Medical alert bracelet or dog tags
I have a Lap-Band and a drug allergy. I've gone through 3 medic alert bracelets. My wrist kept getting too small for them and I gave up after I broke the last one. I've talked to EMT's and medical professionals about medic alert bracelets and they all say that the usual info (no blind NG tube; no NSAIDs) for bandsters is not useful because in an emergency, they're going to do whatever they have to do to keep you alive even if it means a blind NG tube, and none of them could think of why NSAIDs would be administered to an unconscious patient. But to my mind, that doesn't make medic alert bracelets a waste of money. The more information EMT's have about me, the better they can treat me.
Jean
Jean
Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com
My personal view - if you have some other medical issue - yes. But if it is just the band - no point.
If I am so incapable of speech that I cannot tell paramedics I am banded, then having a bracelet which tells them not to do a blind NG tube will be ignored ( they will save my life before worrying about damaging the tissues round the band).
I do carry a multi-language card in my purse as I travel a lot in countries whose language I don't speak and it would be handy if i needed to visit a doc!
Kate
Highest 290, Banded - 248 Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.
Happily banded since May 2006. Regain of 28lbs 2013-14. ALL GONE!
But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,
(deactivated member)
on 3/3/11 2:00 am - Des Moines, IA
on 3/3/11 2:00 am - Des Moines, IA
In my cell phone under ICE , I have info that I have a lap band, but like the others said in an emergency, they will do what they have to do. I like the idea of Kath's of putting the card about the band on the back of the driver's license.
Thanks for the response and ideas!
For the most part some people wear it as a precautionary measure.
I work at a prison and I don't bring in my wallet. Just don't want to lose it and have my information floating out there and make it easy for anyone.
I was looking at the tags http://www.laurensho...t-necklace/size
I thought it would be a good idea just in case I get into a situation where I can not respond ( verbally ) at least I will have some information.
For the most part some people wear it as a precautionary measure.
I work at a prison and I don't bring in my wallet. Just don't want to lose it and have my information floating out there and make it easy for anyone.
I was looking at the tags http://www.laurensho...t-necklace/size
I thought it would be a good idea just in case I get into a situation where I can not respond ( verbally ) at least I will have some information.
I have one for an allergy as well as my band. As far as the band info goes, it just says I have one. In a life saving necessity, I don't care what they do as far as the band is concerned - I just wanted to let them know I have one. The allergy is a much more important issue for me because that could kill me.
cat
cat
I think they are a great thing to have! I am ordering mine this week, and putting on there about no bling NG, NSAIDS, and also my allergies.
Lauren's hope has some awesome medical ID bracelets. I have done a couple of blog posts about their bracelets on FormerlyFluffy.com .
As far as safety issues after WLS I would strongly suggest u print the WLS E.R. cheat sheet:
http://www.formerlyfluffy.com/asmbs-wls-emergency-room-cheat-sheet/
Not all Drs. are very experienced with bariatric patients and that form can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation1