Hi all, I am considering ordering a new Dexcom system. I will be paying cash for this as insurance will not cover it. I am aware that the sensors can be worn beyond the 7 day recommended period. And I understand that the system has only a one year warranty. My concern is how long the transmitter, and also how long the reciever (handheld meter) is expected to last? So I would like to throw this question out there. What is the average length of time, based on peoples experience, one of these cgms(transmitter/reciever) has lasted and continued to operate before "going dark"? Thanks.
i have had these dexcom products for about 6 or 7 years now since the first one came out, i have had only one transmitter not last 24months,...i think the one last about 18months..and then each time i was going to get a new transmitter, they had an upgraded reciever so my recievers all lasted the 2 years..except for the one that i dropped in the water, and even that one did dry out, but then it only lasted about 1 week after that
My receiver's are good at lasting about 11 months. That worked well for me last time though as they sent a new one to me just before the warrantee expired so I got two years out of the system.
i've had both the transmitter and receiver for almost 2 years (will be 2 in April 2012) with no problems.
I started on the DexCom in November of 2011. I am on my 3d receiver. 1 I drowned (didn't take a lot of water), 2 I lost (fell out of my pocket on the Emory University Campus), and 3 I'm wearing with no problem since Dec. 1 of 2010. I've never had a transmitter go bad.
I used my first Dex system Feb-Oct of 2010. Then I stopped when my insurance changed and sensors were not covered. I had lost my transmitter. In late 2011 I sent my receiver and 8 old sensors to an unemployed friend. She has used all the sensors, and they worked fine, even though they had expired in late 2010. The transmitter worked until early this year, so that was a total of about 12 months. I called Dexcom in ec, 2011, to see how much a new system would cost. I found the price at that time would be $1200. When I told them i had not uses a Dex for many months, and would have to save up for one, they connected me to another dept. I was told I could pue=rchase a new system for $519, but no sensors would be included. That was supposedly an end of the year specisl, ending on Dec 31. It was to attract former users. HA! I bet you could get the same deal now if you said you are not covered by insurance, and would have to save a long time to purchase the Dex yourself. I bought a box of sensors for $324 and will use only those 4 sensors for the rest of this year. One for each of 2 trips we are making and eating food with unknown carb content, and the other two when my schedule will be very irregular.
I've had mine since March 2011 and its working just fine. I'll tell you what though- this system is priceless. Although I struggle to pay for it out-of-pocket, I never complain about the price because my quality of life cannot be bought and sold. I feel better than ever before and I know that the peace of mind the Dexcom has provided, as well as the data about my mysterious body, has made all the difference! Dive in, Jaybyrd! You're gonna love it. :)
Jen
First transmitter started going at about 14 months. Second was in use for about 12 without issue when I stopped using it (other reasons). My original receiver worked well for the first year, but started going downhill fast after that. At the 2 year mark, it won't turn on unless it's plugged in. I even replaced the battery and that didn't solve the issue. Judging by this thread and others I've read expect about 1-2 years on the receiver if you manage to keep it out of toilets/sinks/clothes washers, etc. and slightly over a year on the transmitter. Dexcom told me that a replacement receiver would cost $300.
I've had one Dexcom Seven system and two Dexcom Seven Plus systems since May of 2007. The first system was OK but the readings were highly erratic at times. It lasted about a year. I decided until Dexcom improved the reliability of the numbers I wasn't interested. Then the newer system came out with an improved algorithm for more accurate readings. The first Seven Plus lasted about 15 months then I started having issues where the receiver needed to be within a foot of the transmitter or it missed readings. I was told it could have been either the transmitter or receiver failing. They told me the average life of the transmitter was about 18 months. Since Dexcom couldn't tell for sure which part was going bad, I replaced the entire kit in March of 2011. It's still going strong. The one thing I haven't had too much luck with is wearing sensors much longer than a week. For me, it seems most sensors either die outright or start giving such erratic numbers that it's worthless anyway after wearing them 10 days to 2 weeks.
My first receiver lasted about two years before the battery started having problems holding a charge. It would go from three bars (full strength) to one bar in an expedited manner with no stop at two bars. I've had my current receiver for about a year and so far so good. I am hoping my next receiver, when a replacement is necessary, will be an updated/smaller unit.
Thanks everyone for all the replies, this input certainly helps. It looks as though I am leaning toward this purchase. I think the Dex will be a very useful tool. I only wish they made this system to last longer. Thanks.
My son has been utilizing Dex since last April. I have a love/hate relationship. The sensors have been unpredictable at best, but when they are working it is the best thing ever. I just wish that they could make it waterproof, or even a bit more water resistant. I also wish that they could make a stronger case for the receiver. We had it for a month and a half, and my 7 year old fell onto the floor after a wrestling match with his brother and cracked the receiver. It still works, and their warranty is not truly a warranty. (Read the fine print). It is a 1 time replacement warranty for $500.00. This is not quite a warranty on their product from my point of view. Plus they will not do repairs (IE a new case). Once the year is up, insurance will cover broken models so we are waiting to see. This may be the cause of the erratic readings not sure. One sensor will work great, the next will be way off. Not sure what the issues is. I have also been less than pleased with their customer service, again very erratic depending on who you might get. Sometimes you will get excellent support and the next the person refuses to help at all. If it wasn't for the fact that for everything I read the insertion of the mini-med CGM is much more painful, I would seriously consider giving them a try. Well, that is the end of my rant for now.