Six Until Me.: Getting Groovy

Sunscreen? Check.

Bathing suit? Check.

Blanket? Check.

Day off from work and finally no freaking rain? Check and check.

Earlier this week marked my first visit to the beach of the season. Blue skies, bathing suit rescued from the depths of the suitcase we took to L.A., and my infusion set sitting snugly against my right thigh, we traversed to South County, RI and enjoyed a day at the beach.

While we laid out on the blanket and talked, I noticed how little and white the infusion set looked. Stark contrast against my tanning skin. And so dreadfully medicinal.

Then I remember those little "patch" things I had read about on The Diabetes Blog and on LaLa's HiLo Blog... Groovy Patches. I had mentioned them in my last dLife article about pumping at the beach.

I was intrigued. Groovy Envelope

So I emailed the President of Groovy Patches LLC and she was extremely kind and accommodating in providing me with a few Groovy Patches of my own to try out.

They came in this lovely packaging (yes, that is my thumb with the nail bitten into oblivion). I tore into the envelope like a kid at Christmas.

The concept is this little circle that covers the white infusion set patch. I received twelve different designs, including tropical fish, flowers, flames, a leopard pattern, and stripes. You just peel this little sticker off, line it up on your pump site, and reconnect the pump.

So here's the "Before" shot, Pre-Groovy Patch. (Yes, those little dots are my infusion set marks. I love a good thigh site. And I also love a good tan, because in about a week, those little suckers will barely be noticeable.)

And here's the "After," once I had been properly Grooved.

I'll be the first one to admit that I don't care much for flashy pump cases and I chose the most basic colored pump. Most of the time, my pump is completely hidden in a pocket, a bra, or a MacGyvered gizmo, but at the beach, I wear it in public. It's out there.

These patches make my normally mundane and medicinal pump site a little more fashionable and fun.

I'll admit it: I felt groovy.

Has anyone else checked out these patches?

Comments

That looks sweet! We are going to Walt Disney World in September and I plan on hitting some water parks (if i can shed some lbs so they don't think i am a beached whale!) so i was thinking about buying some of the grovy patches. I wish i could just get the camo, flames, and cd looking one. I think my wife would be a little weirded out if was wearing a flower but then again, she might get into it! LOL

Posted by: George | June 19, 2006 12:00 AM

Hi Kerri.

I ordered a few when they first showed up on the diabetes blog. I've been using them in the hot weather, since my sites of late seem to be all a hand-length or so above me knees - at least on the days I'm wearing shorts. I love them.

My only complaint is that they should make them slightly larger than the site patch, because I've had the thicker edges now catch on clothing when I'm dressing...

Posted by: val | June 19, 2006 06:45 AM

I bought some for my 4 year old, just to make his sites a little more 'fun'. He really likes them, we got the sports pack. My only complaints are they are pricey and they were always peeling off by day 2, we go 3 days in between site changes.

Posted by: Deb | June 19, 2006 07:26 AM

Kerri,
Your infusion site is now the epitome of GROOVY!!! haha I ordered some last week, and I can't wait to try them out when I wear my bathing suit!

I really liked your article in D-Life. This August will be my first beach vacation with the pump, so it was nice to hear what another pumper does to accomodate the pump while at the beach. I, too, wouldn't want to go shots, even for a couple hours, so I was planning on keeping my pump on and ignoring the weird looks I'll most likely receive from passersby.

Posted by: Laura | June 19, 2006 08:09 AM

Deb gave me a few for O and we had the same issue - they peeled off and they're way more than I want to spend. But they were cute.

Posted by: julia | June 19, 2006 09:43 AM

Loving your blog! I've added you too...

Posted by: Monika | June 19, 2006 12:28 PM

How fun...errr... I mean groovy!
Question: where exactly on your thigh do you put your infusion set? My stomach is getting worn out but I don't know where else to try.

Posted by: melissa | June 19, 2006 02:56 PM

Melissa, I wear my site on my outer thigh, about six inches down from my hip. I have been wearing my sites there for the last year or so and haven't experienced any problems with it.

Except for the few times I've ripped it out by accident when I'm taking off my pants. Which made me feel goofy. But that's the worst of it. :)

Posted by: Kerri. | June 19, 2006 10:08 PM

hi kerri,

my computer still not working. at work. love the patch. might have to try some myself one day.

i'm on shots at the moment, having a pump break. it's cool.

love vicki

Posted by: vicki | June 20, 2006 06:59 AM

I just ordered these for my 5 year old daughter. Thanks!! She will LOVE them!

Posted by: Alyson | June 20, 2006 01:59 PM

I will just draw bunny ears, cat ears tails, petals etc around my site with a sharpie…..

Posted by: Anonymous | June 20, 2006 09:41 PM

This is so fab I just ordered some such a good Idea can not wait to get them