Hey all,

Okay, here's the situation. I'm very prone to allergic reactions. Some of the causes are obvious: bites from insects like Mosquitoes, animal fur, dust and certain foods like Kiwi fruit and just about anything that has any form of spice.

But then there's the things that aren't so obvious. In the past, I've had reactions that don't really have a cause, or at least none that I can determine. These have been pretty severe in the past; one resulted in a short stay in the hospital where I was told that, if I'd left it a little bit longer, I would have gone into anaphylactic shock. That night was one of the situations that has no real cause; I'd done nothing different that day, I hadn't touched anything, I wasn't around any animals nor did I eat anything that could have caused it to happen.

I can control the allergic reactions with antihistamines, but they're not always perfect and sometimes it takes a long time for the reaction to subside. The question I want to ask everyone, the thing I want opinions on, is whether or not I should buy a medical ID tag. I know that having an allergic reaction isn't as dangerous as, say, epilepsy or diabetes, but the fact that it could have been so severe rather worries me, as does the fact that this month alone, I've had more reactions than I did last year. Is it worth me getting a medical ID, or am I being paranoid?

Any reply is appreciated

[Crazy Hitch]

Hi BlueNinja,

I am taking all factors into consideration in your post.

I reckon, it really won't harm to get a bracelet, if this will put your mind at ease?

I'm not sure what the requirements are in order to get one, so I can't speak from medical opinion as to whether or not there has to be a certain requirement one must meet "just incase" too many people are getting these bracelets "just in case" ... in order to leave them for others ....

I honestly think, that if you can get one, please consider getting one.

To put your mind at ease.

One less thing to think about.

Hey Hooligan,

Thanks for responding In terms of getting one, its easy. The local chemist sells blank ones, and then I can take it to the engraving place and just have "Allergies" engraved on the back or something. The tag also comes with a ID card to put in your wallet.

[Fresia]

Some of the groceries or pharmacies, more likely, have pre-printed medical alert bracelets, and one has a generic "Allergeric reactions" or "Allergy" already printed on them, usually in stainless steel, occasionally in gold, or these can be ordered from the same companies or online. It can save a lot of money than custom ones. I then have in my wallet, a list of the allergy(ies) and reaction(s) next to my insurance card(s).