CGMS Advice

[Tenor05]

I just got the CGMS and I'm having some trouble. I feel like the sensor is going to fall off all the time. At the gym, I couldn't bring myself to use the treadmill because it felt as though it was flopping around as I was walking. The next day while playing tennis I actually took it out because it was such an uncomfortable feeling.

Has anyone experienced this and have any advice regarding what to do?

Also, how long does a sensor typically last for you?

Thanks!

[Coppernob]

Are you putting an IV3000 transparent dressing pad on it to anchor it to your body? It shouldn't flop around then. I use one of those, sometimes two and I can work out without a problem.

So far ( I have only been using the sensor for 3 months now) I find the sensor will last a week before it gets weaker and then I get the lost sensor alarm - useful because I get through the week at work and then change it on the weekend. However we are all different - there are people on here who get it to last longer.

Hope this is helpful and good luck. :)

[Veektor]

IV3000 transparent dressing pad is your friend. I make sure to anchor down the part where the sensor goes into the body with a piece of medical tape and then I put one piece of IV3000 over the rest.

I play tennis, bike ride and do chores with it on. I wear it for two weeks straight every three months.

[solox316]

Definitely use a transparent dressing, I prefer Tegaderm over IV 3000, basically the same thing. I make sure to really press it around tightly against the sensor and transmitter.

If you are using minimed, you have to recharge the transmitter after 7 days, or you will lose signal. It is due to a built in timer in the transmitter.

IMO, you really shouldn't go longer than 6-7 days anyway. Increased risk of infection and scar tissue buildup at the site. Many might disagree with this statement though...

[belyro]

I was using IV3000 but it left behind such a miserable gooey residue that I just hated it. Now I'm trying Tegaderm and so far I like it WAAAAY better.

The longest I've gone on one sensor is 7 days. I know some people get more days out of each one, but I get nervous about having something in my skin for longer than that. I worry about infection, etc.

[RobiJo]

I tape it on using "hospital tape" not sure what it's really called--transporant tape maybe? I get them from my mom, they are all over her house. But it's the kind of tape they use on the cotton ball when they draw blood. It does leave some ugly tape marks, but it doesn't budge. I usually wear the sensor about 10-12 days. (Recharging on day 6 or 7).