1. < Aging Well

Do Not Resuscitate Orders, ID Bracelets & Experiences

Posted by joko @joko, Mar 27, 2023

Do you have a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate Order) with your primary care physician? Do you wear a medical ID bracelets/necklace with DNR instructions? What experiences have you (or if you are a caregiver) had with Medical IDs, specifically with the DNR orders? Is there anything critically important that you should consider before you put this on your id and what has happened to people who wear it. (I mean do the EMTs follow instructions?) Appreciate insights.

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mariajean03 | @mariajean03 | Feb 12 9:04pm
In reply to @gingerw "I think you may be talking about a POLST [physician's order for life sustaining treatment]? You..." + (show)
@gingerw

I think you may be talking about a POLST [physician's order for life sustaining treatment]? You can choose the level of care you want if you are not able to verbalize it. I also have one, keep a copy in my glove compartment in car if there is an accident. Also, my medical alert bracelet has DNR on it as a line item.
Ginger

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I also had my Dr. sign POLST. Have one on my fridge and with my power of attorney. Thanks for the idea of keeping it in my car. Maria.

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danny5 | @danny5 | Feb 13 1:22am

can you get these ID bracelets for DNR anywhere? or do you have to special order them?

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2 replies
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Feb 14 4:48pm
In reply to @danny5 "can you get these ID bracelets for DNR anywhere? or do you have to special order..." + (show)
@danny5

can you get these ID bracelets for DNR anywhere? or do you have to special order them?

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@danny5 I order mine custom made to include pertinent information. One of the things is the DNR letters. Personally, I like to use Medic Alert Foundation.
https://www.medicalert.org
Ginger

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1 reply
jobli0 | @jobli0 | Feb 14 11:40pm
In reply to @gingerw "It came to my mind in the last few days, that there are so many different..." + (show)
@gingerw

It came to my mind in the last few days, that there are so many different scenarios, as we have expressed here in this thread. While I think I have all my bases covered, my oncology office just asked me to bring my POLST [Portable Order for Life Sustaining Treatment] on my next visit for them to scan into my file.

One thing to think about: a tattoo with DNR [Do Not Resuscitate] near your heart? You'd "never leave home without it", definitely! In my state, we have a POLST registry, so I would add that registry number. Hmm, I am seriously considering this now....
Ginger

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I have been told that one should not get a tattoo if taking blood thinners or anti-clotting drugs. True?

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1 reply
danny5 | @danny5 | Feb 15 1:04am
In reply to @gingerw "@danny5 I order mine custom made to include pertinent information. One of the things is the..." + (show)
@gingerw

@danny5 I order mine custom made to include pertinent information. One of the things is the DNR letters. Personally, I like to use Medic Alert Foundation.
https://www.medicalert.org
Ginger

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thank you Ginger for your reply.

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joko | @joko | Feb 15 8:01am
In reply to @gingerw "@magsbrad Along with DNR orders, which should be on file in your hospital [at least in..." + (show)
@gingerw

@magsbrad Along with DNR orders, which should be on file in your hospital [at least in my state they strongly encourage it!], if someone has decided to be an organ/tissue donor, they are registered with DMV and have it notated on their license. It can be a time of high emotions when a loved one is at the end of life. Having plans in place, making sure everyone knows, goes a long way to easing difficult conversations. My husband has told me his thoughts many times, but I had to really encourage him to document all of those thoughts in order for it to be "official".
Ginger

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I agree. It's one thing to prepare for your last wishes, but the job isn't done unless you have what diplomats call a "frank and candid" conversation with your spouses, partners and children to be sure that they (1) understand your wishes and (2) agree to carry them out.

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1 reply
joko | @joko | Feb 15 8:14am
In reply to @danny5 "can you get these ID bracelets for DNR anywhere? or do you have to special order..." + (show)
@danny5

can you get these ID bracelets for DNR anywhere? or do you have to special order them?

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1 reply
Mentor
Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Feb 15 9:56am
In reply to @joko "I agree. It's one thing to prepare for your last wishes, but the job isn't done..." + (show)
@joko

I agree. It's one thing to prepare for your last wishes, but the job isn't done unless you have what diplomats call a "frank and candid" conversation with your spouses, partners and children to be sure that they (1) understand your wishes and (2) agree to carry them out.

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Good points! I want to add that medical emergencies and death can sometimes be chaotic. I compare it to having a baby. An expectant mother can have a clear birth plan but then have to go with the flow. (I was there when my granddaughter was born and it was quite off plan!) So I've told my family what I want, but also made it clear that I trust them and am fine if things don't exactly fit my wishes. I don't want to create guilt or a feeling of failure in anyone caring for me. Thanks again for the reminder about communication.

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danny5 | @danny5 | Feb 15 12:19pm

i have one of those last wishes forms made out and at the hospital. plus my sister knows my wishes. she's also my DPOA and patient advocate. so god willing nothing happens to her i'm all set i believe. plus to take some of the burden off her, i'll be cremated ⚱. my family knows this also. always be prepared as best as you can.

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Feb 15 2:26pm
In reply to @jobli0 "I have been told that one should not get a tattoo if taking blood thinners or..." + (show)
@jobli0

I have been told that one should not get a tattoo if taking blood thinners or anti-clotting drugs. True?

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@jobli0 I haven't gotten a tattoo since starting on my blood thinner [a baby aspirin once a day]. Perhaps it may be simply a matter of stopping it for a few days beforehand, and afterwards, like I sometimes need to do with medical procedures.
Ginger

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