Question:
About medical alert ID bracelets...
I was wondering how important everyone feels it is to have a medical alert bracelet after surgery, how many out there have them, and what you have printed on them? Thanks everyone. Bonnie Lap RNY 5/6/03 — Bonnie R. (posted on November 2, 2003)
November 2, 2003
I think it is of the upmost importance to have a medi-alert braclett. I
belong to Medic Alert and my braclett reads "Gastric Bypass,place N/G
tube with Endoscopy". If you are ever in a accident and can not speak
or are unconious, they will put a N/G tube down your throat and poke a hole
in your new stomach, with the above on a alert braclett, they will not
blindly place a tube.
— cindy
November 2, 2003
I have a medic alert necklace. In addition to stating NG tube by scope
only, gastric bypass, it also includes my name, my pcp's name and number,
and two emergency contact names and numbers. Sounds like alot, I believe
(without looking) it is 9 lines (small but readable print). I got it on
the internet through a search for medic alert tags. It only cost $15 plus
a small shipping charge. Much less expensive than the "Medic
Alert" name brand and much more info on the tag.
Linda
— Linda B.
November 2, 2003
I have a medic alert necklace. In addition to stating NG tube by scope
only, gastric bypass, it also includes my name, my pcp's name and number,
and two emergency contact names and numbers. Sounds like alot, I believe
(without looking) it is 9 lines (small but readable print). I got it on
the internet through a search for medic alert tags. It only cost $15 plus
a small shipping charge. Much less expensive than the "Medic
Alert" name brand and much more info on the tag.
Linda
— Linda B.
November 2, 2003
Hi Bonnie,
Yes, I have a Medic Alert necklace. (I got it at www.medicalert.org) It
has the name of my surgery (BPD/DS) and my surgeons name and contact
information. I also have my PCP's contact information, too. I really
don't wear it unless I'm traveling, to be honest.
Blessings,
dina
— Dina McBride
November 2, 2003
Bonnie,
I went to http://www.laurenshope.com and bought mine there. It's
beautiful, with pink Swarovski crystals...and it cost $78 and change. Not
too bad, it was my bday gift to myself. It says, "No blind NG
tube", "No NSAIDS" and then
"Asthmatic-Albuterol".
I think it's important to have. Heaven forbid anything actually happen to
someone where they need an NG tube, but you don't want them jamming that
thing down there and perforating your pouch, you know?
— jenn_jenn
November 2, 2003
Frankly, I would recommend nothing but the Medic Alert bracelets at
http://www.medicalert.org Necklaces are fine, but I would think that
they'd be less noticeable by an EMT than a bracelet (especially if they are
tucked inside a shirt or blouse). The medical alert bracelets made by
other companies are not going to provide the service of keeping all of your
information on a computer file available to the EMT's and other health care
professionals taking care of you by calling Medic Alert COLLECT. You can
even update your information online.
<p>
As far as the previous poster (Dina) that only wears her medical id
necklace when travelling, does that include anytime that you hop in the car
to go to the store? If you have the need to wear a medical ID
bracelet/necklace - whether it's Medic Alert's or Brand X's - then don't
let your vanity get in the way of wearing it "24 x 7"...JR
— John Rushton
November 2, 2003
Bonnie,
I asked my doctor about the bracelet on my first visit after my surgery.
He told me that if something were to happen and you were passed out and/or
can not talk to tell them about your surgery and they put any tube down
your thoat, it could kill you! I wear my bracelet all the time -I have not
had it off since I received it in the mail- why take the chance?
I ordered it right off of the website - seems like it was only $35 - for
peace of mind - that is very little money! Mine says: "Roux-En-Y
Gastric Bypass -Do not blindly place NG tube. Use Endoscopy." and
then it has an 800 # and my "case number" on it.
I ordered the "regular" bracelet because it is reconized right
off - and it is always on my wrist! Hopefully, I'll never have to use it,
but it is nice to know that it is there if I ever need it!
Good Luck!
Danette Christiansen
— Danette C.
November 2, 2003
I believe it is very important to wear a necklace or bracelet. If we were
ever in an accident and someone in ER put a nasogastric tube in our stomach
it could rupture our new pouch. I have been wearing one ever since my
surgery.
— NATALIE A.
November 3, 2003
Bonnie, I have 2 so far and can't wait to wear one as a post-op (my
surgery is a few days away). Mine says my name, Gastric Bypass-RNY no NG
tube/no NSAIDs.
— Soosan
November 6, 2003
I'm glad to read all of these responses. I asked the same question of my
surgeon and he said it was not necessary because puncturing the pouch was
nearly impossible. I'm sure he knows what he is talking about but I'm
still scared. I have read too many times where NG tubes have caused
problems. Thanks for the information on where to get a bracelet. I'll be
ordering one tonight.
— Katherine B.
November 6, 2003
Hi, I am four months out and have always thought it important to be able to
communicate in any emergency. I bought mine from AVON. They come with two
in-terchangable braclets, and one Medic Alert Plate. Mine says "
Medical Condition" and I will have it imprinted with RNY Gastric
Bypass. No NG tube w/o Scope. It was 9.99. Check with your local Avon rep
to order one now. What take chances on our Pouchie's when we don't need to.
God Bless.
— PammieC
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