Diabetes Talking

Question:

melynda who enjoys jfd s posts immensely.

Melynda: So you’re the one. Judy P.S.  Practicing my one liners.  This is a joke. John I enjoy them too. Just not immensely.  :o) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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By the way, Though I suspect you were intending humor. You hit on something here.  One of my other corespondents did in fact get put in the psych ward when he went hypo.  You see, Between the medics and the ER doctors who seriously mis-treated him he became so stressed he said something like "I can’t take this any more" (Meaning their tender care, not life) and they took it to mean he was suicidal and slapped him in the county psych ward before he could explain.

i am absolutely terrified of locked wards and ill trained er doctors who fail to get medical history.   sadly a number of diabetics get caught in the psycho ward net or worse yet jailed, and kept from using insulin or from eating appropriately. Thankfully someone noticed his absence from the net, investigated, and had the credentials to kick some medical anatomy!  He survived.

bravo.  i always worry when edward travels that he or i might get caught in the snares of well meaning emergency workers who do not look for a medical alert medalion. my medical history takes up page after page. survival is an act of grace                    and fyre. melynda who enjoys jfd s posts immensely. melynda reid   who wears hats but does not type caps   snail: p o box 378 greensboro, florida 32330

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I was wondering where I could purchase a Medical Alert Bracelet indicating that I am a diabetic.  Also, is there only one style or does one have a selection. May God Richly Bless As You Continue Your Journey in Life Flourish99

You can find a good selection at:         http://www.medicassist.com

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http://www.eiddesigns.com/ this is another site the jewelry is very actractive, but I have read that EMTs and Paramedics, nurses, etc, are train to look for medical jewelry but with so many varieties they could easily miss it.  You should decide if you want the original boring one that is more visible ro a pretty one that might be missed.  Buena Suerte – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –        http://www.medicassist.com

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   i was unable to articulate my diagnoses or my treatment regime.    i was admitted to a locked psychiatric ward for indigents.    eduardo was out of town at the time. Well Melynad… Some days you the bug, Some the windshield By the way, Though I suspect you were intending humor. You hit on something here.  One of my other corespondents did in fact get put in the psych ward when he went hypo.  You see, Between the medics and the ER doctors who seriously mis-treated him he became so stressed he said something like "I can’t take this any more" (Meaning their tender care, not life) and they took it to mean he was suicidal and slapped him in the county psych ward before he could explain. Thankfully someone noticed his absence from the net, investigated, and had the credentials to kick some medical anatomy!  He survived. Good post however.  Some days, It just don’t pay to get out of bed <G "Nothing adds excitement like something that is none of your business" Things get worse under pressure. Net-Tamer V 1.08X – Registered

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red: You may want to take a look at the largest selection of Medical-ID jewelry on the web. http://www.Medical-ID.com

Get real! Cheapest thing there was US$250.00. Perhaps if there are any millionaires in this group … My budget is in the $5 range. At least that’s what I paid for the simple one I used to have, but lost. It was gold plated stainless steel. Only replacements I can find now are stainless. Even the store where I bought it has them only in stainless now.  :( NOTICE: The e-mail address is deliberately incorrect. Make the ISP read "spiritone.com" by adding an "e."

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I stand corrected by numerous people. Medic Alert recommends against silver for diabetics, but says gold is OK. Obviously the reports vary on how often silver really causes problems. The stainless steel ones have really weak links attaching the clasp.

The newer ones are better. Also, with needlenose pliers you can simply remove the weak (brass) link and use the stainless links directly. I know I had to do this with my first bracelet; I can’t remember whether I had to remove links on my current one. Someone else mentioned weak links on all bracelets. You can probably remove the weak links on these too, but I might have a jeweler do it. Needlenose pliers are likely to mar silver or gold. They can mar stainless steel too, but it isn’t as noticeable. Edward Reid

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Medic Alert is in Turlock, California — mailed addressed to just Medic Alert, Turlock CA US will reach them. There’s a toll free phone number too, which I don’t have at the moment. And yes, they offer a variety of styles and materials, although they recommend that diabetics use stainless steel rather than silver or gold. Edward Reid Odd.  When I ordered, it was just the opposite — do _not_ order stainless steel because diabetics tend to stain them.  They recommended silver or gold. That’s what I got, gold, but my wife (a medalion) is wearing stainless with no problem. Are you sure you read it correctly?

 I have been a member of MedicAlert for 30 years.  It is true that they tell a diabetic to get stainless steel, but I opted for the sterling silver instead.  I also found that no matter what type of material, the bracelet links are weak.  Therefore I now have a necklace. Joining MedicAlert was the best thing my parents could have done for me (juvenile diabetic), it has saved my life many a times. Blue Eyes

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You may want to take a look at the largest selection of Medical-ID jewelry on the web. http://www.Medical-ID.com — Bobb L. Courtman http://www.Medical-ID.com If you have to wear it…Do it with style – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I was wondering where I could purchase a Medical Alert Bracelet   indicating that I am a diabetic.  Also, is there only one style or   does one have a selection. May God Richly Bless As You Continue "Medic Alert" is a registered trademark and can only be purchased from Medic Alert corp.  Most any pharmacy and most doctor’s offices have order forms Medical Alert Jewelry however is another matter, (This is likely what you mean) and can be purchased from most pharmacies and many jewelry shops If you have just one condition, IE: Diabetes, you can get a simple tag, bracelet or necklace that has the Medical Alert symbol on one side and the single word DIABETES (Or Diabetic) on the other.  These are good, cheep, and say all that’s needed for a single problem person For multiple problems (IE: Diabetes and High BP) (IE: ME) most jewlers can engrave a medical alert tag for you Mine carries my name & Address, Primary medical problems and my Primary Care Doctor’s name and phone number. IF you have a "lengthy" medical history (More than 2 conditions) I would suggest the "Genuine Article" (Medic Alert [r]) like my sister has. "Nothing adds excitement like something that is none of your business" Using a Java script enabled browser go to:

http://go.compuserve.com/diabetes – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anyone can read, Members can post, If you join Compuserve mention 73455,43 I’d love to go out with you, but I’m having all my plants neutered. Net-Tamer V 1.08X – Registered

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 Ed Reid ( I believe) wrote they offer a variety of styles and materials, although they recommend that diabetics use stainless steel rather than silver or gold. Interesting…..I just bought my bracelet, the 10K one…..and no one said anything about it.  Why do they recommend that?

It is one of the many cases where problems of some diabetics are generalized into blanket prohibitions. I looked into it when I first wanted a Medic-Alert and saw the recommendation, although it was only a recommendation against silver.  Some diabetics have a skin condition that causes a reaction that turns the silver black.  I forget the details. I’ve had a silver one for years.  The stainless steel ones have really weak links attaching the clasp.

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   [...] Medic Alert is in Turlock, California — mailed addressed to just Medic Alert, Turlock CA US will reach them. There’s a toll free phone number too, which I don’t have at the moment. And yes, they offer a variety of styles and materials, although they recommend that diabetics use stainless steel rather than silver or gold. Edward Reid

Odd.  When I ordered, it was just the opposite — do _not_ order stainless steel because diabetics tend to stain them.  They recommended silver or gold. That’s what I got, gold, but my wife (a medalion) is wearing stainless with no problem. Are you sure you read it correctly? —

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they offer a variety of styles and materials, although they recommend that diabetics use stainless steel rather than silver or gold.

Interesting…..I just bought my bracelet, the 10K one…..and no one said anything about it.  Why do they recommend that? Karen   Letty Cottin Pogrebin….."Getting Over Getting Older: An Intimate Journey"

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When I ordered, it was just the opposite — do _not_ order stainless steel because diabetics tend to stain them.  They recommended silver or gold. [...] Are you sure you read it correctly?

Yup. I don’t know what the difference in story is about. Well … perhaps it was only silver that they recommend against? If steel and gold are OK, that would explain me getting steel and you gold and both being OK. Can’t find anything on their web site. My first stainless steel bracelet was still bright and shiny after about 15-20 years — I forget when it was that the hole for the links wore through. New one is 5-10 years old and bright. Only problem is that the red pain in the caduceus eventually chips out. It takes a lot longer on the new one; the old one lost its paint in a couple of years. God but it’s fun to get old enough to talk about the old days, walking 10 miles to school in the snow uphill both ways ad nauseum. er

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Some diabetics have a skin condition that causes a reaction that turns the silver black.  I forget the details.

It’s not a skin condition that causes the silver bracelets to turn black. The turning black is caused because of ketones.  Even though you are not spilling or running ketones, Small trace amounts are evaporated through the skin.  THIS IS A NORMAL PROCESS HAVING TO DO WITH OXIDATION (?), it’s what turns the bracelets black.  (Ever wonder about that smell on you breath when you do run ketones.  It’s because they are expired when you breath)  Your skin breathes.  Same thing happens when you try taking acetone to sterling silver, it speeds up oxidation. — Jill To reply remove the NO SPAM in my email address.

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Medic Alert has a website at  www.medicalert.org  and their number is 1-800-825-3785.  

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I ordered the silver bracelet from Medic Alert without any type of warning. I called them up the day I got it, as it took me about 15 minutes to completely tarnish the back, making it totally unreadable. They apologized for not warning me and offered a trade-in or refund. I traded up to gold and have had no problems. According to Medic Alert, diabetics and those on coumadin are more likely to have trouble with the silver. I used to wear silver with no problem, but had not tried it since becoming diabetic. The stainless and gold were both mentioned as acceptable. I went with gold as the stainless was fine in high school, but now the gold one is nicer looking. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – they offer a variety of styles and materials, although they recommend that diabetics use stainless steel rather than silver or gold. Interesting…..I just bought my bracelet, the 10K one…..and no one said anything about it.  Why do they recommend that? Karen Letty Cottin Pogrebin….."Getting Over Getting Older: An Intimate Journey"

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Mine carries my name & Address, Primary medical problems and my Primary Care Doctor’s name and phone number. IF you have a "lengthy" medical history (More than 2 conditions) I would suggest the "Genuine Article" (Medic Alert [r]) like my sister has.

The main difference between Medic Alert ™ and others is that Medic Alert keeps your contact and medical information — whatever you want, within limits — on file. The medallion has a few words about the medical condition (mine says "diabetes, insulin dependent"), an identification number, and a phone number with the label "call collect". Emergency providers can call the phone number and get the records. With most other alert jewelry it’s limited to what you can engrave on the medallion, although I believe there’s one that puts a microformed file in a locket. Medic Alert is in Turlock, California — mailed addressed to just Medic Alert, Turlock CA US will reach them. There’s a toll free phone number too, which I don’t have at the moment. And yes, they offer a variety of styles and materials, although they recommend that diabetics use stainless steel rather than silver or gold. Edward Reid

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"Medic Alert" is a registered trademark and can only be purchased from Medic Alert corp.  Most any pharmacy and most doctor’s offices have order forms

i had a medic alert necklace which became entangled in my curly locks. when the psychiatrist i am seeing realised i had missed two appointments his social worker called the sheriff s. the two young men who came panicked and cut my hair, and left my medic alert necklace behind.  i was naked, much to my chagrin and shame. oh yes my hair and my medic alert necklace had became em meshed in an auld hall phone. i was unable to articulate my diagnoses or my treatment regime. i was admitted to a locked psychiatric ward for indigents. eduardo was out of town at the time. sadly enough i had ordered a medic alert bracelet which had gotten lost in the mail. needless to say i advise a bracelet only worn on the wrist. by the way i still grieve for curly locks which i could step on when doing exercises. melynda the prude melynda reid   who wears hats but does not type caps   snail: p o box 378 greensboro, florida 32330

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   I was wondering where I could purchase a Medical Alert Bracelet    indicating that I am a diabetic.  Also, is there only one style or    does one have a selection. May God Richly Bless As You Continue "Medic Alert" is a registered trademark and can only be purchased from Medic Alert corp.  Most any pharmacy and most doctor’s offices have order forms Medical Alert Jewelry however is another matter, (This is likely what you mean) and can be purchased from most pharmacies and many jewelry shops If you have just one condition, IE: Diabetes, you can get a simple tag, bracelet or necklace that has the Medical Alert symbol on one side and the single word DIABETES (Or Diabetic) on the other.  These are good, cheep, and say all that’s needed for a single problem person For multiple problems (IE: Diabetes and High BP) (IE: ME) most jewlers can engrave a medical alert tag for you Mine carries my name & Address, Primary medical problems and my Primary Care Doctor’s name and phone number. IF you have a "lengthy" medical history (More than 2 conditions) I would suggest the "Genuine Article" (Medic Alert [r]) like my sister has. "Nothing adds excitement like something that is none of your business" Using a Java script enabled browser go to:  http://go.compuserve.com/diabetes Anyone can read, Members can post, If you join Compuserve mention 73455,43 I’d love to go out with you, but I’m having all my plants neutered. Net-Tamer V 1.08X – Registered

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I HAVE SEEN THEM AT WALGREEN,S  EXPECT TO PAY 30$ OR MORE

Got a necklace at CVS for $3.85. The bracelet was a little more. The "$30.00" or more (think it’s $35.) is for membership for 3 years. For $3.85 you only get a necklace.. Dave —== http://www.newsfeeds.com – Largest Usenet Server In The World! ==—

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I HAVE SEEN THEM AT WALGREEN,S  EXPECT TO PAY 30$ OR MORE

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Believe you got the answer on MedicAlert – the web site, etc. Some other details. Be aware MedicAlert is a trade name. You can get similar medical bracelets from a variety of sources, including your pharmacy. They vary in what you get. Some, like the one I wear, has a stainless steel chain with a SS tag with the red medical logo on one side and came with an engraving on the other with simply "diabetes". Plus, I had a "type II" added, my name and phone number, and doctor’s name and phone number engraved on it (by sending it off to the company that sold it and paying a small fee – whole thing about $25). MedicAlert, I believe, maintains a registry and lists an 800 number on the bracelet so medical workers can call to get your medical history. Not sure about fees, but should be in website. Others will provide other information, such as the name of your doctor, etc. when called. Others are passive and you put on them what you want, like mine. And, of course, you can get them in gold or silver. You have to decide what you want. The ADA provides free a card you can put in your wallet with all the information needed. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering where I could purchase a Medical Alert Bracelet indicating that I am a diabetic.  Also, is there only one style or does one have a selection. May God Richly Bless As You Continue Your Journey in Life Flourish99

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(Flourish99) writes: I was wondering where I could purchase a Medical Alert Bracelet indicating that I am a diabetic.  Also, is there only one style or does one have a selection. May God Richly Bless As You Continue Your Journey in Life Flourish99

Here’s the URL for their website. http://www.medicalert.org/ They have a number of styles available – bracelets, necklaces, etc. I chose the necklace. I bought mine a year ago and just renewed for 3 years for a total of $35. It’s a small investment for something that could literally save your life! Ron — Ron Klein

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Howdy, Check with your local drug store, they should carry them or be able to get you one, Best of luck, Nick – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering where I could purchase a Medical Alert Bracelet indicating that I am a diabetic.  Also, is there only one style or does one have a selection. May God Richly Bless As You Continue Your Journey in Life Flourish99

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Only 1  I could find that I liked was the Speidel found at "Things Remembered’ Most malls have a ‘Things Remembered’  store. Cheers don – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was wondering where I could purchase a Medical Alert Bracelet indicating that I am a diabetic.  Also, is there only one style or does one have a selection. May God Richly Bless As You Continue Your Journey in Life Flourish99

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I was wondering where I could purchase a Medical Alert Bracelet indicating that I am a diabetic.  Also, is there only one style or does one have a selection. May God Richly Bless As You Continue Your Journey in Life Flourish99

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I was wondering where I could purchase a Medical Alert Bracelet indicating that I am a diabetic.  Also, is there only one style or does one have a selection. May God Richly Bless As You Continue Your Journey in Life Flourish99

If you are in the United States, you can go to just about any pharmacist and get a Medical Alert bracelet.  I wore one for quite a while when I was discovered to be allergic to penicillin.  They are available as wrist bracelets, ankle bracelets, and as pendents.  When I get mind, I’m going to opt for the pendent. When I visited Taiwan a year ago, I saw them for sale a number of places in the tourist section of Taiwan City. — Satch, testing modems since 1984, ARPAnet/Internet since 1972. "Shoulder to Shoulder…Heart to Heart…Satchell to Paige!"      – Firesign Theatre

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