I love it when I can sit back and observe C educating those around us about diabetes!
The other day, at one of my son's baseball games, there was a little boy sitting on the bleachers behind us. His brother was also in the game. He must be around 4, maybe 5 at the most. As I was scrambling in C's bag to test her and check out the snacky situation, I reached around to pull out her pump from her pack. For the most part, this strange routine does not get much attention from people. We've learned how to do it quickly and without much fuss. But this time, it really caught the little boy's eyes.
"What's that?" he said, loudly. "Is it a video game? Can I play it? Where'd you get it? Why does she have that?" He wasn't stopping with the questions! And by now, those immediately near us were also beginning to wonder about this cute little pink thing themselves.
I interrupted him. "It's a machine, like a little computer, to help give C medicine," I said. I glanced up at the dad and smiled.
Before anyone could say anything else, the little boy continued. "Oh, I got medicine today. I have a cough. But I don't have to have a machine. Could I play with it? Does it have games?"
I could tell that more explanation was needed. By this time, another lady told me she thought C was awfully young to have a cell phone. She laughed. I just wasn't in the mood for diabetes education at the moment. But C chimed in and told the little boy herself "It's not a toy. It helps keep me healthy. I have diabetes. And my pump gives me insulin through this tube. So, no, you can't play with it. It's not a toy." To that, the little boy said, "oh, okay." In a split second he hopped off the back of the bleachers and was wrestling around with some other kids.
I whispered to C "good job." She smiled at me. "Let's go to the snackbar!"
Posts
My daughter's PINK 522 just arrived yesterday!! It is as cute as it looks in the photo. We can't wait to get pumpin,!
ReplyDeleteMy 8 year old daughter, Stirling, was dianosed 8 months ago. The pink color and all the cool pump packs have made the idea of wearing the pump 24/7 a little easier to swallow. Of course, we both know how much better it will be for her and we are very excited, but the idea of sleeping with it and doing vigorous activity has us a little worried.
Does anyone have any ideas about what to do with the pump during vigorous activity? Stirling does competitive cheerleading, which consists of gymnastics-type tumbling, and stunting (where 3-4 bigger girls throw her up in the air and then flip her around, over and over--very hands on!) She practices 3 hours a night, 4 nights a week--too long to disconnect the pump. We are planning on disconnecting during the hands-all-over-her stunting and then reconnecting for the 90 minutes of tumbling. But,we are guessing that the pouch arouond the waist will be flopping all over.
I'm sure she's not the first pumping gymnast or cheerleader, yet I can't find a product that looks like it will keep everything secure during this activity. She's a tiny 8-year old, about the size of a 5-6 year old. I welcome any ideas.
Theresa
Thanks for commenting, Theresa! Yes, pink is great! Minimed finally got it!
ReplyDeleteFortunately, a new product is in the works as I write. We have had several inquiries regarding a product like you describe. It's on it's way. We are shooting for a target date of May 1...so check back with us! mypumpgear.com And...hope your daughter enjoys her new pink pump!!
Theresa-
ReplyDeleteYes, pumps will bounce around when cheerleading, doing gymnastics, dancing, etc. But many pump packs have stretchy belts that stay close to your waist. These stay put and you don't need to worry. And when your daughter is doing the tumbling, you may be able to find a place to flip the belt around to that won't ever be handled. Good luck!