travel bag for all these medical supplies

[Shanghaiblue]

Hi, we will be travelling long haul for our first holiday since my daughter became diabetic type 1. I wonder if there are any recommendations on a travel bag for all the medical supplies we now have to travel with. When I look on the internet there are so many types and suggestions that its over powering. Half of it is advertising and I wonder if you could share from experience what has worked well. I do have the cooler pockets for keeping insulin cool but need one bag to carry on board to hold everything. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.🙂

 

[DeusXM]

You probably don't need a special bag unless you are being particularly fastidious about having everything in specialised individual pockets.

My standard approach to travel is to just take a common or garden backpack.

I'll usually put the meter in an external zip pocket that I can be confident won't burst open by accident, but luckily I have a spare meter too so that just goes in the main bit of the bag.

I buy glucose tablets in bulk jars so I usually just chuck a couple of those in and keep the 'in use' ones in a GlucoTab cylinder. If you're using standard glucose tabs in the papery packets like Lucozade or Dextro, you could put the extras in a small tupperware container to stop them rolling around and getting damaged.

Insulin that's not in use lives in a Frio pack, while my in use pens live in my pocket. Spare needles and strips are usually just in a regular paper bag from the pharmacy and put in the backpack.

The point I'm trying to make is you don't need a special bag with everything neatly catalogued in special pockets. All you need is a regular backpack, and the upshot of this is you can then also put other things in it like books etc. so it's a complete travel bag without making your daughter feel like she has to have some sort of special support bag that has to be dragged around everywhere. I know that this must all seem a big deal but my advice is do everything you can to just make diabetes completely normal and integrated with normal behaviour, and your daughter will end up having a much healthier attitude to looking after herself in the long-run.

The only element that really needs special storage is insulin and if you've got Frio bags (NOT the sort of coolpacks you use from the freezer, these can kill the insulin), you're already prepared.

 

[Copepod]

I use a pencil case to hold my short acting insulin pen, plus a spare cartridge of short acting and one of long acting at all times - that means I always have at least a week's worth of insulin with me when away from home. One bloood glucose testing kit is in same rucksack or jacket pocket as insulin in use. If I'm planning to be away, I carry a bum bag, which contains long acting pen, test kit, small medicine bottle or 35mm film pot for used sharps, with a spare cartridge of long acting and one of short acting, plus my glasses / contact lens kit. That means I'm set for 2 weeks.

Packets of jelly sweets are spread among various pockets in jacket / trousers / shorts / rucksack. Personally, I regard trying new foods of all types, including sweets, one of the pleasures of travel, so I often find packets with labels in German / Icelandic / Spanish / whatever the last place I visited, which brings back happy memories.

If I am planning to be away for longer, then I carry spare insulin, in case one pack is lost. I prefer a small stainless steel vaccuum flask, which usually has cool water from fridge, except when on plane, as it doesn't leak nor need to be exposed to air like Frio in order to keep insulin cool, plus it offers better protection against vibration, dropping etc, plus I already had a couple when diagnosed nearly 19 years ago, and I haven't had to replace them.

I haven't bought a rucksack since a framed one I needed for carrying heavy work documents about 8 years ago. For fun events, I rely on kit I'm given for volunteering on various mountain races. Currently relying on a lightweight running backpack from Dragons Back Race in Sept 2012, and expect to get another at Dragons Back June 2015.

 

[NI-Bookworm]

Hi

A bit off subject. Although my son was only diagnosed on new years eve my husband has been diabetic for over 20 years. One of the brilliant things he discovered last year, and we will be bringing lots away on holidays this year, is robinsons squashems (think that's the spelling!!) -no added sugar. Means that in restaurants where there is confusion about the juice available you can order water and add the juice yourself. Also livens up water when the days are hot.

Even last night we went to a local restaurant and ordered cordial. As a second thought I asked the waitress if it was nas/sugar free. She was miffed and said it is sugar free. Didn't really believe her and wished I had the robinsons squashems with me.
In some places abroad they only serve pure fruit juice with kids meal, so once again it's a nice option to have your own juice.

I bet you have a fantastic time away.

 

[KookyCat]

I have a Kipling bag that works well, washable, light weight and easy to carry. They have loads of pockets and I have a variety of Kipling pouches that house all my pens, cartridges needles, strips and jelly babies. Also big enough for juice cartons, and various snacks I carry around with me. They come in nice bright colours too which cheers me up. Hope you enjoy the trip

 

[trophywench]

Some airlines allow an extra carry-on bag for medical kit. BUT you have to ask, they don't seem to advertise this. Main criterion is that it doesn't exceed the stated measurements - rather than the design of it !

 

[Highlander]

The last time I went to Malta I had what might be termed a "man bag" made of canvas size approx 14"*12"*4". The bag had plenty of zipped pockets, which was hand for paperwork. I used this as my hand luggage. I had all my pills (in their boxes with pharmacy labels-8 boxes + spray) Insulin in a Frio bag, pens and needles, meter and test sticks, snacks and sweets plus travel documents and passport. Oh and a copy of my prescription. Don't put any insulin in hold luggage as it will go off.

Both my wife and I have had problems with pills going through the checkout at Inverness and Gatwick airports, where our bags have been searched with a sniffer and everything taken out. So to avoid this, we put all our pills in a plastic bag, which we take out of the hand luggage before being scanned. This was on the advise of one of the security people who was also diabetic. So far, we have not had any problems.

Cheers

 

[Copepod]

Fruit juice cartons aren't ideal for airline travel, as smallest are usually 200ml, but maximum volume for airline security is 100ml. You might be able to persuade a security officer that it's vital medical equipment, but that might be difficult. So, I suggest taking either sweets / dextrose tablets or 80ml or 100ml pouches of fruit puree weaning food - look carefully at labels to get the right amount of carbohydrate that you require. Pouches also have the advantage of having resealable caps, so you don't end up with a squashed carton and straw with last drops of juice leaking out.

 

[pippaandben]

Glucojuice is in bottles less than 10ml. I take all my meds plus Drs letter in one bag into which I can also take tkts/passports. This is because you are allowed one extra bag and you declare at checkin that it holds your diabetic supplies. It can fit under the seat in front on plane and so you can be sure not to be separated from it.

 

[Bloden]

I've got a packed-lunch-sized cool bag that I can fit everything into (insulins and Glucagen in a flask; needles, etc in compartmentalised (!) plastic box). It keeps everything cool and is durable - and colourful - too. Fits nicely in my small rucksack / hand luggage. Enjoy your trip!🙂