I'm 15 and I seriously hate wearing my medical alert necklace. I was looking for another alternative and i found people getting the word diabetic tattooed on their wrists. I think that it is a really good idea. I did some research and the first place an EMT looks for is your wrist for a plus. So thats where i would get it. I don't want it to be huge, smaller then a quater. The only thing that I was wondering about is when i get older will it hurt my job oppertunties?
I wore the bracelets for a year or two before I realized the opportunity of a medical tattoo. I have always loved tattoos and have several others, so this idea was welcomed. When I decided on it, I got a Medic Alert Symbol with the words “Type 1” underneath. I’ve had the tattoo for 2 years now, and have had a medical response teams check my wrists before proceeding when I was unresponsive, so it is just as effective.
I also worked as a manager for a fortune 500 company with 160 employees, and it never affected my perception, as far as I know. The one question I have been asked is, “What happens when they cure it?” Not to be pessimistic, however, it’s going to be awhile. Not to mention, I always explain that even if it is cured, it is a time of my life that I will not soon forget, and this will serve as a reminder in the event a cure does presents itself.
I hope this helps, and as far as size goes, the motto has always been, “Go big or go home!” haha just kidding, but the larger it is, the better chance a paramedic has of seeing it when they look. You can always wear long sleeves in the event you are worried about how it will effect you in a professional setting.
I doubt it will impact your future job opportunities. for one thing, the world is changing a lot and this included the business community. Tattoo’s piercings etc are becoming more and more common will continue to as the older gen ages and retires, we are replaced with the next, more progressive generations. on top of that, i doubt many employers would look down at you for getting a Tat that is for your well being. that and you can always cover it up (unless its tattooed on your forehead
I wear a leather band from http://www.n-styleid.com/ along with a velcro one that I use when I go bike riding or participate in other sporting activities. Have gotten a lot of complements on the leather band, people seem to like the unique look.
put your tat in a place that you can cover it with a watch band for those occasions you don’t want to advertise to the world.
PS
as a corporate recruiter I can tell you that medical conditions except in extremely rare instances for rare positions (public safety i.e. airline pilot) cannot be considered during the employment process- “technically”… however… ignorance and personal bias can always worm it’s way in… so I’d advise discretion
I made a home made sticker for my drivers license that says “Type 1 Diabetic”. I hope they look in my wallet before giving me sugar through an I.V. I don’t think I can wear a bracelet or get a tattoo. So that was my solution.
Another option to consider might be a RoadID (roadid.com). They have a number of different designs/styles, from the traditional bracelets to shoe tags. They are designed for outdoor enthusiasts, but are perfect for anyone with a medical condition. I have the interactive version, which provides minimal info on the tag, but has a phone number and website which provide a paramedic/police/hospital with as much medical information as you desire to provide.
Wait, if your 15 like you said than you have three years to think about it right? Can you get a Tat at under 18 in some states? I guess I got a tat at 17(not a diabetic tat) so you never know…
