Identification/ID Tag?
 

Hey everyone
Sorry for yet another question--they just keep popping into my head.
I'm wondering if any of you have ID tags stating that you have a SCS. Obviously I am months or years away from that point... still in the first stages. I had to get a medical ID bracelet (from Lauren's Hope) after my gastric bypass surgery. I also have on there that I have a ceclor allergy.
I am thinking about getting a new tag if I ever get some money, because I have a sensitivity (not allergy) to latex and would like to put that plus an emergency contact on my bracelet.
I am just wondering if your doctors suggested putting this information on an ID tag. If so, I will wait a little longer to get a new tag in case I end up with an SCS--they are expensive and since I have no income, I don't want to have to keep buying new ones to add more info.
Thanks!
Sarah

Re ID Tag
 

Hi Sarah- and this is Great point to truly make in the sticky thread Rae started up top of the page there! I'll add this to it.

Upon your surgery having occurred, both your SCS manufacturer and your surgeon's office should offer to and issue to you identification cards, much like a plastic credit card. If kept on your person/in your wallet, purse, or other convenient carrying place for your Identification and together with your identification and any insurance card you may have MOST ANY credible care giver/first responder to you in case of your incapacity would search for your identification/insurance/SCS warning card and find them together.

In my case I received multiples of the cards so my wife carries for me as well in case she has to demonstrate to a caregiver that I am SCS equipped.

Now, no one has suggested having an I.D. bracelet or locket made to further I.D. me on this point, but I feel comfortable for the time being with this.

Thanks for the good question!
Mark56 PJ :)

I have both
 

Hi Sarah, I just wanted to let you know that I have the card Mark was talking about (because you have to show it at the airport and whenever there is a metal detector.) But I also have an ID bracelet and I have my neurostimulator put on there along with my aortic aneurysm. I think it is all about your preference though and I know they can be expensive. I did it also because I can keep the bracelet on me in places that I am not using my purse (like when I used to tutor we locked our purses up). Plus if I am in an accident or something they will see my bracelet as well. Hope that helps :hug:Tara

Yeah, that's what I worry about. If I go to the doctor and my mom is with me, I don't always bring my purse. Carrying my huge binder of medical records is more than enough to hold.. and she I am on her insurance so she can present her card. I usually grab my ID, but that is it. I always wear my bracelet though, or I have until recently. Because I have lost 160 lbs, it no longer fits... but I can't afford a new one. That does worry me, because if I do get in an accident and don't have my bracelet on, that would be horrible. :( I sure wish SSI would make a decision already... I wish even more that I could get a job and be 'normal'.

Normal?
 

Hi Sarah- The word Normal truly defies definition that is not offensive to and disrespectful to someone. You are normal. Your body functions differently. I'm not making a big deal, just embracing you.
:hug:z,
Mark56 PJ:)

I don't mean that anyone with medical problems isn't normal.. that's not what I was saying.

I mean normal as in.. you know.. most people who spend 6 years earning a college degree goes out and gets a job to use their degree... not spending 6 hard years in college and thousands of dollars in student loans just to end up bedridden and not being able to every have a job.

Just want to hope for you to feel Normal
 

Hope does spring eternal. Sure, I spent 8 years getting the education which did take our family interesting places while I earned respect and kudos and enough for our family to live well. Then alll of that was taken away. Oh sure, I still had respectability, but providing for our family is still a challenge yet to be fulfilled. We are working on it. Taking a life that you and I talked about at one time for me was fuller and being bedridden myself was not how I had envisioned my life. Even so, that is what I had.

This stim unit is enabling miraculous steps in right direction for us. I so hope the same for you. I know all too well how people treat me as "that one in the wheelchair" or the knowing glances of folks who used to work with me as one of the powerful and now they remain employed and I am.... well, not up to their snuff for the time being. Been there feeling that.

So, as my wife is fond of saying, we are taking our lemons and making lemon pie. May your pie have MUCH meringue when you attain a hoped and prayed for goal of much less pain managed through something akin to what I now know personally within me.

To me, you are as normal as the next person. Challenged yes, and normal. Your mind is incredible. I am glad to have you as my friend.

Blessings on you, you normal person you,:hug:z:grouphug:
Mark56 PJ :)

Hi Sarah

Having had my implant now for 4 weeks, in my pack was a temporary ID card stating that I use an SCS. However, it does say that I will be sent a permanent one in due course. Not too sure how long 'due course' is. But for now I carry the 'temp' one with me in the purse/ carrycase that came with my SCS :)
A bracelet was never mentioned.

Jackie

Thanks everyone for your replies. I just can't decide if it is important in an emergency situation to know about a SCS. I can't fly anyway because of my back... it sounds like that is the only reason for the card. If I am mistaken, please please correct me. Since I don't always have a purse or wallet with me, if it is important in an emergency situation, I want to put it on a bracelet in the future. Like I said, it is a long way off for me... I just got the results from my bone scan today and will get a card in the mail within a week of my next appt with my pain management doctor--the process to get a SCS is just beginning for me.

You are not alone Sarah!
 

Hi Sarah, I just wanted to comment about what you said about being able to be normal. I understand where you are coming from because I am on my 6th year of college myself and I am hoping to graduate in the spring but only with a general studies degree instead of an actual elem ed one. The accident I was in definitely changed my life and I have realized I have to keep making up new definitions of normal for myself. I even ran into an old boss the other day (when I used to work) and she was surprised to see me like this and it made me sad because I really wish I had those days back when that was my normal (going to school, going to work, going out etc) now I can barely get through my classes, I definitely cannot work (which makes me worry if I will ever actually be admitted into the teaching program and become a teacher) and I lost all of my friends and trying to make some new ones which is not easy :winky:. My point is that you are not alone and I understand how you feel and even if you are not the old normal anymore, there might be a better new normal for you down the road! Hope that makes sense! I really hope that they get you some relief soon and if the answer is having the stim then I hope the journey to it goes quickly and smoothly! take care of yourself :hug:'s Tara

Thank you, thank you, thank you! It's wonderful to know that others understand and have been there. I wish you the best of luck in your college degree, and I truly hope that you get to feeling better so you can pursue and Eled degree--or whatever you choose! <3 Sounds like we have a lot in common.. if you ever want to talk further, feel free to message me! :) -hugs-!

Nice Tara!
 

Tara got it so much better than I. Sure, we feel different than the rest, especially when pain is so internal, and it is hard for others to related/understand. I appreciate your words to Sarah, Tara.

Nice,
Mark56 :)

:)Hi! I just wanted to post my thoughts on the id bracelet. I have an SCS and I do wear a medical braclet which states that I have an implant. I do this because I am worried that if ever in an emergency situation that if I do not have my wallet and my card that they might just overlook the fact and possibly do an mri or anything that might cause a problem due to the implant. Call me a worry wort or what ever but the doctors around here does not even know much about RSD so who knows what might be done in a rush case and they did not even think of the possibility of any kind of implant exspecially that I am on the younger side to which you would not expect to have medical issues like that. I think it is just a persons preference but is a good idea. Just wanted to give my thoughts. Hope it does not sound crazy.

Maybe I Should
 

Maybe I should get a bracelet! That "what if they don't look for a card" thing is a truism. Truly, my odds of another car wreck [what wound me up here in the first place] are better than those who have never been so stricken. Yep. Those were words of wisdom not "worry wartism."

Thanks,
Mark56:)

Identity card?
 

As Im only 4 weeks over my implant Im curious to know WHEN should I expect to get my PERMANENT ID card. At present I have a temporary one?

Im looking at purchasing a bracelet. It would make sense. Like what was said, what if you 'forget' to bring your purse or wallet, or its mislaid if (God forbid) you have an accident and you have no way of portraying to the Emergency services that you have an implant etc......hmmmmm definitely going to invest in the id bracelets. Some good sites on internet too and you can get one cheap or if you want to spend some more they have some beautiful ones available. BTW also dog tags, or necklaces too....whatever your preference.

This is a site I found which is quite reasonable too

http://www.theidbandco.com/Home.aspx

Good luck :wink:

Jackie :)

ID's
 

8 Weeks
 

Boston Sci sent me the multiple permanent plastic cards at about 8 weeks post surgery. My surgeon gave me his version at the 6 week post op visit. I, too, will be getting a bracelet or some such. Just wanna let people who treat me upon some other accident [as I seem to be prone to involvement or just plain unlucky] before anyone says "Oh, let's get an MRI on this unconscious individual. Gotta get the ID bracelet.
Mark56:)

In Case of Emergency application
 

I have been considering getting a medical id bracelet with SCS noted on it. However, I am not much of jewelry wearer. In the meantime, I found a free application on my Blackberry called ICE. I was able to put my emergency contacts, doctors' name and phone number along with my medical condition. I placed a note there to see the medical card in my purse, along with the note for "Spinal cord stimulator - No MRI's". I would imagine that the Iphone also has a similar app.

Probably a really silly question
 

What info should be on an ID bracelet/necklace? Your name, Spinal Cord Stimulator - no MRI's, and a contact number for emergencies or would you put your Dr's number? Anything else??

Thanks!!

Id Bracelet ordered
 

Hi

Yesterday I ordered my ID bracelet. Like that I wasnt sure what to put on it so in the end I decided the following:

Front................ MY NAME, MEDICAL IMPLANT, SPINAL CORD STIM.


BACK.................. NO MRI's OR DIATHERMY, My DR's Name and Dr's phone no.


I also have an app on my iphone, plus I will be getting my permanent id card from my REP as at present Ive only got a temporary one.


Jackie :)

Mine has my full name (Sarah Mae N*****), ceclor allergy, gastric bypass surgery 8/09 (that's important and the reason I got it--they can't stick certain tubes down into my stomach because of that) and then I would also add SCS-No MRIs if I end up getting the implant. I do not have an emergency number on mine because I got a bracelet that only allowed 3 lines.. but will get one that allows 5 lines next time if I get the SCS and then will add that.

Wrong size!!!!
 

:eek:Well my ID bracelet arrived this am, which was so fast;) I was so pleased.
Then I opened the box it came in and I was so excited. As I went to close the clasp:eek::eek:it was too short:eek::eek:. It just about closes but I will have to go to the jewellers to have another link fitted.

So if you are ordering yours online, they do say to allow 1/2 an inch over the size of your wrist , well I would suggest, unless you like a snug fit, to allow 1 inch above your wrist size. I went by their measurements and its just that little bit too short. So instead of me sending it back, it came from UK, I am going to have it done locally in my own jewellers, as it would cost too much to return. But overall I am very pleased with the content and quality of the bracelet.


:)

Absolutely. I order mine from Lauren's Hope, and they advise you on every page to add one inch because of the way the tag fits and doesn't move or bend to conform to your arm.

They also include these four little circle things that clasp onto the tag, so when I lost weight I was able to take all four of the circles off with pliers and it fits perfectly. I think I've lost at least 3/4ths of an inch off my wrist, if not a whole inch.. so those little links are nice because I didn't have to take the bracelet apart in any way or have it altered professionally.

Glad to see you Sarah
 

Hope and pray for you that this week has been better and that you find the next an improvement over this one.
Hugs,
Mark56:)

Mark,
Thanks for your kind words. I truly wish things were better... the pain is fine but the rest of my world is falling apart. I sure wish I had you and Rae and Tara and Jackie and Kathy and the "crew" to talk to... I miss you guys a whole lot... always, but especially in these hard times.
I think about you all so often and am still praying for you guys... love you guys...

We are here
 

Hi Sarah:hug:

Im sorry to hear that things are not too good for you at this time. You know the 'crew' are here for you to talk to at any time. So please feel free to chat whenever you wish ok:hug:

Well Said Jackie
 

:Demonstration::You-Rock::I-Agree::Wave-Hello::Good-Post::Thanx:

Mark56:grouphug:

Thank you.. I really wish I could catch you all in chat.. I have had possibly the worst day of my life... and I would love nothing more than to have people to talk to--not to rehash and dwell on it, but to tell the situation to ask for prayer and move on... oh well, such is life.

I still love you guys.. always.. and Rae, if you are reading this, I don't know why I haven't heard from you.. but I do love you. And I miss you.

Chat is down
 

Hi Sarah- Since the NT server went down last night and came back up this morn, chat has been offline. Dunno why.
:hug:
Mark56

Praying....
 

.......................http://dl4.glitter-graphics.net/pub/...vdp4t34rei.jpg.....you are always in my prayers dear Sarah.....
Praying for your situation to get better.......
Praying for the many hurting hearts, especially on this very sad day in our recent history.....

Caring Always
Rae
:hug:

so so so happy you responded.. i miss our little talks so much :( i hope things are all ruined between the two of us.. ive already lost 6 members of my family today

wait.. not by death or anything... they are just choosing to hurt me because of something my mom did... my brother and i didnt do anything to deserve it all.. but it sure does hurt...

anyway... thanks for caring and praying.. I am doing the same.. caring (always) and praying for you

And Mark, I saw that chat is down.. didn't know NT was down though... sure hope it is up soon.. would love to talk to someone

I hear your frustration :(
 

Hey, I had an idea,,,see what you think....

ok, you KNOW we will all pull together for you :hug:
I'm not quite sure exactly what you are facing......
In the past, when I've needed extra support, I've posted in the "Coping with Grief & Loss" forum ....Or (especially since you are a woman of Faith:) ) maybe you could start a thread in the "Sanctuary for Spritual Support" and we could all kinda meet over there for you.....
Reason I say this is because I'm thinking you'd get even more support since you'd be reaching out on one of those forums and I have met many beautiful folks who will embrace your situation in an instant.

Sometimes, depending on what the circumstances are, however, a person may prefer not to post certain personal issues on the public forum.....

Since the chat is down......that's why I was thinking the next best thing might be to just let us know that you are going to start a thread asking for prayer and support and we will gladly join in and share on whatever level you feel open to sharing.....

If you prefer to just keep the discussion with this core group here at SCS, maybe start a new thread here and we can support you that way as well.....

Since we are discussing this on your thread regarding Medical Bracelets, maybe you'd like to start a different thread in which we can target your personal issues......

Just some ideas .....:hug:
What do you think?

Rae.. that sounds good... though I am not sure if I should post a thread or not. I debated it for awhile, but I just am not sure since it involved a lot of family members. I did just post in my CaringBridge.. the whole story about what has me so upset... so maybe I will just say--if you care to read that, please do so (link is in my signature) and pray if you are able or willing... and then if anyone does read it and lets me know (on caringbridge or on this site), we can talk further... I am a little scared to post the whole story even on Caringbridge, but to put it out on the internet in multiple places probably isnt good since it isn't just about me.. but a large number of people. Otherwise I would definitely take that suggestion. :)

So I'll leave it at that.. I'm hoping that I will feel better now that I've written it all out.. but prayers are always appreciate... and now I will stop talking about this in this thread--back to bracelets! haha

Oh, speaking of bracelets... if anyone has read my Caringbridge, they may know that my absolute favorite word is hope... and since the place I got my bracelet from is called Lauren's Hope--every bracelet comes with a little charm on it that says "HOPE". I love that! :)

Bracelets......and HOPE :)
 

http://dl2.glitter-graphics.net/pub/...z41prtq3t6.gif Good for you! You've got a good head on your shoulders! Typing out frustrations is an excellent way of 'getting it out'......I once sat for 4 hours and typed out so much frustration that had built up.......I just let it all out! I printed it off and then deleted it from my computer and have no intentions of anybody reading...because some of what i spewed forth was just plain ugly! BUT i ''needed" to get it out and it really did work wonders.

No lack of prayers here!
Will send many prayers your way!
Ask and you shall receive :hug:

Caring Always
Rae

Just love that bracelet and those prayers
 

Add mine to the mix. Praying,
Mark56 PJ:)

Id card
 

After purchasing my medical ID bracelet I then rang the medical company who supplied the SCS and asked them when I would receive my ID permanent card, I have a temporary one which came in the pack. The lady told me that she would do it ASAP

And lo and behold it arrived this morning, how cool is that!!!


So thats a total of 5 week wait, in case any of you are waiting for yours to arrive. So if you dont have it , make the call;)

Glad you got it, Jackie! It does help to check up on things.. usually they get done faster if you push a bit.. :) Is it a plastic card, similar to a credit card or ID card? or is it like a business card--paper? I can't remember if anyone has talked about that, but I'm just curious. I go to my pain management doctor on Wednesday and he will ask if I want to pursue a pain pump or a SCS.

Plastic
 

Like a credit card size and thickness with the compay logo and all sorts of infor to help the user ID their structural anomaly to those who must know.
Mark56 :)