Medical Alert - ID

[Freddie]

Thought I would refresh this thread/post in regards of so many new members who may not have thought of getting a Medical Alert identification.


I have seen other threads out there on the need/value of some sort of medical alert identification. My cardio and surgeon both recommended I wear/carry some sort of identification related to the mechanical valve and coumadin. I have the St. Jude card, but nothing on the coumadin. It appears that there are two companies that offer what seems to be a very similar service. They are Medic Alert and American Medical ID. The both have the jewelery identification and such. I am curious about the medical registry. They both have you register your medical info so it can be accessed by caregivers in an emergency situation. The tags would give them the initial awareness but the repository would provide more detail when you reached a hospital. I travel a lot with my job and thought this would be a good idea to have one of these services.

 

[Bina]

Good thinking Freddie!
I opted for Medic Alert and here is my bracelet.
Sterling silver, very classy yet simple, and surprisingly strong.

 

[njean]

I bought mine from American Medical. They engraved my name, medical condition (Aortic & Mitral mechanical valves) & coumadin medication. I wear it whenever I go out in case I get into an accident (hope I never do but.....) Real pretty, gold; a bit pricey but I like it.

 

[Cooker]

It is a good idea, I think...I have the necklace in stainless....very strong which is important when it gets hung up on tree branches

 

[njean]

It is a good idea, I think...I have the necklace in stainless....very strong which is important when it gets hung up on tree branches

Just don't go choke yourself Cooker when you jump from tree to tree!

 

[Jkm7]

Tissue valve and no coumadin...... Would you have a medical alert piece?

 

[dick0236]

Tissue valve and no coumadin...... Would you have a medical alert piece?

Probably would be a good idea. Would give the emergency responders a "heads up" on what they might be dealing with. I carry a key chane to alert others that I am on anti-coagulant. I also carry a wattet card with other related info.

 

[Freddie]

This is what I have. Its very strong and a little heavy.

 

[Jkm7]

Thanks. I'm still waiting for Carpentier-Edwards to send me the wallet card and specifics about my valve. My doctor's office told me it takes them a while to get them out.

 

[catwoman]

After my surgery, I priced a beautiful ID necklace -- from James Avery. Very $$$.

So I went to Walmart and got a $5 one. Then spent $30 on getting info engraved.

Several months later I learned about Medic-Alert and got onboard.

 

[Jkm7]

Bicuspid.....
Do you remember how long it took for Edwards to get the card to you? My surgeon's office told me they would be sending it.

What a good idea your wife had to 'dress up' her bracelet. It sounds nice.

 

[Curtsmum]

Thanks Freddie, for the reminder, i bought Curtis one but he as never really wore it, at the moment we have a velcro one with a little card inside. I have just got it out and wrote the medication that he as just started on it, he will be wearing it first thing tomorrow.

 

[ctyguy]

I bought a braclet from American Medical, has all the pertinent info (mechanical valve, coumadin, allergies, and emergency contact info). Unfortunately the chain was not particularly manly so my wife took me to a jeweler and got something a little more appropriate. I rarely take it off.

 

[lynnconnolly]

I've just bought one on ebay for £5.95. With that, they engrave it free which I thought was pretty good! The seller is called DREAMGLASS if anyone in the UK wants to have a look.

 

[Lotti]

I have 2 watches!!!

I have 2 watches!!!

I got myself a stainless steel watch strap and an SOS disc. So everyone asks why I wear 2 watches LOL

Inside the screw off compartment (completely waterproof) is all my details - Valve type, position, model no. etc. Pacemaker type, lead types, lengths and all model numbers. My full name and address, My GP name and address, My PM clinic and address and my next of kin contact details. I pay no subscriptions and if my details change I just print off the sheet with the changes, fold it up and put it in. DONE!


Lotti

 

[Superbob]

Tissue valve and no coumadin...... Would you have a medical alert piece?

I have one because I am diabetic as well. Also lists my current meds. I got a stainless steel one so it would be inexpensive to update if necessary.

I think there has been some question about the issue you raise -- whether someone seeing your ID would assume that you are on Coumadin. That's why I list all my meds. I believe more information is better than less.

 

[sue943]

I have MedicAlert, it is recognised the world over. I put it on as soon as it arrived and it hasn't been taken off since.

Mine says "Mitral & Aortic Valve replacements, Type 2 Diabetes, on Anticoagulant. Plus of course give a reference number and the telephone number for MedicAlert UK.

 

[Jkm7]

I have one because I am diabetic as well. Also lists my current meds. I got a stainless steel one so it would be inexpensive to update if necessary.

I think there has been some question about the issue you raise -- whether someone seeing your ID would assume that you are on Coumadin. That's why I list all my meds. I believe more information is better than less.

Good point, Bob. I really hadn't thought about it being assumed I was on coumadin...by default, if no info to the contrary. Thank you for pointing this out.

 

[johnnycake23]

I'm trying to figure out how this works. Is the thing barcoded with your information? Or can you just get any ole charm at Walmart and engrave "tissue valve" or whatever? That doesn't seem as detailed, or as helpful to a medic if in a pinch.

 

[sue943]

I can only speak for MedicAlert. They hold your medical information which you supply them with, conditions, medication, doctors, next of kin etc. The bracelet, pendant etc are engraved with the main points, for example mine says Mitral and Aortic Vale Replacement, Type 2 Diabetes, on Anticoagulant. It also has my reference number and and their telephone number.

In the event of an emergency the number can be telephoned and vital information passed to medical staff.