Removing insulin pumps on rides

[WDWiowa]

My son is 12 and this is going to be our first trip with type 1 diabetes and he is on a pump. Is there any roller coasters or rides were it is best to remove the pump? Also any suggestions for where to keep a small backpack while riding rides -are there lockers or a way to hand off or place items at the exit so you don't lose them or so they don't get wet . Can CM hold on to personal items if needed ?
Thanks for the advice and tips we are excited about the trip next week.

 

[Mama Who]

Individual rides do not tend to have lockers. (Grizzly River Run is an exception.) CMs are not allowed to be responsible for personal items. I carry a small backpack style purse and small items go in that and I switch it around to my front for coasters. Perhaps that would work for you?

 

[Malcon10t]

My son is 12 and this is going to be our first trip with type 1 diabetes and he is on a pump. Is there any roller coasters or rides were it is best to remove the pump? Also any suggestions for where to keep a small backpack while riding rides -are there lockers or a way to hand off or place items at the exit so you don't lose them or so they don't get wet . Can CM hold on to personal items if needed ?
Thanks for the advice and tips we are excited about the trip next week.

A friend who has a pump doesn't take it off. I think it would depend on placement.

You can take backpacks on all rides. Grizzly is the ride you might get soaked on, and there are lockers there.

 

[lalasmama]

Where is the pump placed? If it's placed above hip level, on the side (which seems like a fairly typical placement for the ones I've seen), it shouldn't be in the way for most rides. I'd think it would be the biggest issue on more turbulent or bumpy rides.

As a previous poster noted, many people do a small cross-body bag, and that works for almost every ride. Many rides also have a pouch to put your things in--but I would NOT recommend using those, as things *can* fall out, and an insulin pump is the LAST thing you want to lose, of course! I'd get a small cross-body bag that zips, and then just show him to route the seatbelt through the strap on rides with belts.

Grizzly River (in DCA) has lockers, and that seems to be the "wettest" ride. Some people get a little wet on Splash (in the front-most seat), and Matterhorn, but nothing like on GRR!

 

[jeanigor]

I've had a pump since 1999 and visited both DLR and WDW many many times. I have never removed my pump for a ride. The length of the infusion set tubing allows me to wear my pump on my belt or slip into my pocket, usually whichever side my iPhone isn't in. Once or twice, I cannot recall which specific ride, I have had to shift the pump around on my waist so that the safety belt/bar fit and worked comfortably.

I also carry a travel sports back pack with emergency diabetes supplies...and normal other park stuff. Never had a problem bringing it on any ride.

**Note** I have not ridden Grizzly River Rapids, as the people I tour with prefer to stay dry. Maybe over Labor Day when I am a single rider, I will fix this oversight.

 

[aliceclones]

Depending on your pump, some manufacturers say to remove it on rides with strong magnets (like ToT). You can call your manufacturer and ask if you are worried, no one I know with a pump ever removes them on rides though. Just watch BG's closely as the adrenaline can cause spikes or drops in BG.

For our upcoming trip i am more concerned with getting my girls through airport security, and not getting their pumps fried, than i am with the rides.

 

[Kristibo42]

My bother has one and didn't remove it for any of the rides.

 

[jeanigor]

For our upcoming trip i am more concerned with getting my girls through airport security, and not getting their pumps fried, than i am with the rides.

I fly rather frequently and it has become part of the routine, just like taking off my shoes.

Unload everything into the bins.
Have the agent tell me I left something on my belt.
Explain that it's a pump not a cell phone.
Go through the detector/scanner.
Agent pulls me aside.
Agent asks me to handle my pump.
Agent swabs my hands.
Agent sticks the swab in Dr. Doofinsmertz machine.
Green light flashes, bing noise made.
Agent dismisses me.
I claim my shoes and stuff in bins.
I go to the gate for my flight.

 

[aliceclones]

I fly rather frequently and it has become part of the routine, just like taking off my shoes.

Unload everything into the bins.
Have the agent tell me I left something on my belt.
Explain that it's a pump not a cell phone.
Go through the detector/scanner.
Agent pulls me aside.
Agent asks me to handle my pump.
Agent swabs my hands.
Agent sticks the swab in Dr. Doofinsmertz machine.
Green light flashes, bing noise made.
Agent dismisses me.
I claim my shoes and stuff in bins.
I go to the gate for my flight.

our CDE told us basically the same thing. Have the girls go through the metal detector, if they set it off, hand over the pump. I have one on an omni, and the other an animas. Both on Dex G4. pretty sure i will also need to hand over the G4 for hand inspection, hoping the girls make it through the metal detector without it lighting up. If they do, we get to wait for the swabs.
we were told the PDMs CAN go through x-ray, no backscatter though. And the animas can go through metal detector, but that is it. I think my biggest worry is that i have 2. So i am sure we will get a bit of grief for that. we will look like a walking pharmacy with all the insulin and supplies! Oh well, it will be worth it when we get to the happiest place on earth!

 

[dnamertz]

My son is 12 and this is going to be our first trip with type 1 diabetes and he is on a pump. Is there any roller coasters or rides were it is best to remove the pump? Also any suggestions for where to keep a small backpack while riding rides -are there lockers or a way to hand off or place items at the exit so you don't lose them or so they don't get wet . Can CM hold on to personal items if needed ?
Thanks for the advice and tips we are excited about the trip next week.

I've taken two trips to DL since having my pump and never had a need to remove it. Depending on its placement, the only ride I might consider being careful of is the Matterhorn just becuase that ride is so jerky...maybe just don't have the pump on your side during that ride so it doesn't bump the side of the car.

Remember to consider all the walking he will be doing and the affect that excersie can have on his blood sugar.

 

[MisWal]

I haven't been to DL (yet), but have been to WDW twice. I don't disconnect my pump for any rides and have never had any troubles. I even wore it on WDW's version of Grizzly and got soaked! My pump was fine. I think most are fine for that type of moisture, you just don't want to submerge them.

And for the record, I have a medtronic pump.

As far as airports, I don't even declare that I have a pump unless the TSA agent notices it. Such a rebel, I am!

 

[aliceclones]

MisWal:
I like the way you operate!
I think that will be our plan too, i can always go to plan B if someone notices their pumps!

 

[mydisneymoney]

You can wear a fanny pack on most rides. Just side it to the side when the bar comes down across you lap. Put the pump in the fanny pack. Another option in the future when you are in the market for a new pump, look into the OmniPod. The pod attaches to your body and the handheld devise that tell the pod what to do is remote like a cell phone. Great for kids who play in sports, swim etc. Works great.

 

[Rapunzel]

My daughter has a OneTouch Ping and we do not disconnect for any rides at WDW. We're going to Six Flags Great America within the next few weeks with a JDRF promotion and I think the only ride I'll have her disconnect for is the Giant Drop (if she's even tall enough).