And I thought that I was the only one having a problem. My CGM readings have been crazy.
I have been using the same Dexcom CGM since March of 2010, exceeding the life expectancy of the unit by 2 months. The transmitter and receiver have no battery problems and appear to still be working. I called Dexcom and was assured that as long as I'm not getting error codes, the system was still functional.
Up until the beginning of November, I've been averaging 13 - 14 days on a sensor. Then, suddenly, the readings started to get crazy, going up or down by 150 or more, while tests with my BG meter showed little or no change. At first I thought it was a sensor problem (I was using sensors that expired in September), but using unexpired sensors gave me the same unacceptable readings.
I always clean the transmitter with alcohol when replacing the sensor. I have never seen any type of residue on the sensor, but will be looking for it in the future. I just purchased a new transmitter and receiver and am wondering whether it's time to replace my 20 month old unit. Has anyone had any experiences with older CGM units. Could the inaccurate readings be caused by a failing transmitter or receiver?
I was under the impression that the battery in the receiving unit was primarily affected by the number of times it was recharged. As for the transmitter, it uses very little power. I had an original Polar heart monitor, whose transmitter in the strap did not have a user replaceable battery. The battery in that unit lasted for 12 years.
The sensor I'm wearing now is giving me horrendous results. If I don't see an improvement soon, I'll probably unpack the new unit.
Dexcom called me today; Monday Dec 12, 2011 sometime after 9:30 am and provided some information verbally. I learned that:
They are making the sensors in San Diego at their plant. No new vendors. They have been making the same way – no changes. When cleaning, use water or isopropyl alcohol 70 percent. Clean sensor install location site , back of transmitter and ensure dry before assembling. As to my situation, I did not learn any details about that situation: intermittent behavior, failed adhesive pad and and that they would investigate with their engineering staff the nature of any substances used in assembly.
I am under the impression that one should have not to go to the depth I went to to clean out the cavity of the sensor platform and under the small sensor connector plate that sits up in the well prior to installing/clipping in the transmitter after cleaning.
Dexcom offered to replace any failing sensors that failed completely in the first 7 days. I indicated they had already replaced the first sensor that had failed unusable in first day of use.
I also indicated that after I aggressively did my full clean, 3rd and 4th sensor of the batch, I did not see the adhesive Dexcom mounting pad fail, lift/curl up and release as I saw on the first 2 units. No further comment from Dexcom.
While I appreciate this call from Dexcom Technical Services, I would be most appreciative of further follow-up that sheds more light on what really caused the failure here which at this point I do not have any additional data provided to me.
My thanks to all whom responded and all responses. Sharing their data and experiences.
