"You and your MD" (A Users Guide)

This very basic and user friendly article was written when I was Chief OTR at Holsman HealthCare LLC in Clifton NJ. A few months after this I was using my own advise and saved my own life.

"If you are anything like me (or not) you probably have a love/hate relationship with your PCP. (Primary Care Provider) or doctor AKA your MD.

In today’s medical world it is very hard to make sense out of all those tests and strange dangerous sounding names thrown at you in Medispeak. Words like “tumor” and “open heart” and “dialysis” and so on. Maybe you heard it wrong?

What do we do when told we are so sick that we need to go to hospital? And that this procedure or operation is crucial? What do we do?

WE GO. We do as we are told.

There is no harm in asking "WHY"? It’s EASY. ASK. No question is a stupid one. NOT asking IS pretty lame.

Let’s say that as an example your MD/PCP has told you have a certain problem or disease (Diagnosis) which you can’t pronounce.

Do you really HAVE to have all those medicines and surgeries? That’s a decision YOU have to make.

If you are anything like me (or not) you probably have a love/hate relationship with your PCP. (Primary Care Provider) or doctor aka MD.

In today’s medical world it is very hard to make sense out of all those tests and strange dangerous sounding names thrown at you. Words like “tumor” and “open heart” and “dialysis” and so on. Maybe you heard it wrong?

What do we do when told we are so sick that we need to go to hospital? And that this procedure or operation is crucial? WE GO. But there is no harm in asking WHY? It’s EASY. ASK: No question is a stupid one. However, NOT asking IS!

Let’s say that as an example your MD/PCP has told you have a certain disease (Diagnosis) which you can’t pronounce and do you really HAVE to have all those medicines and surgeries?

Be a pro-active PATIENT. An informed person. FIND OUT what’s going on. Help is everywhere!

What about your medicines? Look at all those bottles. Usually a cocktail of many colors and shapes and WHO told you what they were for? And because I believe that people should control their lives (it is personal.)

I DO want to know why that pill was prescribed and what was it prescribed for! You may or may not feel better, BUT a lot of what you are feeling may be caused by “good medications gone wild”

No matter what we take or do not take, whatever we ingest DOES something – or interacts with something else you had been taking for YEARS. Sometimes when meds meet it is NOT love at first sight.

Sometimes you have to get used to it (like the blood thinners) and be patient (no pun intended). At other times and actually at ALL times you do need to get your doctor’s attention and tell him or her HOW YOU FEEL.

Don’t forget to leave out those small details like:

• Fatigue

• Dropping things or difficulty doing daily chores and taking care of yourself.

• Poor memory or not as sharp as you were.

• Pain or allergic reactions

• Food allergies and pre-existing conditions

• Reduced stamina and loss of interest in things you love to do.

• Mood swings and depression

• Stiffness of your joints and pain or loss of range of movement in your arms or legs.

• Suicidal thoughts.

• Tremors and difficulty seeing since ____ occurred.

• How do your family see you?

• How is work? Your friends? Are you worried about money and losing your job?

• Is your work stressful? Do you like what you do?

  After undergoing surgery last year I was told that I really was NOT thinking straight. Who me? No way.
  WAY! If it is any consolation even we medical professionals get sick! And say and do really weird things?
  I would forget silly things Or misplace a key...or a house. I would misplace John (my husband) and get in the wrong car. Say stuff I NEVER said (I do not remember) and I swear I will deny it!

  Ask your spouse if there is anything different about you NOW on that NEW medication that was not there before.
  You may be surprised! Most times we are unaware of our actions and behavior especially after surgery as the anesthetic tends to linger longer.

  So it is in your best interests to carry your basic medical information with you in your purse or in a thumb USB drive, no matter how trivial you may think it is. Another tip – Don’t leave home without them. It is a good idea to carry at LEAST 1 – 2 days of your meds if you have an ongoing disease like CAD or Diabetes or have to take a certain pill every day but heck! it’s at HOME when you need it! (e,g nitroglycerine) or pain medication or your inhaler.

As for me – I hold a pharmacy in my bag, but you don’t have to! Here are some very important tips — and please add more as you think about it:

1. Make and keep a Check list of your past “history”, your current medications and doses, and a photo ID.

2. Even simpler: go on down to your pharmacy and ask the pharmacist to print a list of your medicines.

3. If you do not know what that pill is THROW it away. When you fill a prescription ASK the pharmacist (if you have forgotten to ask your MD!) what the pills are, how many a day as well as what side effects may occur. Pharmacists do keep records of your meds over time. This is to help them help you.

4. Do NOT share your medicines with anyone else. Be stingy. They are YOURS and were not prescribed for anyone other than you. You could hurt someone, right? It’s a little like Russian Roulette.

5. Take exactly what your doctor tells you to. (I am assuming that you and your MD are communicating fluently) Even when you feel better – continue your medicines until the “course” is done. There are some nasty bugs out there.

6.. Some pills make you fat. Some make you use the bathroom at all times. Some pills make you feel weird. Bloated. Some make you dizzy, and some make you tired and some do NOTHING at all. Be aware!

7. If after 2+** days you are NOT feeling brighter and better do NOT waste time. Go back. (*for those on antidepressants more time IS needed) See and call your doctor. Tell him or her that you feel worse, or no better so that he or she can prescribe an alternative or tell you to stop taking that pill. WRITE down any questions you have and take that in with you. We all forget the “little” things and in so doing place ourselves in jeopardy.

8. Be polite to your MD no matter how much you feel he or she is “ignoring” you. Be kind to YOU. If your doctor tells you NO MORE of those pain pills —– I know you want to shop around, however, remember that pain now can be addressed in kinder ways. You do not have to swallow pills. We have *drumroll* REHAB and THERAPY and exercise and fun and love and laughter! What is the point in living in constant pain and fear? Or avoiding your MD because you THINK that lump will go away?

This is YOUR body and your life. You have the right to know exactly what is wrong, and what you should expect if you have open dialogue with him or her. You have the right to as many opinions as you want. Don’t feel that great in THAT setting? Go elsewhere. For every pot there IS a lid (old family saying) and you will find someone who understands.

9. When you find a doctor who is the right partner that’s a keeper! If you are unable to marry them, please allow him or her to take stock of YOU as a human being. The trick is communication. I never trust anyone who does NOT listen. Neither should you. You are unique, one of a kind and you have the right to all your information and straight talk should you so desire. Be truthful, Tell him/her what you are taking already and what you use it for.

10. Establish RAPPORT. Communication IS a 2 way street. Also remember that old saying – “rubbish in rubbish OUT” – how can a medical professional be expected to treat you well if he does not know you at all? Your family history’? Your chronic ailments such as arthritis and poor vision, or a weak heart. Tell him if you are under stress or pressure. If you get headaches out of nowhere and in closing, LISTEN to your body. Age never killed anyone. The bug or the cancer did. Do not ignore blurred vision or a little pain. Communicate and talk and ask questions. There is NO SUCH THING as a stupid question.

If you are afraid or uncomfortable going TO the doctor or specialist alone, bring a family member or friend with you. Remember that list! (all your questions and concerns) – no matter how small or how big) and your fears .

If you get clammy and sweaty and your heart feels like the Kentucky Derby winner broke loose in your chest during the night – call 911. That is probably NOT indigestion. And yes you ARE correct these things DO happen SILENTLY and without warning or symptoms. So, take ACTION! Be your OWN best friend and listen to your body.

The pill masks the pain, it does not cure it. Not all the time. WHY are you hurting? Many people are surprised to see that all that back pain was and is caused by that bad old mattress. Or the fall you had at age 10 rescuing the cat.

If you have high blood pressure and a headache and a history of coronary artery disease leave the advil. Go to the ER. It could be a stroke in the making.

Chest pain and short of breath? Jaw hurt? Arm? 911!

The more we know the more empowered we are, and we are advocating for ourselves. We HAVE to! If we just lay back in bed and let the doctors and nurses take care of us what happens? Very little. Hospitals are scary and dangerous.

So there you have it! USE that voice and use your mind and take your sister or current spouse with you and insist on knowing what it really IS! No doctor will refuse to tell you the truth, and you should not be afraid to face it head on.

PLEASE remember that you have the ability to take charge of your life. The disease is an illegal immigrant. YOU are the host. The visitor MUST leave – you’ll be amazed at how a positive attitude and mindset with a touch of rehab and lots of loving care and family support can help you!

Thanks so much for reading this! If you have any comments feel free to contact us. Even me, and I don’t bite! Let us help each other to health and fitness and a great life!

Author: Sandra Zartz Kristal, OTR

Chief Occupational Therapist at Holsman Healthcare and Holsman Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Contact Sandra at [email protected].

1070 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013 973-246-6565 Fax: 973-883-0140 [email protected] holsmanhealthcare

Kearny, NJ | Rahway, NJ

one. Be a pro-active PATIENT. An informed person. FIND OUT what’s going on. Help is everywhere!

What about your medicines? Usually a cocktail of many colors and shapes and WHO told you what they were for? And because I believe that people should control their lives (it’s personal) I DO want to know why that pill was prescribed and what was it prescribed for? You may or may not feel better, BUT a lot of what you are feeling may be caused by “good medications gone wild”

No matter what we take or do not take, whatever we ingest DOES something – or interacts with something else you had been taking for YEARS. Sometimes when meds meet it is NOT love at first sight.

Sometimes you have to get used to it (like the blood thinners) and be patient (no pun intended). At other times and actually at ALL times you do need to get your doctor’s attention and tell him or her HOW YOU FEEL.

Don’t forget to leave out those small details like:

• Fatigue

• Dropping things or difficulty doing daily chores and taking care of yourself.

• Poor memory or not as sharp as you were

• Pain or allergic reactions

• Food allergies and pre-existing conditions

• Reduced stamina and loss of interest in things you love to do.

• Mood swings and depression

• Stiffness of your joints and pain or loss of range of movement in your arms or legs.

• Suicidal thoughts.

• Tremors and difficulty seeing since ____ occurred.

• How do your family see you?

• How is work? Your friends? Are you worried about money and losing your job?

• Is your work stressful? Do you like what you do?

  I had to write this.

• After undergoing surgery last year I was told that I really was NOT thinking straight. Who me? No way.
  WAY! If it is any consolation even we medical professionals get sick! And say and do really weird things?
  I would forget silly things Or misplace a key...or a house. I would misplace John (my husband) and get in the wrong car. Say stuff I NEVER said (I do not remember) and I swear I will deny it!

  Ask your spouse if there is anything different about you NOW on that NEW medication that was not there before.
  You may be surprised! Most times we are unaware of our actions and behavior especially after surgery as the anesthetic tends to linger longer.

  So it is in your best interests to carry your basic medical information with you in your purse or in a thumb USB drive, no matter how trivial you may think it is. Another tip – Don’t leave home without them. It is a good idea to carry at LEAST 1 – 2 days of your meds if you have an ongoing disease like CAD or Diabetes or have to take a certain pill every day but heck! it’s at HOME when you need it! (e,g nitroglycerine) or pain medication or your inhaler.

As for me – I hold a pharmacy in my bag, but you don’t have to! Here are some very important tips — and please add more as you think about it:

1. Make and keep a Check list of your past “history”, your current medications and doses, and a photo ID.

2. Even simpler: go on down to your pharmacy and ask the pharmacist to print a list of your medicines.

3. If you do not know what that pill is THROW it away. When you fill a prescription ASK the pharmacist (if you have forgotten to ask your MD!) what the pills are, how many a day as well as what side effects may occur. Pharmacists do keep records of your meds over time. This is to help them help you.

4. Do NOT share your medicines with anyone else. Be stingy. They are YOURS and were not prescribed for anyone other than you. You could hurt someone, right? It’s a little like Russian Roulette.

5. Take exactly what your doctor tells you to. (I am assuming that you and your MD are communicating fluently) Even when you feel better – continue your medicines until the “course” is done. There are some nasty bugs out there.

6.. Some pills make you fat. Some make you use the bathroom at all times. Some pills make you feel weird. Bloated. Some make you dizzy, and some make you tired and some do NOTHING at all. Be aware!

7. If after 2+** days you are NOT feeling brighter and better do NOT waste time. Go back. (*for those on antidepressants more time IS needed) See and call your doctor. Tell him or her that you feel worse, or no better so that he or she can prescribe an alternative or tell you to stop taking that pill. WRITE down any questions you have and take that in with you. We all forget the “little” things and in so doing place ourselves in jeopardy.

8. Be polite to your MD no matter how much you feel he or she is “ignoring” you. Be kind to YOU. If your doctor tells you NO MORE of those pain pills —– I know you want to shop around, however, remember that pain now can be addressed in kinder ways. You do not have to swallow pills. We have *drumroll* REHAB and THERAPY and exercise and fun and love and laughter! What is the point in living in constant pain and fear? Or avoiding your MD because you THINK that lump will go away?

This is YOUR body and your life. You have the right to know exactly what is wrong, and what you should expect if you have open dialogue with him or her. You have the right to as many opinions as you want. Don’t feel that great in THAT setting? Go elsewhere. For every pot there IS a lid (old family saying) and you will find someone who understands.

9. When you find a doctor who is the right partner that’s a keeper! If you are unable to marry them, please allow him or her to take stock of YOU as a human being. The trick is communication. I never trust anyone who does NOT listen. Neither should you. You are unique, one of a kind and you have the right to all your information and straight talk should you so desire. Be truthful, Tell him/her what you are taking already and what you use it for.

10. Establish RAPPORT. Communication IS a 2 way street. Also remember that old saying – “rubbish in rubbish OUT” – how can a medical professional be expected to treat you well if he does not know you at all? Your family history’? Your chronic ailments such as arthritis and poor vision, or a weak heart. Tell him if you are under stress or pressure. If you get headaches out of nowhere and in closing, LISTEN to your body. Age never killed anyone. The bug or the cancer did. Do not ignore blurred vision or a little pain. Communicate and talk and ask questions. There is NO SUCH THING as a stupid question.

If you are afraid or uncomfortable going TO the doctor or specialist alone, bring a family member or friend with you. Remember that list! (all your questions and concerns) – no matter how small or how big) and your fears .

If you get clammy and sweaty and your heart feels like the Kentucky Derby winner broke loose in your chest during the night – call 911. That is probably NOT indigestion. And yes you ARE correct these things DO happen SILENTLY and without warning or symptoms. So, take ACTION! Be your OWN best friend and listen to your body.

The pill masks the pain, it does not cure it. Not all the time. WHY are you hurting? Many people are surprised to see that all that back pain was and is caused by that bad old mattress. Or the fall you had at age 10 rescuing the cat. If you have high blood pressure and a headache and a history of coronary artery disease leave the advil. Go to the ER. It could be a stroke in the making. Chest pain and short of breath? Jaw hurt? Arm? 911!

The more we know the more empowered we are, and we are advocating for ourselves. We HAVE to! If we just lay back in bed and let the doctors and nurses take care of us what happens? Very little. Hospitals are scary and dangerous.

So there you have it! USE that voice and use your mind and take your sister or current spouse with you and insist on knowing what it really IS! No doctor will refuse to tell you the truth, and you should not be afraid to face it head on.

PLEASE remember that you have the ability to take charge of your life. The disease is an illegal immigrant. YOU are the host. The visitor MUST leave – you’ll be amazed at how a positive attitude and mindset with a touch of rehab and lots of loving care and family support can help you!

Thanks so much for reading this! If you have any comments feel free to contact us. Even me, and I don’t bite! Let us help each other to health and fitness and a great life!

Author:

Sandra Kristal, OTR

Chief Occupational Therapist at Holsman Healthcare and Holsman Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Contact Sandra at:

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]"