Considering Medic Alert Bracelet... what would I put on it though?

[chilove]

Hey all,

I've been in the ER twice in the last few weeks with potassium drops (before I discovered this board..Thanks so much Fredd!!!! You're literally a life saver!!!) and I'm also on cortisol supplementation and still occassionaly have cortisol crashes which can also be very dangerous so I'm seriously considering ordering a medic alert bracelet to wear while I'm having these issues..

I'm wondering how to express that in 8 words or less on a small metal tab?

I was thinking of something along the lines of:

"Check for Hypokalemia & Check Cortisol.. On HydroCort" or something similar...

Any other ideas greatly appreciated or maybe tell me that I"m being too paranoid.. LOL..

Thanks!

 

[Sushi]

Hey all,... I'm seriously considering ordering a medic alert bracelet...

I'm wondering how to express that in 8 words or less on a small metal tab? ...
Other ideas greatly appreciated or maybe tell me that I"m being too paranoid.. LOL..

Thanks!

I wear a medic alert bracelet. Incidentally there are some really attractive ones here: http://www.laurenshope.com/winter-catalog-2011

Since "the things that are wrong with me" vary so much, I decided to say something like "Chronic Illness--see wallet card." I have a red medic alert wallet pouch that has room for a list of all my meds, a description of my illness (printed from the internet), my doctor's card and pager, etc.

These medic alert pouches are given out by most counties in the US. They come with a sticker for the door to alert paramedics, a magnetic pouch for the refrigerator, and a wallet pouch. Paramedics are trained to look for these things.

Here is the "blurb" from one county:

File of LifeA Free Program from Schuyler County

Every second counts during an emergency. Schuyler County sponsors File of Life-- a free program for Seniors over 60 or anyone with medical conditions or disabilities--even children.

If you are a Schuyler County resident, you can receive a free magnetic File of Life packet to stick to your refrigerator. The packet holds your personal medical information, which can be easily accessed by first respondersEMTs, fire fighters, police-- in the event of an emergency. This saves timeand possibly a life.

For more information about File of Life, contact Emergency Management of Schuyler County at 535-8200. We would be glad to send you the necessary form and the packet. If no one is in, please leave a message.

It does give me confidence when I am out on my own.

Best,
Sushi

 

[chilove]

That's awesome! Thanks so much !

 

[Freddd]

Hey all,

I've been in the ER twice in the last few weeks with potassium drops (before I discovered this board..Thanks so much Fredd!!!! You're literally a life saver!!!) and I'm also on cortisol supplementation and still occassionaly have cortisol crashes which can also be very dangerous so I'm seriously considering ordering a medic alert bracelet to wear while I'm having these issues..

I'm wondering how to express that in 8 words or less on a small metal tab?

I was thinking of something along the lines of:

"Check for Hypokalemia & Check Cortisol.. On HydroCort" or something similar...

Any other ideas greatly appreciated or maybe tell me that I"m being too paranoid.. LOL..

Thanks!

These days it can be a chip with readout and full info on the web.

 

[Freddd]

Hey all,

I've been in the ER twice in the last few weeks with potassium drops (before I discovered this board..Thanks so much Fredd!!!! You're literally a life saver!!!) and I'm also on cortisol supplementation and still occassionaly have cortisol crashes which can also be very dangerous so I'm seriously considering ordering a medic alert bracelet to wear while I'm having these issues..

I'm wondering how to express that in 8 words or less on a small metal tab?

I was thinking of something along the lines of:

"Check for Hypokalemia & Check Cortisol.. On HydroCort" or something similar...

Any other ideas greatly appreciated or maybe tell me that I"m being too paranoid.. LOL..

Thanks!

Can you tell us abput that? The 2 ER prior?

 

[chilove]

Hi Fredd,

Yes, on two occasions I started feeling like I couldn't breathe and had severe chest pain and muscle weakness all over.. I started to feel really faint so my partner took me to the ER both times... it was low potassium both times...

 

[Rosebud Dairy]

I used to be on cortisol, but haven't been on it in about two months..........

I remember reading somewhere that hydrocortisone treatment can lower potassium.........wish I'd known that while on it!!!

Anyway - something to keep in mind with cortisol/potassium dosing - they may be related.

 

[Freddd]

Hi Fredd,

Yes, on two occasions I started feeling like I couldn't breathe and had severe chest pain and muscle weakness all over.. I started to feel really faint so my partner took me to the ER both times... it was low potassium both times...

Hi Clilove,

What supplements were you taking at those times?

 

[SickOfSickness]

You may also want to look into a legal document letting someone have healthcare power of attorney, or making a living will. And making sure all the doctors and hospitals know your emergency contact's current cell phone number.

 

[greenshots]

Well, as an Ex ICU nurse, I'd say:

HX hypokalemic & cortisol crisis

That says it all (hx means history in medical jargon)

Angela

PS, not suif this applies to you at all but if you have a family history of things like this you may look into:
Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis

We had a woman with this my last year in the ICU and it always fascinated me.


QUOTE=chilove;243158]Hey all,

I've been in the ER twice in the last few weeks with potassium drops (before I discovered this board..Thanks so much Fredd!!!! You're literally a life saver!!!) and I'm also on cortisol supplementation and still occassionaly have cortisol crashes which can also be very dangerous so I'm seriously considering ordering a medic alert bracelet to wear while I'm having these issues..

I'm wondering how to express that in 8 words or less on a small metal tab?

I was thinking of something along the lines of:

"Check for Hypokalemia & Check Cortisol.. On HydroCort" or something similar...

Any other ideas greatly appreciated or maybe tell me that I"m being too paranoid.. LOL..

Thanks![/QUOTE]

 

[greenshots]

Bracelet

Well, as an Ex ICU nurse, I'd say:

HX hypokalemic & cortisol crisis

That says it all (hx means history in medical jargon)

Angela

PS, not sure this applies to you at all but if you have a family history of things like this you may look into:
Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis

We had a woman with this my last year in the ICU and it always fascinated me.


QUOTE=chilove;243158]Hey all,

I've been in the ER twice in the last few weeks with potassium drops (before I discovered this board..Thanks so much Fredd!!!! You're literally a life saver!!!) and I'm also on cortisol supplementation and still occassionaly have cortisol crashes which can also be very dangerous so I'm seriously considering ordering a medic alert bracelet to wear while I'm having these issues..

I'm wondering how to express that in 8 words or less on a small metal tab?

I was thinking of something along the lines of:

"Check for Hypokalemia & Check Cortisol.. On HydroCort" or something similar...

Any other ideas greatly appreciated or maybe tell me that I"m being too paranoid.. LOL..

Thanks![/QUOTE]

 

[greenshots]

Well, as an Ex ICU nurse, I'd say:

HX hypokalemic & cortisol crisis

That says it all (hx means history in medical jargon)

Angela

PS, not suif this applies to you at all but if you have a family history of things like this you may look into:
Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis

We had a woman with this my last year in the ICU and it always fascinated me.


QUOTE=chilove;243158]Hey all,

I've been in the ER twice in the last few weeks with potassium drops (before I discovered this board..Thanks so much Fredd!!!! You're literally a life saver!!!) and I'm also on cortisol supplementation and still occassionaly have cortisol crashes which can also be very dangerous so I'm seriously considering ordering a medic alert bracelet to wear while I'm having these issues..

I'm wondering how to express that in 8 words or less on a small metal tab?

I was thinking of something along the lines of:

"Check for Hypokalemia & Check Cortisol.. On HydroCort" or something similar...

Any other ideas greatly appreciated or maybe tell me that I"m being too paranoid.. LOL..

Thanks![/QUOTE]

 

[chilove]

Thats easy! Thanks so much!