Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone has considered getting or has gotten a medical alert bracelet/ other I.D. item for their SS. I know they can be ordered and that many people carry wallet cards, but it's not the same as having someone in the medical field suggest it. With the various medications and other conditions that often coincide with SS it seems like something that could be helpful in an emergency. I've never had a doctor suggest it to me- have any of you been told to consider getting one?
I've called a few hospitals and asked. Some said- yes, definitely get one (mainly due to the fact that I take more than 1 type of medication and have multiple illnesses). Others said- no, you don't need one. I've only asked 1 doctor- this was years ago- and at the time he said I didn't need one.
Personally I'm tempted to get one that is the flash drive type and having the standard symbol on it but I'm thinking of also having the image of a zebra on it as well, would love some opinions on this idea.
I wore a medical alert bracelet when I was having blood sugar problems, where my blood sugar was spiking and then plummeting. Because it could make my behavior variable and it was possible that I could lose consciousness, it felt worthwhile. Since that has stabilized I no longer wear one.
I have to carry an alert card in my wallet as I am on biologic therapy but in addition to this I carry with it a typed list of all my medications, the conditions they are for and (most importantly) my allergies and drug reactions. They also list my key doctors contact details. My husband carries a copy as well because he wouldn't know what to tell anyone and also when I'm travelling I always have a copy in the small bag that I carry my meds in.
To my mind it is simply sensible, even if your doc hasn't advised you to do it. I like the idea of a flash drive attached to my key-chain BUT if I was involved in an accident would the emergency medics attending have the technology or time to load and look at it? One of the first thing they will do, though, is look in your purse for ID/wallet and a piece of card is easy to read. For me this is the decider as I have allergies to a commonly used local anaesthetic so in an emergency situation this information could be life preserving. I might look into a flash drive as a back-up.
I do carry a printed page of everything (diagnosis that I've been given, current medications, allergies and list of doctors) in my purse. I do try to remind/ tell anyone I'm with that I have this- just in case... but it is in the end just a printed piece of paper.
I would be okay with wearing a printed bracelet/necklace- but there is simply too much stuff to stick on one. Figured if a medic saw the jewelry they'd be more inclined to look for more information in my purse. If they could read the flash drive- great... if not at least those at the hospital should be able to and I could keep this up to date easily.
I guess I'm still just a bit surprised that more doctors don't seem to advise even carrying a list with you.
Well Jules G, thanks for sharing and responding.
Jules G said:
A great question to ask, Rae.
I have to carry an alert card in my wallet as I am on biologic therapy but in addition to this I carry with it a typed list of all my medications, the conditions they are for and (most importantly) my allergies and drug reactions. They also list my key doctors contact details. My husband carries a copy as well because he wouldn't know what to tell anyone and also when I'm travelling I always have a copy in the small bag that I carry my meds in.
To my mind it is simply sensible, even if your doc hasn't advised you to do it. I like the idea of a flash drive attached to my key-chain BUT if I was involved in an accident would the emergency medics attending have the technology or time to load and look at it? One of the first thing they will do, though, is look in your purse for ID/wallet and a piece of card is easy to read. For me this is the decider as I have allergies to a commonly used local anaesthetic so in an emergency situation this information could be life preserving. I might look into a flash drive as a back-up.
Out of curiosity- did your doctor advise you to do this, or did you just think it was a good idea? Also, could you please explain what you meant by "...it could make my behavior variable..."
Stoney said:
I wore a medical alert bracelet when I was having blood sugar problems, where my blood sugar was spiking and then plummeting. Because it could make my behavior variable and it was possible that I could lose consciousness, it felt worthwhile. Since that has stabilized I no longer wear one.
My mom, who is a diabetic, advised me to. Variable behavior. . . . When blood sugar is low I can be irritable, and shaky, among other things. Rapid blood sugar changes can impact your behavior.
I wear one…and thankfully they make them a little more attractive looking now. LOL…. I have Afib and some severe allergies. It was my asthma/allergy doc that first suggested it. However, with the mix of medications I am on I worry a great deal about anything they may give me in the hospital. Also, SS needs special considerations if surgery is involved. I figure if I'm in a car accident I'm not necessarily going to be able to go over it all.
Medic alert bracelets list your member #, the phone number to medic alert and the top few issues you have. They give you a more detailed card with all of your meds to carry in you wallet. Also, medical personnel know to call MedicAlert to get the detailed information. Its piece of mind…. Not even my family members know everything I take, let alone all of the ins & outs of the combined health issues.
I asked my rheumy about the medical alert bracelet and she said she was surprised that she hadn't mentioned it to me before. She definitely agrees that with SS, multiple diagnoses and multiple meds with a few medicine allergies I should be wearing one.
She said; "In an emergency- every bit of information that can be provided is useful."
She was pleased to hear that I informed people of where I kept my printed list (and that I carried one) but definitely thought the jewelry was something to get, so... I'm encouraging people to definitely consider getting one (and wear it) if they aren't wearing one already. :)