Your personal information is invalable to have on hand so that you are the care giver may show the doctor what medications you are taking, what you can't take, and the times taken. It is also important to have if you have to take a lot of pain medication and your memory is not all there. That way some one in the family can take over giving you your medication so you will not over dose.
The notebook should include such things as Doctors information, medication (What you are allergic to, and any side effects). Insurance Information, Personal Information, Family History, Personal notes, Internal Infusion Pain Pump (Intrathecal Drug Delivery,)or a Neurostimulatior if you have one of the two.
Another thing that helps me really see if the med.'s are working, and how they are working. I just went to Wal-mart and bought a note book or a journal for under $5.00. It helps me and my doctor to see how things are working. That helps him to see the BIG PICTURE If not then he will either increase your meds., or put you on something that will. Pain Doctors need to have prove that you are getting worse. If you are really hurting by all means tell your doctor even if it isn't time for you to see him. Also I write down any questions that I need to ask and why. All of these things will make your life a lot easier!
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR THE FAMILY TO KNOW IS WHERE THE NOTE BOOK IS AT ALL TIMES. PICK A PLACE AND ALWAYS KEEP IT THERE.
