I am going on vacation and will be snorkeling and swimming. I know that animas pumps are waterproof, but a few years ago, I had a scare when it malfunctioned under water and they had to overnight me another one. This time I will be cruising and if it malfunctions, they won’t be able to overnight me one. I do have a back up plan for shots with lantus and novolog in case something go’s wrong, but when I switch back to shots I feel sick.
I really want to enjoy this vacation and use my insulin pump.
I have found several aquapac’s, one in which will hold the pump and allow tubing to go through and be water proof at the same time, the issue is that it is expensive. To me $70.00 is expensive for some plastic.
Does anyone know where I can find a similar product that will allow me to wear my pump but keeping the device dry and allow the tubing to go through?
Please Help!!!
While this will not address your immediate concerns about the pump being waterproof, one option to the shots is to request a vacation loaner pump from Animas as a fall back. The process is relatively simple, and is addressed on their FAQ page at http://www.animas.com/support/FAQ. If there are timing issues because you are leaving imminently, you can call Animas Customer Support at 1-877-767-7373 between the hours of 9:00am-5:00pm EST. Rush delivery charges may apply.
Animas will give you a back up pump to take with you.
I don’t know anything about waterproof packs. I’m sure someone will have some info.
Oh wow, well there you go! That will work! Thank you very much!!! Vacation isn’t until November, so I have plenty of time!
Regarding the Aquapac. The $70 was the best ever spent. I am still using the minimed, not waterproof, pump. (waiting for insurance to allow a change). I have “lived” at the waterpark (Schlitterbahn - New Braunfels, river water) or the Comal River or in Canyon Lake all summer. First time since pumping that I have been able to maintain a “normal” blood sugar during the day while in the water. No more suspend pump, unhook, go play, come back, figure out how much insulin I need to bolus to catch up, worry about going low because of the bolus, or spiking above 300 because of no basal insulin. And belive me, I play at 'bahn! Aquapac - no rips, tears, still going strong. I had to work to figure out how to keep the quick-set glued to me being wet all day long (skin tac AND mastisol), but even when I am able to switch to Animas, I still think I will Aquapac it just to be sure it stays dry.
From another Kentuckian, there is no real way to waterproof the pump. You have the tubing between you and the pump. Sealing the tubing is the pits. Also, you may be able to get a “sample” pen or two to use at the beach from your MD.
I use a waterproof bag for two-way radios for my Dexcom when diving. <<Check lifeguard shops>>. I have forgotten where I got mine. I cover the transmitter with two layers of IV3000.
As far as the pump: either program it before you leave or be sure to down load your current settings and be able to program it manually.
When at the beach, water park, etc., we usually unhook not because the pump isn’t water proof but to avoid any situation in which the pump might accidentally detach and sink to the bottom of the lake, water ride, etc., never to be seen again. Depending on the situation, we might carry it in a fanny pack or leave it in our cooler. However, we swim in the pool and other clear water without detaching and have not had a problem with the Ping. They advertise that it’s waterproof for 12 hours in up to 8 feet of water (or maybe its the reverse), so scuba diving may not be the place to wear your pump, but snorkeling and swimming should be fine. I certainly agree with others who recommend getting a loaner in advance.
What did you decide on? Your research may help us all.