 |
 |
In his response to Maria, David Lewin makes several excellent points regarding the challenges many of us encounter in getting the medical help we need to minimize our suffering in our battle with PD. Keeping accurate track of my on-off periods, dyskinesias, meds, and meals for three or four days prior to a doctor’s appointment and presenting that information to my physician at our meeting time has proven useful to me in getting more help than might otherwise be the case. I'm sure many list members have had similar experiences. The tool I use to create a log for this purpose is Excel. I print out the form I created with Excel and fill it in by hand by placing check marks in the appropriate cells. Each day’s data fits on an 8-1/2” x 11” page. The completed form provides me with a clear, concise and graphical time line of the day’s events. It also makes life a lot easier for medical professionals to get an idea as to the effectiveness of my prescription meds and then make recommendations accordingly. Any list member who might find use for this PD Log file and would like a copy, please email me off list at [log in to unmask] Subject line: PD Log request. I'll reply to your email with an attached copy. On Thu, 6 Apr 2006 11:02:55 –0400, DAVID LEWIN < <mailto:[log in to unmask]>[log in to unmask] > wrote: >Dear Maria, > >I think that it is important to realize that most doctors are >psychologically "burnt out" when their professional practice deals with >chronic and progressive diseases. For the most part my neurologists have >been cold, distant, irritated, and detached. My present neurologist rants >and raves about politics and his wife when I see him. You have to study PD >yourself to get answers, but keep in mind that PD itself is highly variable. >Please also remember that are really caring people out there that you can >turn for support, but you have to find them. Don't limit yourself to >doctors when looking for support and understanding. Nurses, nurse's aides, >support groups, etc. can be helpful. Also, I have found that friends and >family can have very unexpected reactions to the illness of a family member. > Some run away and some pitch in and surprise you. Anyway, good luck. >David ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn