Libre and considerable bleeding.

[Flutterby]

Hi everyone. I have been using Libre for approximately 7-8 months now and I am very happy with it. The last 3 sensors in my left arm though have bled on insertion and the one time it was a considerable amount pouring down my arm and it left an impressive bruise. Has anyone experienced this and has anyone come up with a solution? My right arm behaves perfectly. All the sensors have worked ok its just not very pleasant and it does hurt quite a lot.

 

[Kaylz]

I'm not sure if its maybe hitting nerves here as well but I know of folk pressing on their arm until they find a spot that doesn't tingle when pressed on and apply it there, thoughts being that as there is no tingle there is no nerve directly beneath, may be worth a try? xx

 

[TheClockworkDodo]

I think the Libre instructions say that a bit of bleeding might happen, but if you experience considerable bleeding you should remove the sensor - I'd do that if you have blood pouring down your arm again and contact them to ask for a replacement sensor. Or if you are self-funding and don't want to risk that in case they say no, you could try contacting them now to say it's happened before and ask if they'll replace a sensor if it happens again.

I had one which caused a bit of bleeding (enough to go through my T-shirt) but it eased up fairly soon and I certainly didn't have blood pouring down my arm - I'd definitely have removed the sensor straight away if that had happened to me.

 

[Flutterby]

It was pretty bad and I got through a few tissues trying to clean it up. I have had less significant bleeds such as you mention but only from my left arm. I will be seeing my DSN in the new year so I will ask her. Thanks Kaylz and Juliet.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

A ‘bleeder is a reader’ is often posted on the FB group because sensors which bleed a bit have a reputation for performing well.

maybe try to avoid the areas which have been bleeding a lot for a few months to let them recover?

 

[SB2015]

I had one big bleeder. It eventually stopped, and the sensor worked well. It left a bruise, but then it was going to whenever I removed it, so I decided that as it was working fine I wouldn’t waste the sensor. It was not particularly uncomfortable when in use, but left a very colourful arm once removed.

It has made me check at insertion before I put my top on so I don’t get in a mess.

 

[mikeyB]

What has happened is nothing to do with hitting nerves, as Kaylz said, nor is the experimental test suggested of any use. The reason for getting bleeders is puncturing a vein. If you’re lucky, that won’t bother the sensor, it will cheerfully measure blood glucose rather than interstitial fluid.

The reason they tell you to use the back of the arm is that the number of large veins is far less than on the front of the arm. This applies from the wrist to the shoulder - that’s why nurses take blood from the crook of the elbow, and folk who try and kill themselves slit the front of their wrists, not the back. I know that’s a bit graphic, but you get the idea.

I can see the veins running up the inside of my arm, but most ladies can’t because of the different arrangement of subcutaneous fat, which hides the veins. So make sure you are inserting the sensor on the back of the arm. You will get fewer bleeders, if any. It’s easy for me, I’m just guided by the section with hair.

 

[Flutterby]

Thanks everyone. I have definitely been using the back of my arm of each time. I will have to experiment a bit more I think. I have had no trouble with the readings so I agree with the principle of leaving it in place. I also agree with SB2015 that it wasn't particularly comfortable.

I will be using that arm again on Monday so stand well back folks!

I allow plenty of time now just in case a significant clean up job is required. I also avoid having a shower just before insertion as I think that makes it more likely to bleed.

 

[Amity Island]

Hi everyone. I have been using Libre for approximately 7-8 months now and I am very happy with it. The last 3 sensors in my left arm though have bled on insertion and the one time it was a considerable amount pouring down my arm and it left an impressive bruise. Has anyone experienced this and has anyone come up with a solution? My right arm behaves perfectly. All the sensors have worked ok its just not very pleasant and it does hurt quite a lot.

Hi Flutterby,
I've only had a "bleeder" once. I didn't even know 'till some time after when there was a large dried blood stain all the way down my shirt arm. To be honest, I didn't know about "bleeders" so never thought to look.

 

[trophywench]

Gosh Amity - have you seriously never had one after a jab? Myself I never had many of those but when they did happen they were memorable - real 'gushers' !

 

[Flutterby]

Hi Flutterby,
I've only had a "bleeder" once. I didn't even know 'till some time after when there was a large dried blood stain all the way down my shirt arm. To be honest, I didn't know about "bleeders" so never thought to look.

That's how I knew about the second one! I was in a rush and simply got dressed. As its winter, I had a few layers on and it was bedtime before I realised. Admittedly it wasn't as bad as the "pouring with blood" time.

 

[Flutterby]

Good news I twisted myself practically inside out and put it right at the back of my arm and no issues. I may need someone to untwist me though!

 

[Ljc]

Good news I twisted myself practically inside out and put it right at the back of my arm and no issues. I may need someone to untwist me though!

Sorry but I am giggling away to myself here
I find it easier going under arm rather than overarm when putting the sensor at the back.
I’ve had a few bleeders too.

 

[Flutterby]

Sorry but I am giggling away to myself here
I find it easier going under arm rather than overarm when putting the sensor at the back.
I’ve had a few bleeders too.

Glad I made you giggle. I will have to try the underarm method.