ago) and have worked as a medical

> > assistant for seven years. I've seen these kinds of sensitivities in

> > all types of patients and honestly, it's how you approach the

> > doctor(s). The mistake to avoid is trying to ramble off everything

> > that you've been sensitive to, especially if it's long or complex or

> > you are off your game that day or whatever, because you waste too

> > much time and look crazy to boot! First impressions count, and I've

> > had to, as an assistant, re-direct both patient and practitioner

> > alike because of poor communication.

> >

> > Instead, I humbly suggest writing it all out. If you need a friend

> > to help, do it! Your Nurse/MA and doctor will love you! Here's what

> > goes on the list: Current meds: including vitamins, herbs, creams,

> > and lotions, everything- even your PRN (as needed) meds like your

> > inhaler, epipen, whatever; Allergies with reactions: (stuff that

> > almost killed you, eg. penicillin gives me hives, codeine makes my

> > throat swell up, etc.); Sensitivities: list all the drugs/foods/etc

> > that you know make your CMT worse, or that you can't TOLERATE at

> > all. My list includes benedryl, artificial sweeteners, most perfume

> > (especially when substituted for bathing!): Surgeries eg. left foot

> > amputated 2003, etc.

> >

> > Once you've written your manifesto, bring a copy to each of your

> > doctors, and keep it up to date. Ask questions about new meds, and

> > ask the pharmacist too. But also remember that for whatever reason,

> > you are special, you are a challenge, and you deserve to be treated

> > as an individual. That said, if you can't seem to connect with your

> > doc, kick 'em to the curb! Before you do though, ask your Nurse/MA

> > for help. That's the part of my job that I love, talking with

> > patients and trying to solve their problems. I only wish I had more

> > time to do it!

> >

> > Sorry for the long post, but I hope it helps, if you need it. Of

> > course, I keep a personal medical chart, and bring it to appointments.

> >

> > -

> >

> > >

> > >

> > > >