Living Life with MedicAlert
In 2001, at the age of 36, Allan ini�ally thought he had a “hefty and nasty flu” that he simply could not shake. Ignoring his growing symptoms the infec�on spread through, from his lungs, developing from a cold, into pneumonia and became complicated with pleurisy and other symptoms. The resul�ng effect from this infec�on also spread to Allan’s heart and caused a devasta�ng series of heart a�acks.
To add to the complica�ons, on the way to the hospital, Allan was given Nitrolingual Spray, a commonly used reliever for chest pain. Instantly, he went into anaphylac�c shock and fell unconscious. The medical staff have advised him that the seriousness of his anaphylac�c reac�on is so dangerous, that his life would be at risk were he to be administered it again.
Allan’s condi�ons are so significant that should he have another heart a�ack; he would need to be taken directly to the ‘Challenge Room’. This room is designed for those who are unable to be treated with commonly used medica�ons and require an extensive ‘test and react’ approach.
“When getting discharged from the hospital, my doctor and surgeon both agreed that it was in my best interest to register with MedicAlert® Foundation. Since then I have been a member of the Foundation and haven’t regretted it since.” Says Allan, whose incredible story does not end there.
In 2013, a�er many neurological tests, Allan was diagnosed with Complex Par�al Epilep�c Seizures. These types of seizures are difficult to iden�fy by the untrained eye. Allan does not jerk or seize like you would see in the movies. “I appear to be in a dream-like state. There was even one time when I was found unconscious on a park bench,” said Allan.
Due to the new risk these condi�ons pose; his neurologist updated his MedicAlert® file and recommended that he update his Medical ID. Fortunately, Allan no longer feels anxiety about his condi�on, with the knowledge that his MedicAlert® 24/7 Service Supported Visual Medical ID will be able to speak for him when he is unable to speak for himself.
Allan is now very ac�ve at ‘Base Fit Gym’ and ‘JT Dance Jam’ classes to keep his fitness level up. His family are not as worried and are more relaxed now that he has his MedicAlert® service. Allan feels safe on his own and has gone back to being physically ac�ve like he was prior to his diagnosis.
“With MedicAlert®, I’m taking control and responsibility for my own protection.” www.medicalert.co.nz You can choose a $0.00 Medical ID and enter the promo code ‘ALLAN’ to save an extra $10 on your enrolment cost.
“MedicAlert helps my vital information stand out, so it is not missed or overlooked, protecting me from further harm.” “My fortnightly coffee spend, costs more than a whole year with MedicAlert . Protecting ‘me’ is worth every cent.”