Libre 2

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littlevoice359 said:
Oops. My mistake. Sorry. I had Dexcom for a while and could have sworn it allowed calibration. I had to stop using it when they changed the adhesive and I developed an allergy. Never a dull moment with T1D.
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Just out of interest, are you allergic to the adhesive on the libre? I have a bit of an allergy to regular plasters/dressings and am feeling a little nervous about this aspect of the libre when I finally get it!
 
Hi @pawprint91.

Happily, no I am not allergic to the Libre adhesive and keeping my fingers crossed that things stay that way. I am, however, unable to wear one of those watchband-like straps that some folks use to keep the Libre safe from getting knocked off accidentally. I tried that and the itching was unbearable.

However, I use xDrip+ to calibrate my Libre sensors, in order to compensate for what I view as inevitable sensor inaccuracies. In order for this to work, I have a device that sits on top of the Libre sensor that handles communication between the sensor and an Android phone I wear running xDrip+. To keep those two together from accidentally getting knocked off, I wear a hydrocolloid plaster on top to keep everything in place. Here's a picture so you can see what I mean.

Hope that makes sense? Best of luck with your Libre adventure! 🙂
Willie.

1659987903425.jpeg
 
Well my Libre 2 went the journey today but not because it was becoming inaccurate. I ripped it clean off on a plum tree branch in the garden this morning despite my trusty arm strap. The stubby end of a pruned branch got right underneath an edge when I was manoeuvring a barrow load of horse manure underneath and of course elbows were sticking out as I ducked under a branch and focusing on the barrow and where I was pushing it and felt the stubby branch hit my arm too late. 6 days to go and it was actually improving a little bit in accuracy the last day. Really feel that it was my fault so not reporting it but think I am going to go ahead with my break from Libre anyway. I think I had got into a bad habit of micromanaging my levels and a break will do me good mentally.

I always record everything on my Libre reader since I got it (carbs/injections/exercise), so had to go back to my phone app and couldn't remember how to use it which was a bit frustrating. Might even go totally off piste and not record anything for a while. That feels terribly naughty.... like not doing my homework 😱 , but I feel like I need a bit of a break from it all and I have to say I do feel quite carefree so far today even though I have already had 2 hypos since losing the Libre .... they have both been very mild and easily treated, so no big deal and they were a combination of the heat and exercise.

Anyway, just felt like I wanted to document that. I really love Libre and when it works well it is a great bit of kit and I know I will go back to it with renewed enthusiasm after a short break but I think it is helpful for people to know that having a break from it is OK too, if you feel you need it and actually documenting my thoughts about it here has helped me come to that decision.
 
To save me starting (yet another) new thread, thought I'd just drop this question here:
Do you use an armband (I can see from her post above that @rebrascora does) or a specialist designed plaster/cover on your sensor to help stop knocks/keep it sticking? Or do you just leave it bare?
I've seen and had recommended to me so many different things - I'm not keen on the armband as feel it may have to be rather tight due to the nature of the beast (moreso than say, a watchstrap), and I don't like the feel of tight things on my body (used to hate elbow/knee pads and armbands as a kid :rofl:). I'm allergic to pretty much all plasters (sometimes even ones that claim to be hypoallergenic) so am cautious of spending out on a set of special plasters for a libre in case I can't use them (feeling mildly concerned I'll end up with a reaction to the libre itself, to be honest!!). My dad suggested if I'm concerned, covering it with micropore tape and gauze, or a hypoallergenic dressing that I know I'll be okay with - anybody got any advice on whether this is a good idea or not? I'm not bothered about it being a 'fashion item' as some of the (very nice) stickers make it into, I'm just wondering is it going to need protecting, or do they survive on their own?
 
Bruce Stephens said:
I leave it bare. They stick fine to my skin. Now and again one starts to peel a little (usually near the end of its life anyway) and then I use a Tegaderm to stick it on. (The 6cm x 7cm ones are about the right size.)
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Brilliant - thank you! Hoping if I manage without an allergy to the libre itself, this is what I will do, too!
 
It very much depends on your lifestyle, clothing choices and ability to remember which arm you applied it to. My Libre are exposed to lots of dangers, so having extra protection and visibility to remind me which arm to be careful of was important after scrubbing a couple of sensors loose in the shower and catching on sports bra straps and animal feed bins when reaching in with a scoop... and then yesterday in the garden.... People whose Libre are exposed to less dangers are in less need of extra protection.
As regards the arm strap being tight or intrusive, I honestly can't tell which arm it is on and regularly swipe the wrong arm with my reader if I can't see the arm strap and then realize that I haven't got a reading because the sensor is on the other arm (Doh!) And no matter how many times I mentally think, "I must be careful" when I get in the shower, it just takes a brief lapse of concentration when I am having a good scrub with my exfoliating gloves and I have a Libre hanging off. Being able to see the strap really helps me not to do that in the shower.
I am really surprised by how many times in the last couple of days I have thought I need to be careful of my Libre, only to then remember that I am no longer wearing one. Just that mental thought process alone of protecting my Libre has been quite taxing as I am now realizing when I don't have to think about it... but still do! After so long unconsciously programming myself to be careful of it, it is hard to switch that off.... even when I am sleeping, as I have developed a semi conscious awareness of not sleeping on the arm with the Libre on it. I do love Libre but I had no idea that it was taking up this much unconscious consideration until I realize that I don't need to worry about it at the moment... each time I do. Not sure if that makes sense, but every time I reach into a feed bin or an itchy horse scratches it's bridled face on my arm or I get in the shower or I roll over in my sleep. I think this is why I am feeling quite liberated the last couple of days without it, despite clocking up 7 hypos in 2 days..... I know this is an interim readjustment period after getting into a habit of micromanaging my levels with the Libre and the oppressive heat is not helping with the hypos, so I will get better control soon.
The Libre hiatus has certainly given me a lot of stuff to discuss with my consultant at the end of this month about the mental impact of using the Libre, much as it is wonderful!
 
pawprint91 said:
To save me starting (yet another) new thread, thought I'd just drop this question here:
Do you use an armband (I can see from her post above that @rebrascora does) or a specialist designed plaster/cover on your sensor to help stop knocks/keep it sticking? Or do you just leave it bare?
I've seen and had recommended to me so many different things - I'm not keen on the armband as feel it may have to be rather tight due to the nature of the beast (moreso than say, a watchstrap), and I don't like the feel of tight things on my body (used to hate elbow/knee pads and armbands as a kid :rofl:). I'm allergic to pretty much all plasters (sometimes even ones that claim to be hypoallergenic) so am cautious of spending out on a set of special plasters for a libre in case I can't use them (feeling mildly concerned I'll end up with a reaction to the libre itself, to be honest!!). My dad suggested if I'm concerned, covering it with micropore tape and gauze, or a hypoallergenic dressing that I know I'll be okay with - anybody got any advice on whether this is a good idea or not? I'm not bothered about it being a 'fashion item' as some of the (very nice) stickers make it into, I'm just wondering is it going to need protecting, or do they survive on their own?
Click to expand...

Have used coverings before, but find adhesive now is much stronger so don't bother, since using libre 2 only had 1 come unstuck due to temperature other week, so that's 1 sensor in 2 years.

Find if you clean skin thoroughly before allow to dry they do stick like glue, I use alcohol swabs that were once included in libre boxes.
 
I too find no use for coverings to my sensor.
I am keen to avoid waste so do not use single use alcohol wipes or single use sticky coverings.
I avoid using moisturiser on my arm prior to attachment ... that's attachment of the sensor, not my arm.
I have a shower, thoroughly dry my arm and attach the sensor.
If I need to attache a new sensor later in the day, I use surgical spirit to wipe away sweat and grease.
Having quite muscly arms (as a consequence of climbing - which some may consider a "danger" to the sensor), the applicator comes away very easily but I hold it in place for a count of ten to make sure it sticks.
I am used to the sensor being in place when I dress (bra straps an be the arch nemeses of Libre), I have never knocked it against a door frame, I am aware of the sensor when I put a shopping bag over my shoulder.

I have never had the adhesive pad come away form my arm but I have had the sensor come away from the pad. I learnt this was caused by the placement location being on a "corner" and sensors don't bend.
 
rebrascora said:
It very much depends on your lifestyle, clothing choices and ability to remember which arm you applied it to. My Libre are exposed to lots of dangers, so having extra protection and visibility to remind me which arm to be careful of was important after scrubbing a couple of sensors loose in the shower and catching on sports bra straps and animal feed bins when reaching in with a scoop... and then yesterday in the garden.... People whose Libre are exposed to less dangers are in less need of extra protection.
As regards the arm strap being tight or intrusive, I honestly can't tell which arm it is on and regularly swipe the wrong arm with my reader if I can't see the arm strap and then realize that I haven't got a reading because the sensor is on the other arm (Doh!) And no matter how many times I mentally think, "I must be careful" when I get in the shower, it just takes a brief lapse of concentration when I am having a good scrub with my exfoliating gloves and I have a Libre hanging off. Being able to see the strap really helps me not to do that in the shower.
I am really surprised by how many times in the last couple of days I have thought I need to be careful of my Libre, only to then remember that I am no longer wearing one. Just that mental thought process alone of protecting my Libre has been quite taxing as I am now realizing when I don't have to think about it... but still do! After so long unconsciously programming myself to be careful of it, it is hard to switch that off.... even when I am sleeping, as I have developed a semi conscious awareness of not sleeping on the arm with the Libre on it. I do love Libre but I had no idea that it was taking up this much unconscious consideration until I realize that I don't need to worry about it at the moment... each time I do. Not sure if that makes sense, but every time I reach into a feed bin or an itchy horse scratches it's bridled face on my arm or I get in the shower or I roll over in my sleep. I think this is why I am feeling quite liberated the last couple of days without it, despite clocking up 7 hypos in 2 days..... I know this is an interim readjustment period after getting into a habit of micromanaging my levels with the Libre and the oppressive heat is not helping with the hypos, so I will get better control soon.
The Libre hiatus has certainly given me a lot of stuff to discuss with my consultant at the end of this month about the mental impact of using the Libre, much as it is wonderful!
Click to expand...
Do you use a material band or a more rubbery one (like a smart watch strap?) as I have seen both online. Having only had mine on a matter of days, I am already being extra 'careful' with that arm, even though I guess they must be designed to be semi sturdy. I am trying to train myself to think that what's the worst that could happen by knocking it off, you either apply a spare if you have one or you just go back to finger pricking till your prescription comes through, as that the moment I am acting like I have an open wound on my right arm :rofl: can you sleep on it or is this ill advised? (Side note, I am jealous of your horses!)
helli said:
I too find no use for coverings to my sensor.
I am keen to avoid waste so do not use single use alcohol wipes or single use sticky coverings.
I avoid using moisturiser on my arm prior to attachment ... that's attachment of the sensor, not my arm.
I have a shower, thoroughly dry my arm and attach the sensor.
If I need to attache a new sensor later in the day, I use surgical spirit to wipe away sweat and grease.
Having quite muscly arms (as a consequence of climbing - which some may consider a "danger" to the sensor), the applicator comes away very easily but I hold it in place for a count of ten to make sure it sticks.
I am used to the sensor being in place when I dress (bra straps an be the arch nemeses of Libre), I have never knocked it against a door frame, I am aware of the sensor when I put a shopping bag over my shoulder.

I have never had the adhesive pad come away form my arm but I have had the sensor come away from the pad. I learnt this was caused by the placement location being on a "corner" and sensors don't bend.
Click to expand...
I am also keen to avoid waste, one of the reasons I'm leaning away from single use sticky coverings specially designed for a sensor - I used 70% hand sanitiser to clean my arm before I applied this as it was later in the day, but I was too keen to get going - already see what you mean about bra straps however :rofl:
 
pawprint91 said:
Do you use a material band or a more rubbery one (like a smart watch strap?) as I have seen both online.
Click to expand...
I use an elastic strap similar to knicker elastic I suppose but about half an inch wide. I think part of my concern in losing the sensor is the cost/waste. I started off selt funding and at £50 a shot I absolutely couldn't afford to lose one, but I am also aware of the cost to the NHS and the cost to the environment in losing one.... all that plastic and battery and electronics/chip etc which is wasted if I lose it. I already hate the amount of plastic waste they generate with the applicator etc without losing one early so anything I can do to protect it is worthwhile in my opinion but particularly as my lifestyle makes it more at risk.
 
rebrascora said:
I use an elastic strap similar to knicker elastic I suppose but about half an inch wide. I think part of my concern in losing the sensor is the cost/waste. I started off selt funding and at £50 a shot I absolutely couldn't afford to lose one, but I am also aware of the cost to the NHS and the cost to the environment in losing one.... all that plastic and battery and electronics/chip etc which is wasted if I lose it. I already hate the amount of plastic waste they generate with the applicator etc without losing one early so anything I can do to protect it is worthwhile in my opinion but particularly as my lifestyle makes it more at risk.
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Thank you for this reminder. As I have them on prescription I didn't have the attitude to them that I would have were I self funding, but after reading your post I now do have that attitude. I hate the plastic waste involved in them too, so that being as careful as possible is also a good point to try and avoid generating more! Where do you get your strap from if you don't mind me asking? 🙂
 
I bought mine off ebay. over a year ago for £8.95 I think and this is the first time it has failed me in protecting my Libre but it was very unusual circumstances and I doubt anything could have prevented that plum tree branch digging in under an edge and ripping it off. I am now in need of a replacement elastic for the armband as it has got a little tired after a year of pretty well continuous use. I am waiting for my local haberdashery to get some in the right width but the seller did also sell replacement elastic for them.
 
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