Okay so I started on my minimed revel 523 insulin pump today. So far it is amazing! I am really pleased with the whole set up at this point. I got my carelink usb going as well, so i can track everything with the program.
That being said, I feel that with the CGM I can get that whole picture. The educator who set up the pump with me today said to wait, and see her again.
Basically, I wanna know if anyone has, or thinks that it is possible to start my CGM just by following the instructions and reading the manual. If it helps, I'd like to think that I am a pretty "tech-savvy" guy haha.
Tim, I started my cgm on my own. I just couldn’t wait for the training. Did your pump come with a video? I know mine did and it was a little helpful as far as using the inserter and inserting sensors. I would say the most important thing is to allow the sensor to “get wet” for a couple hrs before starting the sensor on your pump. You can connect the transmitter right away but don’t start the the sensor on your pump for at least a couple hrs. After connecting the transmitter be sure to secure it so it and the sensor cant move at all. I use tegederm patches. After a couple hrs pass you can start new sensor on your pump and in another two hrs your pump will ask for a BG reading. Try to have a stable BG at that time, that is not rising or falling to fast. Your pump will ask for another BG in 6hrs then every 12hrs. Its best to have stable BG’s when entering these readings, if not it might mess up the calibration somewhat. After 72 hrs your pump will give you a sensor end message, just go into your options and start new sensor without actually changing sensors. If you like you can do this twice before you have to recharge the transmitter and reset it’s timer. I’m currently on day 9 with my current sensor. I’m no expert at this but have had good results so far. You might also want to search the forums for other threads on the subject. Also, if you’d like you can PM me if you have any questions.
I would suggest waiting. The thing about the CGM is that the difficulty is in the insertion, not the technical know-how. I wouldn’t suggest trying to insert that very large needle on your own first try. And if you have issues, there’s no previously-learned knowledge to help you out. I just switched from the MM CGM to the Dex and totally thought I could start it on my own. Then I saw the instructions and realized it was really quite different than the Minimed and there were all sorts of little things involved in insertion and connection, so I waited. Pretty glad I did - I really would have screwed up the insertion/transmitter-connection without having someone there guiding me.
