The Pill box

When I first started dealing with my chronic illness/pain,  I had to figure out what would help manage the condition. (there really is no cure, but management is very possible for many of us) Food choices, clothing choices, exercise, sleep, scheduling and activities, supplements and medications. Each of these things needed to be looked into and figured out. 

The supplements and medications was a slow accumulation of knowledge from my own research (thank you google and online support groups), and suggestions from my doctors. At first is was pretty easy to keep up with, but as the bottles multiplied it got harder to keep up with what i took when and how much. Every day I was keeping a list of what I take and when I took it, and try to remember how much of each to take. I taped a list to my kitchen cabinet, used a notebook to write down what I took and when, pulling out bottles every day, several times a day. I tried to use little medicine cups and put one days stuff in little cups on the counter. They worked ok, but often I would forget to set them out the night before, or they would get moved, or knocked over.

I had resisted getting a pill divider for one very silly reason. My pride. Those pill dividers were for old, forgetful people. And I was not old, thank you very much. (though have always been quite forgetful) I can manage this just fine with my list and my medicine cups. But it soon became quite evident that it was just not working and was really cumbersome way to try and manage my meds. So, in a moment of desperation, I finally ordered one. Just like my mom has actually.

So now, every Sunday night I pull out all my bottles of meds, supplements and vitamins and fill the little boxes. And when I am done I know that I am ready, at least in one area for the week to come. It has helped me not miss doses, helped see when I do miss a dose, and helped me keep up with when I need to get refills. If only everything could be managed that easily. I still have a list taped to my cabinet, and I still use a notebook to jot down what I took and when, as sometimes it is necessary to take things like pain meds, or extra pecid, or benedryl. 

This simple thing has made a huge difference. I think part of the reason is that when dealing with chronic pain/illness there is just so much I can not control. No matter how hard I try, my body is going to do what it is going to do. But, this simple act of getting meds ready for the next week gives me a sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that I am doing at least one thing I need to do to take care of me.