Thanks for that Kim. Its the having to wear 2 pieces of equipment that puts me off but as you say if it means that I can continue driving then its certainly worth a go. Thank you.
All sounds very complicated and I will have lots to learn. The pump and CGM in one machine isn’t available in the UK at the moment but I am sure that it won’t be long till it appears. I am lucky enough to have my pump funded by the NHS but I will have to buy the CGM. Up to now I am certain that I will have a go with one…watch this space for how it all goes!!!
Its no issue once I get it in. I usually have my sensor site on my flank, and my infusion site on my abdomen (5-6" gap minimum) and I rotate both every 5-6 days. So “change out day” (site and sensor) sucks, but after that its smooth sailing. I just alternate sides and don’t sleep on that side for a day or 2 until it gets set. Other than that, its good. The only thing I have to be aware of is my seat belt in the car. It seems to hunt out my infusion site and get hung up on it! But that’s probably just me lol…
Its truly not. Its a lot of info, but if your properly trained on it, and do your homework beforehand (have a plan of attack and good questions) then its a piece of cake. I recommend the CGMS forums to get a good overview of the systems and common user issues and so forth. But once you know the issues, and know what to expect it makes it SO much easier!!!
hahahhaha Humor! Ok, Ill have to look my rep up. Thanks.
I havent gone around the back yet. When I had the CGM on, I could get 3 days, but any longer and I end up with a red spot and scar tissue. Its a real issue for me. I was using the quick sets with no problem, but something about the angle of the CGM sets and the silhouette sets doesnt agree with me. I used to get 4-5 days from a quick set, but on the belly only, I ended up with insulin build up.
Oh, Jane for sure! Thanks to folks like solo and med Im strongly considering getting back on the CGM myself! Good luck and keep us posted!
I don’t believe there is different sets for the CGM. The Silhouette is an insulin infusion set, as is the Mio. I believe the CGM is one type of sensor. I use 3 different sets - the Mio for when I am on the go, travelling (and in my emergency supply bag as it has an integrated inserter), the Quick-sets 6mm for arms, thighs, flanks, and the Silhouettes for belly sites.
I definitely have red dots as well from any angeled insertions - the Sils, and the CGM sensors. I don’t think this is uncommom - have this alot on the forum.
Well per my CDE when I insert I go for a ~75 degree angle and then do Skin Tac under the adhesive pad before I glue it down. Something about that that works better for less body trauma so hence less redness etc… When I do the sites on my back I have my wife do it. She hated to do it at first but she has gotten way better now. Also, ■■■ far as the spots, I do have them somewhat. When I remove a sensor (or an infusion set for that matter) I swab it with a sterile alcohol swab, and then Neosporin. About 3-5 days later the spot is gone. Its just the bodies response to trauma, I suppose
curious. Are these not scar tissue? Solo, does the neosporin lessen the mark in general? Im kind of weary about touching the spots and tend to just let them heal. Although, alcohol and Neosporin cant hurt.
Thanks Jennifer, glad to know were not alone. =^)
No I dont believe its actual scar tissue. The insertion needle is a doozie (like I mentioned before) and I believe the red marks are the bodies response to being poked and jabbed. After removal there is no hardness to the site like is common for my infusion sets, so I dont think its scar tissue. Mind you I could be wrong, but from personal experience I havent seen or felt anything from the site once its healed. The neosporin (for me) just helps to make sure it doesnt get infected after the fact.