Alert Bracelets for BC Patients

Sheila · 02-04-2007, 03:16 PM

Time after time we go into the hospital for scans, tests etc. We have to be vigilent about no needle sticks or B/P on the affected arm due to risk of Lymphadema. I talked 3 local hospitals here into ordering LYMPHADEMA ALERT bands, that they place on you when you go to the hospital....they are fluorescent colored (neon pink) and are a recognized warning to leave that arm alone. They are plastic just like hospital ID bands...and the best is they show up even in dark rooms as at night when the nurse comes in to take your vitals.... They are also useful in surgical patients who can't speak up when they are anesthetized. Also useful if you are traveling alone away from home, in case of an accident or sudden illness. They are really excited about them here...seemed like a no brainer to me....with malpractice suits the way they are...it is just an added protection for us as patients.
Might be time to talk to your local hospital or clinic and get them to use them if they aren't already.

Mary Jo · 02-04-2007, 05:54 PM

Hi Sheila,
Thanks for sharing that bit of information. I like the neon pink idea. I have a regular medical alert bracelet (that I never wear) that says on the underside - no needle sticks, no bp this arm.

Thanks,

Mary Jo

Sandy H · 02-04-2007, 06:18 PM

Good idea Sheila, I saw some free ones last year and sent for them. Didn't realize they were plastic and I cannot wear anything plastic. I do wear an ID stainless steel bracelet. The lab told me every patient should wear an ID bracelet or pendant at all times in case we are in an accident and cannot talk. I told them I wear a sleeve and that should do it. They said and also a friend of mine that works EMS said the same thing when they respond to an accident the first thing they look for is an ID pendant or bracelet. As for the sleeve that is just another piece of clothing. I have a friend who refuses to wear any ID and says she will just let the lab know not to use that arm. Well, she sees the doc and has lab once a year. The last time she forgot until the lab had already done her blood and then it was too late. They used that arm. For me I am comfortable wearing an ID bracelet especially where I already have lymphedema. I got my ID bracelet from one of those gift catalogs and it cost $7.99. Have purchased extras to give to my friends. They are nice looking to wear. People have asked me who have one from the jewelry store where I got such a nice looking bracelet. hugs, Sandy

Brenda_D · 02-04-2007, 07:50 PM

I ordered a bracelet but haven't received it yet.

When I get my blood work, I make a habit of telling them not to use the right arm and why. Last Friday, one the lab techs tried to to tell me that there was only a problem if that arm swelled.
I made a point to nicely tell her that I was told that after lymph node removal, that arm is a no BP, no stick arm, and I didn't want to risk Lymphedema because I already had enough in my life to deal with.
She nicely agreed.

Margerie · 02-04-2007, 08:55 PM

My lymphedema clinic gave me one of those bracelets. I do not have LE, but got a big scare after my recon surgery- both arms and hands were quite swollen right after surgery because of the anesthesia. It took one day for right arm to clear, an extra day for my left (risk) arm. My therapist told me to wear my compression sleeve and the bracelet to my next surgery- which I did. They let me wear both in the OR. I could tell I would have had swelling again- other hand swollen for a day. I guess it is how I react to anesthesia.

The pink plastic bracelet is reusable (another surgery this week) but I couldn't wear it everyday. Where can you get a nice bracelet again?

Sandy H · 02-05-2007, 07:51 PM

I am not sure which catalog I got mine from Starcrest, Carol Wright, one of those. I am not home to check but it is a nice shiny stainless steel and expandable. It opens up and you can type on a piece of paper anything you want. The paper comes with it. You can also have your name engraved on the outside. For around $7.99 and free shipping it was the best I have seen. I use to wear the sterling silver from TLC but they were a chain and never stayed in place so it would slide around my wrist and after a few months they were all worn and scratched. Those cost $28.00. I think now they have some new ones. I hope this helps. I think you can find these catalogs online. hugs, Sandy

Sandy H · 02-05-2007, 08:11 PM

Hi Margerie, I did some online research and if you type in Carol Wright's catalog. Then go on shopping online you will find the ID bracelets like I bought. Go into Health Products and you will find them as the last item. They are $9.99 so have gone up since I purchased them in early fall. Still not a bad price. I have been wearing ID's now for 6 years and this is the best for the money. I have had friends ask me where I got mine because they really liked it so well. They got theirs from a jewelry store and paid lots more for it. Hope this helps. hugs, Sandy

Margerie · 02-05-2007, 08:52 PM

Sandy,

Thank you so much! Ordered the bracelet and 2 heated ice scrapers for under $30 LOL!

Soccermom · 02-07-2007, 08:21 PM

Dear Sheila,
You must have been reading my mind!!!!!!!
I have to go into hospital overnight next week.I HAD two of those hot pink bracelets that I got for free from one of the medical product companys on line...I am panicking because I cant find them and I want to be sure I wear them into surgery!
I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the company and I havel ooked at every selling compression garments!
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Marcia