Scars vs. Emergencies

[Guest guest]

Amber's post got me thinking about emergencies, where we (the gastric bypass

patient) may be out of it.

I'm never been concerned about the open/proximal scar from my RNY, nor the

subsequent scars from my " full " panni. However, now that I think of it, the RNY

scar always alerted any physician or medical tech (that didn't know me) to

ask " where'd you get this? "

So, at least up here in the cold North, the doctors and/or techs I've run

across have all been very familiar with GB surgery. Abdominal scars have a way

of making a good doctor/tech ask (or at LEAST look or be aware of) further

medical conditions.

I like my scars even more now.

Bobbie

Anchorage

Open Proximal 5-11-01

Full Panni: 2-14-03

Brach/Panni Revision/Childhood scar revisions: 2-10-04

>

> Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 21:11:15 -0500

>

> Subject: RE: My very long ordeal and solicting opinions

>

> <<I encourage the patients I have contact with, through the support groups

> I moderate locally, to keep a copy of their surgical report in the glove

> box of their car in case of emergency. I realize this does not help an

> ER doc make a diagnosis, but in a life threatening emergency I believe

> it would be helpful to a surgeon. I also wear and encourage a Medic

> Alert bracelet that states " Gastric bypass; no blind NGT placement " .>>

>

> ...

>

> Amber/FLRN

>

>