General 'how-to' questions on wearing the pump.

[Xonelith]

Hi,

As mentioned in another post, I just started using the pump. There are a few things that I took for granted prior to being attached to this device that I would like some help on.

1. Using the toilette:king:. What do you do with the pump (when sitting, standing does not seem to be an issue).

2. Showering. When disconnecting the pump, what do you do with the end of the insertion set? Leave it open? Can water get into it? What about the piece you disconnected? Will it get dirty and cause infection?

3. Driving. The pump seems to be lined up perfectly with the lap belt. Where do you put the pump? On the dash? In your pocket? I did end up using my pocket but don't know if a problem will arise since the tube runs through the belt.

4. Having sex:-. Do you keep the pump hooked up? If so where do you put it?

That's it for now.

Thanks for the tips!

[Deager]

Congrats on your pump. My husband got an Animas pump a couple of months ago and what he does answers questions 2 and 4....he cut off the elastic to a set of his jockeys and wears it in the shower and to bed and just hooks his pump on it. It doesn't get in the way of 'anything'. His pump is rated waterproof, so he doesn't disengage it for showering or swiming. It is a cheap and simple solution that is comfortable.

When using the 'facilities' he sets the pump on the counter next to him. The rest of the time it is hooked on the waistband of his pants and doesn't get in the way of driving or anything else.

Good luck!

Diane

[Dewey]

Hi Xonelith,

I wear my pump on my bra strap or, if I am wearing a tank top, I hook it onto that strap. This way, the pump doesn't get in the way of sitting down or driving.

I usually wear infusion sets that can be disconnected. When showering, I just disconnect and lay the pump on the counter. Sometimes, though, I leave it hooked and attach it to the shower curtain. :D

If I am "fooling around" (lol), I just let it roam free on the bed. This way, I don't have to detach, and usually, it doesn't hinder the fun. :-

Hope this helps. Congrats on your pump and if you have questions, feel free to PM or email me. :)

[notme]

I have a MiniMed 508 that is not waterproof. I detatch my pump for a bath, lay it on the counter and do not use the cap for my insertion site. From what I hear has a rubber stopper that stops water from leaking in during bathing. If you swim in lake or river water they recommend capping off. The other end just hangs out till I am done in the bath.

I wear my pumpp on my waist band. I have never had it get in the way of the seatbelt, but the cannula sometimes does. I try to place the cannula now where the seatbelt doesn't rub on it. I have taken my pump and hung it off the edge of my pocket when it has gotten in the way on an airline seatbelt.

Sex....well, it comes off and I take it off.

Sitting down.....as all women do, it depends on where the cannula is attached. I use the 23" tubing so there isn't a lot of room for error. If you have the 43" tubing there she be plenty of tubing for the pants to go down and not tug on the cannula. For me, I sometimes have to hand the pump on the end of my shirt for the moment. Most of the time, I am just very cautious during the lowering ....LOL.

I am going to Hawaii at the end of next month and I am going snorkeling. I will take off my pump then and cap off my site.

Nancy

[dpav]

Most everything has been covered.
I have my 508 on my waist band all the time except at night. It stays on the waist band during the day and it never gets in the way of normal functions for me.

I use the 43inch unit mainly because of the problems I had in the beginning.

The shower, I take the pump off of me, I let the pump continue to run and I take my shower. I only cap off if I go swimming
.
At night I wear a pocketed T-shirt and the pump stays in my pocket. This has been comfortable and not gotten in my way so far. When the pump gets in the way I simply detach it.

I wear my pump on my right side hip on the waistband. It has been placed far back enough to not get in the way of the safety belt in our car ,My sons car is smaller and it still stays out of the way in that one as well.

Most of the time, I have little realization that I am on the pump.

Don

[David]

I usually clip my pump to my side pants pocket, not my belt, so its not in my way as often. When "going", it usually stays clipped to the pocket or I set it on the floor or the counter. Using the 43' tubing helps there.

I disconnect when I shower and also keep it running. If you suspend while disconnected and the pump is lower then the connection point, air may back up into the tubing (but this is easily solved by re-priming IF you notice it)
I also only use the cap when swimming where I'm not sure of how clean the water is.

As I mentioned above, I usually clip to my pocket, not my belt. That way, the pump isn't covered by the seatbelt. (I broke two pump clips before I tried this). The seat belt isn't tight enough to block the tubing

:- I, or is that we disconnect. If you disconnect, remember to reconnect afterwords. Also, don't suspend unless you don't mind getting a reminder every 15 minutes.
The pump's connected while I sleep, but it can roam as far as the 43" tubing will allow.
David

[TonyAlmeida]

I have a cloth lanyard - originally FedEx gave them out at a convention to clip your ID Badges on to. I removed the little metal ring on it (so not to scratch up the pump) and whenever I have to use the restroom or try on pants at a store .... I just clip the pump on the lanyard.

[Belinda]

Using the bathroom is not a problem. I usually have it hooked to my bra

Showering I just disconnect the pump and leave it on the bookshelf until I finish getting ready and dressed

As for playtime in the bed!!!!! I disconnect and leave it in the bathroom. If it is an extended playtime I check my BS and connect, bolus to fix a problem, disconnect and go back to the playground....

As for the car I have never had a problem with the pump getting in the way of the seat belt

[Alaska]

Yeah, I always attach my pump to my bra too :P

[Belinda]

Originally posted by Alaska
Yeah, I always attach my pump to my bra too :P


Whew glad to know I am not the only one!!!!!!! LOL
BTW Alaska...underwire works better:whistling !!!!!

[rzrbks]

Belinda

BTW Alaska...underwire works better:whistling !!!!!

So, Alaska is literally into Women's clothing now-is amazing the things that transpire if one is away for a while.:smartass:

[Belinda]

LOL Rzr....and welcome back

[rzrbks]

Thanks, is good to back where I belong------this is The Funny Farm , No?


BTW, notme
Sex....well, it comes off and I take it off.


I don't even want to know:eek:

[Alaska]

Hey a guy has to wear his pump somehow!

[rzrbks]

:topic:

Nope, I'm not gonna say it:whistling ---------I refuse.

[notme]

Oh Lord, I said that.......didn't I? :whistling