Does anyone wear a medical wristband for Polymyalgia / Steroids?

[AncientAunt]

I’m just curious to know if anyone wears one and if I should get one for myself. Thank you.

[PMRrunner]

I don't but I carry my steroid emergency card and have put that I'm on prednisolone on the emergency contact details on my phone.

[AncientAunt in reply to PMRrunner]

I hadn’t thought about adding the details to my phone so will look into it, thanks.

[Polym in reply to PMRrunner]

Where can I get card I'm on prednisolone

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Polym]

Pharmacy should provide when first put on steroids…but they seem to be very remiss.

If you are member of PMRGCAuk they usually send one out when you renew membership annually but you can download one here-

pmrgca.org.uk/steroid-emerg...

[Doraflora in reply to DorsetLady]

I read on here that I should have a card and had to go and ask reception at my surgery

[Doraflora in reply to PMRrunner]

What a great idea. Thanks

[Bcol]

I have a stainless medical wristband and also, still carry my emergency steroid cards. I also have all my medical details on my mobile which can be accessed by medical/emergency staff.

[AncientAunt in reply to Bcol]

Thanks for your reply, most helpful, think I will get one for myself then.

[Excelsior80]

I wear one, a nurse friend recommended it, she said theyd eventually find my steroid card in my bag in an emergency but maybe do something inappropriate first. And I dont always have my bag with me. mine is silicone band saying 'medical alert steroid dependent'

[AncientAunt in reply to Excelsior80]

Thanks, good point.

[Koalajane]

I wear one and believe it was very usefulwhen I collapsed and was rushed to hospital just over 3 weeks ago

[AncientAunt in reply to Koalajane]

I hope you’re okay? Yes, I will definitely get one now. I’m thinking it’s better to be safe than sorry. Thank you.

[Doraflora in reply to Koalajane]

Do hope you’re feeling ok now, Koalajane?

[Koalajane]

it was touch and go and not moving around means my legs are having to get stronger all the time

[AncientAunt in reply to Koalajane]

It sounds like you’ve been through a dreadful time, so sorry to hear this. Wishing you a speedy recovery x

[Koalajane]

thank you

[random901]

Absolutely get wrist band! So much info can be stored on it: steroid dependency, blood group, full name, next of kin contact number, GCA/PMR diagnosis. That's in addition to the card showing current pred dose & history in my wallet.

[AncientAunt in reply to random901]

Good advice, thank you so much.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I certainly did all through my GCA days… plenty on line to choose from. As simple or as detailed as you wish… mine had something like “long term steroid user, do not stop”, name date of birth, NHS no and emergency contact of NOK engraved.

[AncientAunt in reply to DorsetLady]

I’m glad I asked the question. Great advice, thanks.

[Doraflora in reply to DorsetLady]

Is it still necessary for someone who’s on a low dose, 2.5 mg? But it sounds an excellent idea to have one anyway

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Doraflora]

Yes, important at all doses .. and also for a few months afterward - adrenals can still be below par for quite a long time - sometimes up to 12 months after finishing Pred.

[Doraflora in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DL. 👍

[Pusph]

Yes I've just started to and also always have my steroid card on me.

[Scaredofpred]

yes, stainless steel band, recommended by paramedic niece who said would give immediate info in case of collapse.

[Angelsmummy]

morning AA,I and OH both have one,from Amazon,stating Steroid dependent,Taking Steroids.Also carry my card in purse whenever I go out.Many colours to choose from,about £5 .Best safe than sorry eh!xx💐😜

[AncientAunt in reply to Angelsmummy]

It’s good to know so many people wear one and I’m not just being paranoid! Thanks for your reply.

[Angelsmummy in reply to AncientAunt]

Not being paranoid AA,just being careful and sensible.Hope you find the one that is right for you!xx💐😜

[ChrisBeeLoop]

Yes, I have an Amazon silicone Steroid Dependent band. I never take it off. It doesn’t show the dosage but of course that changes. I also have the steroid card in my wallet but I often go out and about without a wallet, eg dog walking.

You can also put Medical Alert info on your iPhone and iWatch, which I tend to have on me more often than my wallet. I'm not sure whether the health pros check those although they should be checking your phone for ICE details. (In case of emergency.)

[AncientAunt in reply to ChrisBeeLoop]

Yes, I go dog walking without a handbag so a wristband makes perfect sense. Good thinking, thank you.

[diana1998]

Yes I've always worn one all the time. Purple rubber band.

[Tescohednesford]

Hi, I had thought about it but felt bit daft...Then a good friend of mine said I was gambling with my health.....and I realised it was true I always carry my card but if I ever had a serious fall/accident...

So I bought one from eBay.

I never take it off...but ppl do ask what it is that? So it spreads the PMR msg.....

[AncientAunt in reply to Tescohednesford]

Good point, thanks.

[Thelmarina]

I have a card from MediPal and will duplicate it for my daughter. It gives my name, date of birth, emergency contact, NHS number, conditions, GP details. Very low cost.

[Peony63]

oh this is new to me. Why do you need a card or wristband if you’re on steroids ? My Dr or pharmacy hasn’t mentioned it to me. Do I need one when travelling abroad ?

[Gimme in reply to Peony63]

Because if you were to have an accident or be taken ill and were unconscious, the medical team need to know that you are on steroids. It is dangerous to suddenly stop taking them and if you have suffered a trauma, you may need more than you normally take.

[Peony63 in reply to Gimme]

Thank you so much. Can’t believe it hasn’t been given to me already !

[Angelsmummy in reply to Peony63]

Nor can I?Mind you,as soon as somebody becomes a member of this forum they automatically receive a card!I got one from the hsdpital when I was discharged with my GCAxx💐😜

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Angelsmummy]

Not as a member of the forum - as a member of the PMRGCAuk charity - not quite the same, You can belong to the forum without being a member of the charity.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Peony63]

Because steroids should not be stopped cold turkey [you could have an serious adrenal insufficiency issue] … and if you are unconscious and alone who is going to advice the medical people…

It sensible to have one wherever you are…

pmrgca.org.uk/steroid-emerg...

This explains more fully about adrenals etc when on Pred -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Peony63 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you so much .

[Angel_doll]

I have one from here, which allows me to keep all my medical info online. I also have the info on my iPhone, and the cards in the phone cover.

onelifeid.com

[Peony63 in reply to Angel_doll]

I saw that people put the info in their phones but how would health professionals get through the passcode ?

[Angel_doll in reply to Peony63]

On my iPhone, on the screen where I enter my passcode, bottom left there is an ‘emergency’ option. If I press that, again bottom left there is a ‘* medical ID’ option. Press that, and all my medical info that I have input is displayed. I use the Health app to input the data.

[Peony63 in reply to Angel_doll]

Oh I’ll have a look. I never knew this 😬

[Peony63 in reply to Peony63]

I have facial recognition on my iPhone

[Poshdog]

Yes I wear one, engraved on back 'steroid dependent'. Have been complimented on how attractive it is! X

[Numptybrain]

I do but not for PMR I am on them for autoimmune disease and I also can’t take ibrufen so that’s on it too. I thought a good idea as I’m prone to falls and if I was unconscious my husband would forget to tell them.

Take care

Wendy xx

[AncientAunt]

Thank you, take care x