Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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lavagirlie 09/02/2014

Does anyone here with RA feel the need to wear a medical alert bracelet?

I know we usually take quite a few meds but I wasn't sure if it was something that needed to be known immediately in the event of an emergency.

didyann 09/02/2014

I wear one. Mine opens up like an ID bracelet. Inside I keep a tiny list of all my meds and doctors. along with my allergies. I used the smallest print on my comp. Then I used the widest clear tape I could find to keep it almost waterproof. I folded it accordion style and put it inside. My doctor loved the idea.

GabrielAngel 09/02/2014

I actually have a tattoo on my arm that list my allergies and such then I have a list of meds in my wallet, glove box and console.

WarriorGal 09/02/2014

I've had RA for about 40 years and have never seen any need. Also, my meds and doses have changed MANY times over the course of those years, so if you do get one keep that in mind.

can't hurt, but... i think it's only really necessary if you have a life threatening ailment - like an allergy that could kill you... or, diabetes, or if you are on something like blood thinners, or maybe blood pressure meds.

None of the RA meds I have ever been on are critical for EMTs or ER docs to know about in terms of conflicting with any treatment they would provide.

2scicrazed 09/02/2014

Gabriel I love that idea! Been meaning to get a med bracelet since a couple of the food allergies now swell mouth or throat. And I carry an epipen. Just haven't gotten around to ordering one.

But I do have tattoos. What a great idea!

altoclef 09/03/2014

My endocrinologist suggested I get one as I've been on prednisone for so long. He says that's something they would want to know if I got hit by the crosstown bus and hauled into surgery. Can't say I've actually done it . . .

carrottop50 09/03/2014

I have one for diabetes but never thought of one for RA.

annettearizona 09/03/2014

Tatoos of your meds? But what if your meds change?

You can have a bracelet made up anywhere-with even just your name and phone...or they have those companies that someone calls in their number and they keep your updated med info..but that costs?

GabrielAngel 09/03/2014

annettearizona - my tattoo is the recognized medical symbol that states my allergies to medications as they are life threatening but not the meds I take. Since I have the tattoo it is just like having the bracelet and medical professionals know to look for a wallet card which is where I keep my medication list and diagnosis (I just keep an extra list in the glove box and console to be on the safe side). I always had a fear of the bracelet being torn off in an accident then I would be in a lot of trouble!

annettearizona 09/04/2014

Oh-the medical symbol! Now that makes sense! Thanks for explaining

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