Learn from my mistakes! Do as I say, not as I do…
One of the many teaching topics we cover at IDS is always being prepared, especially during travel. Some of the suggestions include: bringing extra supplies, having a written prescription for insulin just in case, extra low supplies, always keeping medications on you, etc.
Here’s where do as I say, not as I do comes into play. Not once, but twice I’ve made two big mistakes while traveling recently.
Everyone makes mistakes, and I give myself some grace, but I urge you, do as I say!
MISTAKE #1
During my travels to Spain, I brought:
- extra pods
- long acting insulin (in case I broke my phone and couldn’t loop)
- syringes
- an extra vial of insulin
- a frio case for temperature control
- extra dexcom transmitter and sensors, and a meter
During my travels, I would make three stops in different locations (two in Spain, one in Portugal).
And here’s my downfall, I left all of the insulin in the mini fridge at hotel number 1.
I was traveling with others and couldn’t go back to get it. So what is it that I forgot that would have made my forgotten insulin a lot less stressful? My written prescription!
Getting insulin in Europe would be pretty simple if I had that. I ended up being ok because I was traveling with another T1D who so nicely gave me a vial of insulin.
MISTAKE #2
The other mistake I made was when I left my afrezza inhaler on a room service table.
I only brought one and when I called, it was too late and long gone. Sigh. These mistakes were VERY expensive and caused a lot of stress that I could have avoided.
Hopefully, lesson has been learned and I will bring a list to make sure I’m not leaving anything behind and always have that backup written prescription.
I’m curious as to how you were able to obtain an extra transmitter since insurance and suppliers usually will only allow shipments when it’s all but 99 days since the previous shipment. Same for extra sensors if I’m about to use my last sensor in my 99 day supply.
typically we are only able to get insurance to cover abut 10-30 days before expiration of a transmitter. If you need a new transmitter earlier than that due to a failure the manufacturer would replace that. If oyu need a transmitter earlier for travel etc getting a letter or presenting a copy of your travel itinerary will be enough for insurance to approve an early fill (but then you won’t be able to fill again until the 90 day life span of THAT transmitter.
you can keep an eye out for coupons and rebates for cash purchase (Especially from costco) as well as options like the anubis project to replace the battery in a dexcom G6 transmitter to extend life.