Any suggestions on:
a) making the dexcom stick on better
b) getting the glue off your skin from medical tape used to keep the dexcom on?
After a recent bout of DKA I’m back on my dexcom… As someone who works out daily and showers daily, I find it so hard to keep the thing on!!
To adhere it better, I use SkinTac wipes.
To remove the glue, I use Univalve or Remove wipes.
I add a layer of Opsite FlexFix tape to help it stay on. I have tried Sik Tac as well, but I can more easily “repair” the extra tape.
I use UniSolve pads to get the glue off.
I’ve never heard of univalve or unisolve… Hope they have it in Canada… I’ll search this wknd.
I also use Opsite Flex Fix tape and I get it from Amazon. I use it for my dexcom and pump sites. Pump sites when they are in a spot that I will probably pull it out (hip, buttocks). Anything to help keep them in place.
I use skin Tac also. I have used the wipes but now use the bottle and applicator unless I am traveling. Then the wipes are convenient.
i ues skin Tac & Opsite Flex Fix tape.
A nurse introduced me to Skin-Prep and Uni-Solve wipes by Smith & Nephew. I also use the Opsite–great stuff.
Uni-solve is available on Amazon.
Sorry - spellcheck got me. I use Unisolve, not Univalve. 
Appreciate the ideas: I’m Using Skin Prep but willl try the Skin Tac bottle. I’ll consider trying Uni-solv as it’s probably less flammable than turpentine.
I’ve only used the Dexcom on my abdomen - what other sites are good?
I have good luck with the back of my arms between elbow and shoulder. Usually very accurate.
I like the side of my chest - toward the arm pit – I find it easier (don’t have to shave there), the accuracy has been good, and I don’t bump into it - so it’s convenient.
Before I put my sensor on I wipe down the area with alcohol. Make sure to get all the lotions off. The first week I don’t do anything special. Week two I apply Tegaderm and replace every week if needed. Tegaderm comes off easily if you pull from the corner. I take two pieces and cut them in half and put one piece on each side of the sensor.
Thanks for all the suggestions! I’ve noticed 1 small change that’s helped me…I use a clear body wash now instead of my usual Olay Ribbons on the day I change it…I think the creamy ones leave a film on the skin.
How close to the armpit and how high on your chest? I feel like I need some new areas to insert.
Currently, it’s one hand-width down from my armpit, with the front edge of the horizontally-placed sensor even with the front of my biceps with my arm straight down. I’ve not found the exact location to be too important, unless it happens to hit just at the area between chest and abdomen that had almost no fat at all. I’ve had it placed both horizontally and vertically with good results.
I liked the site on my chest and also on the back of my arm. However, the one on the back of my arm got pulled off when I removed my shirt one day. Also, it was hard to get the Dexcom situated with only one hand available. Any ideas for this?
here’s a video that shows how to do it by yourself in the arm
I Learn something new everyday! Thanks – I’ll try it that at my next site change.