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Not all pumps are the same, and not all medications through the pumps are the same. For someone like me, who needs to be attached to their pump so it delivers medication at all times, some activities are harder than others, the main two - Showering and Swimming. This is something that took many trial and errors, many wet sites and water damaged pumps, which left showering as a daunting task and me not wanting to go into the water and missing out on activities.
My new solutions have allowed me to shower in any shower and enjoy the water activities without missing out.
I have two methods for keeping my site and pump clean, depending on where my site is.
When I have my site in my arm, I use the following device - Doact Waterproof Arm Cast Cover Protector. I Simply put my pump into the hand of the arm which holds my site, and put the entire thing into the sleeve.
The sleeve allows you still use your other hand while in the water and keeps the entire arm dry. However the reason I like this more showering than swimming, is because the suction on the sleeve can be tight and may be uncomfortable over a long period of time.
My other method for when I want to go into the water, whether it is a shower or pool, is to use a combination of a 3M film and waterproof case, to achieve a dry site and pump when my site is anywhere.
3M Film Roll - Tegaderm Breathable Waterproof Adhesive Barrier
During a hospital stay, a nurse showed me this 3M Covering as an option for keeping my site dry while showering. It held up so well and kept the entire site dry. I then had a family member dry test it in a pool and swam for awhile without any water getting in. I then tried it myself with a site, and it worked very well. While it is not best to use this full time to cover a site, it is a great cover for water activities. The other great thing about the 3M, is that you cut it to fit your site, so it is customizable to you.
Phone waterproof case
There are many products out there that are designed to keep your phone dry while in water. If it is trusted and proven to keep a phone dry, then why not your pump? While in search for one, I came across Aquapac, which sells a wire through options so that your pump and site wiring can be attached, but remain waterproof. I personally use this the Aquapac Small Waterproof Wire-Through Case to keep my pump dry and safe while showering or swimming. They also have the option for Aquapac Insulin Pump Case, which is just as good for this purpose. The plus of using this is that the pump will float in the water and stay dry while having your tubing still attached. Just make sure that when you place your pump inside, make sure the tubing is in the right opening so it does not clamp and cause a kink.
Pair of Scissors
You will need something to cut the 3M, and most pairs of scissors will work. However, if you are traveling I recommend these Folding Singer Scissor, since they are according to TSA regulations and cut through the 3M.
Gauze, paper towel, or cotton pad
I use gauze, paper towel or cotton pad for two reasons: to make sure my already covered site does not come off when I remove the 3M and as a way to tell if the site is getting wet. I switch back and forth on the best way to cover my already covered site. Sometimes I prefer a paper towel, since it is thin and can easily tell when it is getting wet. Other times, since I already travel with gauze and cotton pads, these are the easier choices since they do the same job and already have them in my med bag.
Steps for a Dry Site and Pump
1. Start by cutting the 3M sheet large enough to cover the site.
2. After removing the film on the sticky side, place a piece of gauze (or paper towel or cotton pad) in the center.
3. Place the 3M film with the covering of choice over the site itself.
4. Make sure the seal is tight all around, especially near any tubing
5. Place your pump or medical device into the waterproof case.
Go and enjoy your time in the water. Do keep track of your 3M sheet and the covering pad, if it starts to get wet repeat steps 1-4.
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