[ChristinaDe]

#1060235

Hi All!

Like most of who’ve had TT or RAI, I was told that I’d need thyroid meds for life and that I could die without them since I wouldn’t just have low thyroid levels but I’d have none. But it was never suggested that I purchase a medical alert bracelet “just in case” I was ever unable to speak for myself so that they’d know to keep me on my Synthroid (and even tho I’m a medical person, I hadn’t really thought about it!). But recently I came across something in my reading that said all TT/RAI patients should wear them.

By the way, they make some very attractive/stylish bracelets now! I found an online company that allowed me to purchase one medical alert tag that can be moved back and forth between different bracelets and ankle bracelets – some dressy, others casual, some to wear during sports, etc. But there are tons of sites on the internet.

Just thought I’d mention it to those who’ve had TT or RAI…

Christina

[snelsen]

#1181425

Good subject. Here is some additional information from my very recent experience setting this up for myself.

I just got my MedicAlert set up. However, in speaking with them (their website was all messed up when I was trying to use it) one important thing they said was to wear it all the time, day and night, never take it off, and get a bracelet (my choice) that was very difficult to GET off. They had me measure my wrist, and the intention is to have it loose enough so medical personnel can turn over the tag and read the back, which has the information. Because we cannot choose when we might get slammed by a car or a bicycle, or have some other incident where we could not give our own health history.

Also, they have a national and international registry. I listed the things I wanted on the back of the tag, definitely including Synthroid, Graves’s, the fact that on eye must be taped closed at night (cause of TED) and that I am now on warfarin.
Shirley
In addition, there is an 800 number for docs anywhere in the world to call, that provides an expanded explanation of health problems, as well names of docs and emergency family/friend contacts.

Of interest, I just got back for 2 1/2 weeks in England and France. One man got really sick, and he did have a MedicAlert, because of his severe life threatening allergies and his cardiac status. The French docs used it, and it worked very well.

[Kimberly]

#1181426

Great topic! I’m still taking ATDs, but I also have an alert bracelet. It’s one of the ones that you order online for $20 or so, and it’s not connected to a registry. However, it notes that I am on ATDs for Graves’ and also includes my doctor’s # and “in case of emergency” #. I bought it when I went to Europe by myself in 2009, but still wear it (when I remember!) if I’m out walking or doing other exercise and not carrying any other ID.

[barbra]

#1181427

Hi Christina,

This is a great idea. Thanks for thinking of it. I hadn’t really looked at the situation in that light.

Hugs.

Barbra.

[PolishTym]

#1181428

That’s my approach, too. I just have a bracelet, no system connection. I wear it when I am out of town just in case something happens, but I should wear it more often. I went with one that looks cool for guys but is heck to get on and off. Next time I am going for a stretchy one.

[snelsen]

#1181429

MedicAlert has stretchy guy ones.
My thought is that it is better to wear it all the time, never take it off. Regardless of age. Ya never know!
Shirley

[barbra]

#1181430

I just ordered a medical history bracelet. It’s like a USB flash drive with lots of storage space on which you load your pertinent medical info.
My thinking was: what if some of the medical info changes?
Medics carry a small laptop and can plug the bracelet in and have all the data right there.
I haven’t gotten it yet but when I do I’ll let you know how it works out. It doesn’t look clunky and it’s waterproof but we’ll see. If it’s no good I’m only out $ 25.00 and I’ll go for the traditional stuff.

Hugs.

Barbra.

[barbra]

#1181431

I got the Medical History Bracelet in the mail yesterday, very quick delivery.

Mine is black and made from a pliable substance with the noticeable red medical symbol, waterproof and holds an astonishing amount of detailed information, very neatly categorized. At least as much info as my doctors have, maybe more, plus test results, family history, meds, emergency contacts and doctor’s info.

Now, it’s not elegant, but it’s comfortable to wear even while sleeping, not clunky, very light weight, not too big, fits very well.
And information can be changed as needed.

I am happy with it so far and you can’t beat the price.
So, if stop liking it, or whatever, I’m not out an arm and a leg.

Hugs,

Barbra.

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