Medical ID

[Bev-1966]

Hi gang, I'm just wondering how many of you carry some form of medical emergency ID and if it is important for us to do so ?

[Lynora]

The LSN sell 'alert bracelets' - £1

You could keep a business sized card in your wallet or purse, with emergency contact numbers on - also words like "I have lymphoedema please contact my GP for treatment guidance"

[Bev-1966 in reply to Lynora]

Hi lynora, I bought a green silicone bracelet and green ribbon from lsn but just read somewhere about medical ID card.

[Suzymay]

I purchased a lymphoedema bracelet from Amazon, which indicates that I have lymphoedema in my left arm and not to take my blood pressure or place an IV in this arm.

You can purchase a variety of bracelets which can indicate the areas your body is affected. It looks good and because it expands can be worn by anyone. Very reasonable price.

[Jennymary]

Hi Bev, I've got a medical alert card through the LSN, on the front it states no invasive procedures to the affected part, there is space to say where your Lymphodema is situated, there's also room for an emergency contact, on the back you put your name, address and GP details, I think the LSN sent it when I joined 2yrs ago

[CarolineBae in reply to Jennymary]

I have too. I keep it in my purse.

[Lynora]

My Mum had a medical alert pendant on a necklace. She had a number of health problems, and my Dad had such small writing, he was able to list them all, plus her allergies, on the length of folded paper that was inside the pendant. It was never opened, thankfully. Not sure how useful an ID card would be. Apart from bank and store cards, the only other thing in my purse is a 'Donor' card.

[Mon1caM]

I do not carry medical id as such, but always carry a copy of the Lymphoedema Society guidelines about treatment of cellulitis in someone with lymphoedema.

[completely-zero654 in reply to Mon1caM]

Hello Mon1caM, I think that is a jolly good idea at least it gives the information to anyone should it ever be needed.

Take care........xx

[completely-zero654]

Hello, Someone told me that you did not need any cards etc., for non-cancerous lymphoedema. Saw this post and would like to know too. Do you need any i.d., or not.

[Lynora in reply to completely-zero654]

If you want to carry a card, then do - put on the card relevant information, and emergency contact numbers, put it somewhere safe which you carry with you, such as a purse. There may never be an occasion it has to be shown, but if it gives you peace of mind, then carry one.

[completely-zero654]

Hello, I only asked as this question was amongst my emails from the LSN this a.m., and as I am still a learner of lymphoedema/cellulitis even after 10 years, just thought it would be good to know. I have not been out only to get medication from my Dr. last week, and that was the first time I have been out anywhere other than our garden in 4 years. So in my situation I do not think it really matters, but it is good for the others that have asked.

Thank you for replying Lynora

[completely-zero654]

Hi Bev-1966 I know it is a day ago but I think you have asked a very important question here. I asked too but am unsure, is it for lymphoedema/cellulitis or non-cancerous lymphoedema/cellulitis or both some medical emergency ID is needed. I know Lynora has answered but said it was up to the individual.

Maybe I do not understand but if cellulitis is a medical emergency, and you are not lucky enough to have a Dr who will prescribe an emergency stand by antibiotic. I think it would be a good idea to carry something and extremely important too. I had a good telling off for not going to the hospital last bank holiday on here and what could happen to me. You carry one Bev-1966 and don't you dare leave home without it.

Take good care.......xxxx

[Bev-1966]

Hi completely-zero 654, did you eventually get sorted last bank holiday then days after when you should of lol xx

[fiona-mae]

Hi yes i do but i also have a free app on my fone which has all my medical details on it. Its called medical id. And u can put down ur ice contact etc aswell, i think its a brill app and would recoment to anyone

[Bev-1966 in reply to fiona-mae]

Hi Fiona-mae, wat does your app look like as there is a few under medical id ?

[fiona-mae in reply to Bev-1966]

Its a red thick vertical line with a red criss cross like a star type thing in a circle shape.

Called MEDICAL ID : ICE

U put a pic of urself, ur height, weight, meds and conditions etc. Just wat u want. And in emergencies ur important medical info can be seen without unlockin ur fone.

Everything is in red

Fi xx

[CCT67]

I don't carry an alert but with both my feet in toe caps and both legs in full-leg thick flat-knit garments a medical professional would be bound to think I have a problem in my legs and may even realise it's Lymphoedema looking at my skin/ thick oedema. If I had LE in an arm I think I would wear an ID as I wouldnt want to risk blood draw from the arm