Option #3

Tomorrow is the JDRF Promise Ball. I still haven’t figured out what I’m going to wear. Since it’s black tie, I wanted to wear one of the many evening gowns I have laying around (from prom and other balls). So last week, I tried on the main one I wanted, but I didn’t feel comfortable.

Since I’ve been on the pump, I’ve had a few clothing issues with it. Swimsuits were a major issue because I didn’t want the infusion set to show and I needed something sturdy enough to clip the pump to. My dress at Christmas (see my first post) was the first dress I tried to wear on the pump, which after some shopping and careful planning I made it work just fine. Now, I’m to the issue of evening gowns.

The first dress is a slim, cream colored halter gown. The fabric is kind of sheer so that anything darker underneath would show through. It fits tightly to the skin as well, so infusion sets and lumpy pumps show through. I tried using the thigh strap that I have for my pump. It still made a lump on my leg. It also kept slipping down my thigh. The tighter I made it, the less I could feel my foot. I tried using it on my calf as well, but that just felt awkward to walk.

The second dress is absolutely one of my favorites. It’s cream colored as well. Strapless with black lace around the middle and a classic poofy skirt (like Cinderella). The thigh strap didn’t show through, but I still had the issue of it sliding down my leg. I probably would have gone with this one, except that I couldn’t zip it all the way. The last time I wore it was two years ago, which was right before I had all my health issues and gained weight. So unless I want to go around with a half zipped dress (or I can magically lose five pounds in a day), I don’t think this one is working either.

The third dress is perfect. It’s brown, spaghetti strap with an empire waist and chiffon overlay. The bottom is slightly billowy which means I can wear the pump attached to my underwear or some sort of make shift belt around my waist. You wouldn’t see it unless the dress was pulled tightly to my skin. The downside of this dress is that I had to specifically buy it for the event with money I don’t really have to spare. Plus, I would need new shoes and a purse to match the dress (all my evening wear is geared for black).

I thought about disconnecting the pump for the evening, but considering that I’ve never disconnected for longer than an hour, I was very scared that it would turn out badly. I don’t want to end up in DKA. I have no idea what is on the menu either, so I wouldn’t be able to accurately judge carbs which could lead to a huge ordeal.

My mom keeps telling me that it’s a diabetic function so I shouldn’t worry about how much or if my pump shows. I just can’t seem to get comfortable with that idea though. I hate when it shows, no matter if I’m in a room with all diabetics, my best friend or a complete stranger. I don’t mind talking about it, but I don’t want to announce it to the world.

Despite my dress and pump issues, I’m excited about attending the event and meeting so many new people that are interested in this piece of my life.