is it possible to continue a sensor beyond 7 days when necessary?
Many Dexcom users have been getting more agreement with their finger stick numbers during the second week. I have seen that statement made by several people in this group. I typically see my receiver tell me that my sensor has failed between 12 and 15 days. The accuracy is so good during the second week that I would never want to to change sensors after only 7 days.
Personally, if I left my sensor in for longer than a week, i’d be to scared of infections. Plus the adhesive is usually shot after the first week is over.
I am the same as diabeticradio.com. I only use mine for 7 days as I’m afraid of infections and that the tape will be peeling even more and fall off.
I have never had an infection with a sensor used for 2 weeks. After about 5 days I put tape over the sensor tape, so it holds everything in place very nicely for as long as the sensor lasts. No problems!
i have used mind for 14 days and i been the dexcom for over a 16 months and i havent had any trouble at all thank you roy
We also try to use them for two weeks. Adhesive is definitely the biggest issue, but I’m getting better at working around that by using skin tac ahead of time and then taping it down with opsite flexifix once it starts coming off. If the sensor is accurate in the first week it seems to definitely be great the second week.
Even with insurance (finally approved after almost 2 months), they are to expensive not to go a second week, so yes, I have been going a second week so far with no major trouble other than tape failure, and I to will use skin tac (soak the tape around the edges), mastisol (again soak outer edges), and opsite over whatever needs to be held down. And I always clean thoroughly and put bandaid and antibiotic cream on site when i remove.
Someone in here had his sensor for like 33 days, with no trouble at all. For me, as what everyone said the big problem is the adhesive will not last much. But usually I will use a sensor for 14 or more days. I will use a medical tape to stick it by creating a rectangle over it
Not saying they’re lying, but I do find that hard to believe. 33 days is REALLY stretching it. After awhile, your body will start fighting the sensor, because the device in itself is foreign body. Why would anyone try to test their body to those kinds of extremes anyway?
The other issue is, wouldn’t that person risk causing absorption problems (should that person choose to inject/infuse that area?? To each his/her own… I don’t think that I would boldly do that…
Hey Richard, You know, I find that IV3000 works wonders!! I like to cut a middle whole in the IV3000 and put it over my sensor/transmitter. The only problem is, not all insurance covers it, and the IV3000 is extremely expensive in my opinion.
I’m like you Ahmad, I go 14 days or so. I put my sensor below the waistline near my rear, kind of on the side. The point is to get it below my waistline so I get better adhesion, especially when swimming. I haven’t even added any additional tape in the last couple months in these locations…pretty nice. I don’t keep it on much more than 14 as I worry of infection, but I could easily keep it longer.
wow, you can go that many days even swimming here and there?! mine looks like a mangled piece of bandaid in a few days! 
good for you!
unlike most times when i toss it once a week, this particular one i have now i had for 8 days. the accuracy appear to be dead on around now don’t you all think???
i’m a dirtball in general, however. so that doesn’t help
HI! Richard 157, i was wondering do you scare more because you leave you sensor in longer than 7 days. I’ve noticed that i’m scaring alot more and i’m wondering if there is anything that you heard of that can help prevent that. Thanks!
Amy, I have had two complications with new insertions that have gone wrong in the last six weeks. I find that much scarier than leaving it in for the second week. Specially if it has turned out to be a comfortable location.
I only found out it is possible to do so when I read here that people do it. But I have also been getting much more accurate readings in the second week.
I have not even contemplated leaving it for the third week.
I have not had to use tape yet. But if I do, which tape does everyone recommend?
You might want to try Flexifix tape (a strip on all four sides of the sensor). It is a big roll and more economical than the IV3000. You can find it online.
Thank you for all your replies.
Do I need to do anything to extend it beyond the 7 days? mine seems to shut down on its own at the end of the 7 days. I’ve only been using it for about 5 weeks, so I don’t know that much about it.
It shuts down by itself…but all you need to do is start the senor again…as if you put a new one on…
Thank you!! That’s a good idea. I’ve never heard of flexifix. Will try it…
I use Transpore tape by 3M from my drugstore. It sticks very tight and will last a long time. Some people are allergic to the tape. I use a Skin-Prep swab and rub it on he area where the tape is going to be placed. After drying there is a protective coating on the skin. Then the tape can be put on securely without causing irritation. I buy the Skin-Prep at my drugstore too.