I do for the most part.
Nope. I figure my pump is ID enough!
I do, since I started running longer distances by myself. I got what I consider to be a cool ID, a metal guitar pick.
I haven't been for the past nine months or so because the chain on mine broke, but I really should be. I have more than just diabetes that could be important for medical professionals to know in an emergency. When I finally get around to calling Medic Alert I'm planning on getting two bracelets, one regular one and one sports one, since I've broken at least three bracelets by hitting the lane ropes while swimming. The first challenge will be trying to fit all my "stuff" onto the bracelet, though; that will be a major challenge!
yes a little plain silver bracelet, indentifying me as diabetic. Never take it off.
Used to wear bracelets and they did not last for several reasons ...this one around my neck is surviving for many moons :) Have been asked if this is a St Christopher ...but friends then say , ah ,ha when I mention Medical Alert
PS I think a cat hair got in this pic too :)
On the back : " Diabetes , Pump user " ...on a gold chain and Not an " official Medic Alert" ...I also have in my wallet a description of my Medical History , including who to contact .
I always have my medical ID on... I believe that it is extremely important to let anyone know that i have diabetes.
Never leave home without it. It explains I am wearing a pump, kind of insulin, phone for my husband and then says "see wallet card." I keep a card in my wallet that lists all my meds. It also contains a mini CD of my medical records.
I know... but it makes me feel safe and has come in handy a time or two--especially the listing of meds.
Hi Zoe. Chances are, you are more or less hiding your pump. While the pump may seem apparent to you, it might not be so apparent to the paramedics or others. An ID bracelet would be prudent, I think, saying something like "Diabetes, Wearing Insulin Pump".
Not to mention, in something like a car accident, it's entirely possible the pump could become separated from you. Or people could assume it's a cell phone or MP3 player at first glance.
To each their own!
I don't hide my pump, btw.
ditto this and add or if you passed out on the bus...and your pump was not visible. I learned to wear a medical alert - not everyone knows what that pump is even if it is on display and as others have mentioned I have other reasons to wear an alert. In fact I wear one on each wrist. Mine are not cool like a guitar pic, but they are pretty :)
I wear a Medic Alert watch (www.medicalert.org), a bit klunky, but serves two purposes. With one phone call, the paramedics or hospital can find out which insulins I take and all the other medications I need. (The list includes liquid B12 without which I would die--just more slowly than going without my insulin.) Since one must pay to join, it is more expensive than other medic alert jewelry, but I think of it as taking responsibility for myself if the need arises. I also have one of their bracelets, which is prettier for dressier occasions.
I second the opinion that the paramedics may not know what a pump is. Who says they're trained to spot one? Sometimes nurses don't even know what they are!
I didn't for a long, long time. Then, within the span of a year, two things happened:
1. I almost passed out--first on the subway, then out in the streets of the city. I walked more than half a mile so low that I thought I could wait to get sugar until I got back to school.
2. I had a severe allergic reaction in school and was sent to the infirmary by myself.
After that, I decided it just wasn't worth it. I feel safer with it.
I have a real MedicAlert one. It's durable (going on three years and I haven't broken it yet), they don't charge per letter or per line, it somehow fits the important stuff on it (and there's LOTS of that), and they provide a wallet card that has all the extra stuff on it.
I do (necklace), and am looking into a medical ID tattoo for my right wrist.
Out of curiosity, how much text can the newer bracelets fit? My last bracelet I got years ago, and it was full with the stuff I had. I want to add two more items but don't think there will be room. A year ago a friend showed me her new one, though, and they'd fit quite a bit on hers, so I'm hoping they've shrunk the lettering so more can fit!
Line 1: Asthma
Line 2: Hypoglycemia
Line 3: Anaphylaxis to
Line 4: All nuts
Line 5: No ibuprofen
Damn, I need a new bracelet. I keep waiting for all my new diagnoses to fall into place...