Getting Along with Your Doctor
Follow up visits to neurologists and even your family physician
will be a part of your routine for some time ahead. A few
precautions taken before discharge may prove very helpful.
Speak with the staff at the rehabilitation facility about getting
your family member’s medical records transferred to your family
physician. They will need to know what medications the person
is taking and what treatment they have received. This may
save your family member from unnecessary tests and delays in
treatment.
Be sure to make all appointments, or call in advance if
you can’t make the appointment and request to reschedule. This
will show your involvement and responsibility in this area. This
will be an important habit to form in other areas as well. Be sure
to use a calendar that is well posted and use reminders to keep
those appointments. Don’t trust it to memory: write it down!
Other suggestions include:
• Bring a complete list of your physical problems. Take time to
write down all of your physical symptoms.
• Take your medications as prescribed. However, if you have
any side-effects, call the doctor’s office IMMEDIATELY! It
may be simple or severe; but be sure to let your doctor know.
Do not stop taking your medication without first calling
your doctor.
• Be brief in the description of problems. Use simple sentences
and be as direct in the description as possible.
• If necessary, keep a pain journal. Most hospitals have a pain
scale to help you communicate your level of pain. You may
want to put down how you feel when you first wake up, after
medications and meals. Chart your pain scale each day. The
changes will let you know if you really are getting better, or
worse.
• Inform the doctor on any progress you are making. The fact
that you are getting better in some areas is a compliment to
the doctor.
By working together with family, friends and professionals you
can be assured that your family member’s journey to recovery
will continue long after they return home. The Brain Injury
Alliance of Kentucky will continue to provide you with any
information and resources you need to aid you and your family
in the rehabilitation
process.
at Louisville East
The Pathways Brain Injury
Program is an inpatient rehabilitation
unit that offers
sub-acute and neurobehavioral
services for person with
acquired brain injuries. Pathways
is designed to provide
nursing and rehabilitation
services for those with traumatic
and non-traumatic brain
injuries. Pathways accepts
commercial insurance as well
as Medicare and Kentucky
Medicaid.
• CARF accredited specialty
brain injury program
• Comprehensive treatment
by an interdisciplinary
team
• Licensed physical,
occupational and speech
therapy
• Physiatrist
• Recreation therapy service
• Rehabilitation nursing
• Neuropsychology
• Social services
• Psychiatry
4200 Browns Lane
Louisville, KY 40220
502.459.8900
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www.www.pathwaysbraininjuryprogram.providencelouisville.com
com
16 2020-2022 BIAK Resource Journal
/www.www.pathwaysbraininjuryprogram.providencelouisville.com