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Multiple conditions: How do you keep 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.

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

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Mentor
Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Sep 9, 2023
In reply to @ottol "I tried a number of smartphone apps, but now use the free Medisafe app on my..." + (show)
@ottol

I tried a number of smartphone apps, but now use the free Medisafe app on my iPhone. (It's also available on Android).

A number of my meds need to be taken at specific times, some with meals, and others totally away from food. The Medisafe app allows me to schedule reminders for whatever time I want for each med. I also have an Apple watch, and it also has a Medisafe app, so my reminders show up on both my smartphone and on my watch, and I can record the time I take each med from either the phone or the watch. The snooze function is very helpful for reminders that pop up at times when I cannot immediately take the meds, such as when I'm driving.

I highly recommend using this app.

- Otto

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@ottol

Thanks for advice about Medisave app, going to check it out.

In article Colleen post, there is link to "Expert advice for managing meds"; the article recommends a medication management appointment, has anyone ever done one?

Laurie

REPLY
kaylin7 | @kaylin7 | Sep 9, 2023
In reply to @jakedduck1 "Medisafe, As I understand it is a computer app that helps assure a person takes their..." + (show)
@jakedduck1

Medisafe,
As I understand it is a computer app that helps assure a person takes their medication.

MedicAlert,
is a nonprofit worldwide organization that provides bracelets, necklaces, shoe tags, etc. to put medical information on and has an 800 number for medical personnel to call and MedicAlert provides a database and keeps various types of medical records, legal documents, medication list and physicians and emergency contacts. It’s a membership organization.

Medical alert systems,
The person wears a bracelet or something to press to contact an operator so emergency help can be dispatched.

As far as taking pills is concerned I have an automated pill dispensing machine. An alarm goes off every morning at 7 AM and when I dump out the pills the alarm goes off, I haven’t miss taking my medication since I got it you can dispense medication once or multiple times per day.

I’m not sure if I answered your question or not but there are others I’m sure who will come along.

Take care,
Jake.

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Whitecross Pharmacy Medpack sends your prescriptions monthly for free. They are located in North providence, R.I.

REPLY
Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Sep 9, 2023

@kaylin7
Free? How exactly does that work?
Jake

REPLY
Christine | @thisoldewe | Sep 10, 2023

In answer to Laurie, I have had an appointment called a 'medication review". This was with the Pharmacist. We had 30 minutes uninterrupted to discuss my meds, what they are for, when I took them, reviewed side effects to watch for, which ones need to be refrigerated and covered any questions. Also checked the timing of when I took my vitamins.
I would say that the "compliance packaging" is very helpful. If I had to keep opening all of those little bottles all day, I would be messing up... as well as getting frustrated with the whole process!
It was very good, learned afew things, and the Pharmacist also was reassured that I was doing things properly. I am in Canada, so there was no charge.
If you have opportunity, I would recommend. No point taking meds if you are taking them incorrectly... could even be counter productive.

REPLY
Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Sep 10, 2023

@kaylin7
I had the daily pouches delivered at one point which is a great option if your memory is intact. But mine memory isn't. Even though I had water and my pills in plain sight the importance of taking them didn't register. Since I would forget them I put them in an automated pill dispenser and with its irritating alarm I quickly take them now. If I didn't it sent an email and then called me. If I still didn't take them it called my brother.
Jake

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