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Christina_55's avatar
Christina_55
Member
9 years ago

Medical IDs

After being in hospital for my mastectomy, the nurses were forever trying to use the arm that I had lymph nodes removed.  I kept telling them that they are not suppose to use that arm for anything  blood pressure or blood testing etc).  The only answer I ever got was "Oh that right - we shouldn't use that arm".  So how many of us women and men wear Medical ID bracelets, necklaces etc.

If so, where is the best jewellery ID bracelets/necklaces in Australia.  I know they can be expensive, but would like to know everyone's opinion.

Thanks,  Christina



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  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    9 years ago
    I have never had any of my doctors suggest the need for a medical id bracelet for this purpose. But when I went to hospital to have my ovaries removed they used a special (bright pink) hospital id band on my surgery arm. This worked well to warn off any staff from using that arm. It was reassuring that I would be ok even when unable to speak up for myself when under anesthetic effects. Would be sensible to think that all hospitals could have this system.  But in an unplanned situation (such as an accident or something) it is a worry.

    On the other hand, I did come across some information about controversies in lymphoedema that said that there is no actual research showing that taking blood pressure or even blood from the surgery side has ever caused lymphoedema. It went on to say that surgeries on the hand that require tourniquets to be applied by a surgeon have even been done without any adverse lymphoedema reactions. But I know we cannot go by everything we find through dr google!

    Lymphoedema is an area that needs far more research so that those of us at risk or who have lymphoedema can receive research backed information and recommendations. Meanwhile we are best to err on the side of caution and follow what is currently recommended by lymphoedema therapists. I think you can actually get those rubber type bands as medical id bands. These are relatively inexpensive and may give you peace of mind. 
  • Glemmis's avatar
    Glemmis
    Member
    9 years ago
    When I had my mastectomy & lymph node removal they put a red arm band on that arm as an alert. I thought it would be standard practice!
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    9 years ago
    It's not the best sort of solution I know but wearing a pressure sleeve sure solved that problem!! The difficulty is that unless the identifier is extremely obvious and becomes well known, it only reminds you (who hardly needs it) and not others. 
  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi! I wear a BCNA wristband that I bought from the BCNA online shop. It's pink and it brings awareness. 
    Take care 

  • wendy_h67's avatar
    wendy_h67
    Member
    9 years ago
    If I have to go to hospital for any reason they always ask me which arm can they use for B.P and blood test and they usually stick a piece of sticking plaster on that particular arm which says do not use this arm.  It is good if you are having an anesthetic,  but pulling the long strip of plaster off later is not very pleasant