My son is getting his first CGM & it's on the way. First, I read on a thread (that I can't seem to find) that we need special tape to help hold/keep the sensor down. And I also read that a numbing cream is also a good idea before inserting the sensor. What brand(s) do you think work the best? Thanks! Any other advice or tips are much appreciated. :)
Hi there Kyle's mom,
I wanted numbing cream early on but Dr. never checked on lidocaine cream to use as she feared it would interfere. Have not heard of anyone here using a numbing cream. I am now 'used' to the stick so don't use anything.
I use flexfix tape as after a week or so the adhesive on the sensor fails. You can wear the sensor up to 3 weeks if it stays stuck on. I got a big roll of 4 inch wide tape from Diabetes Warehouse.Had it almost a year and a LOT is left. Tegaderm is good too. You can get it at the drugstore. You have to cut a little hole in the tape. Not sure why it can work in bed and thru clothes but not thru tape. LOL>
I also have a spibelt (small personal item). www.spibelt.com It is so comfy to wear and sleep in. I love it. Good luck w/Kyle. ♥ Come back and keep us up on how it all goes for both of you.
Ellie in Texas near Dallas
I think most people don't need extra tape to keep the sensor on, unless you wear it for a long time. I can usually get at least 7 days out of the sensor, if not more, before it starts to unstick a bit. Also, I don't think the numbing cream is really necessary. I don't think it hurts any more than shots or a pump insertion, it just looks a little scary. I'd try it all without the special "extras" first to see if you will really end up needing them.
I agree w/Erin. The stick is no big deal now but was disconcerting at first. I wasn't even able to get the inserter off a time or two! LOL. Practice makes perfect. Skip the cream and don't talk about the 'stick' and Kyle will get used to it. Be patient w/yourselves. And, yes I don't need the tape until the 2nd week if you keep the sensor on. really
Flexifix is the way to go and skip the numbing cream unless it helps psychologically.
If you use Flexifix use it from the start. Don’t try and use it after the sensor tape starts to peel.
You apply the tape after the sensor feels like it is getting loose or right away?? You cut a big hole for the entire sensor (so it just sits on the adhesive?)? Sorry I have so many questions, but thanks for your help. :)
Great. Thanks. I think I will buy a roll of tape (Tegaderm if I can find it) for "just in case" :) Can't wait until it gets here & we can get started. He is SO looking forward to this for when he is out playing with friends and when he is running track during PE. Thanks again! :)
It's a little oval cut in the center of the piece of tape for the top of the transmitter (the gray thing). I use the tape after the adhesive starts to peel up at the edges. Tried using it from the beginning but was hard to try and change it when it gor icky and ragged. They stay on ok for me for a week w/o the extra tape. I use it 3 weeks w/tape.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Imagine my shame calling DEXCOM for help getting this insertor flopping around on my stomach off!?! And I had to call when I wasn't able to get the transmitter on a couple times. Now I am a pro. ♥
Tegaderm is individual clear bandages. The flexfix is a huge, long roll. I think it is only online but the Tegaderm is at the drugstore. Get the big ones w/o a pad on them. Have to cut the little peek hole in them too. ☺
I use to cut a circle but now I cut four strips. Each strip is eight squares wide (the Flexifix has grid lines laid out on it). I tape the sides down first then the top and bottom getting the edge of the tape as close to the sensor as possible.
Maybe I should start a thread just about the tape/bandages. LOL Do you think the Tegaderm or Flexifix would be better for sensitive skin?
LOL. Not sure. I tried my thigh for the first time last month. Thought I'd die trying to pull that flexfix off my thigh. Sticking to my tummy from now on. No sensiticve skin (except thigh!) so really can't answer. I'd be glad to mail you a chunk of flexfix to try if you give me your address.
Great idea. I will try it too.
We use Opsite Flexifix, but not routinely. Only after many, many days of the same sensor. Most times we don't even use it at all. Here's where I wrote about it: http://www.d-mom.com/opsite-flexifix-adhesive/
We use lidocaine cream. Some people use EMLA. We were told to put it on a good 30 minutes before you want to insert the sensor and then clean the area extra, extra well.
The only reason why we still use the numbing cream is because we used it with the Medtronic CGM which scared my 8yo to death with the giant needle. It's not as bad with the DexCom for her.
I use Hypafix and it comes in a long roll also. The roll I have is 2" wide, but I think it also comes in 4" wide roll too.
There's also IV3000. I tried that, and it came off too. This time, I've tried regular old masking tape, with IV3000 across the corners. It's a bit bulky but it's working, amazingly enough! The proof of the pudding will be when I take the whole mess off and see how my skin is, but I think I have about 5 more days until the sensor signals the end of my second 7 days. And so far, it's working perfectly and accuracy is great! :-)
Leighann, I can't open your link. :( My son is 13 and from the responses I'm getting we may skip the numbing/lidocaine cream and see how it goes.
Thanks, Ellie. Very sweet of you! :) I think I'm just going to go ahead an buy a roll.
I want to try the Hypafix that Mayumi mentioned. Looks cheaper wehen I GOOGLED it.
I think he'll be ok w/o the numbing cream too. Just have to 'pinch up' & do it. Like the shots!
Let me know how it goes! Kennedy is so thin on her tummy, we have our controller and transmitter now just waiting for sensors! Good luck!!