Debating - need advice

[Minnesota]

Hi again all,

This is slightly off topic but does have a little to do with WDW. A little background first. I am newly diagnosed Mild to moderate asthma. When I have an asthma attack the muscles in my face "freeze" making it nearly impossible to speak if it continues for 15-20 minutes. I have not had major attacks like this since I was diagnosed but I know better than to say it will never happen (I'm a pharmacy student). The other peice of history, I am allergic, as diagnosed by an allergist, to all synthetic steroids which severely limits my medications and emergency response. Here's the question, I am a college student concidering buying a medical alert ID. I know the benefit of having it but my mother raised and interesting point, would I wear it with formal wear, or remember to wear it when I am not with people who know (as in WDW) Here at home my co-workers know, my family knows, and I now have emergency inhailers that can limit or stop attacks. Opinions? I take them all without reservation

Thanks,
Minnesota

 

[phillybeth]

IMO, one thing that you don't take a risk with is your health. Wear an ID all the time. There are discreet and fashionable medic alert jewelry available now that can engraved with your specific needs.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I agree. The last thing you want is to pop to the shops on your own, for example, and have an attack where no one knows your history or allergies. Also, if you wear it daily, putting it on will become more of a routine than if you only wear it when you're away from family and friends. Myself, I'd go with the "better safe than sorry" approach, but it's your life, so your choice.

Good luck with whatever you decide on !

 

[KPeveler]

There are too many situations that would trip your allergies where you would need to speak, especially to tell them about the steriod allergies. if you were (*god forbid*) in a car wreck and the smoke tripped your alleriges you could not tell emergency workers not to give you steriods or other problems... i am being hypocritical b/c i should have one, though i am waiting on more diagnoses and answers (i would hate to have to keep getting a new one!). get one, and wear it all the time. also, you can get nice ones to go with formal wear...

 

[Piper]

I'd go for all the time, too. Your life is too important to take chances with.

 

[solferino]

Agree with the others- all of the time. I've got medical issues that aren't textbook by any means and if wearing one means living or dying, I'll take the first one.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with the others, wear one all the time.

There are many different styles of emblem available from the Medic Alert Organization. Some are pretty fancy (like gold ones costing between $400 and almost $700); those qualify as fine jewelry that could be worn with any kind of formal clothes.

 

[WatchOutMickey]

Phew took me forever to remember my name & pw here, but just went through this with a friend's daughter. When you go to the Medic Alert site check out some of the bracelets they have with beads. They are really cute and cheap and really do look like fashion jewelry. She almost cried w/joy when I found them, cause she didn't want to wear one, but these are fun and pretty. And this way you don't have to worry, but unless someone is looking close, it just looks like a pretty, fun bracelet!

GRRRRRRRRR it wouldn't let me post links. Well go to the Medic Alert site that is luckily posted above, click on Basic Selection and scroll down about 3/4 of the page to the one w/glass beads in various colors. They are really cute and only $24.95.

And if those aren't your style, check out the sports band (she got one of each, a bead and a sport) at the Sports Band link, all on the left side of the page.

Best of luck with it. And with these you can look kewl and be safe, and mostly not worry!!

 

[WildGrits]

If you wear it all the time you won't have to worry about forgetting to wear it.

 

[whgrn]

My DD11 has epilepsy, and she doesn't leave the house without her Medic Alert bracelet! I got her a sport band, since she is quite a tomboy and isn't into real jewelry. She will be in a wedding next month as a jr bridesmaid, and the whole family is there and they all know her condition, so she will NOT wear it for the wedding. It's the first time it's been off since she got it! Actually, we are on the second one, because the first one wore out--after 2 YEARS!

Get a fancy one and an "everyday" one, so you are covered for all circumstances. I used to be an EMT, and I'm an RN and have worked in the ER. I've seen MANY times where that little bracelet has saved a person's life. Don't take chances with your heatlh over an insignificant thing like fashion. Your life is WAY more important!!