is sleep apnea considered a medical alert?

[sleepymama]

just wondering if once diagnosed with sleep apnea you need to wear a medical alert for it incase something was to happen? i know that if your going under anesthetic they want to know cause it can cause a problem with that, they apparently don't interact well together.

[breakfast]

I don't really think so. If something happens and you end up in emergency surgery, your apnea is probably the least of your problems. And, you will probably be intubated and have some help breathing anyway.

[Emilia]

However, I believe you can get a medical alert tag for your equipment bag so when you travel it can go through airport security and not count toward your carryon. Wonder if they will charge for that bag, now that all the airlines are starting to charge a fee for carryon luggage, too. Geesh.. it never ends, does it?

[BleepingBeauty]

I don't wear a Medic-Alert tag, but I DO have my apnea info on an Emergency Medical ID card that I keep with my driver's license. You can make one for free here: http://www.medids.com/free-id.php

I printed mine out and then covered it with clear packing tape (my own cheapo version of having it laminated). Gives me peace of mind.

[Hawthorne]

I wear a Medic Alert bracelet because I have artificial joints and need antibiotics ASAP if I am in an accident. I have added "Sleep Apnea - cpap" to the other info on my bracelet.

[Slinky]

It would seem a reasonable consensus is that a Medical Alert tag is not NECESSARY, but its not all that bad an idea to have one anyway if you so choose.

[DreamOn]

My understanding with anesthesia and sleep apnea is that they need to intubate before administering the anesthesia medication. Since our airway has a tendency to collapse, intubation may be difficult if they do that after medicating.

I purchased a custom-engraved medical alert necklace. On the front is the easily recognized Medical Star of Life, in red and white. On the back are engraved the words "Sleep Apnea" and "See Wallet Card". I made up my own wallet card. The front includes a statement about sleep apnea and my machine pressure. On the back of the wallet card, I have my sleep doctor's contact information and my name and address. I don't have any other major medical problems, but if I did I would include that information as well.

It may be "overkill," but I'd rather be safe than sorry. I don't wear my necklace all the time, but at least there's a card in my wallet, which I always have with me when I go out.

[rosacer]

Thanks a lot for the card BleepingBeauty, I'll make one for me too plasticized with the same tape it will make the job

[happysleeper]

Thanks, Dream On, for your example--it's very clear and simple!

Happy Sleeper

[sleepymama]

great to know. thanks so much for responding. i like the idea of having a card in my wallet at least.

[thewetlizard]

I haven't heard anything about the medical bracelet. I don't carry anythung either. I guess I'm worry wart like I should be!

[Uncle_Bob]

I am waiting until they do those chip implants like they do for pets.

So along with "if lost please return to ......" I'll add "I use CPAP with pressure set to 7cm" also

Not sure I'll do it myself though

[tattooyu]

I DO!

[echo]

I have the wallet card. Last few times I've made big purchases from cpap.com they included one for free. Gotta love 'em!

[Patrick A]

I DO!

Me Too!