I carry kids around on my hips and after losing a sensor, it occurs to me that the abdomen isn’t the most convenient spot. I’ve read the manual but am curious about how others wear their CGM’s.
Any advise? Thank you! 
1 Like
I’ve heard people wearing them all over, but a lot of people tend to wear them on the arms (under, or beside the biceps). I’ve heard of people wearing them on the thighs (outside and inside)…and of course abdomen and upper buttocks (along the waistline.)
Those are the ones I’ve heard of most since I’ve been here.
Although there are only certain “approved” sites to place the CGM, the readings are just as accurate on the arms. Our Toddler (2 year old) wears his on the arm and the readings are fine.
Thank you!
Also, if you know absolutely NOTHING about CGM’s, it’s worth noting that you can also wear a sensor for longer than the 7 days. This saves you $$ and the readings will stay good for 2 weeks or longer. To do this, when the time runs out and you’re asked to Replace Sensor, merely “Stop Sensor” and “Start Sensor” again…wait the 2 hours, draw the blood x2, and vwhala…you’re set for another week. Most people say their sensor duration is only limited by how long the thing remains stuck. To do this a lot of people use Skin-Tac (I use IV Prep, but will be switching to Skin-Tac) combined with some form of sticky film…I use Tegaderm on my son.
1 Like
That’s a huge help. Didn’t you also say Dexcom will replace receivers that are knocked out?
Right now it’s taped to my belly with medical tape. So Skin-Tac and Tegaderm?
I’ve noticed my CGM tends to run low and I end up doing a lot of calibrations. Is that a location issue? I’m about tired of getting “critical low” alarms in the middle of the night when I’m really in the 70’s.
I do my arms all the time. It’s sort of tricky to do the squeeze-and-pull maneuver after you’ve inserted the needle all by yourself…so you may want to have someone around just in case that first time.
They replaced my sensor for free, yes - both times. That’s not to say they will do it all the time, or for everyone, but that’s been my experience the two times I had the ERR121 error and had to return the receiver.
Yes, some people use different film, but Tegaderm works great for my son. He’s going on 2 weeks now with his sensor and although the ‘edges’ start getting lifted, I usually trim those edges away, and put some IV Prep (sticky) under the film, when he’s sleeping and he doesn’t notice it, to help it stay on longer.
Regarding calibrations, I’m too new to help with any of that honestly. I know our Dexcom G5 has been WAY off on occasion, but usually when his reads low in the night, it’s been really the case.
Your inaccurate readings may very well be due to over-calibrating.
I think you meant to say “sensor” instead of “receiver” in your second sentence. I would be very surprised if you actually taped your receiver to your belly!
I’ve used both Skin Tac and IV Prep on my daughter. Haven’t noticed any difference between the two.
1 Like
Yes, sensor, not receiver. Gah. Long day.
Lots of great advice, thank you! I have a huge bruise from the first sensor I used, on my abdomen, and I’m not sure I’d want those visible. If I can get it to stay put my abdomen or back would be great. But the arms sound enticing, too. Hmmm. Where on my body can I stick a needle? Lol.
Get a prescription for Lidocaine, apply it 30 - 60 minutes before inserting sensor (I’m told wrap with saran wrap), and it will numb the spot so you shouldn’t feel the needle stick.
I also have multiple sclerosis and am frequently numb in spots I’d like to use the Dexcom. Upside of a neurological disease, lol.
If I can cover it completely the upper arms would be perfect. I wouldn’t want the transmitter to catch on anything though.
I found another thread with the same topic - sorry everybody. I’m such a noob. 
No apology necessary!
And Welcome to TuD!!! 
2 Likes
I realized about a month ago that the ONLY place to put sensors during the late spring and summer are on my arms. (I put them on the back of my arm, six inches from my elbow). It doesn’t take much to become a hot mess when the mercury climbs. The only difficulty is that I sometimes need to remove flapping Opsite tape (and then put a new piece on). I have developed a new branch of yoga to facilitate reaching it. My Yogi is Berra.
4 Likes
I have noticed that the area where I placed the sensor will get sore and irritated whenever I have tried to “re-use” the sensor". After trying this several times I have decided that it is just not worth the risk of infection
and the discomfort.
YMMV.
1 Like
I calibrate with each BG test. That’s 5-6 test daily. I’ve not experienced any issues and my endo encourages it.
1 Like
Welcome. I am somewhat new to the sensor too and also had issues with readings being way off. I was told to only calibrate twice a day or twice in a row if readings were out of the acceptable range of deviation. I also learned while reading on this forum to wait and calibrate when my readings were steady…meaning the arrow is pointing right for at least 3 readings.
Those steps have really helped improve my accuracy.
4 Likes
We plug in every finger prick into our CGM also so about the same as you.
1 Like
Dexcom advises against doing this, for good reason. If you calibrate at times other than when the arrow is horizontal, BG is changing at too rapid a pace. Calibrating when BG is not steady (horizontal arrow) leads to less accuracy.
3 Likes
Thanks everybody, I’ve learned a ton and I really appreciate it.