Medical ID Alert!!!!!

I am a Paramedic..
I had a St Jude PM placed on July 25 2008. UMMMMM>>

YES...you do need a Medic Alert Tag! I went out and got one within days of my surgery.

If you are under the age of 70....we will not be looking for a PM.
I am still not looking for one then....but I might be more apt to think heart history.
You would be surprised how many people do NOT mention they have a PM....and more and more folks like me are having them buried!
Pacer Spikes do NOT always show up on the monitor. Most of the time they do....but how lucky do you feel?

Will there be much of a difference in treatment....all depends.

BUT...one of the Biggest Difference in treatment will be where I need to get you for the best outcome...

If you are having chest pain....and no PM is noted...you will be transported to the nearest hospital.
If I know you have a PM/ICD.....you will be transported to the closest facility with the proper equipment..ie..Tech and equipment to adjust your device.
Please heed my warning....wear one! I don't like it either...but I know....
And...All chest pain patients don't go lights and sirens to the hospital....if we are aware you have a device...you will go hot!
(((Holly)))

11 Comments

Thanks

by janetinak - 2008-11-04 02:11:03

I appreciate your response. I figured it probably was a good idea & so I wear a medic alert bracelet. I got a gold plated ladies size & doesn't look too bad or noticable. When I bought mine a few years ago I found that if you signed up & picked anything other than the stainless steel model that came with membership right away the cost was not too bad.

They also gave out a sticker to put on the car window if your so inclined. Which I was. I figured they may hurry up & get you out of a wreck if they know you have a PM.

Thanks again,

Janet

Many out there to choose from

by Yorker - 2008-11-04 05:11:16

If you feel that the plain bracelet is not your style there are many web-sites that offer ones that are fancy. Or you can do what I did, I got a plain stainless steel one from the drug store, took off the chain and made several new ones using the beading supplies at my local craft store, so now I can change the bracelet part to suit my whim and still wear an ID.

Donna

I got mine

by walkerd - 2008-11-04 08:11:56

I got a bracelet and a necklace, went thru enough with the open heart and insertion of pm/defib, dont want to go thru anymore,www.americanmedical-id is where i got mine reasomably priced and they will put all kinds of info on them, you get a special price for buying necklace, bracelot. I recommend them as a fair priced i got my two for the price of one on other sites and they are quick too. lots of info on them.

dave

Ok.... I'll get one tonight

by pacergirl - 2008-11-04 09:11:12

Hi, tonight i will order a bracelet.
Live_Strong has made some very important points. As some of you might recall, I was in a rear end collision last week and I am really suffering from the impact even now.
After the EMS people arrived they had to calm me and then try to get information from me while I was still reeling for the accident. I had to try to make some sense and it was not easy. I had to answer questions and I couldn't even make any sense. It was awful.
So tonight before i sleep, I will order a bracelet that says what I need it to say if I am knocked silly again... God forbid!
Pacergirl

shopping

by Tracey_E - 2008-11-04 09:11:31

I've been shopping! I see a lot of cute ones but nothing I can see myself wearing night and day. I rarely wear necklaces because the clasp gets caught in my hair all the time (my hair is really thick) and bracelets drive me crazy because I'm on the computer all day and they clunk on the keyboard. Ugh. I'll get one, I promise! But I can't promise I won't whine, lol. I wear a watch and wedding ring and that's it! I'm very active and anything else drives me crazy if it's for more than an evening out. And I have problems with anything but gold so none of the cute inexpensive ones will work for me. Did I mention UGH? :o)

ahhh susan

by jessie - 2008-11-04 09:11:56

hi i feel badly for you. it is an awful ordeal to go through. i also will order a bracelet. take care and hope you are better soon. your friend jess

I agree

by cybercop - 2008-11-04 10:11:30

I have been putting it off, but I finally ordered one. You would think a former EMT and retired cop would know better.

I wear a "kids" sportband

by Angelie - 2008-11-04 11:11:24

I love it. I actually got 3 of them. They fit my style more because I'm not much of a jewelry/ bling person. I also like the sportbands because I can take them on and off at my leisure. When I play guitar, I always take it off my right wrist and put it on the left wrist. I like the flexibility of them. When I need something "fancy" I do have a sterling silver one that I wear.
I'm 33, but am blessed with a "younger" look. I know the last thing people will think of is me having a pacemaker. My scar is only 1 inch and it doesn't poke out that much which is yet another reason.
I love the peace of mind wearing them, plus they have my online medical record access code engraved on them. All through American Medical ID.

convinced me

by Tracey_E - 2008-11-04 12:11:03

I didn't think I'd ever say this, but I'll go get one now.

ID bracelet

by mtibben - 2008-11-08 10:11:22

I ordered a bracelet just a few days after my PM was put in. I thought it a smart move in case of emergencies. If anything would happen to me while not with a family member, I might not get the right treatment. It give me and my husband piece of mind. The people I work around have noticed it and stated they were glad I had it on.
M

One For Every Occaision

by NY Hiker - 2009-07-14 08:07:23

I don't know if this thread is to old, but here is my comment.
Since I do a lot I have a medic alert for every occasion. I have the dog tag since I am a little nervous about it showing (especially on the job), the sports band for hiking and general wear, and so I don't get chocked by my dog tag while sleeping, because if I take it off, a raccoon or pack rat may run off with it. I also have the stainless steel bracelet so I can swim in a pool, which would fade and ruin the sports band.

Any other suggestions for the rest of my "wardrobe". I knew this might bring a smile, but I am serious.

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic man.

Member Quotes

In fact after the final "tweaks" of my pacemaker programming at the one year check up it is working so well that I forget I have it.