Do any of you have, or have you considered getting a medical bracelet or at least putting a card in your wallet with your medical condition? I know that many would not consider this due to stigma and they are able to keep their condition under wraps for the most part. But for those of us who get severe symptoms which cannot be hidden...do you ever fear you will be thrown in jail and mistreated or possibly even shot because you're erratic? I wonder if having a bracelet of identification on me could save my life and help people help me better. Thoughts?

[wildflowerchild25]

I e never been so bad off that I can't advocate for myself. I know I'm lucky and consider myself so. for me there's no reason to alert anyone to my condition however that being said, I am on an maoi which interacts negatively with a lot of meds so I might consider putting that in the iPhone health app.

Is the health app something people can access even if you have a lock on your phone? I'm not familiar with this App. Do medical professionals and police know to look for the app?

[wildflowerchild25]

Yes, for the iPhone you can set it up so that if your phone is locked an er staff can still access the information. I don't know how well known it is though.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

I have a USB medic alert necklace that I wear and a thing on my keychain saying that I have the necklace. Which I haven't been wearing lately (shame on me). I have it because 1)I'm on an MAOI which can kill you if given with the wrong meds 2) I have numerous drug allergies, right up to anaphylaxis from tetanus shots and so can't be given those without serious preparation since treating the anaphylaxis can can MAOI problems including a stroke 3) I have fairly severe asthma and am allergic to many chemicals and outdoors things and can't always speak well when I'm gasping for air, yet do not want steroids unless it is a last resort since steroids mean IP time.

The information on which condition I have is on the back of the bracelet so if someone nosey asks I can say it's drug allergies (I'm allergic to sulpha and 2 other things). I've been thrown in jail erroneously and treated like dirt by the officers (one tried to beat me with her club) and I was too paranoid to tell them what conditions I suffer from or what was going on. They thought I was drunk (not 1 drop of liquor or drugs was in my system). I was harassed in a freezing cold drunk tanks for almost 18 hours. When the psychiatrist saw me he angrily yelled to the officers, "she shouldn't even be in here" and he had me released with a hospital plan in less than 30 minutes. I was nearly assaulted while in there and I wasn't even combative...just scared as hell.

[Hobbit House]

I wear the medical alert necklace because of my mental disorders and because I'll go into anaphylactic shock if I'm stung by a bee.

[Cocosurviving]

I have a medical alert bracelet with my MI listed on it and the one medicine I'm allergic to

[Moose72]

My bracelet says I'm on coumadin. I was also taken to psych ER from the back of a police car and asked what mental disorders I have.

I've been too paranoid to tell them what I was diagnosed with and have times when I can't even remember what I'm allergic too. I think I need to get one and always wear it. The benefits outweigh the risks I think. Thanks guys.

[BipolaRNurse]

I have my main diagnoses and meds listed on the medical app on my iPhone. I'm really only concerned with bipolar, asthma, and diabetes. I know I should probably wear a Medic Alert bracelet but just can't bring myself to do it.

Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse

I have my main diagnoses and meds listed on the medical app on my iPhone. I'm really only concerned with bipolar, asthma, and diabetes. I know I should probably wear a Medic Alert bracelet but just can't bring myself to do it.

I've been thinking about this subject for awhile and I can never seem to bite the bullet and order one. I'm not even sure what's stopping me. It feels like I'm making a bigger deal than necessary by getting one but it really is my life on the line here. Had that lady beaten me with her club like she wanted I don't think I would have ever emotionally recovered or felt safe again. The way the police offericers harassed me for 18 hours while I was already suicidal could have very easily been the final nail in my coffin. I don't think I'm left with much choice and I want to urge others who are in my situation or similar to consider getting one. It could save your life and save others from varying degrees of confusion I feel.

I have a card in my wallet listing what medications I'm currently taking

[~Christina]

I also use the app on my IPhone. It allows medical personnel to get my diagnosis and current meds also I have emergency contact info .

What is the name of the App you guys use?

I don't have a card or a bracelet. I haven't actually thought about either one yet, even though they both sound pretty useful.

If I ever did get a bracelet, I would put a list of my meds on it, not just my Dx. However, the problem is that my meds change so frequently that I'd probably need a new bracelet every couple of months. (I have yet to reach stability, especially since I started taking meds only ~1 year ago.)

The card and app are something I can do, but... Do first responders and/or hospital staff instinctively know to look in your wallet? Same with the iPhone app. (I'm not trying to rip on either idea, because I really like both of them and will probably make a card and sign up for the app anyways. I'm just wondering if you guys have to tell them about the app and/or card.)

[BeyondtheRainbow]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

If I ever did get a bracelet, I would put a list of my meds on it, not just my Dx. However, the problem is that my meds change so frequently that I'd probably need a new bracelet every couple of months. (I have yet to reach stability, especially since I started taking meds only ~1 year ago.)

That's where the USB thing I have comes in handy. I can change it as often as needed. I'm sure the iPhone app is like that too; I don't have that because my phone is too old.

They are supposed to check key chains, necklaces and wallets for cards when they have an unconscious patient. I added to the chances mine would be found by putting a tag on my keychain that has the medic alert symbol and it says to see USB necklace. The USB thing brings up my information if put into any USB drive without downloading or needing any software to be installed on the responder's computer.

[Unrigged64072835]

I used to have one in case I have a panic attack and am not able to respond. I need to update the info and get new tags done.

[~Christina]

It's a part of my IPhone . On the closed screen there is a button emergency. Anyone can tap it and my diagnosis and current meds and contacts

[BipolaRNurse]

Originally Posted by ElsaMars

What is the name of the App you guys use?

It's simply Health, which if I remember correctly came already installed on my iPhone. I just filled in all the personal details. Since my meds change every now and again, I keep a current list of meds and allergies in my wallet, right next to my "I am a Catholic---In case of accident, please call a priest" card. Nothing like being prepared.

Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse

It's simply Health, which if I remember correctly came already installed on my iPhone. I just filled in all the personal details. Since my meds change every now and again, I keep a current list of meds and allergies in my wallet, right next to my "I am a Catholic---In case of accident, please call a priest" card. Nothing like being prepared.

Thanks. I found the app, filled it out and now feel a little safer already. I appreciate your help.

[Kuras]

Lol it's weird. I literally ordered a med band today and then came on and saw this thread. Basically just has my name, home number, and my diagnosis. I've had a couple encounters with emergency responders not knowing how to deal with me or what was going on.