My mom and I have been constantly discussing my limitations, as I have been trying to work through student services to get permission for extra absences without loss of credit (though I haven't missed a day yet).

Now that I'm on antibiotics, we're worried about the impending possibility of herxing and how it will affect me. She's often worried about me driving back and forth to school, god forbid there were an accident.

I'm often weak and experience orthostatic hypotension, though up to this point I've only passed out once and it was in my own home, and I came-to almost immediately.

So, would it be a good idea for lymies to have one of these "just in case"? Can't hurt, right?

Here is an older post with information.

My Best to you,
Melanie

MedicAlert: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/023470.html

I forgot to mention that you can also pick up a MedicAlert key-ring to place on your key chain. (THANKS TC!!!)

This key ring states to look at the medical information card in your wallet.

So, you can then keep an updated card in your wallet that explains your condition and medications.

I think this is the next best inexpensive alternative if not joining MedicAlert.

Melanie

Can you tell I have pretty STRONG feelings on this one?

Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2615
From: Aurora, CO, USA
Registered: Mar 2003 posted 29 February 2004 03:55

Thank you all so much for your well wishes, prayers, and added information.
Our friend is back home now.

They pumped her full of drugs and sent her on her way...too typical...too sad.

I am still very concerned though...they could not reach her docs, so it will have to wait till tomorrow. I am keeping as close an eye on her as I can from several hundred miles away...

So, the big question this leaves me with is...
What does one do when this happens to us?

My big fear just days ago with my own ER experience was NOT wanting to go in because of this all too typical drug pumping approach to any medical condition that they see. It seems that before you even know what is happening...an IV is inserted and they are administering some sort of generic `cocktail' through your veins...that almost always includes STEROIDS.

If you are in a position where you are NOT able to speak for yourself, and there is no one who knows your medical peculiarities to speak for you...well, it is NOT a good thing.

So, please dear friends...make certain that anyone with you is aware of your condition.

Please, tell your family and friends about what can and can not be done to you in the ER.

And if you are alone in this fight...please...see my recent post on MedicAlert. http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/023470.html

Think of your children who may not be with you at the time...
Think of your loved ones who may not be able to speak for themselves...
Think of those with you who just don't know your case history for some reason...
And, think of your own times of crisis...

Melanie
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C O L O R A D O * S U P P O R T * S Y S T E M
[email protected]

You can also get bracelets that are just engraved with what you want without any kind of service attached to it. This is cheaper in the long run but you can't have as much info attached to it.

--Annie

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``The best way out is always through.'' -Robert Frost

Click to join Lyme_Camp

Click here to see my Lyme journal.

So I ordered a bracelet through another company that has titanium bracelets, and had them engrave "SEE WALLET CARD" in addition to the most important diagnosis.

Here is the website of the place I ordered my ID from.
N Style ID

I use the wallet card from this website, and update it regularly. You don't have to have a medical ID to use the form, though a bracelet does point emergency people to look for it.

Medical Information Form

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Sonoma County Lyme Support
[email protected]

Thanks for all the feedback