New to CGMS and a question

[MaggieM]

We started our first sensor on Friday with the trainer. Other then some difficulty persuading my son to let us insert the sensor (even with numbing cream) we got off to a great start. The data collected to date is amazing. I've been peaking in on him all the time and can't get over the information that is available.

The trainer told us to keep the sensor in for 6 days. I know from reading everyone's posts that you can possibly get more days out of it. I have just a couple of questions.

1) I read in another thread you need to recharge the transmitter on the 6th or 7th day. While you are recharging and keeping in the same sensor - what do you do to that sensor to protect it from getting knocked around. For the first site we are in the upper area of his left butt cheek. Should we cover the sensor with anything to protect it (if he happens to pull his pants down for the bathroom).

2) I noticed after he took his shower last night - it seamed like some moisture seaped in under the tegaderm patches we have on him. I know the unit itself is waterproof - anyone experience any issues if you leave the tegaderm patch on with the moisture under there? I'm hesitant to take the tegaderm patches off unless I plan on pulling the site. Do you all change the tegaderm/IV3000 patches in between to freshen it up?

Thanks for all of your invaluable help - as always!

[Rachel]

The trainer told us to keep the sensor in for 6 days. I know from reading everyone's posts that you can possibly get more days out of it. I have just a couple of questions.


That is interesting that a MM person is coaching people to go beyond the 3 day official life.


1) I read in another thread you need to recharge the transmitter on the 6th or 7th day. While you are recharging and keeping in the same sensor - what do you do to that sensor to protect it from getting knocked around. For the first site we are in the upper area of his left butt cheek. Should we cover the sensor with anything to protect it (if he happens to pull his pants down for the bathroom).


We are not a big media family, but this is when I pull out the TIVOed show or video. It takes us one Mr. Rogers program to do the complete recharge process. :rolleyes:

At first I would let him walk around with the un-transmitered sensor but once we lost a sensor doing that I switched to the tv option. Just so much easier if he sits in one place.

Also, one trick is to not pull up all the tape. Just take a fingernail scissors and cut the tape all around the transmitter - just enough to be able to access the transmitter and pull it off. Then when you put the re-charged transmitter back on, just put one more piece of tape over it. I rotate the tape 90 degrees, putting it sideways over the mid area.


2) I noticed after he took his shower last night - it seamed like some moisture seaped in under the tegaderm patches we have on him. I know the unit itself is waterproof - anyone experience any issues if you leave the tegaderm patch on with the moisture under there? I'm hesitant to take the tegaderm patches off unless I plan on pulling the site. Do you all change the tegaderm/IV3000 patches in between to freshen it up?


I've done it both ways. It seems to get a little funky when we tape over a soggy one so when it happens, I tend to pull it. For some reason it hasn't happened for us as much lately, even when we were still using the bottom as the site. Check out the arm-site posts ... we and other people are having good luck with the arm site and it reduces the amount of soaking when in the tub.

Glad you are off to a great start. I remember well those early days of continual peeking!:)

[Nana]

1. I don't cover the sensor with anything while waiting for the transmitter to charge. I just watch TV or something, so that I am as still as possible :) But I use the arm for the sensor, so I don't know if that would work for your son.

2. I usually don't have any problems like that. I would change the tegaderm just if I thought it would came down accidentally. I don't know, I hope someone else will have an advice.

Good luck with using the sensor :D

[Kaylee's Mommy]

our rep told us this too.. she said she takes it off every three days and charges it to keep it happy (her daughter is on it) we've gotton 9days consistenly since starting early november.. I just do a restart on day 3, on day 6 I take all the flexifix tape off, clean off the transmitter with an alcohol wipe, recharge it and wipe off her skin.. make her sit still (as much as an almost 5 year old CAN sit still LOL) I make her lay on her belly and watch tv.. put whatever program on that she wants as a bribe ;) then on day 9 I disconnect and recharge, start the process all over again.. I've tried to get to 12, that is my goal, but we've just had our first infection 2 weeks ago.. when I went to go for more days.. so we go 9 for now..

I noticed after he took his shower last night - it seamed like some moisture seaped in under the tegaderm patches we have on him. I know the unit itself is waterproof - anyone experience any issues if you leave the tegaderm patch on with the moisture under there? I'm hesitant to take the tegaderm patches off unless I plan on pulling the site. Do you all change the tegaderm/IV3000 patches in between to freshen it up?


I try not to tak eoff the flexifix unless ihave to just because every time you remove it you run the risk of moving the sensor.. before a shower/bath I make sure its sealed pretty well, if its not, I'll cover it.. if moisture does get in there I'll change it.. she's got enough irritating her sking she doesn't need that added to it:)