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Late onset t1 here 10yrs in ....

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
rebrascora said:
I imagine the effort needed to maintain really good control during pregnancy isn't sustainable longer term, just like a diet is for a set time scale and then when we hit our target weight we start to relapse, so I would imagine it is normal for control to loosen quite a lot after the baby is born, not only because you no longer need to be so strict, but also because you have so much more to do with a new baby to look after. It can't be easy. I know we have another member who is really struggling to get control back after having her baby nearly a year ago. I am sure it will be quite a common problem and Covid has definitely added to that in all sorts of ways.
Try to set yourself some very small achievable targets. It might just be to check your levels 3 or 4 times a day if that is something that you are struggling with.

Have to say I love my Libre and I am so grateful for it and I am actually really happy to display it publicly and show/explain to anyone who comments on it. I don't feel any stigma and I think we should be encouraged to be more open about our diabetes, just like any other condition because that helps it to be more socially accepted. I think the TV adverts for Libre and Dexcom really help and elite athletes like cyclists using them even makes them a bit trendy, so I am very proud to display mine when I have short sleeves. I haven't used the Dexcom and maybe if I had, I would find the Libre a little less "shiny" by comparison but I think we have to remember that this technology is a privilege and can be a huge benefit and we should make the most of it if we get prescribed it. There are a lot of people who would like it but can't get it. As regards them coming off, I lost one in the shower the other day but that was because I hadn't taped it and I was careless. I think if you are having as much of a problem with adhesion as you have, then taping it would be the answer. When it is a matter of life and death, which it clearly is for you with no hypo awareness, then doing everything you can to make sure it stays in place and works is a small price to pay in my opinion. That said, when you are stressed and struggling to think straight, I know that these small considerations can all just be another thing that you don't have time or motivation to address.
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I absolutely agree! They are great when they work, especially for people like myself whom really struggle for time, but majority of the time (I’d say 70-80 %) they done read to how I feel, so I have to prick to check and they’re always between 3-4 mmol different as for the adhesive, I believe I’ve tried everything that’s available (they may be new things now as I have up the back end of last year) I can’t wear rubber so the bands or strap things are out, couldn’t seem to find any with a different material (maybe someone knows of something?) microporous tape last oooo minutes kinesiology tape like plasters peels a bit and catches on the inside of my clothes then the whole thing including the sensor comes off if I try to change it, I e got self adhesive film, patches with the cut out bit and patches without, but the all do the same thing, peel ever so slightly and then stick to my clothes and off it comes, I did try a tube sock or grip but, I was constantly fiddling with it as it moves so much, I’m not willing to give up, there will be something out there somewhere that works for me! Or I will design something for myself and see if I can get my very hand sewing mum to knock it up. I’m thinking of asking over in the states or Auz if they have anything different, it’s warmer out there so maybe as they probably wear less than we do they have something.
It is very hard being in my position, it’s certainly not how I saw myself at nearly 38 but ‍♀️ , oh and with the Dexcom I have to say , great piece of equipment for me... never more than 1 mmol out, it had alarms to wake me , I could drive as it connected to my Apple Watch, just had to flick my wrist to see my sugar level and you stuck it on your tummy, so it was under my bottoms and underwear, never budged and was in a place when I didn’t catch it all the time, that’s a big issue with the libre on my arm, I have actually just walked past my oven and caught it! It stayed stuck though ! Thank you for your reply, I very much appreciate it, I’m just sorry it’s taking me so long to reply to everyone...
 
In that case, I wonder if it is worth experimenting with alternative sites for the Libre. I know the arm is the only authorised site but in view of the problems you are having, I think you would be justified in at least experimenting with the site that worked for you with the Dexcom. There are certainly other male members of the forum who use the Libre on their chest and find it better for them. Not sure the chest would be suitable for us ladies, so in your shoes, I would try the site which worked for the Dexcom. Apologies if you have already experimented with this option. Maybe discuss it with your diabetes nurse first and make sure to stress all the problems you are experiencing and that it just isn't practical or effective on your arm, although I imagine they will have to follow the official line for wearing it there.
 
rebrascora said:
In that case, I wonder if it is worth experimenting with alternative sites for the Libre. I know the arm is the only authorised site but in view of the problems you are having, I think you would be justified in at least experimenting with the site that worked for you with the Dexcom. There are certainly other male members of the forum who use the Libre on their chest and find it better for them. Not sure the chest would be suitable for us ladies, so in your shoes, I would try the site which worked for the Dexcom. Apologies if you have already experimented with this option. Maybe discuss it with your diabetes nurse first and make sure to stress all the problems you are experiencing and that it just isn't practical or effective on your arm, although I imagine they will have to follow the official line for wearing it there.
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No I have moved it! Might be worth a go, I know they say just the arm but as it is only good for trending info to me it might at least lessen the need to keep having them replaced and going without them for a few days.... thanks I’ll try it!
 
Abrae said:
I have asked about the Dexcom but they said because the new libre has alarms I could on have that, I don’t like them as the Dexcom is hidden out of sight and doesn’t come off... out of 22 libre sensors I’ve had , 18 have fallen off! And they’re ugly, I won’t wear short sleeves anymore...
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I wear my Libre on the front of my thigh (slightly towards the inner bit) and it reads just as accurately if not more so. I know it isn't licenced for there, but I find it better. I cut a piece of thin card the size of the sensor, then place it in the centre of a circle of Opsite which I place over the sensor. Cutting the Opsite film in a circle makes it less likely to peel and if it does then I can easily pull it off without pulling the sensor out as the card is over the sensor so the film hasn't stuck to it. Hope this helps.

PS, do you use your phone or the reader? If you use your phone ensure you have the latest update to the app. I have found the last few (since I updated the app) to be very accurate indeed - usually within 0.4 of BG tests.
 
Abrae said:
No I have moved it! Might be worth a go, I know they say just the arm but as it is only good for trending info to me it might at least lessen the need to keep having them replaced and going without them for a few days.... thanks I’ll try it!
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Had sensor placed on stomach & chest, no issues at all with accuracy, can't use left arm so that's why tried alternative sites.
 
Pattidevans said:
I wear my Libre on the front of my thigh (slightly towards the inner bit) and it reads just as accurately if not more so. I know it isn't licenced for there, but I find it better. I cut a piece of thin card the size of the sensor, then place it in the centre of a circle of Opsite which I place over the sensor. Cutting the Opsite film in a circle makes it less likely to peel and if it does then I can easily pull it off without pulling the sensor out as the card is over the sensor so the film hasn't stuck to it. Hope this helps.

PS, do you use your phone or the reader? If you use your phone ensure you have the latest update to the app. I have found the last few (since I updated the app) to be very accurate indeed - usually within 0.4 of BG tests.
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Ah ha thank you! I’m going to try this, what’s opsite?
 
Abrae said:
Ah ha thank you! I’m going to try this, what’s opsite?
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Opsite is a transparent film that sticks to you. It's not cheap but a roll lasts ages. I apply it when I apply a new sensor and I rarely have to replace it before the sensor ends. I am changing my sensor today and the opsite has lasted the full two weeks and is still perfectly stuck on. I usually get it here on eBay and buy at least 2 rolls at a time for the discount. I attach a picture. It's a bit grubby round the edges due to lint off my trousers, but no one sees it.
 

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