Mark Left from CGMS Sensor

belyro · #1 (**permalink**) 04-20-2008, 01:56 PM

OK, I took my first CGMS sensor out yesterday. I made it last 6 days, which is WAY better than 3 days in my opinion (since I'm paying for them out-of-pocket), but I'm a little concerned with how the mark on my skin looked. It's not itchy and it doesn't look infected or anything (it's totally dry), but it looks a bit angry. None of my infusion sites have ever looked this bad.

Sorry the quality of this picture isn't great, but this is the mark (with my index finger to allow for some sense of size).

Does anyone else get this?

Coppernob · #2 (**permalink**) 04-20-2008, 02:19 PM

Hi Bethany, that mark looks about the same as the one I get when I remove a CGM sensor. I am fairly new to using one too - since Feb 18 - and I have noticed that the marks are more noticeable than the ones left by an infusion set. The sensor has a bigger needle than the infusion set so I attributed it to that and the fact that it stays in for longer. I wonder what other people have experienced.

By the way I have managed 7 days on the same sensor and then the pump will indicate that it has lost the sensor. I have heard that other people have managed to go longer which amazes me.

duck · #3 (**permalink**) 04-20-2008, 03:50 PM

Zoom out the picture a bit and then I can probably help.

belyro · #4 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duck

Zoom out the picture a bit and then I can probably help.

Uh....yeah......

Tsk tsk.....

dmorisse · #5 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 07:22 AM

What does your teeny tiny spot look like today. My spots look similar to the one in the photo and they look the same after 6 days or 16 days, the spots heal over quickly. Using one sensor for longer time frames limit the amount of little spots. Depending on your skin type you may or may not be left with a teeny tiny round white scar. For me it really isn't a concern as I am past the bikini wearing years.
D

belyro · #6 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmorisse

What does your teeny tiny spot look like today. My spots look similar to the one in the photo and they look the same after 6 days or 16 days, the spots heal over quickly. Using one sensor for longer time frames limit the amount of little spots. Depending on your skin type you may or may not be left with a teeny tiny round white scar. For me it really isn't a concern as I am past the bikini wearing years.
D

It's actually a lot lighter today. I think it'll be fine. I may end up with a white scar, but you're right - the longer I keep it in, the fewer spots I'll have.

My sensor was crapping out at the end of Day 6, though, so I'm not sure I'll be able to get more than that.....

dmorisse · #7 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 08:17 AM

These sensors are funny things. The crapping out of a sensor can be just a bad calibration (one bad calibration takes 3 or 4 good ones to get back in line at this point it is quicker to just restart the sensor) or the transmitter needing to be charged. I have found that on a sensor that the ISIG has been dropping may just need the transmitter to be recharged. After recharging the transmitter and reconnecting, the sensor ISIG goes back up to where is it possible to calibrate and still work for a time.

belyro · #8 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmorisse

These sensors are funny things. The crapping out of a sensor can be just a bad calibration (one bad calibration takes 3 or 4 good ones to get back in line at this point it is quicker to just restart the sensor) or the transmitter needing to be charged. I have found that on a sensor that the ISIG has been dropping may just need the transmitter to be recharged. After recharging the transmitter and reconnecting, the sensor ISIG goes back up to where is it possible to calibrate and still work for a time.

Hmm...maybe I should try that next time.

I'm not sure I want to leave it in longer than 6 days, though, judging by what the site looked like.

NoelD · #9 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 10:57 AM

Oops. double post...

NoelD · #10 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 10:57 AM

Mine looks about like that after 2 weeks. I just disconnect every 6 days to recharge. You know, some of us want to see a few of your graphs too

belyro · #11 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoelD

You know, some of us want to see a few of your graphs too

Gah! Not yet. :P

Email me some of yours and I'll post them and say they're mine. Yours are WAY better.

duck · #12 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 05:47 PM

Beth, my left upper thigh is pock-mark city...I have recently been considering if I can afford to ratchet down my CGMS connection times from 12 days to six days, and if I can afford it. The maddening thing is there is no rhyme or reason as to which insertions leave marks...Some come out and there is no evidence they were ever there, and others look like boils.

In any case, you'll be fine.

RobiJo · #13 (**permalink**) 04-21-2008, 05:58 PM

Beth mine look just like that. I usually wipe clean with soap and water or alcohol (more so to scrub off the tape marks) and after I get of the shower I dab on some Neosporine.

Recharge the transmitter and reconnect before you pull it all out. Sometimes that's all you need.