Medical ID bracelet for OSA?

This has been plaguing me... Is there really a necessity for me to have a medical ID bracelet for OSA? My dme as well as my sleep doc (for both myself and my narco hubby) said it world be a good idea to have one... And so did the hospital performing my thyroid scan.... I can understand for hubby as he's on some crazy meds... But the only time my OSA would be an issue would be if I was put under at which point I'd have a tube in my throat and then my ahi would be awesome! Lol I don't know... It's not like the DME sells ID bracelets so it's not like they are making money off the idea. Maybe for my other meds sure, (I'm seriously thinking of keeping a zip drive around my neck that holds my entire medical history in a timeline form but that's something else entirely lol.... Back to the question...) my primary has never suggested a medical bracelet for my meds and I've been on them quite a while so what's new... Why is it I get diagnosed with OSA and I'm harming my health for not adding a piece of jewelry...

Have you ever been told you need to have a medical bracelet for OSA?

Sounds like a darn good idea!

Hi -

It's come up many times here, look at this thread...

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=28993&p=353136&hili ... rt#p353136

and btw, the last thing you want is to be given anesthesia without the anesthetist knowing you have apnea, and if you ever have surgery, you must let them know ahead of time... very, very important!

I am currently looking to replace/update my bracelet as we speak lol. Mine now has Neuropathy on it (so if the paramedic asks me if I can feel my feet & I say "no" he doesnt think I am paralyzed lol) But I am going to add CPAP to mine so if I am unconscious & need to go for surgery the DR knows I have SA.. I was told it would be very bad for them NOT to know..

With all that said, I had surgery a year or so ago, and had no idea I had SA (well I did, but my dr wouldnt send me for the test so ... ) They told me when I was waking up that I took longer to wake up then they were expecting.. Now knowing I have SA, I am assuming it has to do with that..

Plus, you can get it on a charm, to wear around your neck.. or just throw a card in your wallet. I like the bracelet because if I am injured, last thing I want them to do is have to stop & find my purse lol. Just fix me up..

I wear one, but did not get one until I developed diabetes. Most first responders will stick to the ABCs of emergency care:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABC_(medicine)

This means they will focus on the Airway - make certain you CAN breathe and that your airway is open. They will then focus on Breathing. Now that your airway is open ARE your breathing? If not, they will assist. And finally, they will be certain that you have a pulse (circulation). The first two steps will address most OSA patients.

An unconscious patient with diabetes may have low blood sugar. It's important to trigger the test for glucose levels. There a MedicAlert bracelet can help.

However, I have put "Uses Ventilator" in my Emergency Medical Record with MedicAlert. Thus, when I get to a hospital they will know that I need a ventilator when asleep. It's not perfect, but it will help avoid my central sleep apnea from being too much of a problem.

My thoughts are: if I had a life-or-death medical issue... then yes... I would wear one. Can I go a few nights without my machine? Yes.. but not long term. Can I go a few nights without the medication I take? Yes... but not long term. There are folks that can't go one night without their treatment. For them... then yes.

Sheriff

I keep a tiny card in my wallet with my name, contact info, health issues, doctors names and numbers, and meds listed.
I don't wear a bracelet.

Mary Z wrote:I keep a tiny card in my wallet with my name, contact info, health issues, doctors names and numbers, and meds listed.
I don't wear a bracelet.

I read that they wont even check your wallet unless you have something saying that says they have permission/need to. If you are unable to talk and/or have no one with you to tell them to check, it may be too late... just saying.

Now that I posted the topic, I see all the others so I'm sorry for the repeat... But Ty for the info lol