Ever since going on to medication as soon as I was diagnosed, I feel I have managed things quite well. Sure, there have been the odd occasions where I have forgotten to take my meds in the evening. Or perhaps the lunch time meds get taken at 3.00pm. Or the dinnertime meds have turned into bedtime meds. I’m lucky that I don’t have adverse reactions to my somewhat lackadaisical medication management.
I know I have read about many of my fellow Parkies people who need to have a strict regimen with their medications, or they cannot function properly. I function pretty well even if my meds are delayed. However, if I forget my evening meds and wake up in the morning and just go about my normal routine, from time to time, I find that the tremors might sneak through.
My husband and I have arranged a holiday in the UK for 9 weeks and are really looking forward to it. Last time we were there – maybe 5 years ago – I didn’t have anywhere near the number of pills to pop, so not something that was ever a real concern. Now, I have meds for my stomach problems, my arthritis, pain and of course meds for Parkinson’s.
We were talking about our trip and my husband said that I will need to make sure that I take all my meds with me. We also intend to take maybe an extra 2-4 weeks’ worth of meds just in case we get stranded somewhere with COVID. I have been giving it some thought and have decided that I will get my meds in blister packs from now on. This is for several reasons. Firstly, it will be easier to take nice, neat blister packs with me, rather than bottles and boxes. It will mean that I don’t have the weekly, somewhat annoying session of having to refill my dosset box.
Another good thing about setting myself up with blister packs is that I won’t have to show my husband what I take and when or write it down. Also, if at any time I am unwell perhaps with COVID or any other illness, he can help make sure that I have my correct medications, without too much hassle for him.
It does make it feel a little bit like I am venturing into ‘old lady who has blister packs’ territory, but at the same time it is a sensible thing to do. I suppose, like other things that will assist me along the way, this is just another tool to help, and I should just ‘build a bridge and get over it!’
Anything that makes life easier is certainly worthwhile and if ultimately my husband is helped by my going on to blister packs, then that is a good thing.
Win. Win!
My journey with Parkinsons 