Angela C Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 Hello, I just wondered if anyone out there wears a medic alert bracelet or necklace, and thinks its worthwhile?I have PSD but I'm not on anticoagulants as I'm am quite young (22) my Dr is reluctant to put me on wafarin for life because of the possible side effects.However, my mum would like me to wear one in case of an accident etc when the hospital/Drs would need to know that I have PSD and prolonged bed rest etc is not too good for me.I really don't know if it's necessary but it does slightly worry me.Any comments? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kay Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 Hi Angela,I wear one, it says Protein S Deficiency, Risk of Thrombi, on Anticoagulant. I didn't start to wear one after I was diagnosed, only after they put me on long term warfarin.Kay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Moochiecat Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 I am a VERY big fan of the Medic Alert bracelet. I've had mine for almost two years now and it reads "Asthma, Protein S Deficiency, Anticoagulated, Contact Lenses" and it gives me great peace of mind because it will convey all sorts of information I might not be able to convey in a time of crisis (knock wood). I ride a motor scooter, and as careful as I am, I realize that there are high odds that I may be involved in an accident, so I feel better knowing I wear the bracelet. Carrying a wallet card is NOT enough, because my wallet is not always on me.I used to wear the necklace, but I found that too aggravating and I hardly notice the bracelet.All medical reasons aside, I think the Medic Alert, as an identification tool, is a wonderful thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 Does anyone wear them? Of course we do! They are an excellent idea. Even if there is nothing wrong with you in the event of a medical emergency it identifies your next of kin and your doctor's details. You can also express your wishes regarding organ donation.But if you are like me and do have a medical history it can also be summarised on their computer and relayed together with details of regular medication. Knowing this might mean that a doctor can save your life, even on the scene of your emergency.I have the cheap looking stainless steel one, so that if I'm mugged it isn't taken away by the thief. I also have the wallet card on me at all times, including my hospital numbers and if I'm seeing someone who needs to write down my address or doctor's address they can copy it off the card.The link for further information is on our homepage and the top of the forum page... http://www.protein.org.uk/medicalert.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zarin Posted March 11, 2003 Report Share Posted March 11, 2003 Due to the fact that I have other complications, I wear two "dog tags" around my neck giving in brief all my history. One day two of my dogs were in a fight at around 2 am in the morning. Trying to separate them resulted in my arm being mangled. I was rushed to hospital to be stitched up. By then I had bled so much( I was on a high dosage of Wafarin Sodium) that I was no use to anyone. My Medic Alert tags gave the doctors in ER all the information they needed. Wear one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinasyn Posted March 12, 2003 Report Share Posted March 12, 2003 Hi, I have had a medic necklace for about 2 years, like all the other replies it has all of your medical conditions listed on the back, so they are useful if needed in an emergency, you also get a card a little like a credit which you can keep in you purse or bag etc. I think they are a great idea, mine has listed on it my Protein S Deficieny, allergic to pencillin, dvt and thrombosis and taking warfarin for life, so year I think they are a great idea.Tinasyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sahra Posted March 17, 2003 Report Share Posted March 17, 2003 I too wear a bracelet. Because of my extended history I would be most afraid if I didn't have one. I also crry a laminated card in my wallet. Protect yourself at all cost. It's your life your talking about. Stay strong. Sallie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted March 17, 2003 Report Share Posted March 17, 2003 Yes, protect yourself at all costs... but don't forget that Medic Alert is a charity and if you or a friend will benefit from the service but are unable to afford it they are also prepared to give it to you for free. Just ask nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greenfield Posted March 19, 2003 Report Share Posted March 19, 2003 I wear an SOS talisman bracelet and have for the last 17 years since being diagnosed with PSD ( I also have an Inferior Vena Cave Filter insitu because of recurrent PE's). I feel naked without it but have recently been considering the Medic Alert type instead. My daughter also has PSD and she also wears a bracelet. I must get around to changing....some of your comments have made up my mind! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest freda Posted May 8, 2003 Report Share Posted May 8, 2003 Hi-after a stroke last year, I was diagnosed with PSD. My doctor suggested I wear a Medic Alert bracelet. I am also on Warafin, so when I get a cut, or my cat gets me bleed pretty good. I would encourage anyone who has been diagnosed to wear one. I have a question though, how can you have PSD and not use some sort of blood thinner?thanksfreda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted May 8, 2003 Report Share Posted May 8, 2003 You don't have to use an anticoagulant if you have PSD. It is generally accepted that since only about half the people with PSD get thrombosis then only those who have a history of thrombosis need to take it. If the medication didn't have side effects and risk of bleeding I'm sure that more people would take it but as it stands it is only sensible for those of an apparently higher risk. Those with PSD who don't take anticoagulants should nevertheless be vigilant and do their best to reduce other risk factors. They have the option to take medication if they want to but it does come with its own risks. Hence my medic alert bracelet says Protein S Deficiency, On Anticoagulants, but my sister's just says Protein S Deficiency. Incidentally my wallet card gives this web address as a source of further information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mcunning Posted September 1, 2003 Report Share Posted September 1, 2003 I just registered this evening (morning your time) after finally getting around to looking at the email my mother sent me about this site. I have had a medical alert bracelet since 2000 just after I had my first arterial blood clot and I was on coumadin. I too feel very naked without it. However, after reading these replies I think that I will go back to the store and have psd put on the back along with the coumadin. Mary Lou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Marge Posted September 4, 2003 Report Share Posted September 4, 2003 Hello, in response to you medical alert bracelet question.......I wear a bracelet at my doctors advice/demand. I am only 20. Mine says my name, that I have a history of PEs and my allergies, also that I take coumadin. I got the bracelet prior to them confirming I had PSD. You can get them with emergency contacts on them too. I recomend that you wear one if you have a history of clots, you never know what may happen. Better to be prepared just in case. As my doctor says, you don't want them to let you bleed to death or let you get new clots by being on bed rest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bamas01woman Posted November 5, 2003 Report Share Posted November 5, 2003 A medic alert bracelet or necklace is a great idea for you and in case of an accident. I wasn't wearing one when I was first diagnosed and was involved in a car accident. I was knocked out and my teeth went through top lip. I was only lucky because a car happened to come by with a friend who is a paramedic. I had ask him a week before to help me find information on PSD. He had gotten some information on the PSD and the coumatin. So I was very lucky!! Hope you choose to get one too. your friend, bamas01woman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts