Pain/Discomfort after CGMS Insertion

[jpb286]

Do any of you all on the Dexcom have Pain/Discomfort after CGMS Insertion? The actual process of inserting the sensor doesnt bother me, but ONCE IT'S IN, I have a LOT of abdominal discomfort (cant lay flat, bend over quick, etc...) for about 2 hours post-insertion. Any tricks/tips to reduce this? I think I will try a fattier part of my abdomen next time around, and use the EMLA I have in the house for just such an occasion.

Any other tips/ideas?

[BrendaK]

My mom has the Dexcom and had quite a bit of discomfort after the first time she inserted it. She did have good readings with it, despite the discomfort.

I'm interested to hear what people say on this. Sorry I don't have an answer.

My mom has the Dexcom, but only wore it for 2 weeks. We're still trying to talk her into not sending it back....

It works great -- she just doesn't like having it with her and beeping at her all the time... And the belt clip it comes with makes the think look huge on a very petite lady :rolleyes: .

[rmccully2000]

My son also had some discomfort on the frontal abs. When we finally decided to try the butt cheeks (fattier area), he was amazed because he kept forgetting it was on!

Definitely try the love handle area instead of the front to see if this is better. I think they only recommend a certain area of the body because it was the only place they used during clinical trials.

Becky, Mom to Mason, 7 Dexcom

[rickst29]

as an EMT you're doing a lot of lifting, and climbing in/out of the tall vehicle also works your frontal abs a lot.

But your LOVE HANDLES aren't involved in these motions, and that's why they're a better location (for most people).

Are you plugging the Sensor in on your love handles? The center of my little 'grid' of sites is straight down from the armpit, and about 1-1/2 inches above the belt line.

[jpb286]

as an EMT you're doing a lot of lifting, and climbing in/out of the tall vehicle also works your frontal abs a lot.

But your LOVE HANDLES aren't involved in these motions, and that's why they're a better location (for most people).

Are you plugging the Sensor in on your love handles? The center of my little 'grid' of sites is straight down from the armpit, and about 1-1/2 inches above the belt line.

But you cant insert it vertically can you? I thought it had to be horizontal.

[rmccully2000]

They can be worn vertically. We've done two on the bottom and they worked great. He actually has one on now. We have been experimenting now that we have 90% insurance coverage for the sensors :)
Becky, Mom to Mason, 7 Dexcom