I've been thinking about this for quite some time and thought I would put this out there for comments, ideas, and suggestions. . . .
Because I have bilateral cochlear implants, I wear a medical alert bracelet that has my name on it, that states that I have a cochlear implant, and that I cannot have an MRI for any reason. What if my bracelet falls off in an accident? Or my processors? What if I cannot speak for myself and no one else is able to speak for me? No one would know unless they knew me or found my identification and medical information in my purse.
Should I get a medical alert tattoo somewhere on my body so that it is permanent and always there in case of emergency? If I got one I wouldn't want it to be too large. . . maybe the size of a quarter or my current bracelet. Is there even such a thing? If so, where is the first place someone would look for medical identification? Or what part of the body is noticeable while preparing a patient for an MRI or medical procedure? Has anyone ever gotten a medical alert tattoo? Would you do it for your child or family member for any medical condition? If you needed a medical alert tattoo, where would you put it? I'd love to know.
Or, if you are a nurse, doctor, paramedic, or EMT, where would you look?
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15 comments:
Probably best place on near wrist with medical symbol picture on it that way EMT will know. Just my opinion.
Warning you that several of doctor or medical hosptial never heard of CI, They clueless about CI issues.
I watched one program on TV and they say They assume it was eye diease. Funny?
It is not familiar about CI around in small town or big cities,too.
OOPs, I forgot to say something.
I think it is cool to put down on tatto for medical related. CI is hard to say.. but some of years it will be familiar.
I don't think tatto is all that necessary to have it. Just wear your medical alert bracelet or necklace. Also, they will search in your purse/billford for any information.
Having a tattoo is the ugly thing to have on our body.
When you go for an MRI, the docs have to check for any jewelry you have. Jewelry cannot go into the machine. So, I would put the tattoo where a piece of jewelry would be, maybe even UNDER my wedding band, or watch band. The docs would see it then, when they removed the jewelry.
The tattoo could say "NO MRI I Have Metal Implants CAT Scans OK"
You would have to be put in a hospital gown, or at least stripped of your clothing to go into the machine ( I think ) so, you could also have it tatted on your belly.
If you are interested in a tatoo I would suggest a location near where you would look for a medical ID tag--wrist, ankle, neckline. In order to have an MR scan you need to be clothed in non-metal containing clothes, but not necessarily a hospital gown. So don't count on being stripped of your clothes. Because there are many different reasons why you can't have an MR scan, without your (or your next-of-kin's) signed consent they have to do an x-ray first to rule out internal metal objects.
(A medial imaging graduate student)
P.S. deaf pixie: I've never heard of cochlear implants being referred to as CI and that would not be my first guess withour sufficient context clues.
Keep the comments coming! I think tattoos are ugly, too, but if it will help the medical personnel and prevent the "undoing" of my implants, I would do it. My belly wouldn't be a bad place since I wouldn't consider wearing a bikini or showing my midriff ever again in public! The wrist seems like a common place someone would look.
My husband pointed out something to me this morning, though. If I were in an accident and covered with blood, a tattoo would be easily covered and not seen. Hmmmmm, something to consider. . .
This is a good topic with interesting comments. I have been thinking about some form of id for eboy to wear, but he hates jewelry so I have no idea what to do. Maybe when he's old enough he'll get himself a tattoo!
I need to upgrade my medic bracelet. Different Drs did both of my C I's. ummmmm my 2nd was done 12/05. Wow !!!! Not too crazy about the tatoo idea. Thanks for reminding me to upgrade it. I better do it pronto. HUGS, Molly CC
I agree with some of the comments...wrist is good... but unless the ER knows what it is or what to do....might be a problem...
I think it's better to have a medialert bracelet bec. staff are more likeli to see that... not tattoo's.. we are a tattoo society now at we don't pay attention to that...just to be honest...
I happen over here by Heathers blog.. I saw you read the Shack...
I read it and gave out about 10 books to others to read.. did that so not rock.. best book I ever read... loved it...
Have a wonderful day...
The middle of your forehead would work. How could anyone miss that????
:)
I think both having a bracelet and a neglace as well as having my medical history in my wallet would suffice.
I am not a tattoo type of guy. I don't like needles and been getting enough needles already. LOL
Jim
i am thinking to get one as well, i plan to have it on the inner part of my wrist. I have T1 diabetes.
also, responding to hetha
" Hetha said...
This is a good topic with interesting comments. I have been thinking about some form of id for eboy to wear, but he hates jewelry so I have no idea what to do. Maybe when he's old enough he'll get himself a tattoo!"
http://www.medawareid.com/ sells temp. tattoos for medic alert conditions.
As a tattooed person, I'm getting a medical alert tattoo (actually, two, but at different times). I'm getting the medical alert symbol on my hand/wrist joint. Something probably about the size of a half dollar. Yes, this seems large, but I have several very severe allergies that will put me into anaphylatic shock if in contact with my body. I'm going to make the alert symbol look like a charm, then have my allergies placed as the "bracelet" part. Basically it will say "LATEX - PENICILLIN - IODINE", etc wrapping around my wrist. Also it will say "panic disorder" at the center of my wrist on the underside. Later on I plan on getting a medical alert symbol tattooed on my chest (i have a couple there, but this will be bigger) in case my arm gets cut off or something. because hey, think of it this way: You might lose an arm or leg, and therefore lose your bracelet or anklet. There's a possibility in an accident youll lose your necklace as well. At least in most cases you won't lose your skin (except for maybe a burn case?)
Wrist for sure. Be sure to have thr medical symbol! As a paramedic I can say the symbol is what gets our attention.
If you do not wish to have your personal information tatted on you, consider an I.C.E (in case of emergency) person or phone #.
Please know that any medcial personel worth their salt who has an unconscious or trauma patient will gently feel your head (and the rest of you) and will feel the C.I.
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