Go to YouTube–multiple videos available at “Dexcom CGM on arm”! That’s how I learned–love it!
Interesting … I’ve used the back of my upper arms several times with good accuracy and longevity. The last two times I tried this spot I got the “Sensor Failed” message, during the start-up. Couldn’t seem to get beyond this message either time. I finally resorted to using my stomach, but would be curious to hear if others have had the same experience. I wondered if the sensor was in muscle vs. fat.
I have been seeing my re-starts only working another day or two in last two months, whereas previously I consistently got at least another 6 or 7 days. I have the G4 with Share (which I don’t use) and feel Dexcom is somehow making them not as able to re-start. I have to pay 25% of the $901 for the sensors, so I really need them to re-start!
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G4 receiver does allow ‘restart’ same as before. IMO - the sensors are not as high quality as they were more than a year ago, thus earlier failure.
$901 for how many?? That’s a 100% markup from Dexcom’s list price. My cash pay for 4 is $311 on Dexcom’s auto-ship program, plus I get a free transmitter after 9 shipments on auto-ship.
Interesting. I also use the G4 without the Share feature. It does seem as if they are not lasting as long. Any other G4 users finding this?
I have NO experience with G5 but to my knowledge G4 & G5 use same sensor. Supposedly the receivers use comparable ‘as good as’ algorithms/software and major difference is communications capability.
Good or Bad (IMO - BAD) the G5 receiver is programmed for end of life of transmitter based on # of days since first use rather than true life of transmitter battery (though there are other means of getting more days).
For Medtronic you could insert it OK on the arm but it’s really tough to get it taped correctly and then connect the transmitter. Unless your husband helps, it would take some serious manual dexterity to put a Medtronic sensor successfully on the back of your arm.
The $901 is for 3 boxes - 3 month supply. Of course I do try to restart but have not had success recently. I will try to stay away from the G5 given what you say below about them!
Some people love the bluetooth communications capability of the G5 with ability to monitor with other than Dex Receiver. I never had the desire to use the SHARE option and very disappointed with G5 wanting to throw out a transmitter with still functioning batteries. I will stay with G4 until shown a significant reason to change.
I also stayed with G4 VS G5 when I got new set up just this past month. I always use the receiver not my phone and can usually get 10 days from a sensor. As soon as it starts throwing ???, I change it out. I usually use my arms but will use stomach just to rotate as much as I can.
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@Sally7, when you get the ???, have you tried removing the transmitter, wiping the bottom (the sensor dots) with an alcohol swab, and replacing it? I think I read that trick here, and I have found it extends sensor life. I also do this when the line starts getting weirdly bumpy, and I can get another week of good functionality. I just passed 30 days with my current G4 sensor, and have removed it and wiped it twice in that time. Worth trying!
To remove transmitter do u use the forked tool or press the tabs? I have done both a few times when get problems after swimming. Will try with next batch of ??? and if a good solution will consider tiniest bit of conductive grease applied to ‘dots’ individually when starting up.
Read here that tapping the transmitter sometimes gets rid of ??? but seldom helps me.
I use the plastic safety lock that comes as part of the inserter. I press it down over the E in DEXCOM while keeping my fingers away from the side tabs. (I need a second pair of hands if the sensor is on an arm.)
I didn’t find the tapping worked, either.
I’m somewhat disappointed that Dexcom decided not to use the more electrically secure connection style of the MM sensors–a plug and jack with orings. Sliding in the conductors makes (IMO) a far better electrically secure connection than merely placing two TINY discs face to face. I realize that clipping in the Dexcom-style xmitter on top of the sensor makes it a non-starter to have a jack/plug-type connector, but I just don’t trust the Dexcom electrical connection given how many folks say they have trouble with getting it wet, having to remove the sensor after a period of time to clean the contacts. that’s a pretty fussy system, IMO. Besides which, electrical work was much of my adult life. 
I have found that when my iPhone Bluetooth is turned on I will get the ??? on my dexcom g5 receiver. It goes away when I turn Bluetooth off
I exclusively place sensors on my calves. I have been doing that for the last year because it’s comfortable, I get good readings and sensors generally last 20+ days.
I like your hypothesis about minimal skin movement! That makes total sense to me.
Millz,
Can I ask where on your calves you put the sensor? In the back right below your knee? I’m nervous about hitting muscle. Thanks.
For those, like the original poster, who are thin (or very thin), some of these creative placement positions (calf, thigh, etc.) seem like they would be almost guaranteed to go into muscle. I’m sure it might work for some, but I’m very thin and I couldn’t conceive of placing a sensor there.
Yes, I do place the sensors on the back of my calf at top under the knee. I pinch the skin a bit before inserting the sensor to ensure it doesn’t hit muscle.
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Thought you found an alternate location I could use - until I stood up and found could not pinch more than the tiniest bit of skin. Maybe I’m too cautious of potentially getting a prick every step.