Ever since I can remember, I’ve been more inclined to worry about things than not. I remember as a kid thinking I had the worst possible disease or ailment and hiding behind the couch convinced of impending doom during Y2K. Yeah, we’re still here. As I grew older, I started to worry less and accept that some things are just out of our control. Then, I realized that waiting nearly two days to go to the hospital during a PE (when I could barely breath or move) and blaming it on a running injury, was not worrying nearly enough.
So now I am back to worrying full time – about everything. Will I have another PE? What if my blood is too thick? Too thin? Would I survive another blood clot? Probably not. Should I do something? Take something? Never handle a knife again? Live in a bubble? Clearly that kid’s parents were worried. I’ve read that not only is a heightened sense of panic a symptom of a pulmonary embolism, but a part of recovery too. It is not uncommon for survivors to remain in a state of high anxiety over fear of what could or would happen. The pain was horrific. I don’t want to experience it again and any pain in my side or long convinces me it’s starting all over again. Apparently I am not alone in this and let me tell you, the feeling just sucks.
I’ve been saying for several months now that I need to wear a medical alert bracelet, but haven’t ordered one because of cost (the ones that you can personalize and add all of your info to start out between $45-$65) or because they were too generic (they say you have a “medical condition,” but don’t allow the wearer to specify what that condition is). As time has gone by and I have stayed on injection blood thinners, I became concerned not so much with who I was or my complete medical history, but that in the event of an accident if I could not speak for myself, that the first responders would know the most important thing- that I was taking blood thinners and my blood could not be stopped normally.
Not only that, but if you are injured when taking an anticoagulant, potentially every part of your body can be affected. According to patientsafety.gov when you fall or are injured, you may hit objects and every part of your body that hits something when you fall may experience bleeding. Being on a blood thinner can worsen the effects of a fall, causing bleeding or even a bone fracture. Especially in my case because I am having problems with my platelets – which are the cells that directly control blood clotting. We all know bleeding can be life-threatening and when you are taking blood thinners, bleeding may be more extensive and/or last a long time. This can lead to changes in your body systems including your blood pressure, pulse and breathing. Bleeding could also be internal and just because you don’t see it on the outside, doesn’t mean you may not be bleeding on the inside, which can be dangerous because your blood will be leaking outside of the arteries and veins, and bleeding into your body tissues where it is not supposed to be.
You get the point. If no one knows what to look for, no one can help you. If first responders, doctors or other medical personal know you are on blood thinners, though, they can administer potentially life-saving drugs to control external and internal bleeding and this potentially save your life. Enough said.
The number one piece of advice to keep you safe, according to pateintsafety.gov, is to wear a medical alert that indicates you are taking anticoagulant or anti-platelet medicine (or blood thinners). Second is to carry a list of medications on your person or in your wallet when you are not at home. I need to do that too.
I was wrapping up some online shopping when I can across this piece of jewelry from Amy Cornwell. It is the Medical Alert Allergy Bracelet and you can customize it to say what you want (up to 25 characters) – such as Allergic To Shellfish, Nuts, Dairy, etc. It is sterling silver with a secure lobster clasp, stamped, polished and costs $27, including personalization.
I designed mine to say Taking Blood Thinners. It is the number one thing I need someone to know in the event of an emergency. Even before they find out exactly who I am.
I like it because it is feminine, small, lightweight (I barely feel it) and I can wear it with my other bracelets. It doesn’t look like a medical alert bracelet, but it has the important information on it and it is easy to read. I think it’s pretty. Not that I want to be wearing a medical alert bracelet at all, but if I had to, this is one I like. I was very impressed with Amy and her extremely fast service. I ordered the bracelet and had it the same week. It shipped within days of my order.
Amy has a variety of products at her shop – charms and jewelry to celebrate life’s events. I’m celebrating that I am even alive to wear this bracelet. All items are designed and crafted by Amy Cornwell in her studio using fine materials such as sterling silver, gold-fill, gemstones, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. All silver items on the site are sterling silver and nickel free. Another thing that makes Amy’s designs special? A portion of each month’s sales are given to a local church and she also makes special products to raise money for charities. Not only do I feel good about supporting a small business, but a business and individual that does what she (or he) can to support and help others.
Having this bracelet takes a lot of worry off my mind – even just driving around from day to day. But, even if you don’t need a medical alert, please visit Amy’s site and check out her beautiful designs.
What about you? Do you or does someone you love wear a medical alert or ID bracelet? Do you own any of Amy’s creations? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Until the next mile marker,
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