Tuesday, August 20, 2013

When is it Time To Wear the Bracelet?

Kristen, authoress of Sjoggie StAHMer, brought up a really good topic the other day: Should sjoggies wear medical identification bracelets?

Do Sjogren's patients need medical id bracelets?  This was a question posted on one of my Sjogren's Syndrome support groups.      I had not previously put much thought into this. I really only ever linked the thought of id bracelets to diseases like asthma, diabetes, allergies, or for geriatric needs. The more I thought about this, though, the more relevant I think this subject might be for me. Continue reading here
Check out her blog for the entire post which includes links to some really good-looking bracelets.

I've been wearing my MedicAlert bracelet for about five years now. I used to feel self conscious about it but now I don't give it a second thought. It's silver and is pretty tough but does look as though it's been on my wrist for about five years. Time to get out the silver polish again, methinks.

I decided to get THE BRACELET after I realized that I was probably going to be on prednisone in some dosage or form for a long time. So now if I arrive in an emergency room somewhere and am unable to give the details myself, the staff can call the number on the back of my bracelet and get vital information about my medications and health problems.

Do you wear one?

7 comments:

Sue said...

No I don't but other than plaquinil, I am not on any meds. If I were on prednisone I would definitely have one.

Vicki said...

Thank you for the reminder. I've been debating whether to get one or not then this spring I had an atril fibrillation and now have been put on blood thinners and this will be for life. So I know it would be wise to have one of these bracelets.

So I have just finished ordering one and should have it in 2 weeks. So not only will my Sjogren's be listed but the fact that I'm on blood thinners and have this heart condition as well.

Christina said...

I wear a bracelet because of 15+ food allergies. Of course they all dont fit on there so I think I need a new ine with a phone number to call. I was thinking of adding Sjogrens on there along with my medication. That way there will be no mistakes in giving me a medicine that could cause a bad reaction.

ShEiLa said...

Miss Julia...
I don't, but maybe I should.
You have given me something to seriously consider.

I really don't feel good... Two weeks ago I really thought my rheumy would get me on a short burst of prednisone to help me get through this flare. Oh my goodness, he didn't and I'm still miserable. This is no fun.

Julia Oleinik said...

Hey Sheila,
So sorry your flare is so nasty and persistent! No fun. No fun at all. Sending healing thoughts your way!

Anonymous said...

I've worn one since I was diagnosed with Sjogren's,asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis (all at the same time)19 years ago. I've added several more diagnoses since then, so it's nice to have a place where I can keep all this info. up to date. Besides listing your conditions & medications, MedicAlert also records your medication allergies which is important in an emergency.

BeckyJo

J.M. said...

I am 23 and have both Sjogren's and Rheumatoid Arthritis and I am currently on a total of 4 meds which are leflunomide, prednisone, folic acid and vitamin d. I have been debating on whether or not I should need a medical bracelet since I am allergic to 1 medication and have been hospitalized before. Any advice would be greatly appreciated please.

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