Hospitals May Pose Increased Risk

Hello NoN Community,
We get asked a lot about increased risk for a variety of activities related to PD.  One common one that pops up is, "Am I at a hire risk of problems when I go into the hospital?"  The short answer is actually YES.  There are 2 main issues:

1. Most people will not get there medications on time while staying in a hospital.  This obviously can lead to a variety of problems.  We strongly recommend having your medication schedule printed in a pack to bring with you to the hospital.
2. Most people will also suffer unnecessary complications due to medications, falls, and incomplete medical histories.

The Parkinson's Foundation has created an "Aware in Care Hospitalization Kit" that you can purchase HERE.  The kit is free with an $8 shipping charge.  You can certainly make your own.  Just make sure it is accessible and you remember to bring it with you in the event that you need to go to the hospital.  Consider having the following items:

1. Medication list with dose, time of day, with/without food.
2. Past medical history list (previous diagnoses, surgeries, trips to the hospital)
3. Any information regarding DBS, Pacemaker, or any other electronics in your body.
4. Emergency contacts along with relationship and numbers.

We hope this helps.  Check out the Parkinson's Foundation page (or the video below) to see their kit or make your own.  It will make any experience at the hospital much better for you.

Thanks!