Medical I.D. bracelet?

[Brielle]

I have been thinking about getting a Medical I.D. bracelet for IC for a while now. I am having trouble with people questioning me about my health, and I think it might help because others cannot really see Interstitial Cystitis. I think if maybe I had something visual that could recognized a health problem, people could better identify my situation. Does this make any sense? Another ICer had suggested this to me when I was younger, after I had troubles with a teacher insisting on me eating a taco or something in Home Economics class. She thought I was being disrespectful and just did not want to eat it. Anyways, I was wondering if any other ICers wear medical I.D. bracelets and what someone with IC would put on their bracelet. What do you think of this idea? All suggestions and opinions are welcome. Thanks.

[ICNDonna]

I got mine from the Medic Alert Foundation in Turlock, California. I got one because in addition to IC, I'm allergic to penicillin and sulfa, plus being diabetic.

Donna

[Julie B]

Hi there,

There is also a company that does a medical information flash drive. (You will have to do a search online for it.) I have been interested in that for a long time.

Like Donna I have multiple medical conditions including a penicillin allergy.

Good reminder to look into this, thanks!

[ICNDonna]

The great thing about the Medic Alert Foundation is that they keep a record so if someone is in an accident, medical professionals can telephone them and learn who you are, your next of kin, your physician, and even what medications you are currently taking. The back of my bracelet lists my allergies, primary physical conditions, my patient number, and the telephone number for additional information.

Donna

[mary124]

I have one but not due to my IC-- I have a heart valve replacement and on Coumadin; plus I am allergic to Penicillin. I finally got my husband one due to be diabetic.

[Mothergoose]

I have one for medical allergies, I need to get a new braclet so I too have been thinking of adding IC and urinary retention, I think if by some chance you are in an accident any info that the hospital can get helps them, I too use the kind that Donna wrote about, they put your pertinant info on your bracelet or necklace, with a ID number and a 800 to call for info, they also give you a card to carry in your wallet.

As far as people having a visual I don't know I have worn one for quite a few years, if anything I find I get asked about it by people I don't nessesarily want to share the info with so it can go both ways.

[snowgirl]

The great thing about the Medic Alert Foundation is that they keep a record so if someone is in an accident, medical professionals can telephone them and learn who you are, your next of kin, your physician, and even what medications you are currently taking. The back of my bracelet lists my allergies, primary physical conditions, my patient number, and the telephone number for additional information.

Donna

how does one orde these medical alert bracelets. My brothers' wife went into anaphalytic shock from shrimp. chinese food. Very serious she could have dies. She was in CCU for heart montiotring. How do I get her one of these bracelets or necklaces? Please advice. Thank you. Vicky

[Mothergoose]

In Canada you google medical alert, and you can find the canadian web site, I am sure you will find a USA web site too.

You registar, I think pay a membership fee, pick out a bracelet or necklace they offer various styles and prices, you say what you want engraved on it, basicly you fill out a questionaire, you can add other info that they keep in file so that if anyone calls the 800 number they can fill the person in on more details of your condition and who you are next of kin etc.

Then they mail out your order, it comes with what you picked preengraved and a card for your wallet. Then each year you pay a membership fee, and they continue to keep your info on file.

The majority of the cost is the item you pick.

[snowgirl]

thank you mothergoose. We will be ordering that tomorrow. Vicky

[mary124]

You can also go to American medical id.com (American Medical) they are located in Houston, Texas. This is where I got our bracelets at.

[ICNDonna]

You can get information at medicalert.org

Donna