Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Liz on April 29, 2010 at 6:49pm

I've been thinking about this alot lately. I've been using Omnipod for about a month and have been carrying the pdm, insulin, syringe, extra pod, extra batteries, glucose, ect. all the stuff my trainer told me to "always have on me" stuffed into the pouch that came with the pod. On one hand, I don't like having that much stuff stuffed into a bag, on the other, it can really be convenient. I actually pulled a pod off while taking off a sweatshirt at the soccer field this weekend (about an hour from home) and since I had everything I needed, just changed the pod right there while the game continued. It seems small, but it was great to not miss a minute of the game to hike to the car and deal with it.

So, I am also curious about what to carry, how to carry it, etc. I'm thinking about trying one small pouch with the pdm, test strips, lancet, and another bag that could stay in the car or at my desk that has everything else in it.

Do you carry extra pods everywhere? or just insulin and a syringe for an emergency "oops, I pulled the pod off."

Permalink Reply by MaiaJane on April 30, 2010 at 6:30pm

I find that if I carry an extra pod for too long, once I use it I will usually get a PDM error, priming error or occulsion... I guess mostly from being beat up in my bag all the time... I DO keep spare pods in the car at all times, and some at my boyfriends house...
Doesnt hurt to be prepared, but the more used to the pod you get, the less you will knock it off, and the less usefull all the extra goods will be...

Permalink Reply by Brad Ringer on May 2, 2010 at 11:18am

You are not the first one who commented on extra pods failing. I think the last person I saw comment was Sherri Ann. I had a problem once when I was on a business trip (in Indiana, I live in NJ). I had my active pod occlude about 6 hours before it was due to expire. No big deal. I was teaching a class, so I waited until lunch to change to a new pod. It was one I had been carrrying around for a month or two, and it only lasted about 10 - 15 minutes before failing. At afternoon break I put my second spare on with the same results.

Since then I have been following Sherri Ann's routine. When I have to change pods, I use a spare and replace it with a new one. Since I have been doing that, I don't remember having any failures.

Permalink Reply by StaceyD on May 3, 2010 at 12:14am

I am currently using an old accu-check advantage case. The case fits, comfortably, the meter with the gel case, multiclix lancet device, freestyle strips, extra lancet drums, a vial of inculin (no box), alcohol wipes and a couple of syringes. I just throw the whole contraption in my messenger bag (that I carry instead of a purse) along with my Dexcom CGM and am good to go. Ugly old case that it is in the basic black, I couldn't go anywhere without it. The case, filled with everything listed above, is 4x6x2 inches.

Permalink Reply by Schmutz on May 4, 2010 at 7:10pm

I'm new to having to carry the PDM and accessories around. I've used the PDM case that came with the Pod and also have some other cases to hold the supplies I need when on a trip but what I was trying to do is get it down to the least amount of stuff needed for business trip and meetings that I have. I found this camera case that fits the PDM w/out the skin on and it has a little zipper pouch on the top that holds my small lancet device. Then I bought this metal vial that I've put on my key ring that holds my strips and a 2 lancets if needed. If I have a business meeting I will take out the PDM w/out the skin and just carrry it in my pocket along with the key attached to the vial with my strips. I keep my extra supplies in my vehicle if needed I can go get them but day trips and meeting try pack light as possible. Got the case and vial at Walmart, about $10 for both. Case is nice and small and it has a belt loop and a carabiner hook on it to attach my keys to if just carrying it into work.

Permalink Reply by Brett on May 12, 2010 at 8:27am

I'm using the same Case Logic ($9.00 at Wal-Mart) camera case that you have. I have a larger bag with a shoulder strap that has a multiple day load-out. The small camera case rides in the top of the bag. The larger bag carries spare PODS, insulin, test strips, spare meter, spare glucose, Calories King book, etc., but when I want to pack light I just wear the small case on my belt. The small case holds the PDM, glucose tablets, lancet device, test strips and spare batteries and lancets. Should I have a POD failure (which is extremely rare), I must return to my larger bag. When I'm on the road, I put a freezer pack in the large bag to keep things cool.

Permalink Reply by Katsz on May 18, 2010 at 5:22am

OMG!! My son has the exact same cary case!!! He carries...glucotabs on the bottom pdm and lancet. When he is at school he has extra pods at the nurse and when he is at home he has them in the cupbord. when we go anywhere that is more than 1 hr away we carry the case that comes w/the omnipod w/ 1 or 2 changes of pods/insulin and the unisolve wipes/ skin tac wipes and the percision extra meter w/ back up strips for bg and strips for blood keytones. Mostly when we go anywhwere else....I am w/him and I have all the extra stuff in my purse. I usually have snacks too in my purse...the glucogon and a tube of glucose gel. None of you mentioned the glucogon. I am aftraid to not have one nearby. He has one at the nurse, home and in my purse. If he goes somewhere w/out me I make him bring gel. too.

Permalink Reply by Katsz on May 18, 2010 at 5:23am

Oh yes...batteries fit on the bottom too.

Permalink Reply by Sherry Ann on May 7, 2010 at 1:04pm

I think that women have a much easier time carrying supplies because we can just throw what we need into a handbag, and we are good to go. I usually just use the case that Insulet sent with the PDM. I keep insulin, the PDM, lancets, strips, alcohol wipes, a couple of syringes for emergencies, and one spare Pod that I change out and use every three days, replacing it with a "fresh" spare each time.

However, a solution that may work for men as well as women is a small case called the Baby Bon Voyage by Baggallini. Log on to www.baggallini.com and check out their bags. The Baby Bon Voyage is only 7 x 5.5 x 2.5" and it can be worn cross-body, over the shoulder, or just hooked to a belt. The great thing is that it comes in colors like black, canvas tan, brown, and olive so it is a unisex bag. Baggallini is a company that was started by airline personnel who designed everything from totes to purses to backpacks to camera bags that were durable, lightweight, and easy to travel with. I bought a Baggallini purse for a recent trip to Florida, and I loved it. It carried my PDM and supplies and had loops or zipped pockets for everything else inside, so it was a great, lightweight way to go.

I am seriously considering a Baby Bon Voyage (in a "girly" color) as a fun summer tote for my PDM.

Good luck, guys!

Permalink Reply by Sherry Ann on May 8, 2010 at 6:57am

Baggallini also has a cell phone/ PDA carrier (under their "wallets" link) that is smaller and might also work. After all, if a person can carry a PDA in one, why not a PDM? I like Baggallini because their products are tough yet washable if the tote gets dropped or dirty.

Permalink Reply by Schmutz on May 8, 2010 at 8:22am

Thanks for the info---and from a fellow Cheesehead!! Yeah...good to see someone else out of hibernation in WI. I did see those and they might just be the ticket for a "Man Bag" Like the smallness of it and I think I can get some of the extra items I need....bought a Nintendo DS case but that didn't work couldn't get strips in with the pdm... when I got home with it.

Permalink Reply by Mike Adelman on May 9, 2010 at 9:54am

http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/New_Travel_Vest.shtml
Best thing I've found !

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