It is important to help your doctor decide on the best treatment for you. Provide him or her with a full report of how your medication is working, including how long it works for you. Also note any side effects.
To help you talk with your doctor, keep a diary of when you take your medication. Record this information for a few days and then share it with your doctor at your next appointment.
The types of information you can record in your diary include, but is not limited to:
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The times of day when you take your Parkinson’s disease medications (i.e. if you take more than one medication, make sure you are specific). |
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The times of day when you have good symptom control. |
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Which symptoms come back during the day and when. |
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What symptoms you experience at night (e.g. sleep disturbances). |
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Any complications you may experience, such as dyskinesia, and their relation to when you take your medication. |
Sometimes it helps to note your mealtimes. See if the times of day when you typically eat affect your symptom control.
Some people find it useful to describe their symptoms with words. You might wish to write down how they affect your daily life. Use a system that you are comfortable with and that has meaning for you.
A diary will help your doctor understand what happens when you are not in his or her office. It will also track your progress when your medications have been changed. Keeping a diary of your symptoms will give you and your doctor an accurate, long-term record to look back on. Again, the most important thing is that you have a diary that is easy for you to use.
Remember to keep talking to your doctor — as well as your physical therapist, occupational therapist or social worker — about your symptoms. Work closely with your healthcare team as much as possible to make sure you receive the best available treatment.
