Dear Camilla,
Dennis Greene's hospital form makes a lot of pro-active sense to me.
May I suggest that under communication, an aditional line be inserted, perhaps
all in bold, addressing the need for contact through communication. Perhaps
something like:
Do not misinterpret my lack of facial expression as an indication of loss of
cognitive ability. Please refer to my WEB page (or enclosed biography) for a
more complete personal introduction. If you make a computer available to me
periodically, I will comment on on the adequacy of your treatments and can
then also ask questions of importance to me."
This may be too wordy and perhaps others can modify.
Tim
Tim Hodgens, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Westborough, MA
In a message dated 98-08-16 15:44:36 EDT, you write:
>Subj: Form for Hospital
>Date: 98-08-16 15:44:36 EDT
>From: [log in to unmask] (Camilla Flintermann)
>Sender: [log in to unmask] (Parkinson's Information Exchange)
>Reply-to: [log in to unmask] (Parkinson's Information Exchange)
>To: [log in to unmask] (Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN)
>
>Friends--Dennis Greene sent this some time ago, and it may be useful to any
>PWP facing hospitalization. You can modify it to fit your own situation, of
>course.
>**********
>Date: Mon, 5 May 1997 19:08:26 -0400
>From: Dennis Greene <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Fw: Hospitalisation Form
>>
>> AS A PERSON WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE I HAVE PROBLEMS
>> WITH THE ITEMS CHECKED BELOW
>>
>
>>FullName:...................................................................
....
>>...............................................
>Doctor:......................................................Neurologist:...
>...
>.........................................
>> MEDICATION
> 1. I need my Parkinson's medication administered EXACTLY on schedule.
> 2. Without medication I will become rigid and disoriented.
> 3. Response to medication may affect physical therapy timing.
>> AMBULATION
> 4. I have difficulty with balance.
> 5. I may freeze and fall.
> 6. I require help getting motion started and walking.
>> ELIMINATION (underline specifics)
> 7. I have urinary problems: either hesitancy, frequency, inability
>to wait, or incontinence.
> 8. I suffer from constipation, need special diet or other treatment.
>Impaction is a significant danger.
>> COORDINATION
> 9. I cannot open food containers easily.
> 10. I cannot always repeat a former action.
> 11. I may not have the strength to push a call button.
> 12. I have slow responses.
> 13. I have trouble turning over in bed.
>> COMMUNICATION
> 14. I have low voice volume.
> 15. I have difficulty enunciating.
> 16. My face shows little or no emotion ("mask" of Parkinson's).
>> EATING AND SWALLOWING
> 17. I choke on food and require a special diet.
> 18. I am a very slow eater.
>> SLEEPING
> 19. I have trouble getting to sleep.
> 20. I sleep fitfully.
> 21. I have anxiety sweats
>************
>> Adapted from a list by Beverly Steward (Central Ohio Parkinson Society
>> Newsletter) which has been designed to make your stay in hospital as
>>satisfactory as possible. It is important to explain to the nurses some
> significant facts about the way PD affects you. Ask to have this sheetput
>in your file at the nurses' station. You might also consider having a
>close family member get a limited power of attorney to represent you, and
>if you have a Durable Power of Attorney, be sure the doctor and hospital
>have copies.
>
