Tip #101 Journal Jotting; Recording Like a Rockstar?

     Have you ever wanted to be a rock star? Ever sung into a hairbrush or donned a faux-hawk and leather jacket to play some air guitar? I guess in this day and age it's more appropriate to ask if you've ever dreamed of being a rock star after you play guitar hero or Wii Rockband?! Well, if you have ever considered being a rock star, you are not alone. And if you haven't - well, why not?
     Okay, well, maybe the following suggestion won't get you any closer to being a rock star than you already are, but you never know... it might come in handy someday:)  What am I talking about? I'm talking about a digital voice recorder. And, while at some point you could use it to record your rock star moments, there is a great alternative during the recovery process. Consider...
  
Caregivers

• Are you caring for an individual who doesn't want you to be in the same room with them and their physicians or other medical team members? 
• Are you unable to accompany your loved one to an important medical appointment because of work or other commitments?
• Do you find it difficult to remember all that was said by the Doctor about your loved one - especially if the info had technical information you are not familiar with?
• Do you find that no matter what you do, you cannot seem to be with your loved one at the same time they physician comes while your loved one is in hospital (as you don't usually have any idea when the physicians will come, or how many of them will come throughout the course of the day)? 

     If you say yes to any of these questions, then perhaps you and your loved one should consider using a digital recorder. In case of the first question above, your loved one may consent to record the appointment simply for their own peace of mind, and not consent to letting you hear the conversation, and it's important to respect that. Still, the recording can be helpful even if they are not prepared to share the information with you - as they can play it back to themselves, and get any important information they may have missed (appointments can be overwhelming), and/or to choose the information they would like to share with you, without leaving you extremely confused (well, in some cases less confused!) :)!


Those of you recovering

• Do you ever leave a medical appointment feeling unsure of what just happened because a huge amount of information was shared with you in a very short period of time?
• Do you ever feel overwhelmed after a medical appointment because the information was devastating, and after hearing a word like "Cancer" (or any other scary words) you weren't able to focus on what was being said to you?
• Do you find it difficult to pay attention to what is being said while writing the info down at the same time?
• Do you find it frustrating to answer questions posed by your loved ones and/or caregivers about what happened during a medical appointment?
• Do you think you would find it easier to say a few words into a small recorder than to write memos and such down (phone messages, items for the grocery list, a reminder of something you need to do....)?

     If you said yes to any of the above questions then again, I suggest you consider using a digital voice recorder. If it gives you peace of mind, then why not do it? Well, one reason is the cost. I get that. If you have a cell phone/smart phone, or some other device that allows you to record everything you need to -then great. The voice recording function exists on some phones - but the length of the recording might not be all you need - perhaps consider checking your manual. If you would like to buy one, I went to "ehow" and it had this link on how to find the right recorder. You can often find them at Staples or other such office supplies stores for anywhere between $50 and $300 dollars. No longer are voice recorders big, cumbersome objects requiring cassette tapes and such. No, now they are digital, sleek, and very easy to use. Kinda' cool really...


****Please note:
Re Vulnerability  
I debated about whether or not to include this, but I think I will, though in brief. Do you ever feel more vulnerable because of your current situation? You can be in a more vulnerable spot, but you can also feel more vulnerable because of the trauma that has happened, or the difference you are currently experiencing in terms of physical strength. Either way, if you are feeling vulnerable would it make you feel less vulnerable to know that your conversations with specific people in your care are being recorded? If so, then it may be an especially good suggestion to record these appointments.
     But, there might be even better suggestions yet - like seeking professional help (social worker, police, etc.), and/or seeking care from an alternate individual. Whatever the decision, may I suggest that from here-on-in you make sure that you are never, ever alone with that individual. I am not a social worker, nor am I a criminalist, so I cannot advise you on how to proceed except to say that I think finding someone qualified who can advise you how to proceed is a great idea.
Re Permissions
Please make sure that you ask the people you are recording (medical member and your loved one/caregiver) permission to make the recording! If you are afraid you won't have the opportunity to ask  the medical professional, or your loved one is not able to communicate that to the professional (or is nervous about doing so, or worried about offending their practitioner), you could have a short note accompanying the recorder that briefly (very briefly) specifies why you would like the recording. 
  
     Wow. Who knew there could be so much to say about digital voice recorders? Since many of the reasons for having such a device are to relieve (or at least minimize) stressors like a lack of information, misinformation, miscommunication, and general confusion, I think it is worth considering, if it is something you can afford. Well, for that matter, anything that can lessen stressors during the recovery process is worth considering as far as I'm concerned - as long as it does not require loads of energy to implement. And who knows? Maybe this will mean that you will have enough pep in your step to start practicing for that new career as a rock star!!! No?

Happy rockin' out!!