Medical alert bracelets?

Gwen M.
on 8/30/15 1:30 pm
VSG on 03/13/14

That was hardly an attack - it was an important question.  A medic alert bracelet is for information that the EMS can use if you're unconscious and they need to save your life.  And there's nothing about having a VSG that would prevent any kind of life-saving action being administered however, having a bracelet with irrelevant demands could a) slow EMS's ability to help you and b) prevent them from doing something to save you.  Both of which are suboptimal.  

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)

tatirod
on 8/30/15 1:33 pm - Toronto, Canada

As I mentioned, VSG is not my only medical problem. I have UC, for which NSAIDS can cause uncontrollable bleeding and I have been in the ER for that after my PCP told me taking naproxen would be ok. He was mistaken. I had a major GI bleed and almost died.

Referral: February 2015; TWH Orientation: April 2015; Social Worker: June 10, 2015: Nurse Practitioner: June 11, 2015; Nutrition Class: June 15, 2015; Psychometry Assessment: June 16, 2015; Nutrition Assessment: July 22, 2015; NP follow-up: July 28, 2015; Surgeon Consult: August 28, 2015; Surgery: November 6, 2015; Operation: VSG

Gwen M.
on 8/30/15 1:35 pm
VSG on 03/13/14

And, for you, putting that on a medic alert bracelet would make sense - and it sounds like you should have one already!  But that's not a VSG-related issue and there's nothing that needs to be on a medic alert bracelet due to VSG.  

VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)

Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170

TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)

tatirod
on 8/30/15 4:12 pm, edited 8/30/15 4:12 pm - Toronto, Canada

As I mentioned, my hospital recommends a medical alert bracelet for VSGers. I suppose it was an error to ask on the forum instead of seeking actual medical advice from my centre. For that I apologize. 

Pas I also mentioned, perhaps part of their reasoning is that for the first 6 weeks post op an alert would be useful in the event of emergency (leak, etc). I don't know their rationale. I do appreciate your opinion, but I will go with the opinion of my medical centre.

Referral: February 2015; TWH Orientation: April 2015; Social Worker: June 10, 2015: Nurse Practitioner: June 11, 2015; Nutrition Class: June 15, 2015; Psychometry Assessment: June 16, 2015; Nutrition Assessment: July 22, 2015; NP follow-up: July 28, 2015; Surgeon Consult: August 28, 2015; Surgery: November 6, 2015; Operation: VSG

mljohns
on 8/30/15 7:49 am
DS on 01/27/15

I have one with the name of my surgery,the date,the dr name and his phone number. I travel often for business. I also have a medical directive in my wallet with more information.

    

        
mellen613
on 8/30/15 11:04 am

Not needed.  Remember if you are unconscious the ER or the Paramedics won't give you anything by mouth...it will all be intravenous.

 

Donna L.
on 8/30/15 12:43 pm - Chicago, IL
Revision on 02/19/18

I don't have a medic alert bracelet.  There's really no need, I feel.  Instead, I have a card in my wallet which would get checked in an emergency immediately to find out insurance info and other things.  I also have my Celiac and other info there.  Thing is, by the time you'd need an NG tube, they'd already know about the gastrectomy.

I follow a ketogenic diet post-op. I also have a diagnosis of binge eating disorder. Feel free to ask me about either!

It is not that we have so little time but that we lose so much...the life we receive is not short but we make it so; we are not ill provided but use what we have wastefully. -- Seneca, On the Shortness of Life

tatirod
on 8/30/15 1:31 pm - Toronto, Canada

I appreciate everyone who took time to respond to my query.

i do not carry a wallet or purse, so a bracelet is a good option for me as recommended by my hospital. I have some good ideas for what info I should include now. 

Referral: February 2015; TWH Orientation: April 2015; Social Worker: June 10, 2015: Nurse Practitioner: June 11, 2015; Nutrition Class: June 15, 2015; Psychometry Assessment: June 16, 2015; Nutrition Assessment: July 22, 2015; NP follow-up: July 28, 2015; Surgeon Consult: August 28, 2015; Surgery: November 6, 2015; Operation: VSG

psren13
on 8/30/15 3:16 pm - NC
VSG on 03/11/15

I can't see a feasible reason why any EMT or even doctor would give any NSAID in an emergency situation, especially if you were unconscious.  

 

 

tatirod
on 8/30/15 11:08 pm - Toronto, Canada

I believe they put aspirin under the tongue for suspected cardiac arrest.

Referral: February 2015; TWH Orientation: April 2015; Social Worker: June 10, 2015: Nurse Practitioner: June 11, 2015; Nutrition Class: June 15, 2015; Psychometry Assessment: June 16, 2015; Nutrition Assessment: July 22, 2015; NP follow-up: July 28, 2015; Surgeon Consult: August 28, 2015; Surgery: November 6, 2015; Operation: VSG

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