Medications and determined stroke survivor

Hi Valerie,

Sorry to hear about David's stroke, we are pleased to hear he has made good progress and that you're enjoying life together in the village. Thanks for starting a conversation around medication management. It may be beneficial to have a chat over the phone to get a clearer picture of what your particular concerns are.

Some questions that might help us better answer your query are:

Is David still working with an occupational therapist?

Are you worried he will forget to take his medication, take too many or the wrong dose?

It is certainly a worthwhile goal exploring. Talking to his pharmacist and GP would be a good starting point. Dosette boxes can be a good, cost effective option which you could fill yourself each week. Blister packs on the other hand are filled by the pharmacist and you would need to check with the pharmacist about costs for this to be filled. 

Either of those options can be a good way to monitor medication management and slowly increase David's independence over time. Achievement of this as a goal depends on his thinking abilities (particularly memory), understanding his specific medications (how many he takes and what for) and his physical ability to get the tablet out of the dosette/container and take.

There are also smart phone or tablet/iPad apps that can help with medication management you may wish to investigate with the pharmacist.

MedicineList

MedAdvisor

It is wonderful to hear you're taking some time out for you. Well done!! 

Don't hesitate to call us on StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 to discuss medication management further. 

Best wishes to you and David,

Simone and Kathryn (StrokeLine Officers)

Hi Valarie,

I am a survivor of 2 strokes n can understand David's need for independence. One of my specialists  has forced me to have Webster packs and I hate every minute of it.  The chemist account system confuses me, when you go back into hospital they will not use Webster packs so another expense having to get all new scripts dispensed. Webster packs do not mean no mistakes. Last pick up while getting my pack they noticed a mistake n had to redo them. Again this morning I had an extra tablet in the pack. Having the packs does not mean less medication in the house either. If anything it is easier if I wish to O/D. Packs depending on the chemist can range from an extra $20 to $40 per month so it all adds up just to have confusion n another out of my control decision. If you are able to supervise him organising his tablets n then put them away would make him feel he is control of something in his life. All the best to the two of you.

Hello Valerie I am a survivor of nearly 4years. Medications were a big issue here. My husband was very anxious  thinking I would forget to take medications or muddle doses. I was happy that he draw up insulin doses until my hand could manage. We resolved the pill problem by buying a dossette box from the pharmacy. I filled the box weekly and still do so. I understand your husband's desire  to manage medication.  For we survivors our independence was lost in seconds when hit by stroke. Carers loose independence as well. Talking to our pharmacist about medications  is important is important to me as I have problems with side effects. Valerie you too deserve a gold medal as carer. Recovery  can be a long arduous and frustrating journey. Enjoy your free time. My husband says his weekly fishing kept him sane. Great friends sat with me .Jenny

Thanks goldysdaughter and Jenny for sharing both of your experiences. It is so helpful for others going through a similar thing.

Goldysdaughter, have you spoken to your pharmacist about trialling a dosette box instead? It may reduce your costs if you or someone else can help you fill it each week. The apps I mention above might also be helpful and you can ask your pharmacist about whether they use one and whether it would be appropriate for you.

Best wishes,

Simone (StrokeLine)

Thank you so much for your feedback. Fortunately David has now forgotten about wanting to do his own medications. He has now moved on to being convinced we will be washed away in a flood. Everyone's stroke is different as we know. I have always worked toward his being as independant as humanly possible but think we will definitely give the pill popping a miss. I am happy he can now wipe his own nose and other body parts. So many great achievements in the past. I agree with the comments regarding the pill packs. It is rather a concern for me too they sometimes make mistakes when making them up. I am definitely giving the dossette box a miss. A friend was using one until she dropped it. With pills rolling around the room one can only imagine the resultant emotions that followed. Husbands who care for their stroke survivor wives I feel must find it somewhat harder in some ways. I always feel they deserve a special medal.  David has reasonable use of his hand now but nowhere near good enough to handle pill bottles. However he now uses that hand to wash dishes, vacuum floor with stick vacuum etc which makes him feel he is contributing again. He has  accepted he will never again have the ability to work on our car, cut back trees, climb on the roof to clean gutters etc. However in accepting these changes I have encouraged him to learn to enjoy other pleasures in life he never had time for in his past busy work a day life.  We also now have time for a great social life. He reckons life is pretty good now. 

Hi Valerie,

I am a stroke survivor and I have been reading over this conversation.

It is a beautiful thing that you write with such respect about David's recovery and need for independence.

Something caught my eye in your previous post regarding David's sudden change in what was on his mind , going from interest in managing his own medications to now being concerned about floods.

I remember myself being very confused about my sudden shifts of what was important to me one day , but not the next !

 Moving with the flows caused me less anxst than trying to come up with a reason why this was happening and I discovered along the way what was important to me in the moment of those confusing times. Difficult at times for others to stand by and watch and wait !

I wish you all the very best together , it sounds like you make a great team and enjoy your well deserved , me time.

Sue 

Hi Sue,

Thank you for your post. I will in future as you suggest just let it flow and let time take it away. David has forgotten about the floods now. In fact we are enjoying wonderful sunny winter days walking along the Maroochy River here on the Sunshine Coast in Qld.I take a thermos and we have a cuppa there. Maybe we will have some fish and chips there today. No matter what our situation in life is every day is a bonus. We should enjoy every moment. We wish you every success and happiness.

Valerie