About to set up the Libre

[PhoebeC]

I did search the forum but it’s in a lot of posts and I couldn’t find anu tv OMG suitable, does anyone have a good source of info for me.

I have the sensors and the app so I’m ready, but I don’t feel ready.

Is there a better resource than the Libre website?
Thanks

 

[grovesy]

I thought the website was quite good. I think I watched more than once. You might find some on Youtube.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I thought the website was quite good.

They cover the basic "how do I apply this" questions. Setting up the Reader is fairly straightforward (if you're using that) and similarly the app is fine (though it took me a while to find where you enter the information for Libreview if you're using that).

After that, it's helpful to view some more general videos on how you might understand and use the graphs and arrows and things. For those the Libre website has some good videos (in their Freestyle Libre Academy thing). There's also https://abcd.care/dtn/flash-glucose-monitoring (you can find those videos on Youtube by searching for abcdiab).

 

[PhoebeC]

It’s on! Argh!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

It’s on! Argh!

Yay! Hope you get on well with it 🙂

 

[Spozkins]

The libre is an awesome little thing. Did you not receive help and info from your health provider on how to use it? Unless it's a personal purchase?

 

[Ian86]

You should be fine once you get used to it, its a bit strange at first. Ive been on the Libra for around 18 months so might be able to answer some questions you have.

I think quite a few people on here are using it.

 

[PhoebeC]

The libre is an awesome little thing. Did you not receive help and info from your health provider on how to use it? Unless it's a personal purchase?

No, I’m at a new surgery and when I had my (telephone) review she mentioned I could have it if I wanted.

it’s just the sensors and the app on my phone, she said she doesn’t really know how it works but knows it changes the lives of her patients that use it and knows most of them have been fine with it. I will see how I get on.

I know I’ve got you guys, it’s a big deal after 14 years doing one thing

 

[Kaylz]

No, I’m at a new surgery and when I had my (telephone) review she mentioned I could have it if I wanted.

it’s just the sensors and the app on my phone, she said she doesn’t really know how it works but knows it changes the lives of her patients that use it and knows most of them have been fine with it. I will see how I get on.

I know I’ve got you guys, it’s a big deal after 14 years doing one thing

Has it been added to your prescription? I'd be pretty careful if it has as it may be removed without warning cause as far as I'm aware GP's still weren't allowed to hand it out and prescribe it like that, pretty sure that's why @Robin is still self funding at the moment as she's still waiting for a referral to the hospital team to get it on prescription xx

 

[Robin]

Has it been added to your prescription? I'd be pretty careful if it has as it may be removed without warning cause as far as I'm aware GP's still weren't allowed to hand it out and prescribe it like that, pretty sure that's why @Robin is still self funding at the moment as she's still waiting for a referral to the hospital team to get it on prescription xx

Yes, my GP surgery can’t prescribe it, and have referred me to the consultant clinic. But because they faffed around (after I asked in November) and didn’t get the referral done til February, my appointment's not til end of May, and in the current climate probably won’t happen at all now.

 

[grovesy]

I think like with other things the different CCG's make there own rules.

 

[PhoebeC]

Has it been added to your prescription? I'd be pretty careful if it has as it may be removed without warning cause as far as I'm aware GP's still weren't allowed to hand it out and prescribe it like that, pretty sure that's why @Robin is still self funding at the moment as she's still waiting for a referral to the hospital team to get it on prescription xx

She said it would be but when I logged on the online ordering last night it wasn’t on there so I’m not sure.

She said I met their criteria so I could be on it so I’m not sure now.

 

[megga]

I think its the best tool for managing my D, gives you a fantastic oversight of what's going on with your blood sugars.
When I got mine, my diabetic team had to put a case forward, and with me it was just how many times I was testing a day. But I know different county's have different rules.
You can still prick your finger whilst your getting used to it if your unsure, and ask any questions no matter what it is (the only daft question is the one not asked)
Hope you get on with it

 

[grovesy]

She said it would be but when I logged on the online ordering last night it wasn’t on there so I’m not sure.

She said I met their criteria so I could be on it so I’m not sure now.

I know this ot the same but they might be slower than normal updating the system. I ordered my repeat prescription Tuesday a out 7am, when I checked couple of days later to see when I could next order, it had not been updated. I have looked this morning and it has been updated and I can order earlier than would be normal.

 

[Teddy*]

It’s the most fantastic bit of kit! I’ve been using them for 2 years and it really has changed my life! Don’t be scared - you’ll never look back. They are in easy to apply , swipe and away you go! Gives such a good picture of where your BS are at (and going ) and once you get going you can see a definite pattern and over view allowing you make choices about dosage and eating ! Good luck - let us know how it goes

 

[Matchless]

Its one of the best improvements for controlling your sugar apart from pumps for years ,with the app on your pc you can see your highs and lows on a graph and adjust your basals (if you have a pump ) and improve your target ,i had the libre before it was on presciption about 4 years ago perhaps more i allso have the Miaomiao transmitter which is even better still it can be set on the xdrip app to notify you at night for lows ,it is a learning curve to get used to but i am sure you will look back and say to your self what was all the fuss about its brilliant ,i don't know how old you are but i am 72 and i can handle it. good luck.

 

[JohnWhi]

If you get stuck, the Support people are usually very helpful and sympathetic. Live Chat from the Support tab or 0800 170 1177.

 

[PhoebeC]

I am still getting the hang of it, but it was great yesterday testing my levels out walking in the peaks without having to stop and raff about for a surface to put the tester and to warm up fingers etc

 

[Ljc]

I hope the Libre works well for you and that your Gp practice can prescribe them for you as like others here it’s my understanding that in the uk they can’t.

It been a game changer for me , I’ve been able to lower my A1c without getting lots of hypo’s. It’s a boon when basal testing too.

My piece of advise is. Not to rely on the sensor to treat hypo’s or hypers but to go back to finger pricking, a sensor is sampling interstitial fluid and it takes longer for the glucose to reach it , so you could easily overshoot, also they can be less accurate at high or low levels .
However having said that , when hypo I scan as well to see the direction of travel as I find it’s great to know whether or not the hypo treatment is working and how quickly.

 

[SB2015]

Good to hear that you now have the Libre @PhoebeC
It is so much easier to monitor levels, through layers of clothes if necessary.
Because it is easier, I find I check more often and consequently head off hypos and hypers.
The direction of travel arrow along with the value really helps.

The only hassle I find is at night when I started to use the phone app. For the Libre it was fine and great to do a swipe when I got up in the night, but I also got pings on my phone from what’s app messages. Just need to turn off the sound. As I don’t use my phone much I find the reader easier, and fits in my bra more easily during activity.

Let us know how you get on.