Hello All,
We could use some guidance. Mary started her G4 2 weeks ago, and it has been so interesting and quite accurate. However, placing the sensors in has been traumatic for the whole family. The last sensor change resulted in a whole family meltdown. We would welcome any suggestions that may make placing the sensors more reasonable. She's never complained with her pump sites, but she's had a pump since she was 15 months old...it is just normal. Perhaps this is a change, and her resistance will subside as she becomes more used to the sensor changes. But, it it's Thursday and she's already concerned about the next change on Sunday. Thanks so much for any advice!
Get ELMA cream! We use it on every Dex change - even though I think they hurt less than a pump change there seems to be some psychological element for my son. We got a prescription for it, put it on at least 45 minutes (an hour is safer) before the insertion and we never have issues.
ELMA? EMLA? One or the other . . .
Oh no. I can't imagine. I do mine slowly pushing in the white part then pull up the 'collar' slowly too. When she sees that the insertion barely hurts after a second or two maybe she will be ok. Try and make her relax. You can pinch up the skin too but not sure that would help or hurt more. Sorry. They were a real pain at first. I once had to call DEXCOM cause I could not get the inserter thing off the sensor. Felt really dumb walking around w/the floppy inserter on me. LOL. Good luck Mom.
Ellie age 57!
Couple thoughts - I know it's hard to get from a pre-schooler (I have a non-diabetic 3 yr old), but what is her real concern (it hurts, I think it's going to hurt, I don't like the lump, etc.) Talk to her as you're putting the sensor in - help her think happy thoughts, count to 10, say the ABCs, and focus attention on what you're saying vs. what you're doing. Once inserted - let her make a "creature" out of it. I met a young lady last summer who drew bug legs and eyes on her sensor tape. Maybe the creativity aspect would help . Or perhaps do some other fun activity afterward (reading a favorite book, coloring together, etc.) Hope it helps - proud of her for being brave and doing what big kids do to make sure they can stay in range as best as possible!
Ugh! I hate inserting a new sensor. And for me, doing it slow just makes it hurt longer.
In addition to the numbing creme suggestion, another suggestion is to rub ice on the area for a few minutes instead....(dry any water off before insertion)...maybe that will numb things too. I've also seen this Bumble bee buzzer thing that creates distracting sensations, but I have no idea how well it works.
http://www.diabetesmine.com/2011/08/pain-relievers-meet-the-buzzy.html
Also, see if you can get 2 weeks out of the sensor (when it expires, stop and restart it) to reduce the number of times you have to insert a new sensor.