CGMS Question - Help!

belyro · #1 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 04:09 PM

So I'm trying my first CGMS sensor, and it's not working. (I'm using the Minilink with a Paradigm 522.)

I inserted the sensor, I fully charged the transmitter, I waited the 5 minutes after inserting the sensor to attach the transmitter, but the green light on the transmitter isn't going on, and the pump is not picking up any signal. The tester works (i.e. the green light goes on and the pump picks up the signal), but when it's connected to the sensor that is in me it doesn't work. Suggestions?! Please?!

I inserted manually instead of with the Senserter b/c the Senserter scared the living daylights out of me. Is this likely the problem?

NoelD · #2 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 04:21 PM

Could be. Disconnect the transmitter and reconnect it after 30 seconds and wait to see the green light flash .Then you know the connection is working between the transmitter and sensor.

belyro · #3 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoelD

Could be. Disconnect the transmitter and reconnect it after 30 seconds and wait to see the green light flash .Then you know the connection is working between the transmitter and sensor.

I've done this multiple times.....still nothing.

Funnygrl · #4 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 04:24 PM

It probably means the sensor hasn't "warmed up" to your body temperature yet. It's yet another problem I had routinely when using CGMS.

Take off the transmitter, let the sensor rest for an hour or two, then reconnect the transmitter and restart the sensor.

belyro · #5 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funnygrl

It probably means the sensor hasn't "warmed up" to your body temperature yet. It's yet another problem I had routinely when using CGMS.

Take off the transmitter, let the sensor rest for an hour or two, then reconnect the transmitter and restart the sensor.

So I"m not *definitely* screwed? That's a relief.

This is totally going to throw off my calibration times, though, unfortunately. :P

Bad start. I shouldn't be surprised. Pumping was a bad start too. Thankfully I"ve grown to love that.

NoelD · #6 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 04:28 PM

Funny is correct. Try disconnecting and wait 15 minutes. I was told to wait 15-20 minutes after insertion to connect the transmitter. Then again, you might have a bad sensor. I've had a few.

solox316 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 04:32 PM

While it is optimistic to think you aren't totally screwed, you could be. (Sorry to be a buzzkill)

Every now and again, I just get a totally bad sensor, that never seems to connect. After messing with it and trying all the tricks over the course of 24 hours, I gave up.

Call minimed if you cannot get it to work, at least they could send a replacement if they deem it as bad...

Hopefully you will get it working tho

belyro · #8 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solox316

While it is optimistic to think you aren't totally screwed, you could be. (Sorry to be a buzzkill)

Every now and again, I just get a totally bad sensor, that never seems to connect. After messing with it and trying all the tricks over the course of 24 hours, I gave up.

Call minimed if you cannot get it to work, at least they could send a replacement if they deem it as bad...

Hopefully you will get it working tho

I hope if it's a bad sensor that they're going to replace it. I'm paying for these out-of-pocket. Ouch.

duck · #9 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 04:39 PM

Should I thank my lucky stars that the only "bad" thing to happen to me so far with my Sensor Experience is the one insertion I flubbed all on my own?

belyro · #10 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duck

Should I thank my lucky stars that the only "bad" thing to happen to me so far with my Sensor Experience is the one insertion I flubbed all on my own?

Yes, you should

Do you guys all use the Senserter, or do any of you ever insert manually?

I found I had a hard time getting it to go in, but it wasn't painful. It just required a really big steady push.

I had a bad experience with the Quickserter when I was using Quicksets, so the Senserter just looks like a torture device to me.

NoelD · #11 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 04:45 PM

I couldn't do it manually. The needle doesn't seem to penetrate the skin easy enough for me. I have always used the Senserter. Quick and easy.

solox316 · #12 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by belyro

I hope if it's a bad sensor that they're going to replace it. I'm paying for these out-of-pocket. Ouch.

I think they will... I have heard of others having them replaced. I never tried tho, to be honest.

I always use the serter. Never tried it by hand.

belyro · #13 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 05:59 PM

IT WORKS!!! WHEW!

Thanks for the hint about waiting for a long time FG

I'm so relieved!

Now my calibration times will be less than ideal, but hopefully they'll still work out OK.

duck · #14 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 06:22 PM

Use the Senserter...It's bark is worse than its bite, though admittedly I hold my breath every time.

Funnygrl · #15 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 07:01 PM

I use the senserter each time. I can't imagine doing it without it, and I still have this problem every other sensor or so. Make sure if you keep them in the fridge you let them sit out for 15 minutes or so before inserting.