15
Jul
Written by Mike on July 15th, 2010
As most of you know by now, I’m an open book when it comes to talking about my life with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure. I’m generally willing to talk about anything, because I believe there’s a chance that sharing what I know and live with may actually help someone else. And there’s always the benefit of being able to vent; that’s always a good thing. As is bonding with my readers and the rest of the community.
With that being said, I’d like to open the floor (is there a floor in the blogosphere?) to questions from anyone reading my blog. Do you have a question about type 2 diabetes or congestive heart failure, or some other question that you’re just chomping at the bit to ask me? You know, like general “get to know me” questions. This is your chance to get those questions answered.
Submit your questions to: mailbag@mydiabeticheart.com, or post a comment below. I’ll read them, and post the answers to this blog.
So don’t be shy. What would you like to know? I look forward to hearing from you.
26
Apr
Written by Guest Writer on April 26th, 2010
This post is a special one, as it is the first guest post written for My Diabetic Heart. The post was written by fellow DOC member & D-blogger Casey Washington, host of the blog Pumping through Life. Thanks Casey!
Mike asked me to provide some insight into what is required for a prescription to be filled and how you can help prescribers (IE physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists) and pharmacists.
I am a registered pharmacist in Ohio and Virginia. I have a Doctorate of Pharmacy and am a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist. I do not provide medical advice online. Please check with your health care team before making any changes to your health care management. My blog writings are strictly my perspective which includes living life as a person with Type 1 diabetes. You can check out my blog at http://pumpingthroughlife.blogspot.com
First, let me encourage you to get to know your pharmacist. Pharmacists are easily accessible health care practitioners. Pharmacies can be found almost everywhere and some are open 24 hours. You can call, walk in, or even drive through without an appointment. If you always go to the same pharmacy, the pharmacists can get to know you and may be better equipped to help you. The information the pharmacist knows is limited to what the prescribers write on the prescription pad and what you share with them.
To help prevent potential problems with your prescription, you may want to check your prescriptions for accuracy when they are handed to you. Each prescription must contain:
1. Date written – including month, day, and year. Depending on what medication is prescribed, the expiration of the prescription can vary. Most prescriptions must be filled with in 6 months – 1 year of being written (there are exceptions, like controlled substances).
2. Patient name – most pharmacies will ask for another identifier such as date of birth/phone number to help make sure the prescription is filled for the correct person.
3. Name of the Medication (IE metformin)
4. Strength of the medication (IE 500mg)
5. Directions – including route (PO = by mouth), dose (2 tablets), and frequency (BID = twice daily).
6. Quantity – often written as 30 or 90 days supply. If your insurance covers a 90 day supply, make sure to tell your physician.
7. Refills – this can be left blank which means there are no refills. But if you aren’t seeing the physician/nurse practitioner for several months, make sure you have enough to get you through. Refills are usually valid for 1 year.
8. Signature of clinician prescribing (Physician/nurse practitioner)
These requirements are in general. There are some regulations related to specific medications (controlled substances) as well as some state requirements. Check with your pharmacist for more information regarding your medications.
Just because the above criteria are met, doesn’t mean you won’t run into a problem. One of the required items could be written incorrectly requiring the pharmacist to call the physician office. Also, there could be interactions with the medication. It is important to go to the same pharmacy for all medications so the pharmacist can catch if any prescription medications (maybe from another doctor/urgent care/dentist) interact with other medications you take.
Another helpful action could be to have a list of formulary medications for your insurance. This way your physician can write the prescription for a cost effective medication. Usually this list is available online or you can request a printout from your insurance company.
I hope your next visit to the pharmacy is pain free.
10
Jun
Written by Mike on June 10th, 2009
After writing a question and answer styled profile for an upcoming issue of “The Rockstar Review”, a newsletter produced by Diabetic Rockstar, I’ve decided to add a Question & Answer category to my blog. Here’s how it works. You submit your questions via comments on this post, or via email to mydiabeticheart@gmail.com, and I’ll read them, and then post the question and an answer as a blog post. It’s that simple.
I’m hoping to get lots of questions, and to be able to post at least one per day. So, start sending your questions today!
11
May
Written by Mike on May 11th, 2009
Welcome to My Diabetic Heart. This is a new blog/info site about living with Diabetes and Congestive Heart Failure. The site is very much a work in progress, as I have alot things I want to add later. In the mean time, as you look around the site, you will find:
- Blog posts from the first 5 months of my fight with Diabetes and CHF,
- My diagnosis story, and
- Resources that I’ve found helpful since diagnosis.
I’m very excited to be getting this project off the ground, and hope that it will be an inspiration for everyone who visits. Thanks for visiting My Diabetic Heart. Come back soon!
