CGM is in!

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bigpurpleduck

bigpurpleduck

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Well, I've just had the Medtronic CGM fitted. Aesthetically, I wasn't at all bothered until DSN stuck a great big Tegaderm-film on it (i.e. sticky clingfilm!) 😱 Now I look like I belong in the fridge! Does anyone know if this stuff is necessary or not? I guess I'll worry about knocking the CGM less, but it's not at all attractive...

Anyhow. I've just done my first calibration and am looking forward to seeing the graph on my pump in a few hours' time.

DSN didn't really say very much about it. She went through the basic settings on my pump, but most of them she just skipped past and didn't explain, so I will likely be using this thread for all sorts of CGM-related questions.

Also got a box of Sils from her to tide me over until Medtronic deliver on Wednesday (I've just placed an order). I swear I will never use a stinking Quickset ever again! Many thanks to Shiv for offering to post me some Sils, you're awesome 🙂

DSN also told me, yet again, to stop being such a perfectionist. She did also warn that, because of my perfectionist tendencies, the CGM may just give me even more information to stress about! 😱

I have an extra 2 sensors, so enough to do me for a couple of weeks if I like it. Will let you all know how it goes 🙂
 
Good luck with it all, I am sure you will get the answers you need.........:D
 
I think the Tegaderm will just keep the CGM in place for longer. Imagine if you knocked it out after a day or 2 😱 I know it's unlikely, but I think it's better to be safe than sorry if you want to get some really good info out of it!
 
shiv said:
I think the Tegaderm will just keep the CGM in place for longer. Imagine if you knocked it out after a day or 2 😱 I know it's unlikely, but I think it's better to be safe than sorry if you want to get some really good info out of it!
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Do you know how long one Tegaderm will last? Should I be changing it regularly, or just when I change the sensor, i.e. after 6 days?

OH is not going to be Tegaderm's biggest fan!
 
First question is in already!

CGM was just displaying 17.9 with one up arrow. Meter said 12.9, and I know this is coming down, not going up.

Does it take a while for the CGM to "settle"? Or could it be because I calibrated with a fairly high BG (14.5) an hour ago?

Thanks all, and apologies in advance for the bombardment of questions!
 
I can't find any references for how long to leave Tegaderm film dressings in place. However, when I was nursing, we left Tegaderm on IV canulae for days, and more recently, I've left Tegaderm in place for 6 days or longer when using it to prevent blisters / rubbing. The big advantage is that, being clear, you can see if skin is getting sore / infected. Often, peeling it off makes skin redden in colour, and it's so sticky that it's difficult to remove without moving the canula at the same time. If corners / edges start to peel off, then it's worth trimming off the loose bits with scissors.
 
bigpurpleduck said:
First question is in already!

CGM was just displaying 17.9 with one up arrow. Meter said 12.9, and I know this is coming down, not going up.

Does it take a while for the CGM to "settle"? Or could it be because I calibrated with a fairly high BG (14.5) an hour ago?

Thanks all, and apologies in advance for the bombardment of questions!
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Hi Emma,
How long did you leave it before you callibrated and are you using the 'veo' or the 522 as I think they callibrate at different times. I always leave first callibration for a few hours to let it get wet.

Because you callibrated at 14.5 this means it might confuse the sensor to begin with - so its better to callibrate when you are on a good level - perhaps four or five hours after eating or on waking. Dont be tempted to over-callibrate either as this confuses it - just leave it until it asks you for callibration.

The tegaderm can stay in place for six days - and it is there to make sure the transmitter doesnt get wet and also to keep the sensor in place.🙂Bev

p.s. Sensors get better as the days go on - so dont expect perfection yet - give it time.
 
bev said:
Hi Emma,
How long did you leave it before you callibrated and are you using the 'veo' or the 522 as I think they callibrate at different times. I always leave first callibration for a few hours to let it get wet.

Because you callibrated at 14.5 this means it might confuse the sensor to begin with - so its better to callibrate when you are on a good level - perhaps four or five hours after eating or on waking. Dont be tempted to over-callibrate either as this confuses it - just leave it until it asks you for callibration.

The tegaderm can stay in place for six days - and it is there to make sure the transmitter doesnt get wet and also to keep the sensor in place.🙂Bev

p.s. Sensors get better as the days go on - so dont expect perfection yet - give it time.
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Many thanks Bev 🙂

It's a Veo, and I callibrated after 2 hours as instructed by DSN. I just callibrated again with the 12.9 because it was so far out - I guess I shouldn't have. When should I callibrate again? With FBG before dinner (if a single number)? Or wait 'til the morning to avoid confusing it?

Thanks again 🙂
 
bigpurpleduck said:
Many thanks Bev 🙂

It's a Veo, and I callibrated after 2 hours as instructed by DSN. I just callibrated again with the 12.9 because it was so far out - I guess I shouldn't have. When should I callibrate again? With FBG before dinner (if a single number)? Or wait 'til the morning to avoid confusing it?

Thanks again 🙂
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Hi Emma,

I would do it again just before eating tonight. Its not that you *cant* callibrate when levels are high - its just that you have probably given a correction and are on the way down - so because levels are moving quickly it is harder for the sensor to pick it up if you see what I mean. If the 12.9 was a 'stable' level i.e. you havent just eaten then that will be fine - you will get used to it - just dont expect to see perfection between the sensor and the finger prick - because its early days and it takes some getting used to. You will be amazed when you see the first download - if you can - post it on here and we can all have a look to see if there are any patterns before you put your next one in. The 'meal overly' is the best to find out exactly where things are going and do tell a lot - make sure you keep a diary for the foods eaten in this time as it will help to work out all the dual waves for the future.🙂Bev
 
Hiya Emma

We have been using sensors for 4 years so will help with all I can. We had the 522 though until this morning and my daughter is now the proud owner of a VEO (724 - the bigger one).

We also have a sensor in and there are so many more alarms and settings than on the 522.

It will take about 12 hours for the sensor to settle in.

You did right with the calibration after the two hours BUT what is a good way to do it as you do need to 'wet' it is put the sensor in and leave it without connecting for an hour or so. Then put the transmitter in. Before putting the clingfilm on it, you should put a bit of transmitter sized tissue or cotton wool under the transmitter. People find it rubs and makes the skin sore without any tissue. We use the V300 clear film things which you get from Medtronic or on script from the GP and we use three, two going across and one down overlapping the other two at one end.

We keep them on for 6 days, the duration of the sensor. Some people keep the sensor in for longer and some find it doesn't last that long.

Best to calibrate when levels are ok, whenever that may be and when the finger test is not too far out from the sensor reading ie within about 2 mmol of each other.

At the high levels and at the very low levels the sensor needs to catch up so the gap could be bigger than you would like it to be.

However the new sensors coming out will hopefully be in a totally different class, beginning of April, we can't wait.

Have you tried Mios by the way. We hate quick sets and loved sils but hard angle to put them in if Jessica ever wanted to try but Mios are a different playing field altogether. They are wonderful and so easy to put in and they don't hurt etc etc 🙂
 
Bev & Adrienne - many thanks. I knew you guys would come to my rescue!

I callibrated with a steady 8.3 just before dinner, and the sensor has been much closer to the meter since then. Shamefully BG hasn't been very good, but it's fascinating watching the graph, and it has already warned me of an unexpected rise in BG so I checked with meter & corrected sooner than I normally would.

Bev - on your point about finding out what's going on at mealtimes. I tend to avoid pizza now because it wreaks such havoc, but am thinking of trying it again with the help of CGM to figure out what to do with my bolus. I will likely ask for your help when I do this!

Adrienne - I have 3 Mios, but haven't tried them yet. I got the impression from DSN that they're quite similar to Quicksets - is this not the case? The Medtronic rep at my clinic said there's a tutorial online for inserting the Mios so will have a look and maybe try one soon.
 
Hiya

The Mios are 90 degree insertion like the quicksets but each one has its own insertion device as you can see from the ones you have. Insertion is easier with a Mio than a quick set. Once inserter the actual set is more like a sil than a quick set. It is small than a sil and not as flat but not as raised as the quick set. You also disconnect like a sil not the stupid twisting thing like the quick set. Much better set, they are getting there with them.

Don't over calibrate. The sensor won't work to its potential. Don't do more than four calibrations in a 24 hour period.
 
Just wanted to say that I've had the sensor in for 32 hours now, and I LOVE it!

After callibrating with steady, single-figure BGs it is much more accurate. It warned me of a low earlier & told me I was 4.4 - meter said 4.1.

Looking at the graph is great. It's quite clear where my problems lie! And this is just with looking at the pump screen, I haven't downloaded anything to Carelink yet.

Don't want to give it back after my 3 sensors are done.
 
bigpurpleduck said:
Just wanted to say that I've had the sensor in for 32 hours now, and I LOVE it!

After callibrating with steady, single-figure BGs it is much more accurate. It warned me of a low earlier & told me I was 4.4 - meter said 4.1.

Looking at the graph is great. It's quite clear where my problems lie! And this is just with looking at the pump screen, I haven't downloaded anything to Carelink yet.

Don't want to give it back after my 3 sensors are done.
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That's fantastic Emma,
I'm so pleased for you. Once you download the results and have a good look you will be able to make an even more informed decision as to what and where needs changing. Then you can sit back and admire all your handywork :D
 
bigpurpleduck said:
Just wanted to say that I've had the sensor in for 32 hours now, and I LOVE it!

After callibrating with steady, single-figure BGs it is much more accurate. It warned me of a low earlier & told me I was 4.4 - meter said 4.1.

Looking at the graph is great. It's quite clear where my problems lie! And this is just with looking at the pump screen, I haven't downloaded anything to Carelink yet.

Don't want to give it back after my 3 sensors are done.
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Hi Emma,

Thats great news - lets hope your PCT agree and let you have funding.🙂You will be amazed when you download your data - if you can - put it on here, so we can all see and maybe even advise what we would do (if anything).🙂Bev
 
I have another question!

Today is day 4 with this sensor. Up until yesterday it was great - very accurate and helpful. But today it's been way out. Told me I was hypo all day when I didn't have one hypo, and tonight says I'm over 10 when on my meter I'm 6. I've been callibrating 3 or 4 times a day, always with single figures and before meals so not rising or falling.

D'you think it's just not lasting the 6 days it should?

If this is the case, I'm pretty peeved. DSN only gave me an extra 2 sensors :(
 
Hi Emma.

I remember reading on here that you need to drink loads or you can get spurious results. 🙂

I hope that's right and I didn't just dream it. 🙄

Rob
 
Yep, you're right Rob. I'm normally good at keeping hydrated anyway, but since I got the sensor I've been even more careful to drink lots of water, so I don't think it's that.

It's also getting really quite itchy. And I just got a callibration error after entering a meter BG, although the second meter BG seems to have worked. I think the sensor is dying :(

So I have another question! Since I only have 2 sensors left and am going back to work on Monday I'd like to save the sensors for next week and the week after. Can I take the sensor out without replacing it straight away? What should I do with the transmitter? DSN kept the charger!
 
Hiya

Can't believe the DSN took the charger. You will need that. You won't be able to use the transmitter again until it is fully charged. I suggest you give her a ring. Yes you can wait until you put the next sensor in but you will need to charge up the transmitter.

It could be that it has come to the end of its life.

Do you know about the ISIG number? I am presuming you have a VEO. If you press the escape button three times you will get to the pump info screen. Use the down arrow button to scoll down and you will see ISIG no. and then a number. If that number is 8.78 you can't enter a calibration over that so if your BG is 9.0 you can't put that in. If the ISIG is say 23.15 you can't put in anything higher than that.

Also if the sensor says you are 6 but you are 10, you can't put in 10. It will just come up cal error. You can only put in about 2 mmol difference.

You can do a few things. You can turn the sensor off, wait 10 minutes or so or until your level is ok and not dropping or rising a lot then turn it back on and start New Sensor. You will have to enter a BG within 10 minutes so keep an eye on that ISIG number and don't enter over it.

Or you can lie to the sensor. So if you are 10 and the sensor says 6, then you can enter 8 and coax it up to nearer where you are, but keep an eye on that ISIG as it may be lower than 8.

Generally the ISIG is about double the BG but not always and it will always be higher though.

Hope that helps.
 
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