Sensitive to the touch

The back side of my left arm has been sensitive to the touch, these past few days. It is an irritation that has now become an issue. It is time to switch arms and apply a new OmniPod. The spent pod is coming off the triceps of my right arm and my right needs a break from the pump.

I shave a new spot for my Guardian sensor and now that spot is red with irritation. Let me shower and see if the irritation will go away. Maybe I will feel better too.

A few minutes later, the sensor spot is much better, still red, but touching the sight does not irritate the skin.

My triceps are another story. They are still sensitive to the touch. So, now, where do I put the OmniPod?

There is no room on my belly, because of the new placement of the Guardian sensor and the tenderness from the old sensor.

I will try my lower back. Finding a spot that will not get caught on a door or door frame. Or a spot that will allow me to sit in a chair comfortably. Some place where my clothing wont irritate the pump.

OK, I think I have it. A couple of inches to the left of the spine and above my belt line. I reach around the left and then I reach around the right. Crap, I can't reach the spot I selected. I can't position my arms and hands in a way, that will allow me to shave the hair or apply alcohol. I twist and try again, nope it isn't going to happen that way. Twist differently, nope, that is no good either.

TRW steps into the room and starts to laugh. I have been playing twister with myself to try and find a way to make this pump placement work. It might be easier if I didn't have a bum shoulder, or if I could twist more. TRW has gotten over her amusement with my twister antics and asks if she can help me.

You bet! Can you shave here.
No, No a little to the left,
More to the right. No the other right.
Not quite so high, maybe lower and to the right.
Are you sure you want me to help you, she asks?

Yes, yes, but you are not doing it like I would. I say.
What do you mean? You can't do it at all, she corrected.

OK, OK, I would like the pump placed in this general vicinity and I make a circle on my back with my hands. Please

Go it. TRW said.
Give me the Alcohol.
Next the OmniPod.
You are ready to go, said TRW.

I push the PDA buttons and click I am back on the pump. That wasn't so hard, yea right, I think to myself. Three days and then I have to remove the pod. Can I do it by myself?

Getaway

TRW and I decided we needed a Getaway. Work has been relentless for the past 4 months. Home projects kept us busy when we were not working and so we decided we needed a little down time.

Some place nice.
Some place warm and away from the cold.
Some place with water.
A third world country? Why not!

We chose Belize as a get away location for a long weekend. Our passports are ready, but am I ready? This will be my first airport experience with the OmniPod. I am not worried about the Guardian CGM, because I have been through countless airports and I have never set off the security alarms.

I really hate to set off the security alarm. In my business travels I have watch countless people go through security, completely unaware of security protocol. They hold up the line, everybody impatiently waits for them to empty their pockets, remove their shoes, remove their liquids and unpack their computer. They remove their Texas size belt buckle and take off their jacket. Each time they set off the alarm and one more item comes off. Finally they stand their in their in with nothing more then their superman underwear and a boarding pass and the buzzer does not make a sound. Maybe this is a bad dream, or I am over reacting, but I don’t want it to happen to me.

I packed extra Pods, I knew I would have to change a Pods while we were away. I have an Insulin pen with me as a preventative measure. You never know, all of my Pods could fail. It happened before. I lost two consecutive Pods when I was in the mountains for two day. I used the pen to get by until I could get home and put on a fresh Pod. I have extra sensors, extra tape, extra test strips. I am almost ready to go. I have one more thing I need to do.

I created an “I am wearing a Medical device” card on the computer. I printed it out with my name and the two types of medical devices and I sealed it in plastic.

I am ready to go. We get up early and leave for the airport. I got through the security gate and nothing happens. Awesome! We grab our gear and move on. We transfer in Houston. No security to go through here. We land in Belize City, Belize. We go through Immigration and then we collect our gear and go through customs. We have to transfer to Tropic Airlines to get us to our next destination, San Pedro, Belize. I walk through the security gate and Buzzzzzzzz. The alarm goes off. I quickly whip out my “I am wearing a Medical device” card and the security guards look at me and politely ask me to remove my belt. I do and walk through the gate again, without incident. I guess the OmniPod does not set off the Airport Security alarms.

After one day in the heat, humidity and salt water my Guardian sensor came off. I guess it was a little to much for the tape. I chose not to put on a new sensor until we were returned home. The OmniPod worked great. Snorkeling, suntan lotion and bug spray did not loosen its bond to me.

The travel home was far less exciting. I had confidence that the OmniPod would not set off the security alarm. I still kept my “I am wearing a Medical device” card close at hand, but it was not needed. I did not set off any security alarms on the way home.