For you MiniMed Sensor wearing pumpers

jeggeman31 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 07:14 PM

Do any of you use anything other than IV3000 or Tegaderm? I found with using both that my skin welts up and turns red. I can't keep it on for more than 2 days. Also it makes my skin welt up so bad, that I have stopped wearing the sensor all together until I find something else.

Thanks

Funnygrl · #2 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 07:18 PM

I actually used a single plain piece of masking tape in a pinch.

But I too, have stopped wearing mine, for different reasons.

jeggeman31 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funnygrl

I actually used a single plain piece of masking tape in a pinch.

What did you do, if you used masking tape when getting into the shower? My rep told me that all is waterproof except the area that hook together.

I am sorry you are not wearing yours anymore. I feel lost without mine.

Dewey · #4 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 07:27 PM

In a pinch, I've used fabric tape (Johnson & Johnson), but only when the IV3000 or Tegaderm was causing issues. It used to be that I was "allergic" to IV3000, but over the years, that changed. Sometimes (if water gets under the tape in any way), I still get itchy (esp. about day 2 or 3), but I either change the tape or dry it very well & let it subside (the itch) on its own.

NoelD · #5 (**permalink**) 12-10-2007, 05:18 AM

I still get a bit of red around the tegaderm, but it's not as bad as it used to be. Seems like I built up a tolerance to it over time.

jenet · #6 (**permalink**) 12-15-2007, 12:32 PM

I haven't worn mine for a couple of months, but am getting ready to start up again. I just got a new MacBook Pro, and will be able to run Windows on it (as a VMware virtual machine) for my Animas pump and MM CGMS software.

When the sensors were so back ordered in September, I got out of the habit, and then it just seemed like too much of a nuisance - largely because of tape issues. The only tape that doesn't give me welts or rashes is the medical paper tape you can get at the grocery store - but sometimes even just the paper tape will be quite "itchy". (I wish I understood better why all these different adhesive are problematic; my Insets never cause any irritation.)

cheers,
j

Janimal · #7 (**permalink**) 12-15-2007, 11:22 PM

Hypafix is a great solution. It is the same or similar to the white tape on the infusion sets. I order the 2" rolls from amazon.com and cut a piece to cover the sensor and another to hold the transmitter in place.

someone · #8 (**permalink**) 12-15-2007, 11:27 PM

I use the tegaderm with Bard skin protector when I put the sensor on my stomach. My stomach tends to get a bad rash lasting about a week when I don't use the Bard.

jeggeman31 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-16-2007, 02:14 AM

Thanks all. I found a solution that does not make my skin do funky things. I use a small piece of medical tape to hold the transmitter down. When I need to take a shower I put a Johnson and Johnson waterproof 4x4 bandage (I think that is the size) over the sensor and transmitter. Once I am out of the shower I take the 4x4 off. Works well.

Again thanks.

duck · #10 (**permalink**) 12-16-2007, 09:22 AM

JIm, you could replace the IV3000 every couple of days as well...my current sensor has been in since the 3rd (I am taking it out tonight **** or highwater) but I have used at least three IV3000's in that time or else my skin welts up like you said.

Funnygrl · #11 (**permalink**) 12-16-2007, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeggeman31

What did you do, if you used masking tape when getting into the shower? My rep told me that all is waterproof except the area that hook together.

I am sorry you are not wearing yours anymore. I feel lost without mine.

Once it's snapped together, it's all waterproof, and you don't need to wear anyting over it at all. The tap over it is just to prevent catching. The connector pieces aren't waterproof only when disconnected.

jeggeman31 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-17-2007, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duck

JIm, you could replace the IV3000 every couple of days as well...

No I start to welt up a couple hours after putting the tape on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funnygrl

Once it's snapped together, it's all waterproof, and you don't need to wear anyting over it at all. The tap over it is just to prevent catching. The connector pieces aren't waterproof only when disconnected.

Well if that is the case, then my problem is solved. The only reason I have been using the tape was to keep it covered, as I was told it was not 100% waterproof.

jky400e · #13 (**permalink**) 12-18-2007, 09:05 AM

I have been using the Kendall Pollyskin 2.
Stays stuck like the first day. I change my sensor after 6 days and have not had any problem with movement.
I use two and over lap them.

Joe
T1 30 years
pumping 23 years
cgms 3/07

jeggeman31 · #14 (**permalink**) 01-23-2008, 12:59 PM

Well I tried not using tape in the shower, and both times my sensor came out. So I found a band aid to use to cover it in the shower. As for the rest of the time, I don't use any type of tape over the transmitter. I found that to work the best for me and have had no problems doing so.

As for the CGMS it is great. I feel I can trust it about 90% of the time. Very seldom is my CMGS off by more that 10 points to my meter. It has done wonders for my control. I can't wait until my next A1C to see what it is.