Hi Paula,I've been wearing my red wristband since the symposium in Portland. I put it on at the symposium on April 14th, and haven't taken it off. Same wristband, believe it or not.
Good to know that you can wear it in the shower. Some of the letters have worn off of the original one, but I have spares. Also, I have a nice "tan-mark" under my red band, having never removed it.
Tried also to wear the blue band for Dystonia, but it was too big and kept falling off while gardening. The red ones are smaller and more elastic, which is probably why I have the tan mark.
I volunteer for a large local Bay Area non-profit (animal-related) which is very powerful in this urban area, and meet alot of activists throughout the community. Alot of wristbands out here. Nobody has ever asked me about my wristband. There are many available out here --- they even sell them in the convenience stores just for profit.
However, if the subject of my voice/breathing or what I spend my time on comes up with my fellow volunteers, I point to it and use it as a tool to get conversation going. Works every time. Virtually everyone has taken great interest, as they know me very well and sometimes wonder why I struggle to talk and breathe. I never allude to the wristband, unless the subject of my voice/breathing has come up first.
Don't expect people to ask you about the wristband. If they do, that's great, but don't expect it. But, do use the wristband as a communication tool, regarding education about our disorder and your personal case. If the subject comes up. Wearing it has worked very well for me in promoting discussion.
Best wishes,
Lynne (AD-SD; PVFM; Northern California)
