Just wanted to do a quick survey of what people prefer to wear, if anything, in terms of medical jewelry? I'm trying to decide between a bracelet and a tag... (though truly a ring would be my preferred option, if they make those).
I'm not counting tattoos because I feel like I've had enough needles stuck in me every day lately, but if they ever come out with the kind that changes color like a mood ring to signify blood sugar, I'll relent...
Also, do people usually buy these things online and is there a preferred vendor?
Sorry for more questions that have probably been answered in past discussions...
I use a bracelet from Medic Alert. I love having the ability for the “rescuer” or ER to call and gain more information and contacts should the need arise. I also like the ability to update my meds and contact information online. I get a new bracelet (stainless steel for now) about 1-2 times a year (they run about $10). I am contemplating buying a nice sterling silver bracelet soon. This is the bracelet I currently have http://www.medicalert.org/shop/shopProductDetail.htm I pay a $3o yearly membership so that I can update my EMR as frequently as I need to to keep everything up to date. I do not think you have to pay the fee yearly in order for an ER to gain information about you.
I work in a hospital and have called the 1-800 number on behalf of a patient and it was SO VERY helpful to gain the information we needed when the patient couldn’t speak and we had no other medical or contact onformation for the patient.
i have two different types i wear depending on my activity. most of the time i wear one of those rubber bracelets, but i got mine custom from www.reminderband.com for under $5, including shipping, and i was able to get the lettering filled with a different color so that it sticks out.
also, when i am in more formal attire (shirt+tie or more) i wear my normal watch with the Mediband, which is just a small metal strip with all the necessary information that you can put on almost any watch.
I don’t like wearing jewelry of any kind. I just don’t like the way it feels on me.
I realized, however, the utility of a medical alert ID. I stopped by the booth at a diabetes fair of one small business that produces medical alert jewelry and found a very simple bracelet that uses a thin piece of a round small diameter synthetic line to attach a medallion with the requisite inscription. The thin line is ultra light weight. I barely notice that I’m wearing it. I’m happy with my purchase.
The name of the business is My Flying Star. I don’t have any interest in this firm except that of a satisfied customer. In addition to the bracelet that I bought, the company produces a variety of stylish solutions for medical alert.
I went to a jeweler and picked a very pretty, simple silver chain and picked a delicate flat piece with the medical alert symbol on the front and “diabetic” engraved on the back. I wear other silver bracelets with it sometimes and it looks just like one of them. I agree, I think the wrist is a place any ER worker will look while treating. I don’t like those “Diabetic” bracelets, too heavy and ugly and I want to be sure I “always” wear it. You can choose from many styles of medic alert tags from any jeweler and place on a chain of your choice. I don’t go with the “medic alert” brand. I keep a wallet card with all pertinent information and phone numbers. There’s only one treatment when they see you’re diabetic, check your BS and treat with glucose (unless it’s the other direction!) Plenty of time to find my husbands phone number. If you have multiple medical conditions or allergies it might be worth the ability to call but I don’t so paying that yearly fee seems like overkill for me. I recently got a charm type “tag” with T1 Diabetic engraved. I’ve been wearing it on a silver bracelet I wear all the time. I may eventually buy a special bracelet or get a chain to wear around my neck.
I wear a MedicAlert tag because or the info available, world wide, 24/7 for any medical professional. No other “medical tag” can do this. For me it is a simple choice.
I had a jeweler engrave it with insulin diabetes on the front, and my name and phone number on the back. It’s stainless steel, so I never take it off, except to garden and such. Otherwise it is constantly on me. It’s comfortable too, I forget I’m wearing it. I think I spent less than $40 total for the bracelet and engraving. This is my 4th bracelet in 14 years. I’m thinking about getting something a bit more fancy next time, but haven’t decided.
We got a bracelet that can have the bands changed, and my daughter beaded several. She loves switching them around. It has a red medical symbol on the front plus Diabetic Type 1 and her name, my phone number, and her doctor’s phone number on the back. Unfortunately, after 6 months of daily wear, the paint on the alert symbol is chipping off. We got the bracelet from Petit Baubles Boutique (silly name, I know), and the reponse to my two complaints about the paint has gone unanswered. I like the idea, but obviously I would not advise anyone to patronize this website.
For swimming and river play, she wears a rubber bracelet we purchased from the same site.
For the past 30 years I’ve had Medic-Alert brand stuff. OK, you can call it jewelry, I have a hard time saying that.
For the first ten years I had a necklace-type dog-tag thing. Then I switched to a bracelet.
All it says, is diabetes, insulin-dependent. Because it’s medic-alert there’s a phone number they can call and there are more details available that way.
I hesitate to call it jewelry, because I specifically choose designs that do not look like jewelry but look 100% functional. Just my personal preference - stainless, simple, spare. I think other styles are available in finishes like gold and silver.
I prefer it to look functional. In the event the information is needed I don’t want it overlooked because it looked flowery :-). OK, looking flowery on me would be bizarre in the first place!
This is the one I like as you can keep many family members history on one unit. It is a lot more detailed history as well for those of us that have more than one problem. I actually made a necklace out of mine. It is encased in rubber which makes it great for those of us that are rough on stuff. It makes a html file or a webpage that can be viewed on many devices and after you buy one of them can get a regular drive to make a copy for car, purse or what every you need.
I promise not to refer to it as jewelry when you are wearing it, Tim – it shall be referred to as a functional thing that can be worn. (kinda sounds like clothes, doesn’t it) LOL! Seriously, I totally get your viewpoint. I’m not looking for flowery either. Even though as a female, I suppose that would be acceptable.
I have to remark that I love the fact that people have different perspectives on this subject. It’s great that there are choices out there, even though the ultimate goal of wearing these is practical. I really appreciate your feedback, everyone!
You can update as you like at no cost. I like it as you can purchase a new usb drive for cheap, 4Gb for only $6 now the one they use is only 256mb, to have one on keychain along with a medical tag and you have nothing on you at all. Today EMS is trained to look on body, keychain, purse and wallet not to mention cell phone for such information.
