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Keeping Track of Appointments with Pulmonary Fibrosis
It is not uncommon for patients with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) to have to juggle multiple appointments in a week. Sometimes keeping track of appointments, follow-ups or medication schedules can feel like a full-time job, or next to impossible to manage. This is especially true when patients have many other tasks requiring their attention, such as a family, social responsibilities or full-time work.
Today I signed on my e-mail to try and find an invitation for a colleague, and wondered how my e-mails had piled up so quickly. As I was scanning my inbox, I had three new emails reminding me of upcoming appointments next week. I immediately was overwhelmed as I felt as though I’d just updated my calendar the day before with different appointments from the ones I was being notified about in my e-mail.
After updating my calendars accordingly, I had to revisit a column I wrote on Pulmonary Fibrosis News this past December about handling multiple medical appointments. This did help me feel a little better, although sometimes I still wish others would help coordinate this part of my disease for me.
Do you have any additional tips on managing multiple appointments pertaining to your PF?
Were any of the tips in my column mentioned above particularly helpful for you?
Thanks in advance for sharing.
Charlene. -
4 Replies
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I have definitely noticed a decline in my previously excellent memory, which is frustrating. I now rely on the calendar in my cell phone utilizing the reminder feature. Everything goes into my calendar.
I also use the alarm on my cell phone to alert me when it’s time to take my pills. I take Esbriet which must be taken 3 times a day. I normally keep at least a day’s worth of pills with me when I go out so I am prepared when the alarm goes off.
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Hi Christine,
Thanks so much for contributing to this thread. This is a topic I’m really interested in hearing from others about. I also feel as though I’ve noticed a huge difference in my previously strong memory. Now, I am struggling a bit with a concussion and they say memory loss/forgetfulness is a side effect but it is just so hard to decipher where this is coming from. You’re right though, it sure is frustrating! My concussion specialist actually had me start on a 3000 IU omega-3 for the memory and “brain fogginess” that I said I’m feeling. He said this isn’t just for people with concussions, but that everyone should be on an omega-3 because it has so many benefits, including improving brain health. Not sure if this is something you’d want to try? Maybe just check with your doctor about IU/dosage amount first, but just something to keep in mind.
Utilizing the calendar in your phone with the reminder tool is a good idea! I do this as well, but I don’t actually find the built-in iPhone calendar easy do use. Is this the one you use, or have you found another calendar app?
I do use the alarm as well, and because I take pills multiple times per day, I actually have the alarm vibrate on my Fitbit on my wrist so others don’t necessarily hear how many times I need to take pills in a day.All great ideas, thanks for sharing! I hope others contribute as well… sometimes, tracking appointments leaves me feeling very overwhelmed!
Cheers,
Charlene.
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My phone is a LG android, not an iPhone so I can’t make any suggestions for yours.
I also take Omega3 everyday. It was the nutritionist that suggested it for overall health.
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Hi Christine,
No worries, I’m still very glad that you’ve made the suggestion. I’m actually exploring some calendar apps for my iPhone to see if I can find one that I like. I use a day planner too, but find electronic calendars so much easier, for things like the reminder feature. 🙂
I’m on day 2 of the Omega3 and it seems like a lot of people are actually on it, for a variety of reasons that benefit overall health as you say.
I hope you’ve had a nice day and are feeling well.
Kind regards,
Charlene.
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