I know if you're on long term steroids you should be wearing one.

Yes I wear one from MedicAlert. There are so many side effects from the RA that they need to know about. For Instance: Aug 20th the admitted me to the hospital for chest pains. The pains were so bad they did a catherization (sp?) which was clear however the inflammation in my chest wall and ribs mimicked cardiac. Because of RA they knew to look at that.Plus, like u said, medications you are on can conflict with what they may need to do in case of emergency. Better to be safe!!!

By the way MedicAlert has a scholarship program and you can get the basic monitoring package and the personalized i.d. bracelet for free (stainless steel). Just have to submit a letter stating why you need it and income verification. Then you can go online and fill out all of the medical info and print your i.d. card. I was so glad to hear that. It saved me alot.

Yes I have 2.. guess I am one of those that has so many things that they all have to be listed along with the meds I am allergic to..It is to the point now where I jingle when I walk...lol.. One of the bracelets says see wallet book in purse....I also have a medical info book that I bought at walmart...It is just a small photo album that I have all my meds listed, the ones I am allergic to and I have a list of the operations I have had, what other things are wrong with me, when I had surgery, the doctors names and phone numbers, who to notify if there is a problem. the cataract cards and stent cards..

When I go into the er they are very grateful for all the info in one spot..They said they wished everyone had a book like that... I suggested they give them out to those that come in to the er. It was 97 cents...and worth it..

Thanks Delkins63. I'm just torn as to whether I need one or not. I am allergic to NSAIDS and a couple of antibiotics...plus now on added meds for RA.

Cassie....that book sounds great!! I definitely need to find that.

When it comes down to it....my family and friends all know what health issues I have. BUT...I doubt any of them could name all the meds I'm on.

Our ER is connected to my Dr so as long as I go to my local hospital all would be great but if I had to go to another hospital I would need all my info...so I guess that book that Cassie spoke of would be great to have in my purse. So very glad RCross wanted to know about this... plus does anyone know if you can order a medicalert with a list of things on it or do you have to order one for each item?

Hi my friend RCross, thank you for the reminder. I need to have one that says I am allergic to PCN for certain and one that mentions RA and a few other medical issues I have. I actually need one that is gold plated or yellow metal as I have an allergy to sterling especially around the wrists. Thanks again for the gentle reminder.

Carrottop,
They list the most relevant first. Mine says Diabetes, Hypertension, seizure disorder, and Drug Allergy plus my I.D. number and the Medic Alert Emergency phone number.

I've been contemplating getting one. The list of medications is long.

I think it's a good idea as it has the possibility of preventing a major medical error.

TheWino

yes ..i have one ..i sometimes take it off to just have my wrist clear of jewelry ..but yep..have one ..good idea to have one .

Carrottop....I know that you can have customized medical alert jewelry that lists whatever you want on it. Lots of online sites for that.

Christine...yes you should definitely be wearing one for PCN. I always were gold/gold plated because of a nickel allergy. Is that what you have?

Thewino... Preventing any medical issues would be great.

i just have a silver bracelet with the medical alert symbol on it and in my wallet a listing of my meds and name of the disease ....

RA Sally.... Yeah, I'm a little nervous about turning over information as well. I like the concept though. I know they charge an annual fee to maintain your record and with that you get x number of inquiries...or something like that.