Medic Alert for ONLY apnea?

[MoneyGal]

I don't have any other (known) medical conditions. I've been thinking about getting a medic alert bracelet. My untreated AHI is over 90 episodes per hour.

Thoughts? Opinions? What have others done?

Also: dumb question -- but if I was unconscious, not asleep, I'd be at the same risk of apneas as if I were asleep, right?

[rested gal]

Also: dumb question -- but if I was unconscious, not asleep, I'd be at the same risk of apneas as if I were asleep, right?

I don't know this for a fact, but I'm guessing you'd be at even MORE risk for apneas if unconscious rather than just "asleep."

At least when we're asleep and the suffocation is becoming dire, the brain eventually arouses the nerves, muscles, etc. to open the airway to get a gasp, even if that doesn't wake us up enough to remember it happening. If we're totally unconscious, though... I kind of doubt if that arousal could even happen. But like I said, I don't know for sure.

Good idea about getting yourself an "apnea" Medic Alert.

[Patrick A]

I don't have any other (known) medical conditions. I've been thinking about getting a medic alert bracelet. My untreated AHI is over 90 episodes per hour.

Thoughts? Opinions? What have others done?

Also: dumb question -- but if I was unconscious, not asleep, I'd be at the same risk of apneas as if I were asleep, right?

The only dumb question is the question that is not asked.
I have had a Medic Alert Necklace for almost 23 years. Yes you can get one for Apnea only. I would venture to say that the money spent is very well spent.
It could save your life!

[Irene P.]

Great idea. It never even occurred to me. I'll have to give that some consideration.

[SuperGeeky]

Contact the American Sleep Apnea Association. For a donation of $25, you had a choice between a bracelet or tag worn around your neck.

http://www.sleepapnea.org/contact.html

It's a nice Stocking Stuffer

To me, this is an absolute 'No Brainer'!!

SG

[LoneStar]

Why not? If you were in an accident and were unconscious and needed surgery, the doctors treating you would need to know about your apnea.

I wear a Medic Alert bracelet for sleep apnea and hearing loss.

Medic Alert is the original, largest and most recognized organization of this type. http://www.medicalert.org/

Lisa

[Marietjie]

Oh my goodness! Never thought of that. I've got a laminated card with all my details (tel.nos, doctors,meds, addresses, etc) in my handbag and also in the car's cubbyhole. I'm going to change my details right away and write sleep apnea on it in capital letters! I think if one is unconscious and stop breathing, it could lead to a stroke - what do you think? A medic alert bracelet for sleep apnea is an absolute necessity. Thank you, friend for mentioning this.

[montana user]

Rested gal is correct. I've been an EMT for 12 years and when you are truly unconcsious, you can poke, prod,etc and you will not flinch. Therefore as rested gal said, the brain is not responding to the lack of O2 in the brain and causing you to gasp. The same airway problem you have at night, is still there, just no back up (i.e gasping, coughing,etc) We in the EMS field LOVE medic alert bracelets/necklaces!

[littleredtree2]

good morning

I have been looking the the bracelets for a while. And want to order one.

What should I have engraved on the braclets?

[LoneStar]

littleredtree,

If you go through Medic Alert, they will help you decide what to put on the bracelet/necklace. In my case, I have "Sleep Apnea" on my bracelet. Medic Alert's phone number and my member number is also on the bracelet so the emergency responders know to call Medic Alert for further information; my titration is on record with Medic Alert. It is not on my bracelet.

You do have to pay a yearly membership fee to Medic Alert, but they can keep all of your important medical information on file for the doctors' to access. Things like medications you are on and other health care issues you have. They can also have your PCP doctor's contact information and nearest relative's contact information on file in case of an accident.

Lisa

[littleredtree2]

littleredtree,

If you go through Medic Alert, they will help you decide what to put on the bracelet/necklace. In my case, I have "Sleep Apnea" on my bracelet. Medic Alert's phone number and my member number is also on the bracelet so the emergency responders know to call Medic Alert for further information; my titration is on record with Medic Alert. It is not on my bracelet.

You do have to pay a yearly membership fee to Medic Alert, but they can keep all of your important medical information on file for the doctors' to access. Things like medications you are on and other health care issues you have. They can also have your PCP doctor's contact information and nearest relative's contact information on file in case of an accident.

Lisa

thanks
that helps alot.
I have never ordered one of these. but most likely will today.

[LinkC]

I think if one is unconscious and stop breathing, it could lead to a stroke - what do you think?

I think death by asphxyiation is the more immediate concern. If you die before you regain consciousness, it eliminates the risk of stroke.

[Gerryk]

I have been in the emergency medical services (Fire based ambulance service) for about 30 years. I have seen many medic alert bracelets and necklaces. They have always helped out, but I have not seen one with a number on it to call.
My department allows people to send in their medical information to have it put into our dispatch computer. When we are dispatched that information prints out for us to take with and is also available on the computer in our fire equipment and ambulances. The one main disadvantage is that people forget to update their info, and I could see the same thing happening with a medic alert where you would have to call in for the info.

In all honesty put your pertinent medical info on the bracelet or necklace. If your condition is serious, I am not going to take the time initially to call some number and possibly be put on hold. Your airway breathing and circulation will be maintained in a proper manner and a 12 lead EKG and IV will be established before any call is made.

Now, where I work we are fortunate to have fire apparatus respond with an ambulance, which gives us five personnel on the scene which is what the NFPA (National fire protection association) requires for fire based EMS. Not many departments can afford to provide this level of service. Making that phone call and being put on hold then giving them your info and waiting for it to be retrieved could take several minutes. In a situation like that I would direct my crew to begin transport and call while enroute to the hospital not waste time on the scene.


Sorry for that being so long. Medic alert bracelets are great but not if I have to call for the info.

Gerry

[SuperGeeky]

Ho Ho Ho!! Santa just ordered a MedAlert Dog Tag!! REMEMBER, google for the Promotional CODE if you order, save $10.

Thanks everybody!! Good Deal!!

SG

[JohnBFisher]

I use Medic Alert as well. They allow you to record critical information for emergency responders and emergency rooms. It includes mediciations, allergies, emergency contact information, etc. With severe OSA, something like a Medic Alert bracelet can allow the emergency responder to know that they need to help you maintain your airway.

For example, I will probably update my Medic Alert condition information to also indicate they may need to ventilate me due to my problems with central apneas.