Conditions: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTs)

Wears: Sports Band (medium) and Persona Bracelet

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Before she even had a diagnosis to name her condition, Clare lived with the terrifying reality of fainting in public without warning or explanation.

Clare Martin is a long-standing member of MedicAlert who understands the vulnerability of living with an invisible illness. For years, she experienced frequent episodes of passing out, leaving her unable to communicate while strangers around her panicked. Today, Clare lives with the clarity of a diagnosis, but she still relies on her MedicAlert ID to be her voice during those silent moments.

A life of uncertainty

For a long time, Clare did not have a name for what she was experiencing. She simply knew that she could lose consciousness at any time. This lack of answers made everyday activities feel like a risk. Eventually, doctors diagnosed her with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). These conditions affect her connective tissue and cause her heart rate to spike, which often leads to her collapsing.

“Even before I had a proper diagnosis, MedicAlert gave me peace of mind and gave my family confidence that if I collapsed, people would know I needed help.”

Confidence in the community

Clare has relied on her MedicAlert ID many times, particularly at her local swimming pool. Fainting in such a public place can often lead to unnecessary alarm and ambulance callouts. However, the lifeguards and staff now understand her condition, but her MedicAlert ID ensures that people who do not know her have all of the information they need to understand the situation.

“Even if someone doesn’t know what EDS or POTs are, just seeing that I have a bracelet helps. It reassures them that this has happened before and they don’t need to panic.”

The power of professional support

MedicAlert is more than just an ID. It is a comprehensive service that stores Clare’s full medical history and emergency contacts. Every detail is checked by a registered nurse within the MedicAlert team to ensure the information is accurate. In an emergency, first responders can call the 24/7 helpline to access these vital details in over 100 languages.

For Clare, the service is invaluable because it provides peace of mind for her and her loved ones. She knows that even if she cannot speak, her MedicAlert ID speaks volumes. It allows her to continue enjoying her life and staying active, knowing she is well ahead of any emergency.

“If there’s a chance you might be unconscious and unable to speak for yourself, it’s invaluable. It could make all the difference.”

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MedicAlert is the only charity in the United Kingdom dedicated to providing medical ID services. By becoming a member, you also support our charitable programmes, such as the Goodwill Programme, which protects those in financial need.

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