Anyone had problems taking hypo kit in places with you?

[Lisa66]

Hi Kelly

With regard to the issues of the ignorance, arrogance, unhelpfulness, lack of understanding of the football club concerned, I can't really add anything to the comments already made. I fully understand your anger and frustration.

I really wanted to comment on how well your son coped when out with his grandmother. Actually made me feel quite emotional, must be the mother in me 🙂. What a mature, level headed and sensible young man you have there! To deal with the situations that arose, when still new to diabetes...I can see why you are so proud of him. Hopefully it will go a small way to allay just a tiny bit of your concerns and worries. I hope he is proud of himself too, he should be! 🙂

 

[Redkite]

We had a similar issue at Wembley, despite having emailed ahead and got written permission for my son to bring mini cans of coke in to the stadium. The security staff wouldn't listen or look at our letter, and the cans were opened and poured away. I stood my ground and someone else came over and said we should've been allowed them, so provided us with a 500ml bottle of coke with the lid removed. Not exactly ideal, since far too much for a single hypo treatment and hard to measure how much he's having, also with the lid off it meant one of us had to clutch the bottle the entire time. I was worried about the return journey home - longish walk to train station, crowds/queues and train journey on a packed train - all likely to induce hypos and not easy with an unlidded bottle sloshing around. Ruined the day for us.

 

[Diabetes UK]

Thanks for this. I feel I have tried to express my concerns. The last e mail I received from the club clearly states that their health and safety will not allow his can into the grounds and that my concerns have been dismissed (I feel) as he is accompanied by his dad. The letter acknowledges my husband accompanies him. A few weeks ago my mother was looking after my little boy. She had taken him to a walkway. Unfortunately she fell and broke her ankle. Her phone had no reception and my son had to leave her and walk down on to a public footpath to ring for help. During this time he was alone he felt unwell checked his sugars and managed to open his little can and treat his hypo himself. I know this is a very rare occurence but it did happen. I was so proud that he knew what to do for himself and his grandmother. I feel angry and upset and don't think I will get anywhere with the club. The hospital even provided the club with a letter saying he can open his can and treat himself if needed please allow the can in with him. They still said no! My husband said I need to leave it as it isn't going to change. The club's final remark on their letter was to save any further embarrassment at Saturday's game follow the guidelines in the letter. I have lots of great options to try when he next hypos that will hopefully work. He can't open bottles and packets when hypoing so we are going to give the capri suns a go that someone suggested earlier. I know my husband and I are nearly always with him but I would feel happier knowing he could treat a mild hypo himself. I think some people need to try living the life of someone with diabetes for a few weeks to appreciate the condition. Sorry for the rant - i appreciate everyone's advice. Thank you!

It's so disappointing to hear that the club continued to refuse, despite receiving a GP letter and complaint. Unfortunately, it is an issue that we hear frequently, which is why our advocacy packs were created; to help with this form of discrimination. We have had some success stories in the past with individuals raising concerns with venues, nightclubs etc and policies being amended. But whether you would want to take it any further and raise the Equality Act with them, is of course up to you and I can very much understand, especially when you have already faced an unhelpful response, that you would not wish to do so again.

I also wanted to say how wonderful it was to read about your son being so mature and composed in taking action after his grandmother's fall and managing his hypo quickly whilst in what must have been a scary and distressing situation. You must be ever so proud of him.
Also, no need to apologise for ranting - that is what this place is here for, thanks for sharing. 🙂