Medical Alert Braclet

[keithk]

Earlier this week there was a blog poating on the Coclear Community site about edical alert cards and bracelets. I was wondering if anyone here wears one. On Monday I had my six month MRI and there was some concern arout the implant. I had to show then the information card from Coclear. I am thinking it might be a good idea in the event of a medical emergency where you can't speak for yourself.

http://www.cochlearcommunity.com/baha/weblog/9443.html

[Debbi]

Good point.  I just had my 3 year MRI and went to a new facility.  I had a heck of a time convincing them that the abutment wasn't going to come exploding out the side of my head.  Finally the surgeon had to fax them saying that the abutment was MRI compatible.  I guess I forgot that not everyone knows about BAHA.   

Debbi

[Kencutus]

You should not have to worry about going thru MRI.  I work in the hospital and I can tell you what the nurses in ER told me that they would do CT Scan or X-Ray first before anything else.  They get faster results from CT Scan than MRI.  They will not do MRI if they suspect any metal objects on body. 

[sunfish]

I have a "Road ID," which is a sort of medical alert bracelet for cyclists and runners.  I used to have one that I wore on my ankle for cycling.  One day I was in a serious crash, and went to the hospital in the ambulance.  No one noticed the ID on my ankle!  Many people who wear these recommend you wear them on your wrist, and not around your ankle or on a necklace, as they may be more noticeable to emergency personnel.  Also, like plenty of folks, I'm allergic to CT contrast dye.  I was about half conscious that day, and was able to advise them of my allergy before they did the head CT.  After this incident, I got an ID that goes around my wrist, and that shows my CT contrast allergy.  The website is www.roadid.com, and they have a variety of styles and a web-based version available.

[Paul F]

I just recently had a full brain MRI and was concerned about the tech not being familiar with the BAHA implant.  I showed him the card that Chochlear provides.  He took the card, then brought it back about 10 minutes later and said "no problem".  I guess its a good idea to have the card handy.  A bracelet may work but I think a card would have more info.

Paul

[leapyrtwins]

Don't have a medical alert bracelet myself.

The BAHA card from Cochlear came in handy when I had my first MRI post implant.  Since I frequent the same place for my MRIs, subsequent MRIs weren't even a question; they had noted the information in my file.

Jan