I'm A Recovering Bad "Consumer" - Part 1

       At the Hemophilia of South Carolina 2012 Educational Symposium Family Weekend the fact hit me that I was a bad "Consumer" in the Hemophilia Community. First let me say, I've heard the term "Consumer" before, but I thought it just meant I was a consumer of blood products.  But the word "Consumer" means so much more!

     Michelle Rice, Director of Public Policy NHF, explained how to be a "Good Consumer". At the symposium we learned: A "Good Consumer" is educated and informed, not only about their bleeding disorder but about the rules and standards that apply to the various members of their care team (pharmaceutical companies, specialty pharmacies & medical professionals).

     Now, I was knowledgeable about the care I needed for my son: factor, supplies and doctor appointments.  That is all I thought I needed to know about!  

Re-organzing Factor Supplies

          So a few weeks ago, I shared with you a picture of how I stored my factor supplies and how I had to change everything.  I couldn't keep the Twins out of the Pantry.  Apparently, you can see from the picture below, they had their own idea of where to put away the factor supplies. 

 

 

     In order to prepare for my new shipment of supplies this month, Mommy needed to take control.  We have a closet near the garage door that I thought would make a great new home for the supplies.  We keep the factor in the fridge in the garage, so you have to go past this closet anyway.  The closet was being used to store my Husband items for Boy Scouts, he's a Leader.  Also, in the closet were items that someone (which would only be me), needed to find a home for. 

 

     Anyway, with a little work I was able to make the factor supplies a new home.

 

Organizing Factor Supplies

  Well, I can't keep the twins out of the pantry!  They think it's another room to play in.  Since I currently keep all the boys factor supplies in there, it's not the best place for two year olds to be.  I took the below picture two years ago and everything is still organized the same way.  (Yes, that is organized...lol)  As you know, with home infusion you have to keep everything together and easy to get to three times a week.  Being a Prophyholic Hemo Mom, I'm always looking for ways to simplify the process.

    

     Two years ago I went to the Dollar Tree and brought these containers so I could stop living out the boxes and actually see what I had.  It also was good for my son because he was able to gather his supplies easier for factor day.  I know when I first started with home infusion, it didn't come with any instructions on how to organize all this stuff.  Now that I have two boys, one with a port and one with out, to treat three times a week it's even more important that the supplies stay organized.  

     Well, this way is not going to work anymore.  I'm working on a new way to organize my supplies and will update you when I'm done.

     How do you organize your supplies?