Keeping Track of Health

You go to the doctor a lot, my daughter commented the other day.

I don't think I do, I replied, though to someone who rarely sees a doctor, it might seem so: I had my every 2-year physical recently. In December I had cataract surgery, which required several follow-up visits with the ophthalmologist. In a few weeks I have an appointment with a hearing specialist. (My family doctor referred me after I mentioned I sometimes had tinnitus in my right ear - and that I was experiencing vertigo immediately after getting out of bed or lying down.)

Well, I do have a blood test every three months to monitor my blood sugar levels, and sometimes I have to see the doctor after that. I have a mammogram every 2 years and a colonoscopy every 5... But I don't feel I see a doctor that often...

Our conversation reminded me of how overwhelmed I felt dealing with my mother's health needs when she moved across the country to live near us 12 years ago. The first seven years she lived in an apartment by herself. She could walk to nearby clinics to see a doctor and dentist - but she was going so often (or so I thought) that I wanted her to keep track of her visits and what the doctors said.

When she was referred to specialists (a heart specialist and rheumatologist for shortness of breath), a cancer clinic for her two bouts of cancer, I needed her to keep detailed notes. She had fortunately kept track of some of her medical appointments in Kelowna, before she moved.

The binder I made for her, where she was to itemize all her medical care was very useful when she became more forgetful and I was asked about her medical history.

Now I've created a binder for myself - with a running list of all my medical appointments, copies of test results and other health information.

My family doesn't have to speak for me yet - but in the busyness of life, sometimes I forget the last time I had this test done or that. When I had laser vision correction. Or what kind of cataract lens was put in my eye.

It's good for me to have a reference tool like a personal health binder, just in case I forget.