Medical I.D. bracelets

Hi All,
I am so grateful for the support I have received already and I am looking forward to the time that I can give support too as well as needing it.
I think that I saw this info on another posting but I can't find it again.
I am thinking of getting a Medic alert bracelet and was wondering if other PM recipients have them. I usually have my ID card with me in my pocket or purse but I think a bracelet with pertinent info would be more obvious and therefore useful. If one has a bracelet I assume that the maker and # of your pacemaker and Dr. name and phone # would be pertinent but is there anything else that would make getting help easier should I pass out ? Also any recommendations for supply companies to use ?
Thanks for any feedback,
Bonnie

4 Comments

Hi Bonnie

by Bionic Beat - 2008-06-01 09:06:39

After having my PM implanted and my ablation, I got two Medic Alert items.

One is a bracelet worn on my right arm and a necklace, just as backup.

Those cover two of the three pulse areas that someone would check.

I have three medical issues covered, Pacemaker Dependent, Anticoagulated and Allergy to Penicillin.

Years ago, I had just a bracelet, before all this cardiac "stuff" but the bracelet sometimes slipped off.

Now, I cannot afford to be without, if I lose one, I have a backup. My friend suggested that I have a second item and now, I think it's a great idea.

They sent me two pieces of paper for wallets/pockets, that list my Husband and daughters phone numbers as well as 2 doctors' numbers and other medical information.

There is a free number for ER people to call for further information also.

Hope this helps.

Bionic Beat

I wear a Medic Alert Bracelet

by Swedeheart - 2008-06-02 02:06:08

Hello,

I wear my MedicAlert bracelet 24/7. There are several different bracelet "companies"... but I personally like the services that MedicAlert.org provides. You can do all the "paperwork" online or you can telephone them. They are an international group so if you travel your information will be with you. They have a variety of bracelets at a wide variety of prices... I went basic, but my idea is I don't want my bracelet to look like jewelry, but something a medic needs to read!

Medic Alert will allow you to list 5 contacts either physicians, your family, etc. and will also collect your medical history information. There are several different services they offer for several different fees. I went with the middle of the road, something like $40 a year. If I cannot speak for myself they can provide an ER or doctor with a list of my meds, medical history, information about my pacemaker, and contact my family for me. I emailed them questions and they were great to respond promptly.

Do a little homework and see what you feel most comfortable with. Some bracelets you purchase in the store don't provide additional service, but it can list your meds, or that you have a PM or ICD.

Good luck.

Swedeheart

med I.D

by Lexi3 - 2008-06-02 07:06:25

Bonniefox,

Thanks for bringing up medical I'D's I have had a pacer for 13 years now and never had an I.D bracelet. I read your post and ordered one yesterday.
I got one that you can open and pull out a little paper with all your info on it. I tried to get a silver pretty one but they hardly fit any information. Thanks for the post!
I would recommend one that opens to hold more info rather than just the silver bracelet--unless: you only have one medical condition and no meds, etc.....

med I.D

by Lexi3 - 2008-06-02 07:06:26

Bonniefox,

Thanks for bringing up medical I'D's I have had a pacer for 13 years now and never had an I.D bracelet. I read your post and ordered one yesterday.
I got one that you can open and pull out a little paper with all your info on it. I tried to get a silver pretty one but they hardly fit any information. Thanks for the post!
I would recommend one that opens to hold more info rather than just the silver bracelet--unless: you only have one medical condition and no meds, etc.....

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