In a few weeks I'm planning on going to Six Flags/Hurricane Harbor with my family. I just started on my Medtronic pump in May, and I was wondering what to do with it during those days at the parks! I'm not too concerned about Six Flags since it is mostly dry. But what about the water park?? Do I leave it attached? It's not exactly water-proof... Do I just suspend it every time I get to the front of the line at a ride?
Help!
I just wear mine at amusement parks and on the rides. If I go in the water I put my pump in an aqua pack. I never suspend it in the front of the line and don't know why one should or would. Have a blast, your pump will have more fun it it is on you ;)
If you can do the suspend at the front of the line, that'd probably be the best way in terms of being able to keep BG flat. I'd probably be a bit lazier and sort of see where I am, get a CB (if needed...) and maybe a basal hour or so put "on board" and then just tuck it into a locker and have fun. I'm too old for water parks though! Have a great time!
I never suspend or take mine off at theme parks. I do put it in a "fanny-pac" or spi belt. I'm always worried about it flying out of my pocket or unclipping from my waistband when riding the coasters! In the water, I use an aquapac - just make sure to practice getting the pump inside the pac and the tubing in place. Once I did not have the tubing exactly in the center of the clamp and it leaked water into the pac, caught it in time, no damage to the pump. Also I notice a slight tendency to run a bit elevated with sugars when my pump is in the aquapac, there had been a study done that shows the possibility of some crimping of the tubing. I find bumping my basal up by about 10%, bolus amounts remain the same, problem solved. Medtronic pumps are not waterproof, so unless you use the aquapac, you must unhook. I found it to be a challenge to keep sugars controlled without my basal insulin, so the aquapac has been my salvation when I want to spend the day in the water! Have fun!
I recently went to a water park and I would tell you to consider one of two methods. First is the aquapac: http://store.aquapac.net/insulin-pump-case-158a-29.html. This item has worked well for me. I am hesitant to completely immerse it, but when I have it worked fine.
If you decide to get in the water and think the aquapac is too much your choices are lantus or reconnecting occasionally. I chose to put my pump in a shaded locker and reconnet hourly to bolus for my missed basal. It worked surprisingly well as I was between 86 and 181 all day long. When you reconnect take about half of your missed basal rate and factor in corrections and exercise.
There is no easy way to do it, but with a little planning you can get it done.