This summer I found out I had 12 blood clots and I’m currently on blood thinners to solve those bad boys out of my lungs. I haven’t really been writing much about this, and how I have been feeling lately. I think the main reason is that when the the thought really hit me (that I could have died) I freaked out. And I was trying to find a job and trying to keep my online presence a little less dramatic than the reality.
I’m OK now, really. I finally found an excellent doctor in New York, my blood levels are finally getting where they should be, and I have regular check ups now only every other week, instead of 1-2 times a week.
But it has been a wake-up call, and I can not emphasis enough: enjoy life every day, do things you are passionate about, you never know what happens tomorrow. And another life lesson learnt: take precautions. I’ve always been a big believer than well prepared is halfly done, and I like to plan everything. But I haven’t really planned what happens if I am in an accident, or, gasp, die. Nobody really wants to think about that kind of stuff.
But I’m here now saying you must. I must.
I’m still working on this, but here is what I have done so far.
Medical Alert Bracelet by StudioJewel
I got a custom made medical alert bracelet, made by designer Lisa J Lehmann at StudioJewel. I wanted something special – if I was going to wear a medical alert bracelet, at least I wanted it to be fashionable, right? I told Lisa which ones of her designs were my favorites, and she made a custom bracelet just for me. I love it!
Don’t need a medical alert bracelet but like the design? You’ll love this Multi-Strand Leather Wood and Sterling Silver Bracelet (50$)
The paramedics and EMS personnel check your left wrist for medical alert bracelets, and they are able to give you the right care when then know your existing medical conditions or like in my case: the medicines you are taking. It is common to engrave your emergency contact info to the bracelet as well. My bracelet says “see wallet card” on the other side.
Wallet Card by MedIDs.com
I also got a wallet card stating my information, medicine I’m taking and emergency contact number. I got mine from MedIDs.com for free.
This is what they inform on their site should be on the emergency alert wallet cards:
– Name
– A list of your medical problems
– A list of your medications (including herbs and supplements)
– Name and phone number of your doctor
– Name and phone number of family or close friends
– Whether you wear contact lenses
I keep this card in my wallet, right next to my driver’s license, in case I am not able to give this information myself. The card was really easy to make, and MedIDs.com let’s you do it free at their website.
I read “Wear Clean Underwear”
I read Alexis Martin Neely’s book Wear Clean Underwear!: A Fast, Fun, Friendly and Essential Guide to Legal Planning for Busy Parents and then things really hit me. I have to make a plan for my children, if something happens to me.
Get it now at Amazon, $11.53
Did your parents ever tell you to wear clean underwear in case you are in an accident? Mine did.
Alexis shows me in her book that wearing clean underwear is not enough now when I am a parent. She tells with real life examples how planning for the worst can make the biggest difference in your children’s lives in the unfortunate case if something happens to you. I am a mother who cares about her children, I want my children being taken care of even when I’m gone. And I am ashamed to confess: I was in the group of 69% of parents who had not named guardians for their children. This had to change.
Alexis offers you several ways to be in the know what steps you need to take. You can read her book and visit one of the Personal Family Lawyers to assist you in the family estate planning and making all the legal documents needed if something happens to you. Alexis is so passionate about helping parents to do this, that she actually created a service for parents to name guardians for their children. Visit a free site Kids Protection Plan and learn more.
