I STOP getting nice slow, smooth curves and instead start getting a lot of “bobble” where I’ll jump up and down 5+ points between readings, back and forth several times, as well as the calibration being off.
My longest lasting sensor was on my ankle and was accurate, comfortable, and almost completely unnoticeable for 53 days. I knew it was time to change when the ??? appeared after a shower on day 53. Day 49 with the sensor I saw my endo for my 6 month appointment. She laughed when she saw the placement but didn’t have any problems with it. As a general rule I wear them for at least 2 weeks but more often 3-4. I still use the G4 because I don’t have an iphone and my transmitters have all lasted more than a year. My insurance company covers 1 sensor a week so I’m lucky to have some extras.
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53 days = current world record? 
Any challengers?
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that’s amazing. where exactly was it on your ankle?
nice to see you @Clare3
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Just removed one after a 28 days on my lower abdomen, my longest to date, and it was still working well (only had 1 calibration the last week that seemed off, when it was saying I was LOW when I was in the 90s), but I was nervous about skin irritation. Took it off to find less of a mark/irritation than I sometimes do after 2 weeks—go figure. Between that and reading these posts, next time if it’s still going that well, I’ll probably let it ride longer. I’ve had ones get unreliable in the 3rd week though, so it seems to vary.
Hi Marie, it is on the inside of my lower ankle. Right at the bottom where the calf finishes and the ankle begins. 
Nice! Haven’t tried leg sites with my Dex (yet)… Did with infusion sets with some success - and some failure. Last one (on my calf) didn’t survive my first trip in the car with it! Got knocked off right away! Not sure the sensor would do better - it’s bigger!
Good to ‘see’ you, @Clare3!
Hey Thas, nice to “see you” as well. These days Dex sensors pretty much resides either on my ankle or on my forearm. Both sites for me are accurate,out of the way and don’t get knocked around. As long as I am careful getting dressed and undressed I can usually get 3-4 weeks from a sensor. I don’t put Pods on my legs. I have tried a few but they invariably are uncomfortable, become occluded, or the absorption isn’t very good. I have found a large amount of “real estate” on my back for pods both upper and lower with good comfort and absorption. I’ll be in your neck of the woods at the end of September for a Diabetes Sisters Leadership Institute conference at the Embassy Suites in downtown Chicago on North State street. I’m only there for the weekend but I enjoy meeting “diabuddies” in the flesh. I have Saturday night free from conference obligations. I think “acid rock” is also from that part of the country so maybe we could try to plan something.
Thanks for the photo, Clare. That’s a site I’d never have considered for fear of knocking it off!
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I wear sneakers only so there is no chance of getting it caught say on a boot or shoe. Since it is on the inside of my ankle it is not a site that even gets bumped and I put more than 20,000 steps on my fitbit every day. Another really good site is my forearm.
I have to be a bit more careful with this one avoiding bra straps and other clothes, but it is accurate and lasts a really long time.
All I can say is “Wow!” 
Thanks for the picture. Never thought to try that spot. Or the forearm for that matter. Upper arm works great for me.
Most people stick with what either what the FDA approves or with what they have learned on Facebook or somewhere on the DOC. I’m always happy to share what works for me. I have used the back of my upper arms to good effect as well. Basically both ankle and forearm placements help me forget that I even have a device attached to me.
delete.
Hi! My first post! Everyone seems to be talking about Dexcom sensors. Are any of you on a Medtronic pump or the enlite sensors (for the mini-med 530 G pump) ? I am so excited to hear how many days you are getting on a sensor! My husband is diabetic and because of Medicare we are totally self pay on the sensors/CGM. Perhaps we should be switching to Dexcom sensors if they last longer. What pump do you use and have you switched from the Medtronic pumps for some reason??!!?? How would a switch happen with Medicare as our primary insurance?? "Old timers " but determined to try to figure out the “Medicare game!” HELP!!! HELP!!! Karen
I have never used the Enlite sensors, but had a couple of horrible years with Sofsensors. I switched to Dexcom over 5 years ago but kept using my Medtronic pump. I currently do not use a Medtronic pump, but I think they make great pumps. I think on Medicare you would have to wait until your old pump is out of warranty, but you don’t really need to switch. Because I have such good results with Dexcom, I am unlikely to take the risk and switch back to Medtronic. I get about 2 or 2-1/2 weeks using each sensor. I will be starting Medicare in the spring and of course dread the lack of coverage for CGM’s.
When I got my MM530G, a couple years ago, I had Enlite (also self pay) so when I ran out of sensors & our insurance still wasn’t covering cgm, I couldn’t reorder & just quit using it. We now have a different insurance so when I asked my endo to write Rx for sensors, he wrote it for Dexcom. I asked why since I have a Medtronic pump & was told its because Dex are more accurate.
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Wish I could give this many, many stars!
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Is there enough meat there for good readings? I discovered front of upper thigh about where your fingers are when in your pocket. Perfect place doesn’t get bumped or in the way. I forget it is even there and that areas skin doesn’t fold with movement so stays on no problem w/o tape for two weeks.
There is enough meat in both ankle and forearm to get accurate readings. I have also used the upper thigh and found it to be a good spot, except when pulling underwear up or down. I have had a few yanked off when I was in a rush. I have not had the same problem with ankle dex. Forearm dex sites can get yanked by bra straps or sleeves but I haven’t had that happen yet.