Medical Bracelets, Hyperthyroid and Graves

[BeeOrchids]

Hi

I am not sure if wearing a medical bracelet is something I should be considering. I have a Hyperthyroid and Graves Disease, currently taking Carbizamole for it. A couple of people IRL have suggested it. I have sent for one of the Thyroid UK medical alert cards to carry with me and am wondering if that would be sufficient? Bracelets look to be quite expensive in some cases although was thinking in terms of a silicone one.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

A lot depends on your circumstances.

The ICE (In Case of Emergency) facility on many mobile phones might be considered an alternative if you are punctilious about carrying your mobile and keeping the information up to date.

Also, if you have someone who would be an available emergency contact, and you utterly trust them, they are worth identifying on your phone.

Nothing to stop you sticking a piece of paper inside your phone's case and mentioning that in the ICE message.

Although the bracelet (or pendant, etc.) is expensive, they do seem to offer some extra value by providing a service medical staff can contact. But it seems to me vital that you can update that information as often as your situation changes.

[Hidden]

There are many cheaper versions which are good, I have an engraved silicone one from the IDBand company. There's lots of different ones on the website. theidbandco.com/?gclid=EAIa...

[BeeOrchids in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, this is really useful. I go walking a lot in the countryside alone and think maybe a cheaper silicone one that I wear when I do this may be a sensible idea.

[humanbean in reply to Hidden]

Do silicon bracelets cause the skin to sweat? Presumably the skin can't breathe with it on?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to humanbean]

I have a silicone bracelet on a device, and it doesn't so much make my wrist sweat as retain any sweat. Ending up not being very nice.

Needs regular, thorough cleaning.

Other silicone straps might be fine - especially, for example, Apple Watch-style ones which are woven strands.

[Hidden in reply to humanbean]

No I don't find they do as they are loose on the wrist whereas the silicone of my Garmin can make me a bit sweaty.