1
<1
DMT Tried
2
Infusions
3
Emergency Steroids
∞
Naps Taken
Year since DX
Type A ish
Health Tacking
I'd be lying by saying "Tracking my MS isn't about control—it's about clarity". No, it is 100 percent control. I want to walk into the the doctors office or ER and them know I mean business. This is my life, my body and my symptoms. Now don' take this like I won't listen to a Doctor or Nurse. They went to years and years of school to treat people, but I refuse for them not to have the full picture of my body and my condition. My mother raised me as a single parent, she ingrained in me that no one will know what your feeling if you do not use your words. So when you're living with a condition that shifts like sand, having a record of every symptom, medication, and doctor's note becomes your map through the 'shenanigans' ( The pun is intentional. I make no apologies) .
Now all my content is written down on paper. I like paper trails, they allow me to physically my timeline. That doesnt mean to say you can't use an App or digital content, its just not my preference. Again I like the doctors to see I mean business... physically.
Products I use for my Medical folder
What a find! Another MS fighter (Evelyn Miller) created this custom resource designed for our needs. It cuts out the fluff, you mark the symptoms when they happen.
Section 1: Hospital/ Doctor Visit
This section I find myself referring too the most. In this section I keep a health timeline, appointment log, printed after visit summary of hospital visits, and doctor visit notes.
Page 1: Health Timeline
I track month/ date of events like when original symptom started, ER Visits, Major doctor visits, Start and stop of PT/OP, and infusions (both IV therapy and Steriods). I found this to be the most helpful when talking to a new doctor so they can see the order of events.
Page 2 : Appointment Log
This is is only Doctor Appointments and IV/ steroid treatements. I have the date MM/DD/YY, Location adn provider/doctor/NP/ facility, Reason for visit and any notes.
Next Pages : Printed After visit summary of hospital visits
After any ER Visit or hospital stay I get a printed after visit summary. For long hospital stay I get a work letter that included the hospital location, dates i was admitted, and any relivant data with out explaining to much of what occured.
Last pages of this section: Doctor Visit Notes
I only used this for appointments with my Neurologist or Primary Doctor. Helps with keep track of the details. I have thought of getting the application that record appointments and return summaries of what was disccused but some offices dont allow that, so for now I find this to be the easiest way to keep track. I use the clipboard on my binder to write and then add it right after we are done.
Section 2: Insurance & Bills
This section is something I dont imagine everyone using but I find helpful. I keep Insurance contact information, Medical Expence Log, Mileage & Transportaion log, any insurance documents mailed to me about my condition, information given about the IV therapy I am taking or have taken, mailed bills, and prescription reciepts.
Page 1: Insurance Contact Information
This is for tracking any agent I talk to about my condition and coverage with.
Section 3: Data
This section I keep my MRI scans CDs/ USB drives, printed bloodwork results, and Discipline-specific report from other doctors ( Ophthalmologist, Hemotologists, PT/OT, Urologist, etc)
MRI/CT Scan CDs/USB
You can contact the imaging facility where the MRI was performed (call the radiology department or medical records office) and request your MRIs. Most hospitals have app you can request without having to confirm identify as it is linked to your profile, though most other facilities you will have to provided your ID, Birth date, details of the MRI performed. If they need to mail it they will ask for an address. Most facilities i know send CDs but I have heard that some can provide USB. Thus having CD Folder sheets and USB pouches for your Medical folder are important.
Bloodwork Tracking
PRINT EVERY THING! My thought if you get locked out of your account or they lose your data or you move, you always have a printed copy. Example of applications and how to print.
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Labcorp: When viewing your result details on your profile from your phone or website activate the "Download Official Report." button
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For myChart:
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For mobile, when viewing your test results and select a test to see the details. There is a three vertical dot menu button ( For screenreader users its labeld "more options" ) Activate it. A menu should appear that will allow your to print your results. Know that it may be a few pages long, it is not as clear as Labcorp.
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For web, when viewing your test results and select a test to see the details. There is a printer icon on the page ( For screenreader users its labeled "Print this page in a printer-friendly format") Activate it and you should be able to print
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Discipline-specific report
This is a summary report written by the doctor or specialist reviewing findings of tests ran or