Tape adhesion in wet situations
Hi,
I have only been on the pump for about 5-7 months and would like to be able to
participate in watersports like rafting, swimming, diving/snorkeling, hot
tubbing, etc.
How do I keep the tape from coming off when spending more than the time it takes
to shower in the water? I’m sure there are lots of water-active diabetics out
there that have conquered this problem…The manufacturer’s help desk didn’t
know what to do to improve adhesion of the tape in prolonged wet situations. If
I go rafting, I may be on the river getting wet for 4 hours…
Also, do you use one of the waterproof, plastic cases to keep your minimed pump
unit dry while playing in the water?
My pump rep. from minimed told me that he disconnects his pump and reconnects it
hourly to infuse his basal dose and keeps testing to see that his blood sugar
stays good. Does the case work well or is there another option?
I’d appreciate any help in solving this problem. Other than this problem, I
generally like my pump as it has eliminated the severe low blood sugar reactions
I used to have.
Thanks.
Judy Heid
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
April 14th, 2007 at 5:37 am
Judy,\
I have only had one experience using the pump in the water; it was on a
skin diving trip where I was in the ocean almost all day. I use the
polyskin adhesive and it stayed in place all day without any problems.
I also used the Minimed sport guard box, and it also worked fine. A
little bulky, but once you get used to it, no problem at all. It
didn’t leak, and with the strap provided stayed out of the way most of
the time.
As far as removing the pump and returning hourly for a boost, that seems
ok to me, but a bit of a pain; lots of wasted time every hour, it would
seem…
David
April 14th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
<< I also used the Minimed sport guard box, and it also worked fine. A
little bulky, but once you get used to it, no problem at all. It
didn’t leak, and with the strap provided stayed out of the way most of
the time.
>>
David,
I tried the sportsguard and didnt like it. Mine leaked!!! I sent it back
and got another one and I cant remember if it leaked or not. It just scared
me so I never tried again. Also it is VERY bulky to me. But maybe I should
give it another try. I dont know. I do hate the thought of taking my pump
off which I have but then Im paranoid about my BGs. Did you have to use
Vaseline on it to seal it? I know thats what they tell you to do. I guess
since the time it leaked and I saw water in the box I havent been able to
enjoy being in the water w/it cause Im scared it will leak again. Maybe Im
over reacting. Im glad you had good luck w/it. Chrissy
April 14th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Chrissy,
Yes the Vaseline is absolutely necessary, or it will leak for sure!
Bulky, yes, but I got used to it rather fast.
David
April 16th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
Thanks, David for your input. I wondered if maybe having my bathing
suit covering the tape and keeping it damp made it come loose. I’ll
try it again and see if it holds better this time. I have been a
little scared to use the pump with the waterproof case as they say it
might leak. If it does, then I need to know how to get a replacement
quickly and to keep my BS in good control with mixed insulin
again…I have a few things to get cleared up with my Dr. about
alternative injections should the pump fail.
Thanks for the support. It helps to have access to people who are
going thru or have gone thru the same things I have. This is a great
resource!
Judy
April 17th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Judy,
I forgot to mention that the strap that came with the waterproof case worked
well after adjusting it properly. When this is done, there seemed to be no
excess strain on the tubing, and that kept it from pulling loose.
As far as a backup method is concerned, I have had good success by using Lente
twice a day for the basal, and dividing the two doses to roughly approximate the
pump basal rate. Then use Humilog exactly as you would do with the pump.
This worked fine for me.
David
April 17th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Judy,
One more thought…you might, after putting the pump in the box (or even try
this empty), put it in the sink for awhile and watch for leaks. With the
Vaseline, I doubt it will.
David
April 19th, 2007 at 8:08 am
<< Yes the Vaseline is absolutely necessary, or it will leak for sure!
Bulky, yes, but I got used to it rather fast.
>>
Hey David….Maybe I didnt use enough? Do you have to use alot? How can you
know for sure it wont leak? Chrissy
April 19th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Chrissy,
Not much; just a covering film will do. But you might do what I suggested to
Judy; put it in the sink for awhile and see that it doesn’t leak!
David
April 20th, 2007 at 12:24 am
<< But you might do what I suggested to Judy; put it in the sink for awhile
and see that it doesn’t leak!
>>
Thanks David. Sounds like a good idea. Chrissy