Medical Supplies

Unfortunately… having type 1 diabetes means I have to take a shed load of medical supplies abroad with me.

Fortunately… I’m organised enough to have got a large percentage of those supplies already. 

Unfortunately… I haven’t got all of my supplies through from Medtronic because my reservoirs (the part of the insulin pump that holds the insulin) aren’t in stock and need to be ordered in.

Fortunately… I ordered them far enough in advance that I should get them next week.

Unfortunately… I haven’t yet got the 3 month supply of my repeat prescription through yet.

Fortunately… I’m getting that sorted tomorrow at the doctors.

Unfortunately… The doctors can only provide me with a 3 month supply of my repeat prescription at a time and I’ll be in Belgium for 4 months.

Fortunately… I’ve managed to put away a few supplies over the course of the year and both my parents and I have put money aside to buy extras (such as test strips) if necessary.

So what supplies do I have so far? (In the photo!!)

5 packets of enlite sensors, 5 packets of mio infusion sets, 2 spare blood glucose meters,  1 packet of 100 insulin pen needles, 1 packet of diastix, 3 packets of pump batteries, several spare meter batteries, skins for my insulin pump, a levemir pen, 2 spare insulin pens, 5 packets of Freestyle lite test strips, 3 packets of Optium Xceed ketone strips, 3 packets of Optium Xceed blood glucose strips, Freestyle lite control solution, Optium Xceed control solution, Ibuprofen, plasters, Tegaderm, Sudocrem, lancets, 2 packets of Compeed, 3 spare finger prickers, 1 spare pump clip, 1 spare Freestyle lite case and a copy of my prescription.

I have yet to obtain from the doctors: Hayfever tablets, Convacare wipes, 18 packets of Freestyle lite test strips, 3 packets of Optium Xceed blood glucose test strips, 3 packets of Optium Xceed ketone strips, 1 packet of humalog cartridges (insulin for insulin pens), 12 vials of humalog (insulin vials for the insulin pump), 1 packet of levemir cartridges.

What my diabetes-related preparation for the year abroad has taught me is that I have to be ultra organised and plan everything about a month in advance. When it comes to ordering supplies, I always order a little in advance to make sure I don’t run out but in the context of preparing for a year abroad… well, it’s a whole different ball game. At least 3 weeks in advance would be ideal, I reckon.

So, I now have to have a shot at Tetris and see if I can fit them all in my tiny black suitcase that’s classed as hand luggage!