That’s a clever idea, inserting a ‘port’ for the tubing. Another idea I had works with dresses that have slit pockets. I haven’t done this yet, but it seems to me that it would work. Slit the pocket seam on the top inside just far enough to accommodate the pump. Secure the rest of the seam and reinforce the opening in the slit. You end up with inside access for the tubing and outside access to the pump in the pocket. I have a couple of dresses with slit pockets, so this would work with them, at least. Also, I won’t feel like grandma, reaching into her bra for a tissue.
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I have used the OmniPod for over 10 years, and thus have the freedom of wearing whatever articles of clothing I choose. I have only had one Pod “tear off” in all of those years. It was on my upper arm, and I cut walking through a doorway too close. Otherwise, the Pods adhere to me well and have never, ever gotten torn off. Maybe I am just lucky that the Pods stick so well to me, but for those of you who are trying to choose between and tubed pump or OmniPod, give OmniPod a try. I love mine and will use it as long as I can afford to do so.
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It’s always about pockets and two pieces…top and bottom. I use baby socks and a bulldog clip for some skirts. Works really well…and I’m not reaching into my bra in the middle of the meal. I won’t wear anything that can’t accommodate my pump.
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I too had problems with sensors falling off especially in the summer months while perspiring (nice word for sweating). I started using Mastisol liquid adhesive which is pretty strong but now use Skin-Tac wipes and that that keeps the CGM sensor on very well. I swim everyday for exersice and have no problems.
I never hide my pump on purpose and when swimming I do get looks from older people and questions from younger kids which is a great time to explain diabetes and its treatments.
At night I wear a soft elastic velcro pouch belt and it works great (as offered by Animas).
I think “daytona” gave you your solution and I agree with Eddie2, “nothing to be ashamed of”.
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Okay, I admit it - I am a fashionista (funny, it is ironic that my career was spent in fields where uniforms were the norm) Anyway, I have a couple things I do to wear dresses and feminine clothing. Sometimes I will wear lightweight silky men’s boxer shorts under a dress/skirt. Even though skirts have waistbands, often the fabric isn’t as stiff for women’s clothing as it is for men’s. I also have taken the side bands from old stretched out bras, cut them and used them to make device pockets in the side bands of new bras. Our bodies are somewhat indented under the armpit, but the rib cage. I can easily access my pump or CGM receiver through the neckline. Eezy-peezy.
I have also putchased a pump camisole from John Walsh’s website - the diabetes mall (www.diabetesnet.com). It has a shelf bra with a pocket between “the girls”. the pump rests low enough not to look like a third, square boob.
My labs are so good pumping, I am not about to give pumping up.
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See? told you. I bet you could also put a couple of skittles in there too just in case LOL.
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Haha, with a fully loaded belt I have 2 fat tires. 
I know, story of my life, i might try to put a book too haha.
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It’s not about being ashamed! I mean, I wrote this story and I put it on the Internet for all to see. But it’s more about the emotional struggle of wearing your illness in a way. By not wearing a pump, I kind of feel like I’m able to forget about it. As much as that’s possible anyway.
And yes I too use Skin Tac for my Dexcom CGM which works probably 85% of the time but I still manage to bump it off sometimes.
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Stephanie I understand what you are saying.
I come from the mindset that you can’t forget about it but it doesn’t rule my life.
After 47 years, 35,000 plus insulin shots (you read that right 35 thousand) and now a CGM once a week and an inset 2-3 times a week. I’m happy to not having to fumble with meters, swabs, syringes & two different insulin vials.
It’s an illness we have and must&can live with even though it might affect us 24/7.
I forget about it until I have to eat and or get an alarm from my CGM, the 6hrs in between it doesn’t cross my mind.
I’m considered a healthy 63 year old because I never let diabetes rule my life. Not because I have great AC1’s they always hover between 6.3 and 6.9 I just live and let live.
Good luck with your treatment and don’t let the mind take over just do what you need to do.
p.s. As for bumping off try Mastisol it will stick guaranteed.
Regards,
E-J
mailto:ej@wilsonbrinker.com ej@wilsonbrinker.com
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That reminds me the other day when my 10 year old asked if he could now say his mom is a Cyborg. At fist I laughed really loud, but then…mmmh I don´t know haha.
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For dresses I wear control top underwear that’s very snug (like spanx almost) and slip my pump in the waistband. It does require going into a private place to access your pump.
For pajamas and leggings and work out clothing I keep socks that get holes and use the top portion to make a pocket to sew into the waistband. (See photo).
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I clip my insulin pump in my bra. Works like a charm! I can wear anything I want ( Way better than pockets). I will post a picture of it clipped to my swimsuit ( The same way I clip it in my bra).
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I have the medtronic 630g. The glucometer it came with allows you to bolus remotely. Although I have no shame in pulling it out of my shirt if I can ( when I’m wearing a dress I either reach for it from the top, or go to the bathroom if I don’t have my glucometer).
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I had a scary situation while on vacation in Cuba. With sunscreen and sweat, I was going through infusion set after infusion set, to the point where I was afraid I would use up all I brought with no alternative. Since then I’ve always used an adhesive.
Have you tried securing a CGM and/or infusion set and/or pod with an adhesive such as Skin Tac, or with a top dressing?
When I wear a dress I use a thigh strap and do one of two things depending on the length of the skirt and the setting. If the skirt is short enough and I’m seated at a table that hides me from a certain point down, I just reach under and whip my pump out. Otherwise I use a remote (I’m on Minimed) I got long ago that is about the size of buttons to a car. You can only easy bolus and suspend/resume, you can’t Wizard, but if you are intent on wearing long skirts it’s definitely a way to go. On my wedding day, my now husband carried said remote and a roll of glucotabs in his pocket.
But it’s never been about hiding it for me. I’m an open book about it. I figure if the people around me know ahead of time, they can help me faster in a situation because I won’t have to take the time to add any additional explanation.
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I think this really misses the point of my original article.
It’s okay. What I tried to express in the article was a guilt that I have because, while yes, I could get a pump and wear it every day and deal with that, I don’t want to. Like anyone with a chronic illness, I don’t want diabetes to define me (more than it by default has to), and for me, wearing one every day feels like it would. So I just don’t feel like the FBI comparison is relevant here.
I can certainly understand that it’s much harder for girls to find places to put the pump than for guys. I didn’t have to make any clothing modifications whatsoever when I started pumping, since I always wore pants or shorts with pockets and it’s easy to store my pump in my front right pocket without anyone even seeing it. Have you tried a pump though? I’m wondering if it’s one of those things that seems like a big deal but really isn’t once you start wearing one. Again, I think it’s easier for me being a guy, but wearing it every day doesn’t feel much different than having my smartphone on me - in fact I notice my phone way more than my pump in my pocket! I also think having to take shots and having to sneak out to take them somewhere is a much bigger everyday reminder of having this disease. If MDI works fine for you though then might as well stick with it, I’m just wondering if it’s one of those things that might not be as big of a deal as you think (and could actually make diabetes less of a big deal).
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