I’ve been a chronic illness patient since I was 10 years old, and this fall I’ll be starting my fifteenth year as one. I have an extensive medical history, I take a ton of medications, I have multiple doctors, and I struggle to remember every little detail. When I go to a new doctor, the forms they have me fill out don’t have enough room for all of my medical problems and medications. And I’ve been to the ER often enough that I worry about going and being unable to communicate my medical history correctly.
So how do I keep track of it all and make appointments easier?
I have all my medical information on one handy sheet. I print off multiple copies, give one to a new office, keep one in my wallet at all times in case of emergency, and make everyone who might need to know of it aware of its existence. It makes my life so much easier, my doctors always appreciate it, and my friends and family are happy knowing it exists in case something bad happens and I’m unable to communicate my medical history. In fact, in college, I went on multiple trips with my choir. They all knew about my health problems, and when they heard that I had this, they were incredibly relieved. In fact, our director requested that I give a copy to the person in charge just in case. It’s that helpful.
And today I’m giving you your own blank one to make your life easier, too.
Download it here and fill it out. Print off a copy for your wallet, bring a copy to your next appointment, or just file away a copy just in case. I can guarantee that it will make your life easier if you’re a chronic illness patient or just a lay person who struggles to remember everything you should.
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Kate Mitchell is a blogger, chronic illness patient, and advocate who helps people understand chronic illness and helps chronic illness patients live their best lives.
Terrific idea Kate! Wishing you good health.
I have something similar to this in my wallet at all times with my allergy information on it. It also has my DNR order on the back of it. Something like this is very handy to have. And I agree, when people find out I travel with all the pertinents on one sheet, it puts them at ease big time.
This is definitely a great idea and I will totally be downloading it!! Not that I have an extensive allergy or medical history, but I still think it is something that is handy to keep around!
What an awesome idea! I moved in January and still haven't found a doctor out here, you just never know when it's going to come in handy!