Within a year of my diagnosis, I went to a Train concert with my mom and our family friends. Because it was so close to my diagnosis, I had packed a bag with all the snacks my doctor had recommended for lows because I was dropping a lot.
When we got to the concert, we pulled out my doctor’s note saying I have type 1 diabetes and should have the following with me, including snacks. The workers at the entrance wouldn’t let me go. I showed them my note, all my supplies and everything. Ultimately, they weren’t going to let me in with my snacks and supplies.
I ended up giving them bag and they said I could come get it if I needed it but that I would have to leave. They said that I couldn’t bring my snacks for lows in because the amphitheater offered similar snacks, or the same snacks.
Mind you, the snacks I had brought were an apple juice, glucose tablets, and peanut butter crackers.
When we got in, my mom and I went to the concession stand and found coke, cotton candy, popcorn, chips, and candy bars. We took pictures.
We ended up contacting the social worker who we met in the hospital and sent in papers to say we were prepared to sue Tuscaloosa Amphitheater for not allowing me to take in my medical supplies. They eventually folded and changed their policies.
If you’ve been to an event lately, you know that the clear bag policy is a big thing now. So I bought a little bag that I can put my meter and supplies in case I need it. When packing for a concert or a game, I typically take my meter and then depending on what I’m doing, I take an extra infusion set just in case. I’ve had diabetes long enough that I don’t feel like for a few hours event I have to have my specific snacks, but if it’s a longer event, I still pack them. I have the philosophy that I shouldn’t be forced to pay outlandish money for a bag of chips to get my blood sugar up.
It’s a pain, to plan everything out and to know that I’ll hold up the line as they inspect my bag. It’s frustrating, but I’m glad for that first experience knowing that I ultimately hold the power. They can’t reject me because of my medical condition. But it might take some conversation and education and work.
So never leave without what you need and know that you have everyRIGHT to bring it.
Plus they have cute clear bags now,
HP