This may sound like a silly question. I have my first CGM (G4) and today is my 7th day with the first sensor. I'm going to try to wear it for a few more days. The question is, how do you guys know when it's time to change the sensor? I know there are obvious answers (adhesive peeling off, pain...) but what else should I look for? Maybe... strange numbers? Thanks in advance.
Dexie vibrates and says "Change sensor soon". So you just do a 'stop sensor'...wait...a couple...minutes and then do 'start sensor'. All w/o taking the sensor off of course. I use Opsite Flexfix tape after the adhesive failes by day 5 or 6. I cut 4 strips and apply it to each side over the paper on the sensor. Voila! I change at the 2nd week's "Change sensor". Week 3 always seems wonky w/a lot of '???'s and weird happenings.
Best of luck to you. I love my Dexie. :)
Ellie
Your obvious answer, adhesive peeling off, is not an answer at all. There are many ways to reinforce the adhesive, or tape over it.
For me, I either get ??? that does not go away, or the numbers start getting so obviously wrong.
Today is my day 10, and the readings are more accurate than the last 9 days.
My insurance covers me for changing every 7 days, but the convenience, and the fact that I usually get more accurate numbers in the second week, are the reasons I do it.
I have rarely had good numbers in the third week. Maybe day 15 and 16, never more. So, I have stopped trying the third week.
Oh, I am on 7+, which might be a little different. My rep finally convinced me to order G4, which I did this morning.
I am only on my 4th sensor....each one two weeks. As stated earlier, the screen will tell you when, or you can restart when it is convenient for you. I was traveling and didn't want to worry about the start up time with no readings and then the 2 test prompts, so stopped and started before it asked me to. I haven't tried to go longer. I fiqure no need to be greedy....the extra 7 days are bonus enoughfor me! Good luck!
I totally agree. It's not worth the third week extra use for the hassle of '???' & weirdo readings. I just received another 90 day shipment of sensors and still have 6 or 8 from the prior shipment. My cup runneth over. I ♥ my DEXIE!
Thanks guys! I love my Dexie too! How did I ever survive without it? :-)
G4 is awesome even thought the Seven was too! G4 is MORE AWESOME!! Good luck to you.
I find that as the sensor gets older and older there are more incidences of the _ _ _ or the ??? because the receiver and sensor are not communicating well. As soon as that starts to happen I just swap it out. Usually around day 14 or so.
Sometimes it is bad numbers or no connection with receiver and one it told me you need a new sensor. I have worn my sensor for 5 weeks and 1 day and it is still running with good numbers. If you have longer then 3 hours without a connection to the sensor change it. When the 7th day comes around it will either stop your sensor or during the warning you can stop sensor and then restart sensor wait the 2 hours and recalibrate it with 2 different blood sugars from your meter. I have had my CGM (G4) since December and I love it. It gives my spouse a feeling that he has control of my sugars during night hours. He sleeps better knowing it will alarm if I am too low.
One more thing.
When I order the sensors, I insist that they have six months expiration date. They are allowed to ship you up to 90 day expiration.
Since they ship me 90 day supply, and it lasts me 180 days, it makes a difference.
Thank you so much everybody!!