Getting ready for a trip? A few important health reminders before you go …
My office is awash in yellow stickies this week … Don’t forget! Underlinings, stars and exclamation points decorate every page.
It’s clear there’s more to remember than my brain can handle. Here are just a few of the admonitions swirling in my damaged brain … I must pause and pull this together into an at least semi-coherent list:
- Check meds carefully. Order refills in plenty of time. Then, count to be sure I have enough of everything to last at least five days longer than I plan to be away. The extra days are a contingency against transportation delays.
- Always carry my meds with me – never in checked luggage.
- In addition to my usual medications, pack extra vitamins and remedies for colds or upset stomach that might arise on the road.
- As a stroke patient on blood thinner, I carry lots of band-aids as well as pressure tape and clotting agents like the Quick Clock sponge.
- I always get my INR checked (which tells how how well the Coumadin is thinning my blood) a day or two before I leave – several days if I’ve had trouble keeping stable.
- I try to arrange it so I don’t need another blood test before I return home. But, I carry a prescription from my doctor for a blood test to measure my INR just in case. If sense things are “off,” I can have it tested on the road.
- I have to prod myself to wear my medical ID bracelets.
I also remind myself to:
- Charge cell phone, computer, camera and Kindle the night before I leave
- Double-check itineraries and tickets
- Arrange airport transportation
- Get plenty of rest before I leave. HA!
Do any of you feel overwhelmed by all the details?
