I need my medication!

I need my medication!   

By: Cynthia Macey


Being a case manager and supporting clients with mental health and substance abuse, I assist clients with managing their frustration and anxiety when navigating the health system. I help by having the client focus on their treatment goals, coping skills, practice positive talk and problem solving. I also teach them how to be independent and advocate for themselves.
 
I am not perfect. Despite being a responsible adult who manages to take my meds on time, I found myself in a panic one morning when I realized I was on my last thyroid pill.  Per my doctor orders, I must take this medication on an empty stomach, at the same time everyday for the rest of my life. “Seriously?" Seems farfetched and like a major commitment, “for the rest of my life?” If not, I will begin to have symptoms of water retention, mood swings, hormone imbalance, and feel lethargic. In other words, I will experience PMS symptoms times three. 

 I called my PCP at 8am to request a prescription refill at my local pharmacy. My PCP was not working that day. The person covering my PCP stated that approval was needed by my doctor in order to put the prescription in. I asked the nurse covering my doctor if she could please expedite the process since I took my last pill and cannot miss out on my dosage or provide a few pills to carry me over till my PCP comes back to work. The day started to go by and around 5pm, when I finished work, I called my pharmacy to check on my medication. The Pharmacy stated they were still waiting for approval from my PCP.
 
I. freaked. out.
 
Thankfully, before acting on my panic, I was able to calm down and talk through this situation with an urgent care nurse. I received my prescription and disaster was averted for all involved.
 
Tips to avoid prescription refill anxiety and possibly the end of the world as we know it:
 

1. Especially for multiple prescriptions, create a reminder that will effectively alert you a week before you run out of medication.
2. Call your pharmacy early in the week to avoid any Friday afternoon panic attacks.
3. Plan ahead. Discuss prescription management with your PCP to avoid running out of medication while on vacation.

 
As case managers, some of our clients may require extra attention when it comes to medicine management.
 

1. Showing them how to enter alerts in their phone or other calendar type alert in their house will help with their routine and minimize panic for all parties.
2. Discuss medicine management with them and their PCP to synchronize their refill dates.

 
 
photo credit:  https://www.pinterest.se/pin/373939575299442406
 

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