My doc wants me to keep medical log using number scales for different symptoms, and bullets for specific events so I can track my progress. I wish I had been doing this for a while -- there are big gaps in my medical history that I wish I had back!
The problem is that I am having a hard time coming up with a good, simple system that I will use daily.
I'm looking for suggestions from those of you who have a medical log set up that is easy for you to use. Do you write it by hand or do you have it set up on your computer?
Thanks! Kalina
Posted by tanzi2u (Member # 9237) on :
Kalina - private message sent.
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
I have been using www.lymelog.com after trying many other ways the past 5 years.
It is a new site.
I usually print out the monthly grid and then do a summary for my lyme doc.
You can modify it to your needs.
Posted by imanurse (Member # 7022) on :
I would suggest starting with a simple journal. It would be better to use standard sized notebook paper rather than a small journal. That way it is easier in the future if you want to make copies of pertinent entries for the the doc. Some people just use a calendar or planner, but these aren't as easy to copy.
Try to be consistent with your format and don't use it as a feelings journal to record your everyday thoughts. Keep it simple, in other words.
Don't forget the date on your entries!
Log the following -
Start with a symptom checklist with a standardized form (Dr. B guidelines has one)
Date of start of new medication
Changes in doseage up or down, including if you need to stop for a while for herxing
Any response to medicine - positive or negative
Starting new supplements, response
Major symptom flares
Lab work done or other medical tests and why
Communication with Dr. office or appts / why
Communication with insurance companies re: claims
If you are comfortable you can develop a worksheet in Excel format or just use Word format like a journal. (Type is smaller than handwritten and you get more on a page.)
I would personally be concerned about the confidentiality of my information on a blog on someone else's server, but you can be confident of your privacy if the info is on your own notebook or computer.
The main thing is that it is accessible and easy for you to use so that you don't forget to write things down.
Hope this gives you some ideas.
Posted by Kalina (Member # 9784) on :
Thanks for the suggestions!
I took a look at lymelog.com. I spent some time with it, but I'm not convinced it will work for me. It's a great concept, but I wish it there was a way to customize it more. I'm still thinking about it though.
Imanurse makes a good list. This is part of what I'm struggling with, because with so much to keep track of, it's hard to keep it simple!
Also, my doc wants me to fax a copy of my log in to the office before a phone consult. It HAS to be short and sweet! What I'm currently using isn't working for me.
I'd love to hear from others, too. How do you keep track of your symptoms?
Posted by shazdancer (Member # 1436) on :
How about taking one of the symptoms list (Dr. B's list, ILADS, etc.) and writing 1,2,3,4,5 next to it. Leave a little space for comments after.
Each day, circle the number (1 for very mild, 5 for totally inhibiting), and if it is a new symptom or a very changed one, make a remark in the comments space.
Kinda like:
DATE: Oct 30
Brain fog 1 2 3 *4* 5
Achy knee 1 2 3 4 *5* -- couldn't climb 3 steps
Dry eyes 1 *2* 3 4 5
Does that help?
Posted by Kalina (Member # 9784) on :
Shazdancer, ANY ideas on this are helpful. Thanks!
I'm just looking to pick the brains of people here for any input on what kinds of systems they use.
Maybe this will help others work out a good system, too.
Kalina
Posted by imanurse (Member # 7022) on :
Hi Kalina,
Are you aware of the monthly symptom charts from the LDA of Southeast Pennsylvania?