Medic Alert Bracelet on order
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....
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
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
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.
