Medical Alert Bracelet for BMX, MX and/or lymphodemia

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lago
lago Member Posts: 17,186
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

Are people getting/wearing them?

It seems to be a good idea if you have lymphedema. What about those of us that are getting/got a MX, BMX (but no lymphedema). We aren't supposed to get blood drawn or pressure taken from our arms if any lymph nodes were removed as well.

(I'm getting level I nodes from bad breast and so far just a sentinel from the suspicious breast).

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  • pip57
    pip57 Member Posts: 12,401
    edited August 2010

    I have one to warn no sticks or BP on the one side.  However, I never wear it. 

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited August 2010

    I had a bracelet no sticks/bp  but don't wear it anymore...i figure the compression sleeves and gauntlets should be a big enough clue. 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2010

    Iago, here's some information on medical ID for lymphedema:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/riskreduction_for_lymphedema.htm#bracelets%20alerts

    One of the great advantages of wearing one is that it reminds YOU not to offer your arm for blood pressures or blood tests.

    Here's another site that offers free neon-pink lymphedema alert bands for when you have any tests or procedures:
    http://www.lymphedema.com/
    Click on "FREE LE alertband" on the left-hand side. Ask for two -- or ask for more and share them with your face-to-face bc support group, if you have one.

    Here are a couple of information pages about lymphedema risk reduction:
    http://www.stepup-speakout.org/riskreduction_for_lymphedema.htm

    http://www.lymphnet.org
    Click on their Position Papers on Risk Reduction, Air Travel, and Exercise on the right-hand side.

    Good for you for thinking ahead to a lifetime of no "swell" days!Smile Be well,
    Binney

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  • pennyfarmer
    pennyfarmer Member Posts: 10
    edited August 2010

    Hi I'm new here. I had bmx july 26. Am I supposed to worry about flying? Only had nodes removed from right side.

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  • Medigal
    Medigal Member Posts: 1,412
    edited August 2010

    I got my Lymp bracelet from the Lymphedema Society years ago and have never taken it off.  I also wear a Medic Alert necklace warning that I cannot have MRIs due to a metal clip in my brain from a cerebral aneurysm years ago.  I found nurses in hospitals did not bother to pay attention to them so I carried a big sign to put over my hospital bed with the info on it.  They DID see the sign!  Whatever it takes to protect ourselves is my feeling!

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  • 3jaysmom
    3jaysmom Member Posts: 4,266
    edited August 2010

    for extra peotection, i got a bright sock, cut the tor off, snf wesr it on my right arm for all tests, and when im in hospital.just make sure its loos, re: le. good luck, 3jaysmom

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  • Suzybelle
    Suzybelle Member Posts: 920
    edited August 2010

    Penny, bless you - you're still recuperating ! I had a bmx in Feb., so I definitely feel your pain.  You do need a compression sleeve and hand protection for flying.  Once you've had nodes removed, you're at risk for lymphedema.  You can get your doctor to refer you to a lymphedema therapist who can fit you for a sleeve/gauntlet or glove so that you can fly with no worries.  Believe me - you don't want this stuff!  Better safe than sorry.  Cool Check out http://www.stepup-speakout.org/ for more info. on lymphedema.

    Regarding the bracelet, I do wear one, but have no idea if it will ever do me any good.  I have to wear the sleeve/gauntlet on my right arm, so the id bracelet is on the left.  Not sure that this is the best way to go...my bracelet does say 'right arm'...have no clue if this is the right way to do it or not!

    Suzanne

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  • 3jaysmom
    3jaysmom Member Posts: 4,266
    edited August 2010

    just a note: have been in hospital. someone told me this thread had a discussion about ms and bc.. am very interested..can someone pm me, and let me know what page/...i cant find it..thanks   light and lo0ve, 3jaysmom

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2010

    3JM, here's the thread abouot MS, but I can't link to it. Try pasting it into your browser.

    http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/68/topic/727917?page=2#post_1947018

    Hugs!
    Binney

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  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited August 2010

    lago, I have worn the bracelet since my surgery.  I had a lumpectomy and had 3 nodes removed.  I got mine at James Avery, it was expensive, but I have to be careful with metals and can only wear gold or silver.  Anyway, they do have several and I do not take mine off ever.  They will engrave on the back for you and I had "No BP or blood from right side". 

    Best  of luck to you.

    Juannelle 

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited August 2010

    Thanks everyone for your replies. I see myself wearing one of these in the near future.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited August 2010
    if you want to get something really pretty that you actually WILL wear; check out www.creativemedicalid.com, this site was recommended to me by another gal from BCO and they have wonderful bracelets, necklaces, even watches. I got one and someone asked me if it was a designer name bracelet!
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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited October 2010

    Does anyone wear an anklet instead of a bracelet or necklace? Do the med techs know to look on ankles if you are wearing socks?

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  • Halah
    Halah Member Posts: 352
    edited October 2010

    I thought about an anklet as well but really don't have an answer for you. I have diabetes and have a med bracelet for that. I never take it off. My bracelet says to look at my wallet card and have more info on there. I also have even more info on a web site that has all my medical info there (company site that provided the bracelet).

    When I got my flu shot the nurse had no clue about NOT giving the shot in my arm. I had to tell her. They also had no clue about NOT taking blood pressure on my arm or wrist. Hopefully if medical emergency the folks look at the bracelets!

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