I’ve been diabetic for a few years (15) now but I just finally gave in and went over to the pump about 9 months ago or so. I have a MiniMed Paradigm 723 and use the CGM - I’m happy with the results even though the CGM is quite annoying to wear, but since I love technology, it’s worth it (no pain no gain).
Now that summer is here (in TX) and all of the trips are being planned, I need to think about how to approach being in aquatic environments. I actually stayed away from pools, lakes, etc, last summer because I wore the infusion set and the CGM on my abdomen and was, honestly, embarrased at having to wear them. Now that I’ve experimented with alternate infusion sites and I’m getting over the “being embarrassed” factor, I’m planning to go out and do some fun stuff.
First thing is this weekend (I hadn’t thought about it until I thought I should start packing…then I thought I should have some type of plan…) is possibly going on a Tube Trip. That’s basically floating down a river for 6 hours. Previously I would just keep my insulin pens in a cooler and keep my meter in a water proof container (ironically made to hold cigarettes and people thought I was a liar when they asked if I had any and I responded “Nope, don’t smoke, sorry”). I know I can disconnect but that seems like it wouldn’t be a good idea to do for an extended period of time. Would a simple baggie be a solution?
Later in the year we’re going on a cruise and all of the (fun) excursions inform you not to participate if you have diabetes. I hate it when people tell me I can’t do something so I plan on doing whatever I want to…however a lot of the stuff also involves extended submersion in water so I’ll need to plan ahead for that, too.
Lastly, and not necessarily related to the aquatic environment, does anyone have any ideas how to keep the CGM on when doing sports? It seems like regardless of what I do with regards to adhesion the CGM will fall out after lengthy physical activity when I’m sweating. I play a lot of golf and it inevitably falls off around hole 12-13. This is when installed in the abdomen so I assume that between the sweat and the friction of the shirt rubbing against it there is almost no chance of it staying in place. Is another site area the solution to this problem? Does anyone have a good site for the CGM where it doesn’t get irritated?
Thanks in advance for responses and I apologize for my lengthy first post!
People on this site have reported using this case quite effectively. If you serch TU you can find stories (and a picture or two) of people wearing it most of the day on the beach, swimming for extended periods of time, and going down to 10-12 foot depths without any problem. I got it last month and have not tried it out though. I hope it lives up to others claims. The few tips I plan to use when trying the aquapac are: insert a piece of paper towel to determine if any water is getting into the dry part, test often the extra pressure on the infusion line may reduce basal rate flows, and try out the aqupac in a bucket or bathtub before trying it out for the "real deal".
If you are interested. The aquapac arrived in 3-4 business days and looks like it will work perfectly.
Well as far as your pump goes I can’t give you much help. I live in Texas as well and I am constatly on and in the water! But I have the omnipod. So nothing stops me. (except the people wanting to know what the heck that thing is!) But I will say being disconected from your pump for your river trip will be too long. (unless you take a pen to keep up with basal) As far as the CGM I have the same problem. It seems the dexcom adhesive just sucks! The Omnipod holds on no matter how much sweating, swimming, and activity I do. But the dexcom does not. I work out everyday and I have the same problems. I wish Dexcom would learn from insulet and get some better tape! For the time being I just reach under the shirt and dry off the adhesive. If you press firmly with a towel it seems to make it stick better for a good while. On my body at least it appears the adhesive stays stuck to me and the “tape” pulls away? Oh yea and lastly don’t let D stop you from doing anything!!! Where in Texas are you at?
Houston area - going up to Gruene this weekend. I was thinking that I could get a pen for the basal, too. I’ll continue on my quest to get them to do the Comal instead of the Guadalupe since it’s a lot shorter but they have different priorities than me.
Thanks for the link. That looks like something I’ll have to go out and get. Too bad I didn’t think of this a few days ago so I could have ordered one in time for the trip this weekend!
Stout!!
I am from Seguin let me tell you that you will most defantly want to do the comal over the guadalupe. There is no water in the guadalupe right now!! It will be a really long trip and you will be doing lots of walking!!! Just so you know you couldn’t pay me to tube the Guadalupe right now! Good luck hope y’all have fun!
That’s what I heard the other day, too. They said they may just go drop a tube in the water and sit there and drink beer. In that case, I can just sit in a folding chair and not have to worry about it! The Comal is more fun anyway so hopefully they’ll decide to do that.
Hope you had a great time either in the Guadalupe or in the Comal river this weekend. I am about 30 min away from New Braunfels, the Comal is my favorite!
I have MM, was using their CGMS last summer (now on Dex). Last summer I “lived” at Schlitterbahn or in the Comal. The Aquapac works great, never (almost) had a problem - the 2 incidents were my fault. You have to make sure you to seal the top correctly. I thought I had one time, did get some water in the pac but corrected in time so no problem. I use a piece of wax paper (makes the pump slide in and out easier, it’s a tight fit) and a small piece of paper towel (I can see the color change if it gets wet). Other “problem” is once it crimped the tube so I got a no delivery alarm. Again, it is the placement of the tubing. I usually have to increase my basal rate slightly with the Aquapac, there is a disclamer posted on their website, so just be aware of possibity of slight increase in blood sugars when using the Aquapac.
Re tape for the sensor. Skin tac (not skin prep). I insert (Dex too), and then use the pad to soak the tape once it is stuck to me. Also mastisol - just be sure you do not insert through if you apply first, and make sure it is dry before sticking the tape to it. I use a q-tip to also saturate the tape after I have inserted, blow dryer to speed up the drying process. Tape the entire sensor down with Opsite flexifix - you can get in rolls (I mailorder) so you can cut to fit. I would sweat under this tape and it would not peel. Layer the tape, I would put two pieces across the sensor. Tip - cut a piece of paper tape and place it over the top of the transmitter, just trim the excess edges before you hook it in. It makes it easier to peel the opsite off if you need to recharge or replace the opsite tape for some reason.
Enjoy the water this summer! Our High School age kiddo is taking me to New York city while she completes a summer internship. I am not sure if I can get to any of the beaches to get my water fix taken care of while there! I always say a true Texan knows there are only two places to be in the summer time - inside with the AC running or in a tube floating a river!
Lately even with skin tac my I’m iPod had cone off from sweating. I figured out a solution - don’t use body wash or moisturizing soap when you shower before a change, use antibacterial bar soap on a wash cloth and scrub a few times before finishing your shower. The soap dries out the skin, so it’s best to only use it where you’re going to put your sensor/pump/ infusion set. Let it dry then apply skin tac and let that dry. No way will it come off.
