Update: Working with my mom [she has done some things without my knowledge, in areas I actually know something], we are prepared in perhaps almost every critical area. The critical area I'm short in is prescription medications. The fiascos associated with finding and keeping a psychiatrist in a small town has eaten up my reserves. The good news is I am in the process of getting off of Clonazepam, a controlled medication for treating anxiety. I'm glad I am doing this now, gradually and slowly. I was taking 2 MG a day. If I am having the trouble I am now going from 1.25 MG a day to 1 MG a day, I would hate to see the hell I would go through if I suddenly went from 2 MG to zero in one day.

Jeanette Isabelle

Are they scripts that you can get a three month supply of?

I realize, depending on cost, and type of meds that may not be possible.

I'm on five diabetic meds and with the insurance we just switched from, there was no copay after out of pocket was met, and since there were no controlled meds, it was easy for me to do.

A lot less work than what you're doing, but congrats on getting it done!

Even Mirtazapine, a non-controlled psychiatric medication, has always been a one-month supply. Whereas the last time a primary care doctor prescribed an inhaler, he gave me three. I don't need three. I only need one . . . which I always have on me . . . just in case.

Jeanette Isabelle

+1 per Doug & others as to getting the shingles vaccine in you late 50s - early 60s. Same with pneumonia as per Les' post. After you get one pneumonia shot, get the Previnar shot, as soon as a Doc allows. It broadens the range of pneumonia prevention. Don't forget to get a DPT booster, albeit they call it something else now. Same re flu vaccine , but I recently read that seniors may want to wait until Oct.-Nov. to get the flu shot to insure best immunity during the worst of the flu season. Check with a doctor on this issue. If you travel or like raw seafood, get the Type A & B hepatitis vaccine, as well.

I learned the Hep vaccine lesson the hard way, from a bad raw clam. Almost did me in as result of getting a secondary bacterial infection from being compromised by the Type A Hep infection. Can you say 106.5 fever spikes for ~10 days, a 25lb. weight loss I didn't need and a reduced work schedule for about 6 weeks, because I was "shot" by 2:30pm.

Lastly, if you have kids, who might become sexually active ( yes, entertain the possibility from about age 10), make sure they get the HPV vaccine. Prevention is not an invitation to promiscuity no matter what some zealot may tell you. Same re safe sex education.

Edit/Addition: I think that if I lived in a flood prone area, especially if it's a warm climate, I'd talk to my Doc about getting the Typhus & Typhoid vaccinations.

Make reminder notes on your phone's calendar app - helps

Update: During the last visit, my doctor gave me 90 tablets of Lorazepam, that will last me a year and a half (on average I need a rescue pill once a week), and 180 1 MG tablets of Clonazepam. I need 0.5 MG of Clonazepam. Therefore the bottle of 180 will last me a year. Having this reserve is good because I'm anticipating trouble later this year.

My other doctor is still prescribing Mirtazapine at 30 tablets a month. Therefore I am likely to run out in two months at best if the trouble hits. The good news from the second doctor is, according to him, my issue of being in a car is claustrophobia, not anxiety. He gave me medication for claustrophobia. Let's see how that works.

Jeanette Isabelle

JI... check with your doctor and pharmacist... I believe the State of Florida allows a double prescription fill during hurricane season

First, my doctor gives me a year's supply of Clonazepam and a year and a half's supply Lorazepam. Today, somehow, the pharmacy gives my mom an additional four-month supply of a medication she takes.

I don't know what you believe; it's like YHWH is helping us to prepare.

Edit: The pharmacy didn't provide my mom additional medication, they mislabeled the bottles. My mom was given three bottles. One was labeled thirty tablets. Each of the other two bottles was labeled ninety tablets. However, every bottle had only thirty tablets.

Jeanette Isabelle

"Sounds like a plan, Stan". I only have 2 meds and missing them is hardly life threatening. I take them to avoid the uric acid crystals building up in my feet and knees. The prescription is only enough for 1 month so if I refill a little early I could possibly build up a backup supply in case of unexpected interruption. Thanks for the tip.