Ok-last straw

[Reagan's Mama]

Another bad experience tonight.

DH does not like the sensor - doens't want it on her, I do. We tried to put a new one on tonight and it was a nightmare. I think because he was negative about it to begin with, it was bad from the get go,

It didn't go in right, didn't stick, and he didn't want to try again. $35 down the drain.

He isn't going to insert it anymore, he says. It's too slow, hard to pull the needle out, doesn't stick once it's in.

From now on he will hold her but I have to put it on.

I have never done it, we have done 3 and he has put them all on.

Any tips? She is 18 months old, squirmy, and doesn't like you messing with her bottom.

Maybe we are better to just give it up for now, as much as I don't want to do that.

I need his support though, I can't do it on my own.

[bkfkmc]

Do you use numbing cream? I usually numb Braden for an hour before a sensor insertion. I prefer for my husband not to be around because he just generally questions me and makes me nervous. It works better if it is just Braden and me- I make my girls stay out of the room. I set him up laying down watching TV while I prep and insert. He watches TV for the few minutes after the sensor is inserted before I connect the transmitter. Keep in mind that this works very well for us, but Braden is 6 and that makes a big difference. I have found that he does need an hour to numb for the sensor insertion and that he doesn't notice if he is distracted with TV. Obviously, Braden is much older than Reagan so it is easy to describe what works for us and this probably isn't very helpful.

I am not suggesting you do this, because it would be terrible if it didn't work. But I have done sensor insertion while Braden is asleep also. I numbed him as usual and he never woke up for the insertion.

I know it is frustrating. It is hard to be calm when you are nervous yourself and trying to hold a wriggling toddler as well. I would just encourage you to try again, even if you have to take a few days break. If there is any way that you can create a relaxed and distracted environment. Call your trainer if you need pointers since you haven't actually inserted one yourself. It may be if your husband is negative on the whole thing right now that it may be easier without him for a time of two. Or, he may be willing to help support by distraction along with any assistance in keeping her still. I say all this knowing these are only well intentioned thoughts because while I have three children and all have been 18 months old at one time, I have no experience with CGMS on an 18 month old. Good luck in whatever you decide!

[Reagan's Mama]

I am going to leave it off for a week or so.

I noticed last night too that there is a red outline of the entire thing on her bottom, like she's having a reaction to it?

I will talk to our MM rep today and see if she can offer any advice. We have our Endo appt in about 10 days.

After all that I will decide. Maybe it's best to continue on as we were before and try again with the CGM as she gets a bit bigger.

I cannot do it without DH's support. It takes the 2 of us, plus my3 year old reading to her to get her site on each time. I don't believe that the sensor hurts her at all. There is no difference in her fussing because you are holding her still and the split second that the needle for the sensor goes in.

I do have some Lidocaine, maybe if we give it one last shot, DH will go for it if we can numb her for a bit. Thanks for putting that idea back in my head, I hadn't thought about the cream. Too much working in my wee little brain.

[payam7777777]

I do have some Lidocaine, maybe if we give it one last shot, DH will go for it if we can numb her for a bit.

it's absolutely necessary to numb the skin when insertin MM sensor. 60 minutes @ least.

[Adinsmom]

How does Reagan do with site changes? Is it as much of a struggle?

I think your on the right track taking a break from the CGM for a week. I always find when things get to a complete aggravation point I need to step back and assess things. As well as giving everyone else time to adjust too.

Best Wishes

[Reagan's Mama]

I am curious as to why you say it's "necessary"?

If I thought that something was hurting her, I would absolutely use a numbing cream. We can barely get her to hold still long enough to put a site or sensor on. She is not a fan of anyone messing around her bottom. A bandage with a spot of cream on it might make her crazy.

I will try it next time, and maybe we will be suprised as to the result.

[Rachel]

Hi Amy,
I am finding it hard enough to manage this new technology and to try to share the management of it with my husband ... and that is with his full support of the concept and plan. I don't know how I would do it if he didn't have full buy-in. Kudos to you for moving forward on it with partial support...

I can completely see the value in taking a break to catch your breath if you need it. I often do that with writing projects ... after some time away from a project it ALWAYS goes better.

We were off sensor all afternoon as I needed to do a sensor change but didn't want to do it before nap ... goodness I missed seeing those numbers and arrows! It really is worth it - when it is going well.

Hope the cream helps.

[EmmasMom]

I think you may have an inserter issue, like I mentioned on the other thread. But I also just wanted to say that it was hard for me to get used to doing these site changes too. It felt awkward, I hated seeing that needle, I was unsure if I was getting the right angle, and I had major anxiety for the first several sensor insertions, then when my serter stopped working properly it was even worse! I actually had nightmares about sticking needles in her!!!! :eek: I joked about it being post traumatic stress, but it was really stressful!!!

The good news, (there's always good news!;)) I don't give the sensor changes any more thought than the pump sites now. They always pop in like they're supposed to, I know how to angle it just right, I know where to place it so I can get the needle out easier, etc. It does get easier!!!!!!!! They won't always be so hard, and maybe the serter is the whole problem!!!

Tell your hubby we all understand his frustration, but that it's worth trying again! Use that numbing cream, (even if it's just for his peace of mind), so he'll know he's not hurting her, and then have him pop a xanex or something. LOL! Whatever it takes to calm his nerves! :p

I do 90% of the insertions by myself, and since I'm a control freak, (shocking I know :rolleyes:), I like it that way. I have found ways to hold her down when she won't cooperate, but since she's numb she usually doesn't fight me at all. She likes to lay over the arm of the couch, facing the TV so she can watch Baby Einstein. She hangs on to her favorite blanket and sucks on a lollipop while I put it in. Now that we have this "poke" routine down it's all pretty easy. She actually likes getting those little lollipops and will occasionally ask for a new site just so she can have one... silly girl!

[Reagan's Mama]

Baby Einstein is the show of choice at our house at insertion time too :)

Just wanted to share something not so D related for once.