[blindkid] Medical ID bracelets/necklaces

[Arielle Silverman]

I think most sighted people assume someone is totally blind if they
see a cane. Most people unfamiliar with blindness don't know much
about low vision. So I think her cane will be a good identifier.
Also, as I've mentioned off-line, I have some experience with
vasovagal spells. I think it's possible your daughter knows when one
is about to happen or at least knows that something is off. She may
not be able to say anything because it happens fast and because the
vasovagal process can cause confusion. I would suggest trying to train
her to lie down on the floor or at least come to a seated position on
the floor if she is at all feeling dizzy. If she lies down flat on her
back or tilts her head back in a sitting position, this will let
gravity restore blood flow to her brain preventing her from losing
consciousness. Also, if she does pass out, she will be safer if she is
on the floor. You could practice with her while she is feeling well so
it becomes automatic.

Best,
Arielle

On 6/11/13, Julie Yanez <jyanez112 at gmail.com> wrote:
> She does use her cane. But I don't want her to be confused with low vision.
> She's blind. And she comes to fairly quick. But that's only because I've
> always caught her fall. She doesn't know when an episode is coming on. So
> when it does, she's lights out and just timbers over. If I wasn't there,
> she would have surely done some damage on the fall.
> On Jun 11, 2013 5:38 AM, "Carol Castellano" <carol_castellano at verizon.net>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Julie,
>>
>> Does your daughter use a cane?  If she were to pass out, the cane would
>> be
>> a good identifier for her blindness.
>>
>> Also, how quickly does she come to when she passes out?  If it's pretty
>> quick, then there's probably not too much cause for worry that the level
>> of
>> her eye responsiveness would be a problem.  I'm a fainter, too, but
>> always
>> wake up again right away.
>>
>> Carol
>>
>> Carol Castellano
>> Parents of Blind Children-NJ
>> Director of Programs
>> National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
>> 973-377-0976
>> carol_castellano at verizon.net
>> www.blindchildren.org
>> www.nfb.org/parents-and-**teachers<http://www.nfb.org/parents-and-teachers>
>>
>> At 12:45 AM 6/11/2013, you wrote:
>>
>>> Hello there listers. I'm looking into getting a medical alert bracelet
>>> for
>>> my daughter and was told by a pharmacist that because her only major
>>> medical issue is blindness from ROP, that it was not necessary. I was a
>>> bit
>>> disturbed by that answer.
>>>   I feel as is for some reason my girl is unable to respond or speak for
>>> herself in an emergency, I would want a medic or Dr to know her eyes may
>>> not be as responsive due to her condition. She also has
>>> VasoVagal(episodes
>>> of passing out). So my question is, how many of you all have a medical
>>> ID
>>> for being blind and has it been useful? (Both listers and parents)
>>> -Julie
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>>
>>
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