Organize

Organize (verb)
to form as or into a whole consisting of interdependent or coordinated parts, especially for united action

If there’s one thing that most people know about me, it’s that I enjoy being organized and I really don’t like clutter. Please don’t even get me started about how I feel when I see someone’s phone has a zillion unchecked emails, texts, or messages! I’ve been sought after both professionally and personally for my organizational skills. Now I’m not quite Felix from The Odd Couple, but I suppose run a close second.

This started long before the MS; however, is probably more important now than ever. Being organized keeps me from (mostly) forgetting or losing things and helps with peace and calm in my home. “A place for everything and everything in its place.” [Ben Franklin]

One of the areas that it’s important to be organized is visits to your healthcare providers. People have often complained to me about one issue or another with their doctors and sometimes I respond and ask how they prepared for the visit. Crickets.

In order to get the most out of my healthcare provider (HCP) visits and form a partnership in my care, I created a template document that I fill out, and take with me, to each office visit.

For me the most important part is preparing in advance, including the reason for the visit and questions. This gives you a chance to organize your thoughts and maximize your visit.

The office visit sheet can be used as a reference and to take notes for review later.  This information can either be maintained electronically or in a binder, whichever works for you. When you live with a chronic or acute disease or disorder, it’s extremely important to be organized and have all of your files at your fingertips (test results, CDs of images, etc.).
Of note: you own your medical records! 

Format as follows and link to document [HCP office visit template]

Name complete date of birth
Office visit date

Issues for discussion
bullet points or numbers

Medicines
name, dose, administration, frequency, length of time taking
bullet points or numbers

Vitamins
name, dose, administration, frequency, length of time taking
bullet points or numbers

For more extensive record keeping you can also include family history of illnesses if known.

Keep this information on your phone for ease of access re: emergencies. Bring two copies to the visit, one for you and the other for your HCP.

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