Do I need to wear a prednisone alert bracelet?

[sferios]

Hi everyone,

What's up with prednisone and trauma? I have been told that I should wear a medical bracelet that says I'm on prednisone, because if I were to get into a car accident or suffer some other physical or psychological trauma, by adrenal glands would produce a ton of adrenaline, but would not be able to produce enough cortisone to counteract it and I would be susceptible to heart attack or stroke.

Is this true?

If it *is* true, is it true no matter what dose your on? I'm currently taking 25mg (going down tomorrow to 22.5. Yay!)

Thank you and also, I just wanted to say that my mother passed away a few days ago. Although I have always lived in the US, she moved to England with her new husband 28 years ago, and she loved it there. She lived in Blackpool and spent the last two years in a care home there after getting some kind of COVID-induced dementia.

I don't know why I'm telling you all this except you've been so supportive through my diagnosis, and also most of you live in England. My sister and I both got to be with her via video chat for her last moments thanks to her best friend who was by her side. We also got to speak to her about six hours earlier and we feel blessed that she remembered who we were and we got to tell each other one last time that we loved each other.

Anyway, thank you if you can answer my prednisone question, and thank you for being a part of this wonderfully supportive community. 😀 ❤️

[Grammy80]

First of all, my sympathy to you for the loss of your mother. How wonderful that you could speak with her just six hours before, and then again. It must give you peace. Prayers~~

I figured you were from the states also because all our people in the UK are fast asleep now...I shall be anxious to hear the answer myself. It has been 3.5 years for me and I'm on a low dose finally. You are never alone on this journey with this terrific group.💞

[piglette]

Anyone on long term steroids cannot just stop suddenly, it is dangerous and could cause an adrenal crisis. In U.K. the pharmacies carry cards we can fill in showing our dose of steroids. People have lots of ideas to let people know they are taking steroids including messages on their mobile phones. The trouble is in an accident I am not sure the medics would bother to look at it. I think necklaces and bracelets are more likely to be noticed. I did thing of a tattoo but then thought that might be taking it a bit far!!

[diana1998 in reply to piglette]

Haha! When you are hopefully off pred, you wouldn't want a tattoo to remind you of the anguish of being on it!! 🤣 I've worn a rubber bracelet for years as in the car a lot 😜

[piglette in reply to diana1998]

I opted for the bracelet! I could have then had a tattoo that crossed out the original tattoo!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This post explains what happens when you are steroids for longer than a couple of weeks at doses higher than single figures - and why people need to be aware if you aren’t able to tell them -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

My commiserations on the loss of your mother.🌸

[Stills]

i was diagnosed with Stills Disease in 1979 and took steroids for about 5 years and even back in those days I had to carry a card warning any medical people about possible adrenal issues. When I was able walk again and go out with friends my Mum used to write STEROID TAKER on my hand in case I lost the card 😆

[Koalajane]

I have a steroid card, both types and wear a bracelet which says steroid dependent on it Medical Alert. I got if from Amazon

[Bcol]

Steroid cards and a bracelet for me.

[Zebedee44]

Hi, I have written a lengthy reply to your other posting but now reading about your mothers passing I would like to add that the stress and grief will also be adding to your condition which reacts to emotional demands in the same way as physical demands. So give yourself time to grieve and get strong and TRY to be less stressed about your pain. It WILL subside, just not right now and certainly not to your timetable. Chrissie

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sorry to hear about your mother's death - but how nice you were able to be there, even if it was virtual,

It is less the risk of a heart attack I would have though than the possibility that you are unconsious and unable to communicate that you are a longterm steroid taker and that could put you at risk of an adrenal crisis. I carry a note in my bag and a steroid emergency card - although the value of that here in mainland Europe is debatable. The details are also on the Health app on my phone which is set to show on locked screen - most police or paramedics would have a look so having emergency info and contacts on your smartphone is a smart move!

[Miacaro45]

I just replaced my old “rubber” type steroid alert bracelet. I bought 5 different colored ones from Amazon. They are inexpensive and important to wear.

[Plains]

very sorry for the loss of your mom. I wear a bracelet that says steroid user, check phone for medications. I got it on Amazon and I could decide what was printed on it.

[Hidden]

💐 very sorry to hear your sad news X

[KASHMIRI1]

I have worn a bracelet when away from house for the last three years. I also have a steroid card

[ladygigger]

Sorry to hear about your mother.

I already wear a bracelet because I'm allergic to live tetanus and now have a couple of steroid cards - the first from my doctor, the second from a hospital (I was discharged last Saturday after a major operation) but think I'll be getting another bracelet because it's more immediately visible.

[AshPen9]

I have both steroid cards in my phone case. Someone on this forum suggested a clear gel phone case, and I keep the cards in this so that they are easily seen.