“What’s in that bag?” the woman behind me in the grocery store line demands, her finger jabbing at my backpack purse, which resembles something a college student would carry.
“Just the essentials,” I reply curtly, turning my attention back to the cashier. I’m not in the mood to explain my oversized bag yet again; after all, I’m trying to keep my toddler entertained and in the cart while I pay for our groceries.
This isn’t the first time I’ve faced a question like that, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Since my diagnosis with type 1 diabetes nearly 15 years ago, my purse has transformed into a medical supply depot. Those cute clutches favored by fashionistas? Not for me. I’ve got to be prepared at all times.
So, what exactly do I carry? Instead of asking what’s not in my bag, let’s delve into the essentials. My backpack holds everything from a vial of insulin, multiple insulin pens, an extra pump set, syringes, glucose test strips, and even fruit snacks. Leaving home without my oversized bag feels like leaving without my right arm.
Living with type 1 diabetes is serious business; without insulin, I can quickly find myself in a dangerous situation. My insulin pump delivers a steady supply, but it can malfunction. An occlusion alarm can sound at any moment, leaving me scrambling for a backup injection.
And those fruit snacks? They’re not for my kids (although I wouldn’t mind a little parental bribery here and there). They’re a lifesaver for when my blood sugar plummets and I need a quick fix. To make matters even more interesting, I carry a nasal spray that can elevate my blood sugar, and medical tape for securing my insulin pump components.
I’m not the only one in my family with medical needs. My child has a tree nut allergy, which means we’re that family scrutinizing every ingredient and asking a hundred questions at birthday parties. It’s a daunting task that no parent wants to face.
Then there are my kids with asthma, so I always have a rescue inhaler handy. Although their asthma is typically well-managed, the unpredictable Midwest weather and cold viruses make it imperative to be prepared.
I drag my bag everywhere, plopping it down wherever I can find space. I might let out an audible grunt when I pick it up again—it’s heavy! My chiropractor is well acquainted with my back issues, and I can’t just leave these critical supplies in the minivan where they could be affected by extreme temperatures. Insulin and inhalers are far too valuable to risk losing their effectiveness.
Sure, carrying all this around can be a hassle, but I won’t sacrifice my family’s health for the sake of a trendy accessory. The last thing I want in an emergency is to be fumbling around, so I keep everything organized in my trusty bag.
As a dedicated mom, I power through the discomfort. “Doesn’t your back hurt?” an elderly woman asks as I juggle my preschooler and my enormous backpack. “Yes,” I reply, “but I’d rather carry the weight than risk my child’s safety.”
Alongside the medical necessities, I also carry the usual mom essentials—my wallet, phone, keys, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and even a water bottle. I might toss in some wet wipes, even if my kids are long past diapers, because they can solve nearly any mess.
Someday, I might invest in a smaller, fashionable purse, but for now, my oversized Mary Poppins bag—picked up on clearance—is the perfect solution for my needs. You can read more about making smart choices in parenting and preparation in our blog post at Home Insemination Kit. If you’re navigating your own fertility journey, check out resources from Make a Mom, as they provide valuable insights. For comprehensive information on IVF, visit NHS.
Summary
In conclusion, my choice to carry a backpack instead of a fashionable purse is driven by necessity. As a type 1 diabetic and a mom to children with medical needs, I prioritize being prepared over style. My bag is filled with essential medical supplies, snacks for emergencies, and everyday parenting items. While I might dream of a more compact, trendy purse in the future, my current Mary Poppins bag meets my family’s needs perfectly.
Keyphrase: Backpack for Medical Essentials
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