Update from Bobbi re: Chris - FRIDAY, MARCH 06, 2009 03:44 PM, CST

[Guest guest]

We've taken several little walks today. They've also taken off of

his pain pump. His PICC and central lines should be coming out soon.

Dr. Mangus said his liver numbers were a little elevated but he

suspects it's because hasn't had a bowel movement in a couple

days. He's having an ultrasound done right now. He's a little emotional

today. I think he's just feeling overwhelmed. They throw so much

information at you all at once. And no one told him that he'd be on

insulin for a while afterwards so I think he's having a really hard

time with that. Dr. Mangus said he is right on target as far as where

he should be and will likely be discharged early next week.The bake sale that his coworkers held for him raised over $1500! That is amazing and we are extremely grateful.

To send a message to  Bobbi and family goto;

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chriscantrell

password: christopher 

7

[Guest guest]

Excellent suggestions, but just a couple thoughts -

pills will change shape and color due to different brands, generics, etc. Use a list of medications with the dose and how often and just double check by your medication list. Attached is a format for that. When I make up my mother's med box each week (she had 4 hospitalizations, all probably due to issues with not taking her meds correctly... now she has no choice and has not been in hospital recently... at least I know the meds are correct!).... Anyway.... I set up meds, then double check by adding the # of meds in the morning, noon, evening, etc.

If a medicine "looks different" than in past - have the pharmacist double check that you were given the right medicine (they will check the code on the pill).

One other thought on blood sugar test strips - some monitors are easier to use than others, but they all do the job! Because the strips are what costs the money, go for whatever blood glucose meter and STRIPS your insurance covers. Even the cheapest machine reads the blood sugar (and sometimes is easier to use!) - you want insurance to pay for your strips.

Good luck!

Joanne H

(, Ca., mom of , 18, UC/PSC 2-06)

BobbiI remember being scared to go home after my transplant. The idea of getting the right pills at the right time seemed overwhelming.

For the insulin be sure you get a prescription for insulin pens. Take CareMizKit

..

[Guest guest]

Excellent suggestions, but just a couple thoughts -

pills will change shape and color due to different brands, generics, etc. Use a list of medications with the dose and how often and just double check by your medication list. Attached is a format for that. When I make up my mother's med box each week (she had 4 hospitalizations, all probably due to issues with not taking her meds correctly... now she has no choice and has not been in hospital recently... at least I know the meds are correct!).... Anyway.... I set up meds, then double check by adding the # of meds in the morning, noon, evening, etc.

If a medicine "looks different" than in past - have the pharmacist double check that you were given the right medicine (they will check the code on the pill).

One other thought on blood sugar test strips - some monitors are easier to use than others, but they all do the job! Because the strips are what costs the money, go for whatever blood glucose meter and STRIPS your insurance covers. Even the cheapest machine reads the blood sugar (and sometimes is easier to use!) - you want insurance to pay for your strips.

Good luck!

Joanne H

(, Ca., mom of , 18, UC/PSC 2-06)

BobbiI remember being scared to go home after my transplant. The idea of getting the right pills at the right time seemed overwhelming.

For the insulin be sure you get a prescription for insulin pens. Take CareMizKit

..

[Guest guest]

Excellent suggestions, but just a couple thoughts -

pills will change shape and color due to different brands, generics, etc. Use a list of medications with the dose and how often and just double check by your medication list. Attached is a format for that. When I make up my mother's med box each week (she had 4 hospitalizations, all probably due to issues with not taking her meds correctly... now she has no choice and has not been in hospital recently... at least I know the meds are correct!).... Anyway.... I set up meds, then double check by adding the # of meds in the morning, noon, evening, etc.

If a medicine "looks different" than in past - have the pharmacist double check that you were given the right medicine (they will check the code on the pill).

One other thought on blood sugar test strips - some monitors are easier to use than others, but they all do the job! Because the strips are what costs the money, go for whatever blood glucose meter and STRIPS your insurance covers. Even the cheapest machine reads the blood sugar (and sometimes is easier to use!) - you want insurance to pay for your strips.

Good luck!

Joanne H

(, Ca., mom of , 18, UC/PSC 2-06)

BobbiI remember being scared to go home after my transplant. The idea of getting the right pills at the right time seemed overwhelming.

For the insulin be sure you get a prescription for insulin pens. Take CareMizKit

..

[Guest guest]

Another format that makes your med list

portable is www.mymedschedule.com. It

has all of the parts that your format has, plus a picture of the pill if it is

a brand name. You can get to the list from anywhere you have an Internet

connection.

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Copper

Excellent suggestions, but just a couple thoughts -

pills will change shape and color due to different brands,

generics, etc. Use a list of medications with the dose and how often and

just double check by your medication list. Attached is a format for

that.

If a medicine " looks different " than in past -

have the pharmacist double check that you were given the right medicine

(they will check the code on the pill).

[Guest guest]

Another format that makes your med list

portable is www.mymedschedule.com. It

has all of the parts that your format has, plus a picture of the pill if it is

a brand name. You can get to the list from anywhere you have an Internet

connection.

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of Copper

Excellent suggestions, but just a couple thoughts -

pills will change shape and color due to different brands,

generics, etc. Use a list of medications with the dose and how often and

just double check by your medication list. Attached is a format for

that.

If a medicine " looks different " than in past -

have the pharmacist double check that you were given the right medicine

(they will check the code on the pill).