Freestyle Libre

[tonya2002]

I have been on Freestyle LIbre for two months and have found it very frustrating, as they have fallen off anywhere from 3 to 10 days in. I just learned that this may be due to my hot tub, as I sit in one almost daily, sometimes several times a day. Does this mean I have to choose between my Libre and my hot tub?

Also, I put a new sensor on Monday and did not get in hot tub, bump it or do anything out of the ordinary. It is now Friday and I get a message that no sensor is detected and that I must start a new sensor. I know that Abbott says they will replace my sensor but I have already called them once and I was told that they will do a one-time courtesy replacement but that it is limited to one time. Has anyone had them replace more than once?

 

[Northerner]

Hi Tonya, welcome to the forum 🙂 I've had 2 sensors replaced, but perhaps the policy is different in the US. Many people use something to help secure the sensors e.g. tegaderm,so worth a try. Unfortunately, some people don't seem to be able to keep them as secure - they stick very well on me 😱

 

[khskel]

No problems with replacements for me and no problems with them sticking on either. I usually apply them after showering and letting my arm dry thoroughly.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Perhaps you could try Skintak or another preparation that helps the adhesive? I know the adhesive generally takes 24-48 hours to get up to full strength for me, but I’ve never had one fall off that I didn’t give a firm whack (and the half loose ones have been carefully taped down and lasted the full term).

I wonder if it’s something to do with skin chemistry? Some people seem to struggle with them falling off far more than others. At the end of 14 days I generally have to carefully pride mine off to avoid hurting myself as they are still very firmly secured.

I would think the hot tub is a very challenging environment (do you keep your arm out of the water?)

 

[pav]

I had no problems with them staying on for the two weeks, the edges of the sticky patch got a bit battered. I have had sensors replaced with little problems, only problem was the post office or Abbott lost one of the ones I sent back and they sent a letter asking for it, which I just phoned them up and they marked it as lost in the post.

 

[trophywench]

Never went in ours with one on as it wasn't ready to go at that time. However - Roche pump cannulas stay put, but there again I can only stay in it for 10-15 minutes before I hypo anyway but since my skin has gone wrinkly by then it's quite long enough.

When ours is up and running, we've never used it like you do - several times a week yes. I really couldn't be bothered keep washing the chemicals off more than once a day. We don't excessively dose the tub, it is a delicate balance to maintain the correct Ph etc, but we don't need them on our skin and of course I need to slap the cream o afterwards anyway.

Could whatever the chemicals are, be having an effect on the adhesive, or simply the repeated exposure to the hot water for longer than a normal shower/bath?