|
|
|
|
"FOR THE FULL TEN DAYS" "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.
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.
Date this page was updated: 04/11/2008 18:24 |
