Medical Alert...Do you.....?

Medical Alert...Do you.....?

Do you wear one?
Do you have one?
Do you think it's a good idea?
Did you order one and wear it all the time?
Did you order one with the intention of wearing it and never actually do?
Do you think it's not necessary?

Sarah

 I have one, and wear it most of the time, sometimes I forget, but I especially wear it when I am in a potential medical situation, riding my bike, swimming, travelling, etc. \i don't know that it's necessary, but the one I have was less than 5 dollars and I am glad I have it... good to know that people are advised and me ICE numbers are on it.

I do have medical bracelet... it has:

No blind NG tube
RNY Gastric bypass
my surgeons name
ICE phone #
no NSAIDS and no sugar

to answer your questions
Yes I own/wear one
Yes it's a good idea (as per last orientation I went to)
I ordered before surgery and it's worn all the time (mine is stainless steel)

Koree

I have always had a medical Alert bracelet due to previous health issues. Now that I have had my gastric bypass I am going to update my info card and bracelet.

Question for you:I do not understand the comment no blind NG tube what does that mean. This info regarding the medical bracelet was not brought up at the meetings that I attended. Could you kindly explain it to me.

Thanks very much!

Medic Alert bracelets for RNY should NEVER say "no sugar" as this could kill you if you were attended to by paramedics while having a hypoglycaemic episode.

Medic Alert bracelets for RNY should NEVER say "no NSAIDS" as this could kill you if you were having a stroke or heart attack and the medical personell hesitated to give you appropriate treatment because of what was on your bracelet (ask your surgeon, he'll tell you NSAIDs are appropriate in emergencies).

Medic Alert bracelets for RNY do not need to say "no blind NG tube". This is a small, flexible, soft platic tube inserted through the nose (or sometimes mouth) and put into the stomach. It is a myth that it can burst your pouch.

I have one and I wear it most of the time.  I do forget, but I also have one for my keychain, which I usually have with me.

My doctor said from the perspective of an ER doc who knows very little about WLS, that he recommends it strongly.  Mine just has the surgery and my contacts, no specifics, but enough that the doctor could do a little research before performing any tests or giving any meds. 

My doctor also recommended getting a picture of what they do to your stomach to keep in your purse.  I picked up a little one at the clinic last time I was there.  He just thought showing it to any doctor or nurse would help them to understand what has been done to my insides.  I thought it was a good idea. 

Tracy

ETA: Mine does day no blind NG tube, but my doctor cautioned against saying no nsaids or no sugars because those could be used in an emergency situation where the benefits of treatment far outweigh the risks.

I have one, I wear it when I go out mostly.  I think it's a good idea so that medical professionals know that we have had this surgery if we are rendered unconcious or unable to communicate.  There are medical procedures that are performed differently on us and they have to be aware of that so they don't hurt us.  It's a good idea. :)

Yes, I ordered one and I wear it every day.  I actually ordered the necklace one.  Thought it would be easier for me to remember it.

It has come in really handy in restaurants as well.  I have shown it to the waitress/waiter and have been allowed to eat off the childrens menu.  Although in the US they give their patients a card that states the surgery they have had which allows them to eat of the childrens menu at most restaurants.  Ottawa Civic has just started handing out these same cards.  I wonder if the other sites will be doing the same.

Allyson

I have worn it every day since surgery.
Better to be safe than find yourself in an emergency situation without one.

All the best.
Harold

Yes, I have one, but I sometimes forget to put it on.  My bad!

The info:

Name
RNY Gastric Bypass
No Blind NG Tubes
Use Caution:  NSAIDS
ICE: (Hubby's cell number)

I bought it from http://www.laurenshope.com/, just the tag, and made the bracelet myself.  Here's a pic:    
   

You can choose the colour of the MedicAlert symbol.  I liked white since it's neutral.

HTH.