Question to those that use the CBGM

[KEVIN88GT]

I'm currently wearing the MINIMED CGMS® System Gold™ (CGMS® System Gold™: Continuous Glucose Monitoring System Overview (http://www.minimed.com/products/cgms/index.html)) so my doctor could track my patters and in the process of fighting my insurance company to approve the Minimed MiniLink™ REAL-Time Transmitter(MiniLink™ REAL-Time Transmitter (http://www.minimed.com/products/insulinpumps/components/minilink.html)) to work with my 722 pump

My question is.

Does anyone notice that the CBGM catheter (the part thats inserted into the fatty tissue) is much longer than the pump catheter? Do you guys(and girls) feel thats the CBGM is more painfull to insert? Mine was painfull all day yesterday while the pain from the pump catheter lasts maybe 10 minutes before I'm used to it. Right now I have this huge contraption on my waist and not even getting real time readings (doctor gets the info) I'm now starting to wonder how I feel about a 2nd site on my body at all times. How comfortable is this Minilink transmitter?

Why the heck cant they make an all-in-one device?

[JediSkipdogg]

When I used one I did find the sensor more painful than my catheter during the entire wear.

As for not making it an all in one, firstly, it would be a huge hole. Secondly, the sensors are very sensitive to measuring anything besides interstitual fluid. Insulin would definitely throw the readings off. So the two have to be seperated enough where insulin won't effect the sensor.

Lastly, it's CGMS (Continuous Glucose Monitoring System) and not CBGM (Continuous Blood Glucose Monitor.) The system measures interstitual fluid and not blood. Also, one last though, Minimed owns the rights to CGMS, everyone else has to use CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor.)

[Funnygrl]

Yeah, the CGMS sensor is way longer. It can be more painful to insert, but it's not usually bad.

I hope you're keeping good records of your fingersticks while using this- some people, myself included, have accuracy issues and would not have chosen to go through with purchasing the Minilink had we known this before.

Also, keep in mind you absolutely do not have to wear a second site at all times just because you got it. It's simply superfluous. I use mine about 1 week/month.

[KEVIN88GT]

Funnygirl... during this 4 day wear period I dont see the blood glucose readings (just the ISIG number.) I was instructed to input 4 readings per day (taken with a finger stick) to calibrate the monitor. I guess when my doc faxes me the report I'll see how accurate it was.

Although I'm battling my insurance for this I'm starting to question if I want a 2nd site....

[duck]

It can be uncomfortable, but what do I know? I've worn a Sensor every day since late July 02 now...

[Funnygrl]

Funnygirl... during this 4 day wear period I dont see the blood glucose readings (just the ISIG number.) I was instructed to input 4 readings per day (taken with a finger stick) to calibrate the monitor. I guess when my doc faxes me the report I'll see how accurate it was.

Although I'm battling my insurance for this I'm starting to question if I want a 2nd site....
I know you can't see the readings, but once it's uploaded, if you kept good records, you can go back and compare.

My last sensor was consistently off by over 100.

The second site doesn't phase me at all. The inaccuracies, false alarms, weak signals, and calibration errors drive me insane though. I do occasionally get a good one though, and then it's wonderful.

[NoelD]

It can be uncomfortable, but what do I know? I've worn a Sensor every day since late July 02 now...

I've worn it nearly every day since April I think.I can count on one hand how many of those insertions "hurt", but eventually it dissipated within 10 minutes. Most of the time, I don't even feel it when inserting it. Just make sure you use the serter. Manual would be tough.

[KEVIN88GT]

do you guys wear a tegaderm (clear dressing) over the sensors? My pump site (quick set) sticks on fine with just the existing adhesive but I noticed that the sensors have much less of that sticky stuff area around it....

[Funnygrl]

I use a tegaderm over the transmitter. The sensor itself has plenty of adhesive, but the transmitter, which "hangs" on top of it has almost none.

[NoelD]

do you guys wear a tegaderm (clear dressing) over the sensors? My pump site (quick set) sticks on fine with just the existing adhesive but I noticed that the sensors have much less of that sticky stuff area around it....

Yep, I cover the entire thing, transmitter and sensor together.