Medi Alert bracelet

Hi Alison218 , good to get the op out the way but somehow each stage seems to raise more questions like the one you’ve just mentioned! I too had left side lumpectomy and SNB. I stopped wearing my watch on that side, tried on the right wrist, found that the buckle caught on things as I’m right handed. My sister passed on a stretchy bracelet type watch with no buckle - I  tried wearing it but just couldn’t get on with wearing anything on my right wrist. So now I don’t wear a watch! I don’t have a medi alert bracelet. I also didn’t put my wedding ring back on after the op in case I had any hand swelling. I’ve got used to that too now. Think it’s trial and error. Sorry haven’t really got any practical advice. I’ve just got used to not putting stuff on that wrist . I was quite paranoid for the first year or so re getting scratched or stung on that side too, and wore mainly long sleeved tops and shirts. But am more relaxed these days although long sleeves still handy regarding less sun cream! But I get very hot so am relieved to feel ok back in T shirts again. Love and hugs, HFxx

I've had two lymph node biopsies done in my left armpit. Whilst I was told not to use that arm for injections, blood tests or blood pressure no one has ever told me I can't wear a watch or other jewelry on the arm. I have continued to wear my watch on that wrist and have never had any problems over the 7 years since my first SLNB. I'm interested to know why wearing a watch is a no-no.

Hi Latchbrook Im with you on that one as I wear my watch on the same side as my lymph  node removal. and on occasion a bracelet so I'm not sure where that wearing jewellery is an issue as such. However, taking blood from the arm or inflating a blood pressure cuff are both no no's as they can set off Lymphoedema which is what they are trying to  protect us against. Im not sure if you need  a medi-alert bracelet as such and I have seen these online if you wanted to have a look. It is really  more about you being aware of this when visiting medical folks or clinics etc and letting them know.  And as someone else has said you must wear gloves when gardening so as to avoid cuts and scratches on that arm as you are more susceptible to infection if you do get scratched. Hope that helps and maybe save you some money unless its something you really wanted to get or for your peace of mind 

Sorry, yes I missed the comment about wearing a Medi Alert bracelet and it wasn't something I was advised to do. I think most medical people I've come across always ask which arm I want to use for injections, blood tests, etc. If they don't ask then I just tell them.

I won't take my wedding ring off  like you I wear watch on that side too, might see if I can get watch engraved on the clasp with medi alert. 

Glad ops done post op next week, only prob im getting is itchy under arm on edge of the dressing.

I wasnt told not to wear watch etc but told no jabs and blood pressure in left arm.

Can I ask who advised you to get a Medi alert bracelet please?

Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you were asking where other people wore their watches and Medi Alert bracelet.

No-one said about it, I was thinking if it was somthing anyone wears on here, and sering its same side as watch would be awkward. 

Okay, thanks