Medic Alert Bracelet on order

B-Trix123
on 8/15/15 2:33 pm - Toronto, Canada

I noticed in our Welcome package that TSH handed out to us that Medic Alert bracelets were on the Check List on page 33. After touring around the web to see what was out there, I noticed a lot of fancy beaded, leather & bright sporting options. I am around water a lot, so leather bracelets are out. I have a stainless steel & gold watch, so zeroed in on something that would not detract from that -- titanium w/ gold medic emblem for about $55 (Universal Medical ID).

What was very interesting to me was a series of comments made by members of another forum about what paramedics look for. They won't look at fancy bracelets to try and find an alert. I expect this to be true. The message was to keep it simple and clearly visible.

Some providers offer high tech usb, yearly memberships and so on. So if I am at the side of the road and someone finds me -- should I expect them to have a device to plug my USB into before they can help me? Do I need a $5 month membership? Nahhh. I went low tech and trust that if I am in big trouble I will be sent to a facility that can take it from there. Just thought I'd share in the event any of the rest of you are in the market.

Glad to hear opinions....

B-Trix123
on 8/15/15 3:26 pm - Toronto, Canada

Typo "TSH" should be "TWH"

Incognito55
on 8/15/15 7:32 pm - Toronto, Canada

Be careful what you have inscribed on your bracelet, I know a lot of people would rather risk an ulcer and stop a heart attack with aspirin than not be treated with the aspirin. There's a good article I saw the other day about medic alert bracelets.

B-Trix123
on 8/16/15 10:25 am - Toronto, Canada

Can you share a link to that article?

I put:

NO BLIND NG

GASTRIC BYPASS

NO NSAIDS/SUGARS

Had to do it in that order or it wouldn't fit. If I have screwed up - I can get another one done.

 

 

Incognito55
on 8/16/15 10:38 am - Toronto, Canada

Sorry I posted it in the other medic alert bracelet, less of an article more of a personal experience.

"There are two schools of thought one more antiquated than

the other...the newest standard suggest your procedure and the date you had

it...putting "No BLIND NG" and the operative word is blind and

"No NSAIDS" could cost you your life.

 

 

In late 2012 I had revision from sleeve to modified RNY because of obstruction.

..a week later, fresh out of the ICU and still in hospital I obstructed again.

The Bariatric Surgery Fellow came in to place a blind NG TUBE. I was

flabbergasted that HE didn't know the rules...my surgeon was called and he

rushed to the bedside to inform me that my stomach was dangerously distended

and while placing a blind NG tube ran the risk of potentially rupturing my

stomach, delaying and moving me to the endoscopy suite could potentially have

the same result. . .the odds were better if I accepted the BLIND NG Tube...it

was placed and 9 litres were sucked out of my newly crafted stomach. . .the

further you are from surgery the smaller the risk of rupturing the stomach. .

.this is not a risk for sleeves.

 

 

Now NSAIDS, did you know that the risk of death related to your first heart

attack can be significantly decreased (from over 90% to less than 45%) simply

by administrating 365mg of aspirin (the original NSAID)? The sooner it's

administered the greater your chance of survival. . .guess what...a medical

alert saying no NSAIDS means you won't get this life saving treatment.

 

 

Finally another personal experience with the NO NSAIDS rule...I was rushed to a

local ER in septic shock with a temperature of 42 Celsius (108 f) my brain was

about to fry...I wasn't responding to Tylenol the doctor added ibuprofen. .

.again I managed to spew the No NSAIDS guidelines. ..the physician’s

response.   'look I understand the use of NSAIDS of that you’re at an

increased risk of ulcers but right now your brain is baking...we can fix ulcers

but if you seize the damage that can result is irreparable'.  I consented

to ibuprofen my fever broke within minutes."

 

 

So please take very careful consideration of what you're having engraved on

these things or tattooed to your body...your life may depend on it

Diminishing Dawn
on 8/16/15 6:01 pm - Windsor, Canada

I'm pretty sure I know who the author of that post is (stomach rupturing) and yes it is a true story.

Give me nsaids if I need them.

Give me SUGARS please!!!  I am reactive hypoglycemic!

Please keep your bracelet simple.  Surgery date type and allergies is all you really need.

17+ years post op RNY. first year blog here or My LongTimer blog. Tummy Tuck Dr. Matic 2014 -Ohip funded panni Windsor WLS support group.message me anytime!
HW:290 LW:139 RW: 167 CW: 139

B-Trix123
on 8/16/15 7:20 pm - Toronto, Canada

Why is the date essential?

Can_Lil_Saint
on 8/17/15 9:29 am - Georgetown, Canada

Being with the St John Ambulance, the Medic Alerts does the talking when you can't.  So please have information that would be beneficial when you can't talk.  It would be great to know not to give a blind GI because your are RNY and even of you wear contacts.  It isn't really necessary to have a statement about dietary needs since it is unlikely that you would be fed while you are unconscious.  The Medical First Respond need know why we can't so that the alternative can be used. Also it has been found that registered Medic Alert have more information than the simple engraved ones.  They have next of contact, your doctor as well as any other information that A) won't fit on the bracelet and B) any more detailed information for the hospital.

I renew mine every time.

B-Trix123
on 8/17/15 11:00 am - Toronto, Canada

Thank you Lil-Saint - this all makes sense to me!

B-Trix123
on 8/21/15 3:19 pm - Toronto, Canada

A little more on the subject (it's about diabetics, but relevant to all major health concerns) http://www.diabeteshealth.com/blog/identity-crisis-most-dont-wear-medical-id-even-though-it-saves-lives/

 

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