I just switched from the G6 to G7 a little over a month ago. So far, I had 5 sensor failures. That’s over half of 90 day supply. The first two were the first I’d Aever used. Recently, I got a failure alert and replaced it. Three days later, it failed again. I had to replace twice more before getting on that worked. DexCom has been excellent about replacing them.
Is there something I’m doing wrong? I followed the directions exactly, but is there some subtle variation that might effect this? Is this typical? Am I going to have to get 1/2 my sensors replace all the time?
I delayed switching and thought (most) of the bugs had been worked out.
In the beginning I had several failures. The problem was that I was used to not pressing down hard on the inserter. G6 worked better when not pressing down hard. G7 requires the hard press.
Exactly the kind of thing I was thinking of! The G7 inserters have an interlock. The clear ring that contacts the skin, has to be pushed in for the button to release.
I will try pressing it harder and see if that helps.
I plan to next time. The first time I wanted to talk to someone, maybe I had a bad batch. The second time, I heard the reminder to go their web site and almost hung up.
Honestly, the wait times have never been more than few minutes.
How long have you been using the G7? I like not having to worry about the transmitter, the shorter startup time (for some reason, my pump still says 3 hrs) and overlapping sensor sessions.
I seem to get out of range errors more offen. I also think about tossing the electronics every 10 days. If I can reduce/eliminate these failures, I feel the pros outweigh the cons.
Oh yes - I had 3 G7 sensors fail one after the other a few days ago. Dexcom will replace them all but a Dexcom person I spoke to said the G7s fail quite a bit, especially when inserting a new one. Not sure how to manage this best - means I need to have a bunch on hand before changing them.
You might want to try inserting the G7 next to your belly button, swapping sides each time. It is easy to push down hard on the inserter in that position before pressing the release button. Double bonus if you are a side sleeper as that sensor position will avoid compression lows.
Yes, it is not an “approved” placement, but it works. My failure rate is below 5% of making the full 10 days without a failure. If you call Dexcom and they ask where you place the sensor, tell them on your stomach as advised by your doctor and they will be fine with that explanation.
Just a few questions for you. Do you have a Tandem pump, also? I know that for G7 to work with Tandem pump users, there has to be an underline under one of the code numbers on the G7 box. If not, they are incompatible.
I have been using G7 for less than a year. It has gone smoothly-no errors, lasts 10 days per session, not hard to insert, works well on my arm. I pair it with my Tandem pump and iPhone.
I have had failures of about 10% since switching to the G7 earlier this year. Initially, I believe my issue was related to the previously mentioned interlock/seal, when inserting on my arm. Once I got that down (just have to use the proper force, I count to five while holding the inserter down all the way, and then release), I’ve had much better success. However, I have had random problems that caused failures outright. A long bike ride with long exposure to the sun on a very hot day, killed the sensor. Also, bumping into a door frame a few times caused the sensor to stop communicating for good. As you all probably know, you can open a case right from the app, and I don’t believe Dexcom ever refuses a replacement. I’ve never had an issue with their support. Hopefully that level of customer service continues for some time.
Thanks for this — my endo has been recommending the G7 because of the arm placement and low down time. But, I’d rather keep it on my stomach. Glad it’s an option.
