What’s your record like?
When it comes to keeping track of your health, one of the most vital things that you can do for yourself (and your health care providers) is to keep detailed medical records. While Interstitial Cystitis may likely be the centre of attention in your records, it is also a great idea to record other aspects of your health too (colds, overlapping conditions and their symptoms, hay fever, etc). Things to keep track of in your records can include but are not limited to:
-A list of doctors, therapists, and other healthcare workers that you have seen (when, where, findings, etc)
-Test history, what sorts of testing and diagnostic procedures you have gone through, as well as any known findings
-Any surgeries/operations or other invasive procedures that you have undergone
-Medical records that you have obtained from your doctor’s office (photo copy these and keep at least one extra copy at all times, preferably the hard copy), some people also like to photocopy their prescriptions and lab test sheets
-Detailed list of any oral medications (over the counter and prescription, as well as alternative supplements like Prelief) you have tried or are currently taking for IC, as well as the brand (if known, some may have been generic such as Hydroxyzine instead of the brand name Atarax), duration that you were on them, any affects (good, bad or negative) that you experienced, and how you feel they worked for you
-Treatment history, including bladder instillations, physiotherapy, biofeedback, hydrodistension, acupuncture, catheterization – whatever you have tried, as well as the same details as with oral medications
A symptom and/or voiding diary, this is your own personal recollection of how you felt each day, including your pain level, it is a great way for you and your doctor(s) to see how you are doing on a day-to-day basis, between appointments
-If you wear a medical alert bracelet, a copy of the most current information that you have on file with Medic Alert (or similar company), as well as list of one to four people who can be contacted should you ever be in an emergency situation
-If you are following an elimination diet it is vital to keep a food log(this can be done in your symptom or daily IC journal) so that you can have a concise record of what foods triggered your symptoms, instead of having to rely on memory alone - A quick reference list of all the medications and/or treatments that you are on right now
- Any other information that you feel is portent to your health
Try to keep your records close together, a ringed binder, accordion folder or small plastic tote are all good options. Remember, even if this takes a few minutes a day, you can be saving yourself so much hassle or confusion in the future. Not only will your doctors appreciate and respect that you did this, but you will have a well-organized way to quickly track and better understand your own IC health.