Medical Alert Bracelets

[Melissa315 54]

So I came across a blog about the importance of gastric bypass patients wearing medical alert bracelets. It stated that the risk from things like NSAID's and the insertion of blind feeding tubes can really hurt you. If brought into emergency unconscious doctors would not be aware of your bypass procedure..

What are others feelings on this? Does anyone actually wear one??

[catwoman7 10,851]

I've been on this and other boards a long time, and this question comes up from time to time. A few people wear them, most don't. They don't usually insert food tubes in emergency situations, although I suppose if you were in the hospital and happened to be unconscious, it could be a problem if they inserted a food tube. Although I also suppose they'd figure it out pretty quickly when they hit bottom a lot quicker than expected. I don't think EMT's would be giving NSAIDs, either. Hopefully a hospital would have access to your medical records and would know about drug allergies, the fact you had gastric bypass surgery, etc. But then if you were away from home and unconscious.... Anyway, it's probably a remote chance that anyone would need it (EMTs probably would not ), but if you want to cover all your bases, then yea - I could understand why someone would want one.

[Melissa315 54]

I've been on this and other boards a long time, and this question comes up from time to time. A few people wear them, most don't. They don't usually insert food tubes in emergency situations, although I suppose if you were in the hospital and happened to be unconscious, it could be a problem if they inserted a food tube. Although I also suppose they'd figure it out pretty quickly when they hit bottom a lot quicker than expected. I don't think EMT's would be giving NSAIDs, either. Hopefully a hospital would have access to your medical records and would know about drug allergies, the fact you had gastric bypass surgery, etc. But then if you were away from home and unconscious.... Anyway, it's probably a remote chance that anyone would need it (EMTs probably would not ), but if you want to cover all your bases, then yea - I could understand why someone would want one.

My fiancé really wants me to get one, his concern is more for if there was an accident and I was unconscious and without identification. (So many people's purses get left behind or lost in car accidents). I see his point but I also don't want something really obvious that announces to the world I had bypass...I adjacent been very discreet about it. Only those who need to know have been told.

[catwoman7 10,851]

check out some Web sites - there are some that don't look really obvious

[Melissa315 54]

check out some Web sites - there are some that don't look really obvious

I found some great conspicuous ones on etsy! Still looking other places as some of the price is steep!

[blondie66 271]

It's a good idea but I've yet to do it. I was at hospital last month and dr wanted to put me on prednisone... I casually mentioned I had a bypass and then he said no way that Medication would have given me an ulcer....

[Flippista 67]

I don't use an alert Bracelet but I update my medical info on my phone. I have an iPhone and my medical info including ICE is accessible even when locked. If you click on "Emergency" from the locked screen it'll take you to the keypad. On the bottom right it will display Medical Alert. I have my surgeon's number, allergies, conditions on it.

[LaLa Ladybug 57]

We just had our last pre-op class at my surgeons office and the recommended the medical alert Bracelet. When I looked at some on Amazon.com, there were some nice looking ones that didn't cost an arm and a leg. Under $50. A few under $30. Last year I was t-boned by a speeding car running a light. They rolled my Prius. When EMT's grabbed my wrist I couldn't figure out what he was doing & a little combative (embarrassing. But my brain was scrambled). Anyhow, they later explained they were checking the bracelet I was wearing to see if it was a Med-alert.

[MarinaGirl 608]

I like the Road ID bracelets.

[jroberts68 2]

I think its a good idea especially if it means life or death.

[ilgc 17]

It is an important thing to have. I wouldn't properly wear it tho I'm planning on keeping one in my wallet with my ID and I also use medical ID alert on iPhone

[MarcusJY 14]

I use an Apple watch and if you hold down the button on the watch it has a medical ID section (Same info on your phone) . Hopefully Apple has notified emergency/medical personnel and first responders how to access this information. Its really simple.

[Melissa315 54]

I use an Apple watch and if you hold down the button on the watch it has a medical ID section (Same info on your phone) . Hopefully Apple has notified emergency/medical personnel and first responders how to access this information. Its really simple.

Thank you for this information as I do have everything in my medical Id area on my iPhone and also have an Apple Watch. I was unaware of this option! Maybe I can avoid spending the extra money [emoji846]