Learn from my mistakes! Do as I say, not as I do…
One of the many teaching topics we cover at IDS is always being prepared, especially during travel. Some of the suggestions include: bringing extra supplies, having a written prescription for insulin just in case, extra low supplies, always keeping medications on you, etc.
Here’s where do as I say, not as I do comes into play. Not once, but twice I’ve made two big mistakes while traveling recently.
Everyone makes mistakes, and I give myself some grace, but I urge you, do as I say!
MISTAKE #1
During my travels to Spain, I brought:
- extra pods
- long acting insulin (in case I broke my phone and couldn’t loop)
- syringes
- an extra vial of insulin
- a frio case for temperature control
- extra dexcom transmitter and sensors, and a meter
During my travels, I would make three stops in different locations (two in Spain, one in Portugal).
And here’s my downfall, I left all of the insulin in the mini fridge at hotel number 1.
I was traveling with others and couldn’t go back to get it. So what is it that I forgot that would have made my forgotten insulin a lot less stressful? My written prescription!
Getting insulin in Europe would be pretty simple if I had that. I ended up being ok because I was traveling with another T1D who so nicely gave me a vial of insulin.
MISTAKE #2
The other mistake I made was when I left my afrezza inhaler on a room service table.
I only brought one and when I called, it was too late and long gone. Sigh. These mistakes were VERY expensive and caused a lot of stress that I could have avoided.
Hopefully, lesson has been learned and I will bring a list to make sure I’m not leaving anything behind and always have that backup written prescription.
