CGMS Update

[jenet]

Last night my first self-inserted MM sensor was really itching and it was pink around the site. That made me nervous, so I put a new sensor in on the opposite side to start warming up. (The sensors seem to need an overnight warm up on me to have a good start.)

I pulled the old sensor this morning and the old site looked really good, so I think it is just the IV3000 that makes me itch. Darn, a sensor pulled early for no reason. :( Went ahead and recharged the seashell transmitter, and started up the new sensor. Two hour wait, numbers started coming in fine.

Now after a very low-carb lunch (9 g), the CGMS has alerted me four times (every 15 minutes) to a low. The graph line is flat right around 70, and my meter confirms accuracy to within 3-4 points. It sure is tempting to just stay there at non-diabetic levels ;), but I gave in and took 1 glucose tab. I guess it will be a good test of what a single tab does to my BG.

cheers,
j

[someone]

Try the tegaderm HP dressings if the IV3000s are itching. The tegaderms have lasted up to 7 days for me wheras the IV300s just last until I take a shower.

If it is still irritated try using Bard protective wipes before inserting the sensor/putting on a skin dressing.

[jenet]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll see if I can get a sample to try.

It may be a little more complicated though. I've now noticed not all of the pink went away, and what's left pink from the previous sensor site is exactly the size and shape of the sensor adhesive patch. Has anyone tried putting something under the sensor adhesive? Maybe because I use IV Prep on my pump sites, I never have these type of problems with Inset adhesive. I was thinking I might try putting some IV Prep under the larger part of the sensor adhesive tab after inserting the sensor but before I stick that second part down. Has anyone else done this? What do you think?

cheers,
j

[trailrunner]

Hey Jenet, If you don't mind me asking, did your insurence pay for the gcms, or is it out of pocket? I really would like to get it but am unsure of how to go about getting it.

[jenet]

Hey Jenet, If you don't mind me asking, did your insurence pay for the gcms, or is it out of pocket? I really would like to get it but am unsure of how to go about getting it.
I paid out of pocket, with the intent of filing a claim for reimbursement. The MM rep said she didn't know of anyone in Nevada that had gotten CGMS coverage yet, but it can't hurt to try, and I might get lucky.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
cheers,
j

[nab486]

Jenet,

I don't know if this helps or not, but the MM rep that set me up on my CGMS (I'm paying for it too... SC is really late in covering anything) said you can only use alcohol wipes with these for some reason and not the IV prep.... not sure why. I have only had it a little over a week so I haven't tried anything different......

just a thought.
Jamie

[jenet]

Jenet,

I don't know if this helps or not, but the MM rep that set me up on my CGMS (I'm paying for it too... SC is really late in covering anything) said you can only use alcohol wipes with these for some reason and not the IV prep.... not sure why. I have only had it a little over a week so I haven't tried anything different......

just a thought.
Jamie
Thanks Jamie. I think MM's concern with using some kind of skin prep with the CGMS sensors is that the skin prep would rub off on and "taint" the sensor as it is inserted through the skin and cause inaccuracies in the sensor's electro-chemical process. :dontknow:

For my current sensor, I held the inserter on my skin, wiped around the inserter (but not under it), and then inserted the sensor. That helped reduce the "itchies", but I think my skin just doesn't like tape. I don't have problems with tape coming loose (sensors or infusion sets) - they stick all too well. (After the first time in the hospital with DKA, I learned not to let them tape and retape my arm after blood draws - my poor inside elbow was raw.) :(

I tried Tegaderm, and still had problems. I've got some Opsite Flexifix on order that should arrive soon. Until then, I put a vertical strip of paper tape over the sensor, and another one over the transmitter - not neat or pretty, but much less irritating, and surprisingly secure. :) Bonus point for this is that I can remove the paper tape over the transmitter without removing the tape over the sensor if this sensor lasts long enough to reach the 7 day forced disconnect/restart of the sensor.

cheers,
j

[someone]

I tried Tegaderm, and still had problems.

There is a Tegaderm that is for people allergic to the regular Tegaderm. It is called Tegaderm HP. Might also be worth it to give that a shot.

[Cyborg]

I paid out of pocket, with the intent of filing a claim for reimbursement. The MM rep said she didn't know of anyone in Nevada that had gotten CGMS coverage yet, but it can't hurt to try, and I might get lucky.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
cheers,
j

I think Tony is going thru something similar (http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/monitoring/18622-appealing-the-cgms.html).

[jenet]

I think Tony is going thru something similar (http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/monitoring/18622-appealing-the-cgms.html).
I know this whole insurance thing is going to drag on forever, but it is soooo worth it! I have been between 85-120 almost all day, with only one spike to 143 since 10 PM last night. :D I've never been that stable before. Being able to see what's happening, and take action sooner makes a huge difference.

cheers,
j

[Cyborg]

I can't wait to get another one. One better than the first Dexcom release.

I just wish a pump company could integrate the sensor into the cannula.