Case Studies
Emma Perry, 30, Implanted
Automatic Cardioverter Defibrillator
"If you met me in the street you wouldn't know that there was anything different about me. That is why my Emblem is there; a subtle reminder to others that I have a serious medical condition"
In April 1997, on the way home from college Emma blacked out whilst driving and went into the back of a taxi. Emma was taken to hospital and had a variety of tests. It was discovered that she had an irregular heartbeat. One of the chambers of her heart was enlarged and Emma was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
Emma recalls, "In October 1999 in the middle of the night I suffered a major heart attack. I was unconscious after having some kind of fit. My partner, Mark, raised the alarm and a neighbour phoned for an ambulance. It took the ambulance in the region of 30 - 40 minutes to get to me, during which time I suffered all kinds of disabilities including hearing loss and blindness".
I was taken to Perth hospital and admitted straight into the Intensive Care Unit where I had another heart attack. This time I was connected to a machine that was able to tell the doctors where the problem was. After some tests I was told some devastating news - I was 20 years old and was told that unless I had an Automatic Internal Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) I would die.
"After my first operation and check up I was given a number of leaflets, one of which was from MedicAlert. I have now had my fourth ICD fitted since my first diagnosis. After a number of ups and downs, including being told that I wouldn't be able to have children, I lead a normal life. This is due to the help of my ICD, my family and my MedicAlert Emblem. If you met me in the street you wouldn't know that there was anything different which is why my Emblem is there; a subtle reminder to others that I have a serious medical condition".
Faye Chambers, 23, Epilepsy
"When I have an attack, I awake in a complete daze with a first aider asking me questions and I am unable to communicate. This is why my MedicAlert Emblem is so important and has become an integral part of my life"
Faye has had epilepsy since she was seven years old. From the age of fourteen until twenty-one Faye didn't suffer any symptoms and doctors thought that she may have grown out of her epilepsy. However, Faye starting having seizures again whilst in her third year of University. Doctors are unsure what caused Faye's epilepsy to return, but they suspected that it may be the pressure of studying for exams and writing her dissertation.
Faye has lived in London all her life. As a Londoner, Faye is very familiar with public transport and commutes to and from work by tube. This can be problematic for Faye, especially in the summer months as heat can be a trigger for her seizures. "I do get nervous when using the tube because during rush hour they can be so crowded and hot which can trigger a seizure".
Faye has found her Emblem to be of great benefit to her since she joined MedicAlert last year, "It definitely gives me more confidence wearing my Emblem because I know that when I have a seizure, someone has the common sense to check my wrists to see if I have any form of identification on me. It was a great reassurance for me whilst I was travelling as well as there is a translation service available"
My mum was very much in favour of me getting an Emblem because she does worry about me.
"When I have an attack, I awake in a complete daze with a first aider asking me questions and I am unable to communicate. This is why my MedicAlert Emblem is so important and has become an integral part of my life"
Nichola Purivs, 28, Addison's Disease
"I have my MedicAlert Emblem to notify paramedics of the exact treatment needed to save my life"
Nichola had been ill for quite a while with severe head aches and sickness. After being admitted to hospital Nichola kept collapsing, her blood pressure was abnormally low and she lost two stone in two months. The tests showed that her adrenal gland was completely damaged and she was diagnosed with Addison's disease last September. If Nicola is sick or has even a small injury, her steroid levels can decrease rapidly, her blood pressure drops, her heart beats faster, she gets horrific headaches and in emergency situations can enter a "crisis" situation where, if she is not administered medical treatment, falls into a coma.
Nicola was advised by her consultant to join MedicAlert, "I was strongly advised to seek a MedicAlert Emblem so that in case I am unconscious or unable to communicate my condition, paramedics will know how to treat me. If I have a crisis, I need to be administered with steroids immediately because if I am left for a long period of time I can develop other serious problems such as kidney failure. Addison's disease is still relatively unknown within medical circles which is why it is of paramount importance that I have my MedicAlert Emblem to notify paramedics of the exact treatment needed to save my life"
Adam Findlay, 17, M.E.
"My Emblem gives me more independence"
After discovering that Adam had diabetes during infancy his mother, his mother registered him with MedicAlert. Adam was always a very active child until four years ago Adam Findlay was diagnosed with M.E. and his whole life completely changed, "I began feeling extremely tired, I got confused very easily and suffered memory loss".
In recent months Adam's condition has been linked to hypothyroidism which has meant he has been prescribed the correct medication -in just the last six months - his progression has been phenomenal. Previously Adam was housebound and his mother was his full time carer. It s now, at a time in Adam's life when he can begin living more independently that his mother really values the MedicAlert service,
"As Adam is becoming more independent I am more reliant on MedicAlert as I cannot be with him all the time, I know that his Emblem can"