Epilepsy Talk
Attractive Epilepsy Alert Jewelry | May 4, 2010
Medical Alert jewelry goes back more than 50 years, when simple metal bracelets and necklaces noted a wearer’s medical condition. It was a great idea to help emergency personnel provide faster treatment. But as smart as the idea was, some people were less than enthusiastic to wear them because they were was so downright unattractive.
Now there are plenty of great looking alternatives, for example, you’ll find some very cool jewelry at:
Creations by Jerrell http://www.creationsbyjerrell.com featuring Tina’s Tiles is innovative awareness jewelry where a contribution is donated to your cause. Each handcrafted hardwood tile features exclusive artistry with a touch of silver and a Swarovski crystal, suspended from an 18″ satin necklace. Truly individual. You’ll never see anything else like it.
Peace of Mind Jewelry http://peaceofmindjewelry.com/charity.htm#Epilepsy_Awareness_Bracelet has Czech bead and cane glass bracelets in shades of purple which include a sterling silver awareness charm. Best of all, $10 of your purchase is donated to the Epilepsy Foundation.
Fiddledeeids http://www.fiddledeeids.com/ has a whole array of beaded medical alert bracelets, charms, you name it. And each bracelet is customized and engraved for you — FREE.
Sticky Jewelry http://www.stickyj.com/ has cool Pandora style bracelets, beaded bracelets, bangles and lots of fashion forward medical alert jewelry.
Lauren’s Hope http://www.laurenshope.com/category/87/womens-medical-alert-jewelry has medical ID jewelry ranging from casual to elegant…bracelets, necklaces, ankle bracelets…you can even create your own personalized, custom design.
The bottom line? You don’t have to sacrifice style for safety!
However, it’s important to note that many first responders are instructed NOT to go into your purse or wallet. (It’s a privacy issue.) So, if you’re wearing something they can’t identify, it’s a moot point.
Also make sure you’ve assigned a Power of Attorney. I know it sounds scary but if you’re out cold, there’s not much you can tell them about yourself.
With that in mind, here’s some important information about the Medical Alert Foundation. http://www.medicalert.org/ Although it’s not most stunning jewelry in the world — you COULD keep the necklace kind of hidden in your blouse — they have saved many lives. (See comments below.)
Medics recognize it and you can change your information, when needed. (Like if your meds change.) They also know whom to contact, especially if you end up in the hospital. The price for membership is just $30 a year. And if you have an “Advance Directive,” they will include it with your information — FREE.
Another life-saving option is the innovative Invisible Bracelet https://store.invisiblebracelet.org/products/featured It’s a powerful medical ID in case of emergency and assigns you a unique personal identification number (PIN) that is displayed on a wallet card, key chain, sticker or snap-on device that can be worn on clothing. Your PIN is linked to an online account that you can set up on our secure iB Web site. Your online account has information on who you are, what medications and allergies you have and up to ten emergency contacts.
Tags: affordable, alert, alternatives, anklets, attractive, bracelets, jewelry, stylish
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Hi Phylis, I prefer Medic Alert. I know the other jewerly is more beautiful, but it is not always recognized by emergency personnel.
With Medic Alert, they have all of my records to give to doctors and ER if I am away from everyone. They have the names of my doctors, medicines, allergies to meds and my family. They can all give me the help I need.
I choose a Medic Alert bracelet over the more attractive bracelets for those reasons.
Comment by Ruth Brown — May 4, 2010 @ 9:15 AMMay +00:00May
WOW, that’s cool!
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 4, 2010 @ 9:15 AMMay +00:00May
I agree w/ Phyliss! The other jewelry does break easier and not as easily recognized. When I wear the Lauren’s Hope bracelet the EMT’s didn’t notice it. They told me wearing my necklace from medic alert was easier to note.
Comment by Tonialpha — May 4, 2010 @ 9:15 AMMay +00:00May
I think so!!
Comment by Ruth Brown — May 4, 2010 @ 9:15 AMMay +00:00May
I had a Lauren’s Hope bracelet on and it broke, but the EMT’s noted my sturdy necklace right away from Medic Alert.
Medic Alert is more familar to more people. When I am out of it, they can contact your family and doctor because of the number indicated on the Medic Alert emblem. They know the allergies and medications you are taking.
Comment by Tonialpha — May 4, 2010 @ 9:15 AMMay +00:00May
Thanks for the “heads-up” Tonialpha. I guess you and Ruth can teach me a thing or two!
(But the other ones WERE pretty…)
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 4, 2010 @ 9:15 AMMay +00:00May
Hi Phylis, you said that “the other ones WERE pretty.” Have you changed your mind, since you put it in the past tense?
Yes, some of them are beautiful, but our health should come before beauty.
Comment by Ruth Brown — May 4, 2010 @ 9:15 AMMay +00:00May
I meant the ones other than the Medical ID bracelet. I guess you think that a EMS wouldn’t be able to “get it?” You could be right.
But here’s my rebound question.
If you were wearing one of those ugly EFA bracelets, who would know WHAT it was for???
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 4, 2010 @ 9:15 PMMay +00:00May
I did not know that the EFA had bracelets.
Medic Alert covers all of my illnesses: epilepsy, diabetes, osteoporosis and high blood pressure. I need something that does not cover just epilepsy.
Comment by Ruth Brown — May 4, 2010 @ 9:15 PMMay +00:00May
The EFA bracelets are ugly as sin…coral and white swirl with the EFA logo and the saying “Not another day lost to seizures.” Plus the message is “engraved” into the rubber, so you man barely see it, no less READ it. What EMS guy is going to study that in the middle of a violent seizure???
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 4, 2010 @ 9:15 PMMay +00:00May
The point,”Not another day lost to seizures.” What if you are going by ambulance for something else? They would have no information about it.
Comment by Ruth Brown — May 5, 2010 @ 9:15 AMMay +00:00May
It’s completely stupid. And THEY of all people should know!
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 5, 2010 @ 9:15 AMMay +00:00May
I had a terrific stomach flu one time and a fever. I could not keep my balance and the fever was 104, It was late and I was confused due to the infection. When I was put in the ambulance I had a seizure. That was the last thing I remember. The medic alert indicated that I was anaphlaxis to Vancomycin. The hospital staff told me just reading my medic alert was a saving cause. I woke up one day later.
Comment by Tonialpha — May 5, 2010 @ 9:15 AMMay +00:00May
Well, that’s certainly a compelling testimonial! Although someone of the EFA forum pointed out some real cute stuff at http://www.stickyj.com/medical-emergency.html
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 5, 2010 @ 9:15 PMMay +00:00May
I looked up your link Phylis. The jewerly passed by to show which ones they had. I saw a symbol, but nothing I would recognize as a medical id.
They had watches, too. A lot of the jewerly they showed would be taken off, so the nurses can put in an IV. None of them would be paid any attention too by me or anyone.
Comment by Ruth Brown — May 5, 2010 @ 9:15 PMMay +00:00May
Well, I liked the Pandora charm bracelet and the beaded bracelet. But, as you say, they probably wouldn’t be very efffective.
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 5, 2010 @ 9:15 PMMay +00:00May
this is something i could easily integrate in my jewelry line. I never thought of that. Thanks for the idea
Comment by feliz — May 8, 2010 @ 9:15 PMMay +00:00May
Feliz, do you MAKE jewelry? If so, send us your website link!!!
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — June 1, 2010 @ 9:15 AMJun +00:00Jun
The sharp looking bracelets could be used for nice jewelry. That is a good idea. Thank you for the idea.
Comment by Ruth Brown — June 1, 2010 @ 9:15 AMJun +00:00Jun
I agree that the medic jewelry are prettier. I used to have one for years and the EMS never looked at it. So, now I wear one that no one could miss. Its made from 3 pet collar tags engraved with epilepsy, dr. name and number, contact info. Its cheaper too.
Comment by Jennifer Schnegg — August 26, 2010 @ 9:15 AMAug +00:00Aug
Clever you!!! Is it a necklace…charm bracelet? Did you make it yourself?
It would be a fabulous charm bracelet concept… 3 different colored heart shaped “dog” tags, engraved.
I know at my Pet Smart, they have the blanks in all kinds of shapes and colors. Then you’d just need to get a base metal link chain and attach each engraved “charm” with a little jump ring. (I used to write copy for jewelry, can you tell?) That would make a brilliant piece of epilepsy alert jewelry!!!
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — August 26, 2010 @ 9:15 AMAug +00:00Aug
I dont know how I got the idea of using dog tags. It could be when I needed to make my dog a new tag. I made it as a braclet, but a necklace can be made too. With it being a heart, the EMS would look at it as important. I have 2 red and 1 silver in color. I got them made at the website “pettags4less”. The cheapest place to get them made. They even have the most different colors and tag styles as well as engraving styles. Check it out.
Comment by Jennifer Schnegg — August 26, 2010 @ 9:15 AMAug +00:00Aug
That’s BRILLIANT, you should start a small, custom business. Maybe via setting up a Facebook page? Check this out… http://www.facebook.com/FiddledeeIDs
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — August 26, 2010 @ 9:15 PMAug +00:00Aug
hi, I have no idea about setting up a face book. I may think about it, selling the medical braclets or necklace. How would I do that?
Comment by Jennifer Schnegg — September 25, 2010 @ 9:15 AMSep +00:00Sep
Hi Jennifer, what a great idea!!
That would be noticed by the EMS. I would never have thought of dog tags and with a heart. You should consider a website. I agree with Phylis.
Comment by Ruth Brown — August 27, 2010 @ 9:15 PMAug +00:00Aug
Any idea how to set up a face book? I dont want to do something wrong.
Comment by Jennifer Schnegg — September 25, 2010 @ 9:15 AMSep +00:00Sep
I have no idea about Facebook. (As Ruth can tell you.) But you could go to http://www.wordpress.com and set up a webpage for free. You pick one of their templates (there are about 100) and they tell you how to go about doing it.
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — September 25, 2010 @ 9:15 PMSep +00:00Sep
Jennifer, you could do nothing wrong with a website. The only thing that you could do wrong is by using the name Face Book. You would have to get another name.
I myself am not one for having a website. My husband has told me that I could set up a great one. It would be too much work for me. Phylis spends a lot of time researching and helping other’s out, like us.
I appreciate your hard work and the help that you give each one of us personally by e-mail.
Comment by Ruth Brown — September 26, 2010 @ 9:15 PMSep +00:00Sep
Tnaks Ruth. Jennifer, go to http://www.wordpress and at least look around.
Or go to Fiddledeeids Facebook page and take a look at what they do…
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — September 26, 2010 @ 9:15 PMSep +00:00Sep
Medic Alert was started by a father. His daughter died because she was given the wrong medicine in an emergency. She was deadly allergic to it.
He decided to do something about it and it has helped me out.
Comment by Ruth Brown — September 27, 2010 @ 9:15 PMSep +00:00Sep
hi .. nice website
Comment by Deans — November 10, 2010 @ 9:15 AMNov +00:00Nov
Hi! Welcome!
And feel free to peruse the website. There are alot of wonderful people here, along with some real interesting stuff.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for, try the search engine, there are more than 90 articles!
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 10, 2010 @ 9:15 AMNov +00:00Nov
I like the medic alert card which indicates the disorders and diseases I deal w/, the medications I take, what I am allergic to, the physicians I see and phone #’s. It is very helpful because I have a terrible memory at times.
Comment by Tonialpha — November 10, 2010 @ 9:15 AMNov +00:00Nov
Ruth is a strong believer in that also…for the same reasons as you.
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 10, 2010 @ 9:15 PMNov +00:00Nov
I tend to rely on the MedicAlert bracelets. For not only do they come in a wide variety of designs (for men, women and kids), once one registers as a member, his or her records are kept right at hand, and in an emergency, the phone-in number is left on the back of one’s bracelet. Upon calling that number and stating the member’s ID number, all related details are given to those seeking help. Such as the member’s doctor, what medicine is being taken, the names and phone numbers of important personnel, even addresses. I wouldn’t go anywhere without having mine on right there next to my watch.
Comment by George Earl — November 11, 2010 @ 9:15 AMNov +00:00Nov
Welcome Deans, glad to meet you.
I made a great big mistake. I forgot to wear my Medic Alert bracelet. I also always take my bottles of medicine when I leave town. Even with Medic Alert the ER still wants to see a list of my medicines or the actual bottles.
I went to another city and wound up in the ER. I had a bad seizure and fractured my eye. I was black and blue all over my face. They thought that they were going to have to do surgery the next morning. Because they could not get in contact with my doctors, they sent me home. They must have given me strong medicine because I was out and I was confused and have no memory of what happened.
They sent me home so I could get in touch with my doctors.
This can happen to you if you forget to wear your Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Please be sure and keep your information up to date, as well.
Learn from my stupitidy and do not forget to wear it at all times.
Comment by Ruth Brown — November 11, 2010 @ 9:15 AMNov +00:00Nov
I have never had a medical ID tag, and I have had seizures since I was 12. I am looking for one because I have many allergies, which include seizure meds & latex, and I take super high doses of Keppra & Topamax. I have had seizures in moving vehicles, at computers, and at school, and they last very long. I always tell people I have seizures but I want my info to be on file because I once didn’t wake up until I was halfway to the hospital. My seizures aren’t even epileptic. They don’t know what causes my seizures. But I’ve been seizure free for 3 years but we never know. I have bouts where I lose control of my body & I think it’s a seizure.
Comment by Neelie — January 16, 2011 @ 9:15 AMJan +00:00Jan
Hi and welcome…
I’m a little confused. You say you’ve had seizures since the age of 12, you’re clearly on anti-epilepsy drugs (Keppra and Topamax) but you don’t think you have epilepsy?
I would suggest either you get further diagnostic testing like a VEEG.
Video EEG Monitoring allows prolonged simultaneous recording of the patient’s behavior and the EEG.
Seeing EEG and video data at the same time, permits precise correlation between seizure activity in the brain and the patient’s behavior during seizures.
Video-EEG can be vital in the diagnosis of epilepsy and epileptic seizures. It allows the doctor to determine: whether events with unusual features are epileptic seizures…the type of epileptic seizure, and the region of the brain from which the seizures arise.
Definitely a Medical I.D. is a good idea. The most reliable one, recommended by Ruth, above, is the MedicAlert bracelet.
Not only do they come in a wide variety of designs (for men, women and kids), once one registers as a member, his or her records are kept right at hand, and in an emergency, the phone-in number is left on the back of one’s bracelet.
Upon calling that number and stating the member’s ID number, all related details are given to those seeking help. Such as the member’s doctor, what medicine is being taken, the names and phone numbers of important personnel, even addresses.
The contact info for MedicAlert bracelets and necklaces is http://www.medicalert.org/
You can find out more about it if you read the comments above.
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — January 17, 2011 @ 9:15 PMJan +00:00Jan
Great article with excellent information. Thank you for sharing.
Comment by Medical Alarm — February 6, 2012 @ 9:15 PMFeb +00:00Feb
Well, that’s quite a compliment coming from “Medical Alarm!”
Stayed tuned for an article on Safety Monitors. Coming soon to a neighborhood near you!
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — February 6, 2012 @ 9:15 PMFeb +00:00Feb