Medical Alert Information

Anyone with FVL, especially those on blood thinners, should wear medical alert tags and carry a card in their wallet or purse. The information is vital to those trying to save your life if an emergency should occur.

For those of you not familiar with how medical alert tags work, let me explain. Suppose you are in a traffic accident and knocked unconscious. When the paramedics arrive, one of the first things they will do is check around your neck, wrists, and ankles to see if you are wearing a medical alert tag. Then, if possible and practical, they will check your wallet or purse to see if there is any information pertaining to any medical conditions they should be aware of.

If you are on blood thinners, it is vital they are aware of this. Extra steps and monitoring might be needed to stop or prevent excessive bleeding. Even if you aren't on blood thinners, if they must perform surgery, they should know to keep an eye on signs of clotting after the procedure.

Also, by knowing you have Factor V Leiden, the medical professionals will more than likely run additional tests to rule out any unusual problems. If forces them to think outside the box and not just throw out a typical diagnosis.

An example would be a severe headache normally being diagnosed as a migraine or sinus infection, but if they know you have FVL they might test to see if you have a clot. Chest pains written off as anxiety attacks or indigestion would probably be looked at closer to make sure its not a PE.

I won't mention specific medical alert companies here, everyone should do their own due diligence and select a company that provides the services they need at prices they can afford. However, I will say this- gone are the days of the ugly, thick, heavy, cumbersome bracelets and necklaces of the past. Of course you can still get that style, its the kind I wear, but medical alert tags now come in the form of watches and attractive jewelry. Most are also very discreet but easily recognized by medical personnel.

Because of the appearance of the jewelry, as well as privacy concerns, many people are reluctant to wear medical alert tags. But remember it is in your best interest and can literally save your life.