Posted by Dave Emond (152.163.205.81) on September 27, 2001 at 12:07:23:
Fellow Clusterheads,
As with the Employer/Employee form mentioned below, we have heard of many bad experiences when a CH sufferer goes to the ER.
We have created a form to take with you to the ER that is intended to get you quick and competent attention. This form should be printed and taken to your doctor for best results.
It includes all the information the ER would need to best get you through the registration process quicker.
If you go to ER under attack by yourself or with a supporter, all the information you may not be able to relate yourself, will already be available on this form. You would not have to worry about trying to explain your condition or worry about filling out forms under severe pain.
The form also makes it clear that the CH sufferer is NOT just a person fiegning symptoms to receive drugs, a common problem. It includes important medical advice for the ER in treating your specific case: Medications you are on, medications you have allergies to, and the best recommended treatment the ER can give you in relieving your CH attack.
Also included is an area you can fill in that would cover any information needed to register, without having to do it yourself.
This form too will soon be available at the OUCH website under "Cluster Resources".
The OUCH website is high maintenance, so we ask for patience as we try to provide more and more information that CH sufferers can print out and use for their needs.
If you feel you could use this ER form right away, I can send you a copy under Microsoft Word format. (Once on the OUCH site, it will also be in PDF format.)
On the table and soon to be available are the JCAHO "Patients rights to be pain free". A guide for what to do if you feel you were treated improperly.
Also a Children's Diary for parents with children suffering from CH. An adult version will soon follow.
OUCH is continuing to add resources to help members and non members. If you have not already joined OUCH, please consider it, together we can all work to help ourselves live better lives while dealing with CH by addressing the issues that confront us daily. We have a long list ahead of us relating to many topics related to these issues. Such as disability information, insurance appeals, etc. We will tackle each subject in a timely manner so as to ensure the best possible help to CH sufferers. Give us time and/or join in to help and we will do our best to serve our members.
Regards,
Dave