Leo has a backpack that he carries around (I think I've mentioned it before) that has his blood glucose meter, insulin and syringes, a blood ketone meter, emergency glucagon pen, and snacks that include quick sugar sources. We always have to get a travel letter from his doctors at the Barbara Davis center for the "friendly" TSA agents at the airport. This time, the security line was even more frustrating because I had to explain not only the contents of Leo's backpack, but also that he can't go through the body scanner machines with his pump on and it can't go through the x-ray machine either. So they had to take us over to another area, do a pat down on a 6 year old and wipe his hands and pump to check for explosives. I have to say though, the agents at the Denver airport were far more accommodating than the agents at the Orlando airport. I just love arguing with someone who thinks they know more about my child than I do! Despite all the frustrations with the security agents, the rest of the trip was so fun and something I think the kids will remember forever.
We not only had to worry about Leo's pump going through the x-ray machine, but also had to make sure that none of the rides we went on had magnetic brakes. We all know the havoc a powerful magnet can have on a computer and his pump was no different. Unfortunately, I was answered by a lot of blank stares when I asked employees about the braking mechanisms on the rides. Not knowing exactly which were safe, there were a few rides that we just unhooked his pump and left it with Grandma. We unhooked quite a bit at Sea World too, not wanting to ruin his pump by sitting in the splash zones!The day we went to the beach, Leo took what we call a "pump vacation." We took off the set and pump and went back to injections for a day. Which meant doing some careful timing for his long acting insulin. I can't stress enough how much easier diabetes management is with an insulin pump! Even though it was only one day back to shots, it was just such a pain to do them again.
We all had so much fun and the kids are still talking about it! The kids each got to meet some of their favorite characters at Disney World and even had some in depth conversations about shoes and books with them. Shannyn and Leo were both big enough to ride Space Mountain and after hearing me talk about it for weeks before the trip, they were ecstatic to be able to ride with me. Leo had pretty good numbers for most of the trip but he did have a low quite a few times. Finally I figured out that it was because of all the walking and I was able to adjust his basal rate accordingly. Thankfully, soda is easy to find and buy at amusement parks.
We took several smaller trips this summer mostly to visit family. We were able to have a mini reunion with my mom's side of the family and also went camping with my in-laws. Summer is winding down and the kids are getting ready to head back to school. Shannyn will be in fourth grade and Leo will be going all day in first grade. I can't believe how fast they are growing. I'm apprehensive for some of the adjustments we will have to make with Leo being in school full day, but the school has a fantastic nurse who also happens to be a type-1 and I trust her completely.
I never thought my life was so busy until I tried writing regular updates on a blog. Now I know better!
