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Multiple conditions and keeping track of all your medications

Posted by parkerjean @parkerjean, Jan 27, 2022

I am 71 and have been following diagnosis (seems like gussing to me) for about between 10 and 20 yrs. I take so many meds I lose track on refills or even taking each one daily. I am sure many in the connect group have the same problem but I would like to talk to someone who has so many diagnosis. ie(KCD stage 3, anxiety disorder, first degree atrioventricular block, sensorineural hearing loss bilateral, subjective tinnitus, Atypical facial pain, Orthostatic Hypotension, Adrenocortical Hypofunction, Coronary Artery disease, Internal Tremors, Hypokalemia, AFib (corrected witn cardioversion) Parkinsonism) Peripheral Neuropathy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Bone Diseases Metabolic, Lumbar & Cervical Radiculopathy, Aortic Valve Insufficiency, Thoracic aneurysm, RLS, Dupuytren's contraction (both hands) Pernicious anemia, Gout, and finally Hypertension. How boring I know but sometimes I just wonder Why.

***Community Director's Note***

Your tips shared in this discussion inspired the writing of this article by Mayo Clinic.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

Profile picture for ess77 - Elizabeth
ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | May 28 9:40pm
In reply to @colleenyoung "@grannytrucker, of course some things can be attributed to aging. But boy do I get hot..." + (show)
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

@grannytrucker, of course some things can be attributed to aging. But boy do I get hot under the collar when someone says to a patient, "it's because you're old."

When it comes to medication management I find pharmacists an essential member of my health care team. The understand side effects and possible drug interactions.

Here's a related discussion that may interest you, @ann78 and others:
- Medication reconciliation: Who do I talk with to review all my meds?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stop-all-medicine/

@grannytrucker, I'm glad you were able to go back to your former doctor. (Love your username, by the way. Were you or are you a trucker?)

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@colleenyoung and all...
Hello, Colleen! I've missed you, lady.
Wow! Do I ever agree! I spent decades with medical folks who treated me with little respect, as though I had only a partially functioning brain... either due to my being a female OR to my related to my age.

Gemini crickets... how many battles I fought through the decades! To be seen. Heard. Listened to. And to finally get help, over 2 years of tapering and excellent guidance, from a remarkable physician at Mayo Jax... he saved my life and my sanity.

As I mentioned in a previous message, he was the only doctor who took the care and interest in my health to oversee the reduction, removal of multiple medications that were harming me for years. I am very sure I would not be in the physical difficulties I am now were it not for the harsh chemicals thrown at my body... one on top of another, added and increased with no careful thought of outcome.

Truly horrid side effects. Affecting my entire life. My personality. My organs, bones, hair, muscles -every part of me.

Can you tell I get nuts about this issue? I do. Rightfully.

That, Colleen, is why I so strongly urge folks to take control of their health care. Be their own advocates. Stand up, ask questions. Be heard. And be heard when you are not treated properly by medical folks on any way. It is tough, especially as we age and get weaker, are alone, so ill...tough, but vital we make ourselves watch and ask and be heard... make our own decisions when possible. And, fight to find some one who will listen! Then, do your own serious research!

Importantly.. be heard and be courteous, say thank you out loud to their faces, be supportive of the medical personnel who are caring, kind, thoughtful, and who listen. They are dear. Special. Many are found at Mayo. Not so many elsewhere in my experience, which were many. Mayo is different. Most of the time. Still have some who are not educated in the Mayo way. Or who still think they are 'God'. Or, who's head will not fit through the door. But far fewer at Mayo. Or who are so young and untrained they are not yet Mayo quality. But, that is rare. For which I am ever grateful.

Blessings... Elizabeth.

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Profile picture for bborth
bborth | @bborth | Jun 24 7:46am
In reply to @esthermayo "Not boring. But I think that anyone might be overwhelmed by having to deal with so..." + (show)
Profile picture for esthermayo @esthermayo

Not boring. But I think that anyone might be overwhelmed by having to deal with so many conditions. Are you seeing a counselor at all? I've found that to be helpful.

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@esthermayo

I have to have a large calendar that allows me to write in all my appointments, and the pill organizers others have talked about. My dx are tortous colon, vestibular issues caused by multiple concussions, and a replaced heart valve a year ago. I too see a mental health therapist to deal with just the magnitude of constant appointments and medication management. I just retired a year ago (right before my heart surgery) and this wasn't I expected as I planned for this chapter of life. My conditions can all surge at once in severity, or calm down to where I can do most things expected from a 63 year old man.

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