Mom Wants A Diabetes Cure

Friday, July 20, 2007

Brendon Needs Advice From the DOC Men Who Pump

On the way back from our support group meeting last night, Brendon gave me a revealing take on how he feels about being diabetic. One of the things he revealed is that he wishes no one could see his pump because it makes him uncomfortable when kids he doesn't know at school point out his pump and ask him if it's a cell phone. He said he brushes them off and tells them it's nothing. (the rest of what he said I'll save for another post).

So, my question from Brendon is this:

How and where do you attach your pump?

He has a pump pak that goes around his waist and the pump stands out prominently.

How do you make it more discreet?

Thanks!

posted by Shannon at 12:07 AM

9 Comments:

  • Hmmm. I've never really worked to make my pump discrete. I wear it on a black belt case.

    Sorry I don't have much to offer on this one.

    By Blogger Scott K. Johnson, at 7/20/2007 10:18 AM  

  • Shannon, I am so sorry that Brendon feels uncomfortable about his pump. Do the other kids make fun or are they just curious?

    By Blogger Vivian, at 7/20/2007 11:01 AM  

  • Viv,
    Just curious thankfully. I think he just doesn't want to have to explain what it is all the time.

    By Blogger Shannon, at 7/20/2007 11:11 AM  

  • is it possible to wear it in a fanny pack?
    Curious is one thing, being made fun of is another, nevertheless the attention probably feels the same.
    How about giving him stickers with numbers on it and everytime he is asked put a sticker on it, that way he can see it as a game to teach others to learn about diabetes, plus he can say to kids, you are number two thousand and twenty three to ask me that.
    Sometimes making something into a game changes the feelings of bother.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7/20/2007 11:19 AM  

  • I'm not little boy (although on some days I have the same sense of humor as one), but can he use a pump clip and clip it to the waistband of his pants or toss it in a pocket? I have a Minimed and I use the slim pump clip constantly.

    By Blogger Kerri., at 7/20/2007 1:50 PM  

  • I'm not a guy with D, but I have a little guy with D:-)

    Riley wears his pump in pockets sewn on the inside of his waistband. (he has a pocket on each side)He has never worn his pump on the outside. No one can see it until we pull it out to bolus him.

    But, the down side is I have to reach into his pants to pull his pump out. Not far, because they are sewn into the top of the waistband. But, still, it's something I've been thinking about a lot because he will be starting school soon. I'm not sure if he or his teacher wants to be reaching in his pants in front of everybody.

    I was going to start getting him to use a cell phone case to put it in, but, reading your post, I think it's just fine how we do it.

    I like that his D isn't always visible to everyone. Yeah, I know, if anyone notices it's a great way to educate people, etc, etc. But, Riley's a kid and I'm not a diabetes educator. I just want him to live as normal a life as possible without a lot of stares and questions.

    If you want, I can send you some pictures to show you what the pockets look like. Just let me know. (and sorry my comment is so long)

    By Blogger Penny Ratzlaff, at 7/20/2007 2:55 PM  

  • I am glad it is just a curiosity thing. We have not really run into this problem. Daniel always wears his with the clip but usually he clips it where the pump is in his pocket. This is more because it is less likely to fall off during a cartwheel. lol He likes when people ask because it does not make him feel different but instead unique. OK so maybe I just have a weird kid. I hope that Brendon finds what he needs. Please keep in mind that sometimes curiosity without answers causes ignorance and turns into bullying. We had that issue and I hope Brendon never does. Big Hugs.

    By Blogger Vivian, at 7/20/2007 4:57 PM  

  • Im sure he will grow out of this. Maybe this is a growing pain and the more he knows how to handle these situations instead of hiding them in his clothing the better he will be.
    Easy for me to say. He is a big kid and will be able to hold his own physically and mentaly.
    I like your guy!

    By Blogger Chris, at 7/20/2007 10:11 PM  

  • I just wear it on my waist. Normally on the other side from my phone.

    Once when I was in the gym, in my underwear, someone said I was dedicated because I wore my pager all the time. I had to explain to them it was an insulin pump.

    Generally I don't mind explaining a little about the pump to people who ask nicely. I've met many doctors and nurses who have never seen one before. So I'm happy to explain it to them because I think they need to know about it.

    Sometimes I take it off the clip and just slip it in my pocket. That's when I'm doing thing where I don't want it to stick out on my waist. Maybe some woodworking or something like that.

    By Blogger Bernard, at 7/24/2007 9:51 PM  

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