I’m hoping the ladies can help me out with this issue. Summer is starting here in NY, this will be my first on the pod, obviously I wont be able to hide it when at the beach, but generally speaking what do most people do with revealing clothing (like a bikini or halter top)? Do you switch back and forth to shots for the day or do you let the pod just hang out. I know this shouldn’t be that big of an issue but I’ve have type 1 for most of my life and do my best to keep it a secret. I know i shouldn’t feel ashamed but I do
It’s pretty much totally up to you what you do with it. I’m going back and forth over whether to try to hide it and have a lump in my bathing suit or just to have it out in the open. Going back to shots just isn’t a option I’m willing to consider. Just remember that we’re sort of stuck in the pods for three days so if you do decide to go back to shots you may have to do them for up to three days depending on when your last pod before the beach trip expires. That’s way to much planning for me. I love my pods and if I have to share them with the world that’s what I’ll do to be able to have fun this summer.
I hear you, Mary. I felt the same way – somewhat embarrassed or ashamed – and still do to a small extent. I, too, like to keep my Type 1 status private and a big old white thing on my arm isn’t exactly discreet.
I’ve been a podder since last May. Last summer, I went to great lengths so that people wouldn’t see my pod. Occasionally I’d wear sleeveless dresses without a sweater while I was at home but didn’t go out in public that way. One day, my son’s friend (age 20) came over unexpectedly when I had the pod in plain view. I just went about my business – and of course, he asked me about it. When I explained what it was, he said, “Oh. I thought it was one of those muscle-stimulating things.”
Something about that incident emboldened me.
I started wearing pods in plain view and have worked through my discomfort pretty well. It took practice.
A couple of weeks ago, I reached a milestone. On vacation, I scheduled a massage – and forgot to tell the massage therapist about the pod! I’d forgotten all about it. That felt GREAT – and so did the massage!
Have you thought about wearing a tankini? You could wear the pod on your stomach and the tank will cover it up. I’m also private about my type 1 and this is my first summer with the pod. Most people I have came into contact with about the pod have been very interested in it and wanted to know more about the pod and how it works. Could be an opportunity to meet people…LOL
I like using a hot tub from time to time. Yes, I know diabetics should not use them. What I do is plan my pod changing for around the time I plan on using the hot tub. I go for about an hour without anything, but to me it is worth the pleasure…I then put a new pod on and head to the pool to swim.
I never heard diabetics shouldnt use them?! I heard not to put the pod in one cause it’s too hot for it, but is there a reason for us not to enjoy a hot tub?
I’m a proud pumper… ha
and I’ll wear it this summer with a bathing suit
normally I wear it on my arms and alot of times i wear shirts where it shows and I’m not embarassed at all…
If people ask, I tell them…
I can totally relate! I’ve had type 1 for 25 years and am now 38 and I’ve been wearing the pod for about 6 months. I am also pregnant so my body is not in its normal shape but still, it’s hard not to be self-conscious. I wore the pod on my lower back last weekend while we were at the beach and I have to say it bothered me…but it bothers me with clothes too! I never minded doing shots and may go back to them after the pregnancy is over. We’ll see! Sorry, this if this is not what you want to hear, I think the pod obvious and you just have to wear it and get over it. Hopefully they can design a smaller one in the near future!
I went on a boat with my friends to go wakeboarding and stuff, and I took my pod off later that day, after getting 6 hours of sun, and it left a perfect outline of the pod… It was on my stomach but I really don’t care what anyone thinks (as long as they can see the pod currently on :P)
The reasoning is that (a) the heat in the tub will spoil the insulin in your pod and (b) hot water increases bloodflow and insulin absorption and could cause you to drop more quickly.
But I’ve heard the same thing about hot showers and I think it’s overly cautious. YMMV, of course.
LOL, thanks to all the guys that selflessly volunteered to be judges - hahahah
I appreciate everyone’s advice. I took a major step on friday and wore a sleeveless shirt to a party with a pod on my arm - no one noticed or asked about it. I guess I’ll take it one step at a time. I just wish I didn’t feel so self-conscious.
