I wear a Medic Alert bracelet as I am asthmatic and have a number of drug allergies. I first got it about 5 or so years ago when I was travelling a lot for work and my parents were worried that if something happened no one would know what NOT to give me (plus it is great identification). So my silver bracelet is never far from me (I feel naked without it). As Victoria said their rates are reasonable - however you do have to pay to keep it up to date. It is a pretty stiff cost as a pay-per-use kinda thing but I bought a two-year unlimited update plan (which reminds me I should update it NOW).

I list all my meds (names they do not record doasge) I am on but had never thought to list that I have TOS. I have listed anything I have had a weird reaction to, allergic to, even the fact I am allergic to lemon (I have visions of waking up in a hospital eating lemon jello!). I have my emergency contacts listed (home and cell/work numbers) and I make sure that at least my mom is up-to-date on everything I am taking (usually I give her a copy of the wallet card).

For anyone with a medical issue I would HIGHLY recommend Medic Alert...I haven't needed mine yet (and hope I never do) but love the peice of mind that any emergency worker I come in contact with worldwide has instant access to my medical information!!! What a huge relief!!!

I just updated my Medic Alert and I am happy to say that TOS is listed as a condition that you can add to your Medic Alert record. I was skeptical that it would be in their database but it is. I was also able to add a note that I had a right rib removal in March. So now I am all up to date - what peace of mind a small bracelet can bring!

I started laughing when I thought about a braclet... I was thinking about the engraveable type and thought it would either 1) have to be gaudy, like 2 or 3 inches wide or 2) have to be engraved so small that no body could read it . I'd thought about that option before. I like the idea of medic alert, so they can know whats going on.

We discussed something similar on another thread several weeks ago. After that discussion, I typed up a list of whats wrong, what I do take, and what I can't take, along with emergency contacts and doctors names/phone numbers. I keep that on or near me when I'm not home.

Tam,

You have provided a 'public service' by posting this topic and I have not gleaned one iota of malice in ANY of your posts. Sometimes a topic might trigger a vigourous response, only because we all have some experiece that may have affected us more than we realize.

I would have jumped in sooner, but my server has been down for a few days.

Your description regarding communication via email is DEAD ON and should be closely considered when responding to any post. I don't even like to speak on the phone, because there is SO much missed in the way of body language, pauses, etc. These things are all powerful commication tools.

As far as the law is concerned, that is a truly complicated issue, ranging from what is on the books, to the personal attitude of the Officer at the time of the incident. We are only human after all.

I can add that, as a Federal Law Enforcement Agent, (and a native Californian), I know well that the laws in each state vary wildly! California is indeed VERY strict in enforcement of DWI/DUI...much more so than probably most states.

PA state law is light years different! I was not used to traveling between states here in Maryland. I am especially careful in PA. when driving. My husband lived there for some years and it really pays to know someone knowledgeable of enforcement practices (in that spectacularly beautiful State!). That just does not happen so frequently out west. So one should not be surprised at the different outcomes of the same situation in different locals.

I wanted to say that I DO drive, but not immediately after taking certain meds. Sometimes I postpone taking the meds until I have come home from driving. No on is implying that we cannot drive at all! Just to have an awareness of when it is safe to drive.

Di, I hear the pain in your post regarding DeAnne's treatment at a traffic stop. Even though your case won in court, you have to admit it would have been so much better if the situation did not arise in the first place. This I understand to be Tam's communication.

Regarding carrying medications...that IS a tough one. When traveling (coast to coast), I carry all containers and might leave some quantities at home. I feel reasonably comfortable carrying contact information for my physicians and pharmacy if just bringing a few 'things' with me on local drives.

The idea of carrying the pharmacy literature is a good one, but I would be sure it did not include extreme, (though unlikely) reactions in the descriptions.

I have seen a medical bracelet advertised on QVC that holds room to list about a dozen meds...not sure of the cost. Actually, the Doc.& pharmacy phone#'s might be just as good a resource for medical aid workers.

Tam, I just don't want you to feel bad in any way. We all have varied and equally valuable knowledge and experience. I don't think most people DO realize how very strict California is when it comes to this issue in particular!!

We all just need a little 'heads up' once in a while because we are so accustomed to feeling this way or that and might not be aware of how this translates physically.

I love the list of tests Di listed. They are quick & easy and maybe life-saving. I suspect most of us have medications with tags warning of 'dizziness', not the 'handle heavy machinery (cars), and so on. This post is great in that it reminds us not to be complacent. "To err is Human"!!!

Warmly,
Anne

The GOVERNATOR.....LOL

love and hugs,
Victoria

Jamy... I got a silver med alert braclet appx. 1 1/2 years ago and need to undate my inttrathecal pump... think they are a great idea and a good way of saying hey look if you do not beleive me I have a bit of proof to wave in your face if it comes down to it, hope never gets that far or never to the point can not answer for myself! Tam very valid thread about meds on DUI... Hey Di on the field test I can touch my nose, but can not hold my arms straight out from my side

I have not been following really closely but, have been reading bits of this thread. One thing that has stuck out in my mind is that about a year ago I read in my paper that a man in my area had been in an accident. They found a bottle of valium in his glove compartment. It was prescribed to him legally. but they used this as evidence against him as the cause of the accident. I don't even believe there was evidence of it being in his system. Has always worried me.

I am going to withdraw what I wrote as it is private, and it is sufficient what I have written so far.

Again, this thread was never directed at a person here at the Board. Take care.

I just want to say how sorry I am that that happened to you. That is a horrific thing to happen. I continue to warn my teenage daughter and her friends to never leave a drink unattended or let somene bring them an unopened drink. We are looking at colleges now and I will have to stress this point again.

Once again, I am sorry for your pain. I hope some how the animal gets caught. Linda

In general -
Law enforcement officer's have good days and bad days just like anyone else - so one day they might be lenient and one day strict. IMO
I suppose each department {city/county/state} has an overall general policy with latitude given to the officer per incident.

Hay i know every one is chatting about the medic alert but i would like to go back to the driving. I am not to fast about thinking in fact my memory really sucks as i like to say it is full of brain farts. Ok just about forgot why i was here i had said that you can have accidents even with out taking meds that just from having sever pain this leads to my own story. I think it was in the spring i was coming home from the doctors and i turned the corner to come down my road i no sooner got the car around the corner and my left arm had the worst pain run down it oh i drive with my left anyway i grabbed my left arm with my right hay no hands the next thing i no is i am heading for the trees i was so lucky to have graped the wheel just as i hit the little ditch and manged to turn the car back on the road. when i stopped my heart was going hundred miles an hour. Needles to say that was a real eye opener i have never been in a accident before and this was just to close for my liken. I think i wrote about this but not sure in fact i guess i forgot about it till i was chatting to hairdresser even then that was a few days ago i said i was going to tell my story and brain fart until now. well that's it for now bye and thanks.