Does anyone here wear a medical ID? I have a couple of questions...

[ncrainbowgrrl]

If so-

Do you feel like there's any stigma attached to it from people who otherwise wouldn't know that you had a medical condition?

Have you bought a "pretty" or more attractive ID than the traditional type that you see in the drugstore? If so, where did you get it? Was it expensive? Do you feel like it's more like an accessory than something that you have to wear and put up with?

This has been brought on by the fact that I was in a car accident last week- hit from behind. At first, nothing seemed medically wrong, but as an hour passed, I started to get nauseous and dizzy, and headachey. In the next hour or three, I became more and more fuzzy headed to the point where I suspected that I had a concussion. I proceeded to go to the ER.
At triage, I was asked to list the drugs that I was taking, and I had to try to struggle and remember everything. It made me realize that if I was any more incapacitated, I wouldn't have been able to speak for myself. That scares me..I've been thinking about getting one- with all of the icky drugs I'm on and potential for interaction with something, should I become unable to speak for myself, I'd definitely want some information to speak for me. I already have a wallet med list. Perhaps I should laminate it, or redo it on some more colorful paper to differenciate between that list and yet another credit card.

Thanks in advance for comments/ideas/musings!

[flamingyouth]

1. I have a friend who has epilepsy and has a cute one.

I don't know where she got it, but I found this site, and hers looks similar to one of these bracelets:

http://www.n-styleid.com/beaded_id_bracelet.htm

I should probably carry more medical info with me given my litany of issues. Anyway, hope you're feeling better, J. :hug:

[blondeatlast]

2. I have a beautiful sterling silver Medic-Alert, more jewelry than ID.

I get at least one compliment a day from people who don't even realize it's a medical ID.

This is the one I have--absolutely gorgeous, and no one can tell it's an ID unless they are close enough to render medical aid or kiss me! (The photos is very close to actual size):


This is something brand new that I'm looking into; not a piece of jewelry, but probably an even better idea:
http://www.medicalert.org/E-Health/

I used to never wear my ID, but with all the medical conditions I have now, and the fact that it looks so good besides, I always have it now.

The nice thing about Medic-Alert is that no personal info (name/address/social, etc.) is available directly on the ID, only a reference number that has to be called or keyed in to the company.

[LynzM]

3. I have a medic-alert

I got the all-stainless-steel one, no color to it, after wearing out my old one! :rofl: Been wearing one for 17 years now (I'm type 1 diabetic). I'd say no stigma- I've even made a couple friends, due to curiosity, etc. Check out the medic alert website - there are all kinds of cool new designs available! I would suggest wearing one. Medic alert allows them to call and get more detailed info - contact numbers, doctors, further medical info, etc.

[benEzra]

4. My 7-year-old son has a regular Medic Alert bracelet, and wears it to school...

and he thinks it's cool. So do the other kids in his class, as far as I can tell.