Medic alert

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I have a medic alert bracelet. The REAL thing. I'd put down NO MRI,

Cochlear Implant, AND deafblind. Because for the most part the bracelet

lies with the insignia UP, so you can't read the back of it where the

information is engraved anyway. I've worn mine for 7 years now, and even

put a fancy sterling chain on it. And let's face it, if you are walking

around with your dog, or a cane, it's not going to be too hard for

someone to know you're blind. It could well be important if you go to a

hospital, and they are aware of your deafness (if the speech processor

gets lost or broken and they know you can't hear), and they are trying to

communicate with you by standing where you can see them and *read their

lips*. You know what I mean?

The bracelet itself has a small area to be engraved, and that area

will include YOUR information plus your number and the word, " Call

collect plus the phone number " So the printing is very small. The odds

are if the bracelet turns around so the engraved side is up, someone

would have to pick up your hand to read what's on their anyway. The

engraving is SMALL. All your information is kept at MedicAlert, your Dr.

name, who to notify (next of kin and so forth), medications you take, and

all the specifics that won't fit on the bracelet. I don't think you need

to list your Dr. name since MedicAlert will have that on file, and phone

numbers change so often. You will also get a card that will have the

same information that MedicAlert has. Dr. name, who to contact, etc.

You carry that in your wallet. EMS people are trained to look for that

card if they see your bracelet. So I'd put the basic and necessary info

on the bracelet - DEAFBLIND, Cochlear Implant (and spell it out, don't

use the initials) and NO MRI.

The bracelets come in various lengths as well, so have someone measure

your wrist so you don't get one that's too small. I like the chain link

one, because if you shake your hand hard enough, you can fling off a

bracelet that has a stretchy band. And if you're hit by a car, that

could be hard enough to do it. I only mention getting hit by a car

because I was. So, get a nice chain link one that is large enough to be

comfortable, but small enough that it won't slip over your hand on its

own.

Nucleus Volunteer

Post lingual - Auto Immune disorder

Message: 13

Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 02:20:53 -0600

From: " Kozlik " <lisak70@...>

Subject: Medic Alert Info.

I'm in the process of ordering a Medic Alert ID bracelet. On it, I plan

to

specify the following information: Cochlear Implant, No MRI, Doctor's

Name,

Doctor's Phone Number. Aside from that, I'm wondering if I should also

indicate that I'm deafblind. Part of me thinks this would be a good idea,

especially if I'm unconscious or unable to communicate for whatever

reason.

On the other hand, if a stranger glances at my bracelet and reads this

information, I worry that my safety may be at risk. What information do

you

think I should add or omit? , and Larry, what are your

thoughts?

Implanted: 12/22/04