Medical bracelet?

Itstime · December 16, 2009

Hello all,

My daughter was talking to me tonight about googling the sleeve surgery and that you should wear a Bracelet, (she is a nursing student). So I don't remember seeing that coming up on this forum. She said if you need medical care and you are unconscious it could be crucial information. Anyone?

Tiffykins · December 16, 2009

I have my VSG alert written on the back of my vehicle registration/insurance cards that are in my visor, and I have a med alert card in my wallet.

I still haven't called the DMV to put an alert on my DL for the clotting disorder. I probably need to get that taken care of.

I'm not getting a med alert Bracelet just because I'm too vain to wear one, and I have it documented in 2 different places in my vehicle and one in my wallet.

bewitched · December 16, 2009

I already have a Bracelet for other medical conditions. I will add it to the list with MedicAlert. But to be honest, I've been in the hospital many times over the years and only one nurse has ever looked at my bracelet.

carolyn24seven · December 16, 2009

what would it say? is there some medical reason to notify any Dr. about just the sleeve? ?? you don't have to wear one after getting you gall bladder out, or a hystorectomy. What would be the deal here? I can see it in Tiffy's case~ clotting disorder. But, having part of your stomach removed? HUH?

Tiffykins · December 17, 2009

what would it say? is there some medical reason to notify any Dr. about just the sleeve? ?? you don't have to wear one after getting you gall bladder out, or a hystorectomy. What would be the deal here? I can see it in Tiffy's case~ clotting disorder. But, having part of your stomach removed? HUH?

I could see if I had RNY and it was recommended with my band surgery, but I never did it.

With the band, I carried a little card in my wallet right behind my DL.

The staples are there so maybe that is a concern? I've had an MRI, numerous cat scans and multiple ultrasounds since having my revision so I'm not sure what the concern would be.

If they (ER docs) stuck a scope down me, they'd figure it out pretty quickly that I have just a tiny tummy. Even an x-ray will reveal the staples with no evidence of a "blind stomach" like the RNY leaves a patient with, right?

Itstime · December 17, 2009

Well, if you did have a mri scan, would the staples be a problem? I don't know. Also, NG tube issues? I just want to be aware of any issues bc I cannot assume it won't be and you don't always plan to be unconscious in the ER.

Edited December 17, 2009 by Itstime
wrong scan

Tiffykins · December 17, 2009

Well, if you did have a mri scan, would the staples be a problem? I don't know. Also, NG tube issues? I just want to be aware of any issues bc I cannot assume it won't be and you don't always plan to be unconscious in the ER.

The staples cause zero issue with an MRI, I've had one since my revision, and I also have 2 titanium steel screws in my left and have had more MRIs and Cat scans than I care to even count.

With the NG tube, since our stomach is still full functioning, no actualy change in the anatomy other than size, I really don't seen an NG being an issue. Once that scope gets down there, they would realize quite quickly that you have had a partial gastrectomy. They may not know the "why" (WLS instead of cancer or ulcerative condition) you had it, but any decent ER doctor would realize you are missing 75% of your stomach.

It wouldn't be a bad idea if it makes you more comfortable to get one.

carolyn24seven · December 17, 2009

Thanks Tiffy, The medic Bracelet is not my choice of personal jewelry. Won't be getting one. When ever I see one I always think of a diabetic. Now I will know that there are MANY reasons people wear them.