Most multiple sclerosis symptoms and exacerbation don’t lead to a trip to the emergency room, but it’s better to be prepared. Since people with MS are dealing with more health issues and medicines than many in the population, and since people without MS can end up in the emergency room for all sorts of reasons, it makes sense to have a few things in order just in case.
I’m speaking from experience. Last Friday, I ended up in the ER. Like many people with MS, I fell. This time, I hit my head on the furniture when I fell down. Since I’m also on blood thinners, I’m on strict orders to get checked out at the ER any time I hit my head to make sure I don’t have internal bleeding. I was fine, and my visit went smoothly because I was prepared.
Have a plan in place, and have contingency plans as well. Normally, my husband is the person who would get me to the ER, but this happened while he was at work. I’ve also got kids, so I needed to make sure I had someone available to take care of them while I was there. Fortunately, I have family nearby so that I had childcare and a ride even though my main contact wasn’t available.
Have a list of medicines. I’ve nicknamed myself the Human Pharmacy because of all the medication I have to take. There’s no way I could easily remember the entire list of medicines, frequency, and dosages off the top of my head, and there’s no way anyone else could list them. I entered all of that information into Evernote, and I’ve got the app on my phone so I can easily access my notes. It’s also easy to print out notes, so I printed out a copy while I waited for my ride. When the nurse came in, I handed her the list, and it made her job so much easier. Don’t forget to include any supplements you’re taking.
Document your medical history too. I’ve got another note in Evernote to record those medical FAQs. The big question everyone needs to be able to answer is the name of your primary care physician. Pre-menopausal women are always asked the date of their last menstrual period. If you fall or have a puncture wound, you’ll likely be asked when you had your last tetanus shot. Another common question during the winter is whether or not you’ve had your flu shot. And if you have any allergies or reactions, make sure you have those listed too. Don’t just rely on your memory, because ER’s are stressful places, and it’s easy to forget something important.
Have important documents readily available. When you go to the ER, your photo ID and insurance card are essentials. It can also help to have a list of key phone numbers with you of your key contacts.
Don’t forget what to do AFTER the ER visit. The next time you go see your primary care physician, you’ll need to tell your doctor when you went to the ER and the details about your visit. And your ER visit might lead to a follow-up with a specialist, who will definitely need to know the details of your visit.
No one wants to go to the ER. But if you do have to go, make it as easy on yourself as you can.
