Latest set of CGMS sensors: Terrible

Gordonm · #1 (**permalink**) 06-14-2009, 03:47 PM

I just got my order from Medtronics last week for my sensors. These are terrible. They do not read anything but about 20% one way or the other from where they are calibrated. I calibrate say at 120 and it will read only to about 160 or so but no higher. I have been burning through my blood test strips trying to keep on top of these but higher or lower they do not read right. I just checked and the sensors said 92 and I was at 40.

Yes I felt it but these are not showing correctly. I have 3 boxes all the same lot number. The last batch of 3 boxes was much better. They stayed a lot closer to what my real BS was. I am ready for a battle with MM tomorrow on this. If this is the best they can do I will be looking at another system. I reduced my number of test strips per 90 days but at this rate I am burning through them to fast. Not happy at the moment.

Gordonm · #2 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 02:40 PM

Still struggling with this batch of sensors. They are still staying within about 20% of the calibration regardless of high or lows. i talked to MM today and did not get much help, I did not expect to but just wanted it on record that I was having problems. I'll keep at them.

GretchO · #3 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 03:34 PM

When I had issues with my transmitter I went through three sensors before it dawned on me that it probably wasn't the sensors and called Minimed. Since I called on the third sensor I was told they would only replace that one sensor that I had called about. By the time we figured out my transmitter was dying they decided to send me two replacement sensors...weeee! So, they should be sending you a replacement sensor(s) when you call. Have they had you do a transmitter test yet (i know your transmitter is relatively "new").

rak1978 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-16-2009, 04:07 PM

When I first started using the cgms, I had huge problems with the sensors. Minimed sent me a new box. I'm suprised they haven't offered that to you. They were super helpful with me.
I'm sure it is a problem with the sensors, but just a question...are you dehydrated? If I don't drink water all day, my sensors don't work right. Not even in the same ballpark as my actual #. Also, if you callibrate them when your blood sugar is fluctuating, they are totally off. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, this was just my experience with them. Another thing I have to do is give them lots of time to absorb fluid when I insert a new one before connecting it to the transmitter (usually overnight). Probably due to dehydration.
Good luck with that! Keep bugging minimed...they should send you a new box!

Gordonm · #5 (**permalink**) 06-17-2009, 04:53 PM

Never thought of the transmittier. It is not even a year old. I started in October of 08 so I did not think that it would be an issue.

As far as doing anything different I have not. The first couple of boxes were working quite well. I had one or two tha tmaybe were not tha tgreat but these ast 3 from the new batch have just not been very good. I insert and calibrate the same way I always have. Yes I try not to calibrate when I am going up or down rapidly, I know that is a no no. I'll try the next one and keep complaining if it is not working well.

GretchO · #6 (**permalink**) 06-18-2009, 08:55 AM

Definitely call each time you blow through a sensor...they should be replacing them for you. Your transmitter shouldn't be the problem but I'd ask them to run you through the test just in case...it was pretty quick and easy. Instructions for doing the test might be in the user documentation.

zatff · #7 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordonm

Never thought of the transmittier. It is not even a year old. I started in October of 08 so I did not think that it would be an issue.

As far as doing anything different I have not. The first couple of boxes were working quite well. I had one or two tha tmaybe were not tha tgreat but these ast 3 from the new batch have just not been very good. I insert and calibrate the same way I always have. Yes I try not to calibrate when I am going up or down rapidly, I know that is a no no. I'll try the next one and keep complaining if it is not working well.

I have had Navigator system the past four months and it has malfunctioned half the time. They replaced about one third of my sensors along the way but recently finally after four months of problems they replaced the transmitter and receiver. I have long suspect one or both were defective from start cause no one else had some many sensor failures. Too soon to tell yet if future usage will be more trouble free. It is often a waste of time and very frustrating to wast an hour talking to the tech support but it is only way to get any new working equipment.
good luck!

17diabetique · #8 (**permalink**) 06-21-2009, 01:27 PM

Hi! What I think you need to do is this: When you get those crazy readings, turn off the sensor feature for about one minute and then turn it back on again and do a "Sensor Start/New Sensor." That has "cured" a lot of the problems I've had in the past with seemingly bad sensors. If that doesn't work, then simply upload all your data to Carelink and PROVE that the sensors are so far off. They always replace my bad ones!

Dee

Gordonm · #9 (**permalink**) 06-25-2009, 07:45 AM

This morning was the last straw. I have had it with these. My normal morning is I start at about 80 or so eat and my BS rises to about 140 to 150 then about 1 to 2 hours after eating it starts on its way back down to around 100s. Today according to the CGMS this was all happening normal. Right now it is showing 145 on its way down slowly. Feeling low I checked my BS 52. I am on day 3 of this sensor. These readings stink. Not accurate at all. I went through 3 boxes of sensors previously with little trouble. These last 5 sensors have been garbage. I am wondering if it is the sensors or the transmitter. When I have time they will be getting a call.