Insulin In The Parks -- Idea!!!!!

[Cheshire Figment]

I was trying to figure out a way to carry insulin in the park, when I would be there for several hours without allowing the insulin to get hot. I asked a pharmacist if he had any small insulated packs in which I would put the bottles.
He suggested that I charge the syringe and only carry one injection with me; leaving the bottles in the refrigerator in the room. The problem I foresaw was keeping any pressure off the plunger all day long.

I bought a oval-shaped toothbrush holder, which comes apart in two pieces. After I put the insulin in the syringe, I put the cap back on to protect the needle. I then wrapped a sealed alcohol swab packet around the top of the syringe (at the "handles") and put the wrapped syringe into the toothbrush holder, point first. Because of the packet, the syringe did not go all the way to the bottom of the holder, and the packet kept it from moving. I then put the two parts of the holder together, and the plunger was surrounded by the upper part, and the plunger did not come in contact with anything. This was so stable that when shaking the holder there was no movement of any part of the syringe.

During my last trip I used this idea three times. Two of the times I was going to dinner about three hours after leaving the room, and was able to carry the holder in my belt bag. One time I went into Epcot at opening so I took the holder (with the syringe inside) to First Aid and they put it in the refrigerator for me.

Anyway, when it was time for my shot I only had to open the toothbrush holder and pull on the packet or syringe "handles" to get the syringe out. I then opened the swab and used it on the needle as well as wiping my skin with it and gave the injection. I then put the cap back on the used syringe and put it back in the toothbrush holder for later proper disposal.

I summary, I never had to take the insulin bottles out of the room and was able to have the proper amount of insulin for when I needed my injection.

Any comments on this idea would be appreciated. Please contact me with any questions. It would also be appreciated if you use this idea that you post your comments afterwards.

Mike

 

[Talking Hands]

Neat idea but I just use the insulin pens. Dial up my dose and take it. I only need to take R in the parks. My N I take before I leave for the parks and in the evening.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm a nurse, not a person with diabetes. I think it sounds like a neat idea. My suggestion would be to mark the outside of the toothbrush holder with some identifying information, especially if you take it to First Aid for storage. A small address label would probably do, covered with a layer of tape to make it more water resistant.
The other concern I'd have as a nurse would be, what happens if something happens to your dose since you only have one dose with you? Would you have any back-up?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi SueM

At First Aid they put what you give them in a marked paper bag with an identifying form stapled to the bag. They store lots of medications, but having my name on the holder is a good idea.

If something happend to my dose (combined N & R) I would always have the option of going back to the hotel.

 

[Talking Hands]

Your idea would not work for many diabetics who do not have a fixed dose of R but use sliding scale according to what the blood sugar is and how many carbs are going to be eaten. This is why I prefer the insulin pen. And I usually carry 2. One in use and the second as a spare. No bigger than a pen, it is easy carried in my purse. As far as keeping it cool I use a FRIO bag.

 

[EUROPA]

...or you could go on the Insulin pump and never have problems like those again. It's best thing that I've ever done!

 

[Talking Hands]

If I had an insurance policy that would pay for it I would definately go to it.

 

[shmoogrrrl]

I am not an Insulin Dependant Diabetic (I'm type II) but while I was pregnant I had to go off my pills and on to insulin. I would LOVE to have had the pump, but insurance just wasn[t going to cover it for someone that only needed it for 9 months. I can totally see the appeal of that! I have a new admiration for Type I Diabetics for doing the shots every day. I miss my pills!

As far as the original post here, while I was giving myself shots, I got this thing from the back of the Diabetes Forcaster (put out by the ADA) mag. that allowed you to store a prefilled syringe. It then fit in a small compartment thingy with a frozen ice pack. Very handy to have, but I guess that might not be enough if you were carrying it around all day in the Florida sun!

Kathy

 

[DisneyFanGuy]

My son is Type 1, and he also loves and uses the pens except for his am shot, which he mixes. He has been told again and again that they need to be kept cool in storage, but that he doesn't really need to worry about refridgeration on trips. That makes them ideal for carrying around in a fanny pack.

So as TH mentioned, he simply carries his pens around. One of each type and a spare. If an active 16 year old makes that work, it must be convenient. He always chooses the easiest way possible for everything! LOL!

 

[EUROPA]

Originally posted by Talking Hands
If I had an insurance policy that would pay for it I would definately go to it.

A few people have told me that the companies will work with people whose insurance companies are not up to speed on Insulin Pumps. This can range from talking them into covering the devices to reducing the price to the patient so they can afford it. Most will also let you make monthly payments. One of the quotes that I've heard is " we don't want the cost of the pump to cause people to not get one". Most pumps are bought through a third party reseller of pump and not directly through the company that makes them. Typically Insulin Pumps and the supplies that go along with them are all that these companies do, so they are quite good at the process. In fact when I got mine I had to do zero work to get it. They handled everything.

 

[tink2dw]

A couple of years ago Coke had a teen promotion,where there was a number in the cap you used to leave messages for your friends. Well,Dd was sent a tin with the promotion materials in it.

Well,when I was looking for something to carry syringes and a bottle of Novalin 70/30 insulin in,I found that tin! It holds 10 syringes and the insulin bottle. On the outside I taped my Health card onto it,and Alert stickers I got at local pharmacy that I put my doseages onto it with. And also that I need Emergancy Cortzone for My Addisons Disease. I also carry a flattened insulin box with the perscription on it in the box.

I plan to get My Dr. to give me a computer page of how to treat me if I have low Bloodsugar,then I will tape that to the case too!!