Cold hands
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If any of you have a problem with cold hands and/or cold feet, here's something I came across tonight... these are gel filled "mittens" for hands, feet, a painful back, etc. They're designed to be warmed in the microwave , then just tuck your hands or feet or whatever inside... the maker claims you don't have to leave them on all time... says the mitts are soothing to the hand after wearing for only a few minutes. check their website at http://www.WarmMeUps.com
Submitted by -- JeannieTX
Handicapped parking permit
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In this State (NJ) you have to go to the DMV to get a form and mailing envelope that is filled out and signed by your doctor (pick one, any one) and send it in. We can opt for either new license plates (with a wheelchair on it) or a tag that hangs from your rear view mirror. I find myself going more places than I did before knowing that I will not have to park a mile away from the entrance.
Submitted by -- Valerie
Editor's note: Remember please that it is against the law for anyone but the disabled person to use a disabled placard or plate. Also, if the disabled person does not get out of the car when parked in a handicapped spot, you can also get ticketed.
Medic alert bracelet
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All persons diagnosed with PH should consider wearing a Medic Alert bracelet or medallion. Some medical personnel will give you an application brochure; or you can sign up online at www.medicalert.org. You can sign up there to join; order bracelet or other symbol; change address, contact info or doctors; pay for updates, etc. The bracelet or medallion will carry info that you would want an ER doctor to know in case you are incapacitated. My bracelet, for example, says: "Pulmonary Hypertension; Do not stop Flolan Pump; PH 800-935-6526" plus my personal ID Number, and the collect phone number for Medic Alert. The PH 800 number on my bracelet is the Flolan and Pump info line to 24 Hour nurses at Accredo, my Flolan supplier. I need to order a new one now to add that I am on Coumadin.
I also keep this same type of information on a sheet attached to my refrigerator for the attention of any Paramedics or EMTs who might be called to my home.
Submitted by -- Judy Vucci
Editor's note: Accredo will pay for your first year of medic alert memership if you are on Flolan.
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My daughter Elise was not at all enthusiastic about wearing a medic alert bracelet, but one day saw an article in Glamour about Hallie Barrie who wears a medic alert bracelet made by a company called Lauren's Hope. We found the web site which is http://www.laurenshope.com and Elise was thrilled to find something that she will wear.
Submitted by -- Lynn Firestone
Meds
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Check your Meds. Pharmacies make mistakes. I have had several experiences in the last few years since being ill with PH in regards to my meds being mixed up. Always check your medicine against your label on your medicine bottle. We all know about reading the front of the label, but did you know that on the side is the actual description of your pill. Your pill should read exactly as the label on the side. For instance:
I take Diovan HCT 160mg/12.5 mg tablets. That occurs on the front of my label. Along with all of the other pertinent information.
The side of my label reads:
Oval Brownish-Red Tablet
Side 1:HHH
Side 2:CG
I then take my pills out and inspect them. My pill will have the same exact numbers or letters that are on the side of my label. If they do not match take them back to your pharmacy.
Submitted by -- Ruth
OTC Meds
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Many PH doctors fail to mention that certain otc medications can be dangerous to the PH patient and others with high blood pressure or certain types of heart disease. Decongestants - found in many but not all cold remedies and cough syrups - are particularly bad because they cause constriction of the blood vessels. Take care in reading the labels and if you have questions about a particular drug, talk to the pharmacist. As a natural alternative, irrigation of the nasal passages with saline solution and/or inhaling mentholated steam might be helpful.
Submitted by -- Cheryl Switzer
Editor's note: you should also speak to your doctor about any new meds!!
Rest
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Here is a tip I use to cope with mild ph. When I get tired, I sleep.
Submitted by -- Margaret
Shopping
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Always go with friends that know your condition, it's very nice to have good pals around that will watch out for you while doing that fun girl thing =)
Submitted by -- Aries
Walking
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Sounds funny, but, when I used to get really SOB and faint I found the
easiest way to get up any hills was to walk backwards. Don't ask me why it worked but it did.
Best wishes,
Sue ( London, England ) pph 1966
Submitted by -- Sue Hayes
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This site has been constructed by your friends and neighbors in the PH community. The material on this web site has been prepared and is copyrighted by PH Central, Inc. The material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, theological or legal advice. The material does not necessarily reflect the opinions of PH Central, Inc, and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date. This information is not intended to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a doctor, legal advice from an attorney, or financial advice from a financial planner. No person should act or rely on any information on this site, or linked to this site, without seeking the advice of the appropriate profession to which the information applies.
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