Messages In This Digest (12 Messages)
- 1a.
- Re: MM CGMS--works well for us! From: Maya Bachner
- 1b.
- Re: MM CGMS--works well for us! From: Jeff Nathan, Award-Winning Author
- 2a.
- Length of use of single MM CGMS sensor From: nelson55304
- 2b.
- Re: Length of use of single MM CGMS sensor From: Elizabeth Blake
- 2c.
- Re: Length of use of single MM CGMS sensor From: Brandy Beeson
- 2d.
- Re: Length of use of single MM CGMS sensor From: Melissa Howell
- 3.
- MM and Guardian From: Maureen Helinski
- 4a.
- Re: IV 3000 Waterproof? From: Brandy Beeson
- 4b.
- Re: IV 3000 Waterproof? From: Elizabeth Blake
- 5a.
- Using the Guardian vs. wireless mic: my review From: Wendy B.
- 5b.
- Re: Using the Guardian vs. wireless mic: my review From: Maya Bachner
- 6.
- Length of use of MM sensor From: Signe Myhren
Messages
- 1a.
-
Re: MM CGMS--works well for us!
Posted by: "Maya Bachner" mayatotto@yahoo.com mayatotto
Mon Jan 4, 2010 5:54 am (PST)
Wendy,
I was wondering whether you would kindly share your experience so far with using the Guardian (+ baby monitor) for monitoring your son's alarms at night? I remember your post a couple of months ago where you wrote that you would be trying out the system. How is it working? How is it compared to the wireless mic system you were using before?
Thanks in advance.
Maya
(mom to Benjamin 12 yrs)
Sent from my iPhone
On 4 Jan 2010, at 02:13, "Wendy B." <billingsley.wendy@gmail. > wrote:com
After reading Jeff's review, as well as several others, I wanted to add a few thoughts regarding the MM system. My concern is that it has been given a poor review by those it did not work for. I credit Jeff though for very clearly indicating what he needed from a CGMS and why the Dexcom was better for him. However, I wanted to add a few points regarding the MM system that may not have be intuitive for someone new to this forum and CGMS systems.
I have a six year old with D. We started using the MM CGMS about 14 months ago. We selected the MM pump when my son was four so that we could use an integrated CGMS later if we wanted to. The MM CGMS has worked well for us, has been accurate, and is contained to one unit if we want it to be. We also recently received the Guardian this month and use that system at night for better alarm covrage. When I looked at Jeff's numbers as compared between the Dex, MM and finger stick, I was surprised to see such a disprity between the MM system and the finger stick. On average, we are within 20 pts of a finger stick and often times, within just a few points. What may not have been evident from the data that Jeff reported was that MM displays an arrow (or arrows) when BG is moving quickly. Jeff did not mention this arrow, but it is very very helpful in explaining what is going on and clearing up why a discrepancy is seen between a sensor BG and a
fingerstick BG. We also are very careful to calibrate only when we are stable AND never eat within 15 minutes after a calibration has been put in.
I would like to try a Dex with my son at some point because I like that calibrating is easier. However, after playing around with The Guardian, I realize one unit is enough in his little pocket. Because of our MM CGMS, we are able to get great sleeping numbers. His A1c was has been 6.5 or 6.7 since beginning the system 14 mos ago. Our ped endo states that only 10 percent of his ped diab population is under 7 percent. We feel lucky to have this system. What I really love about it is that my 6 year old uses it to understand what he is feeling. When he is feeling low, he takes it out of his pocket and notes that it might say 116 with an arrow heading down. He understands that "yes---I am dropping". By the way---with Emla, insertion is painless---even for a six year old. We are about to put a new sensor in any minute--Sensor Sunday. OH---because if does have an ISIG displayed, I can get a pretty good idea what is going on with his BG even when I
have not calibrated and a BG is not displayed. This comes with experience.
Off to change a sensor. Hope this adds an additional perspective.
Wendy
- 1b.
-
Re: MM CGMS--works well for us!
Posted by: "Jeff Nathan, Award-Winning Author" jeff@incredibleassemblies.com chucklejeff
Mon Jan 4, 2010 7:12 am (PST)
It would be good to know the shortcomings of each system because we may be able to help in solving those. For example, a baby monitor is an omnidirectional system so it will pick up OTHER noises that may keep you up if you are a light sleeper. You want to be awakened by the alarm.
A wireless microphone can be unidirectional, but usually requires a 9v battery, which may not last long. If that is an issue, you can replace the 9v battery with a modified power supply. If you need help with that, contact me and I'll be happy to help you.
Warm regards,
-jeff toll-free: 1-888-967-3386
Award-Winning Children's Author, Jeff Nathan, presents
CurricuLaughs
Curriculum-tied Language Arts Education through HUMOR
"... by far, the best set of presentations I have seen in our school system ."
Dr. Marc Kerble Assistant Superintendent Winchester Schools Winchester, MA
"… a student said it best. "You Rock!" From the mouth of babes, Jeff you were sensational. Thank you ever so much!"
Kristine O. Murray Media Enrichment Specialist Maghakian Memorial School Brookline, NH
see these and other raving testimonials at <http://www.IncredibleAssemblies. > www.IncredibleAssemcom blies.com
From: diabetescgms@yahoogroups. [mailto:diabetescgms@com yahoogroups. ] On Behalf Of Maya Bachnercom
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 8:55 AM
To: diabetescgms@yahoogroups. com
Subject: Re: [diabetescgms] MM CGMS--works well for us!
Wendy,
I was wondering whether you would kindly share your experience so far with using the Guardian (+ baby monitor) for monitoring your son's alarms at night? I remember your post a couple of months ago where you wrote that you would be trying out the system. How is it working? How is it compared to the wireless mic system you were using before?
Thanks in advance.
Maya
(mom to Benjamin 12 yrs)
Sent from my iPhone
On 4 Jan 2010, at 02:13, "Wendy B." <billingsley.wendy@gmail. > wrote:com
After reading Jeff's review, as well as several others, I wanted to add a few thoughts regarding the MM system. My concern is that it has been given a poor review by those it did not work for. I credit Jeff though for very clearly indicating what he needed from a CGMS and why the Dexcom was better for him. However, I wanted to add a few points regarding the MM system that may not have be intuitive for someone new to this forum and CGMS systems.
I have a six year old with D. We started using the MM CGMS about 14 months ago. We selected the MM pump when my son was four so that we could use an integrated CGMS later if we wanted to. The MM CGMS has worked well for us, has been accurate, and is contained to one unit if we want it to be. We also recently received the Guardian this month and use that system at night for better alarm covrage. When I looked at Jeff's numbers as compared between the Dex, MM and finger stick, I was surprised to see such a disprity between the MM system and the finger stick. On average, we are within 20 pts of a finger stick and often times, within just a few points. What may not have been evident from the data that Jeff reported was that MM displays an arrow (or arrows) when BG is moving quickly. Jeff did not mention this arrow, but it is very very helpful in explaining what is going on and clearing up why a discrepancy is seen between a sensor BG and a fingerstick BG. We also are very careful to calibrate only when we are stable AND never eat within 15 minutes after a calibration has been put in.
I would like to try a Dex with my son at some point because I like that calibrating is easier. However, after playing around with The Guardian, I realize one unit is enough in his little pocket. Because of our MM CGMS, we are able to get great sleeping numbers. His A1c was has been 6.5 or 6.7 since beginning the system 14 mos ago. Our ped endo states that only 10 percent of his ped diab population is under 7 percent. We feel lucky to have this system. What I really love about it is that my 6 year old uses it to understand what he is feeling. When he is feeling low, he takes it out of his pocket and notes that it might say 116 with an arrow heading down. He understands that "yes---I am dropping". By the way---with Emla, insertion is painless---even for a six year old. We are about to put a new sensor in any minute--Sensor Sunday. OH---because if does have an ISIG displayed, I can get a pretty good idea what is going on with his BG even when I have not calibrated and a BG is not displayed. This comes with experience.
Off to change a sensor. Hope this adds an additional perspective.
Wendy
- 2a.
-
Length of use of single MM CGMS sensor
Posted by: "nelson55304" Kelly.Nelson@spps.org nelson55304
Mon Jan 4, 2010 7:03 am (PST)
When I started using the MM CGMS I was educated on the 3 day use and then told that you can acutally "re-start" the same CGMS and use it for another 3 days. So that is what I have been doing. I'm reading some postings here that talk of really extended use of single CGMS sensors. Do you continue to "simply" restart the sensor when it gets to a sensor end point? Do you do anything other than good skin prep to help prevent infection w/ a sensor in for an extended period of time? I am quite interested in maximizing the use of the sensors. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.
- 2b.
-
Re: Length of use of single MM CGMS sensor
Posted by: "Elizabeth Blake" poodlebone@yahoo.com poodlebone
Mon Jan 4, 2010 7:49 am (PST)
----- Original Message ----
> From: nelson55304 <Kelly.Nelson@spps.org >
> When I started using the MM CGMS I was educated on the 3 day use and then told
> that you can acutally "re-start" the same CGMS and use it for another 3 days. So
> that is what I have been doing. I'm reading some postings here that talk of
> really extended use of single CGMS sensors. Do you continue to "simply" restart
> the sensor when it gets to a sensor end point? Do you do anything other than
> good skin prep to help prevent infection w/ a sensor in for an extended period
> of time? I am quite interested in maximizing the use of the sensors. Thank you
> for sharing your wisdom and experience.
With the Minimed system you will have to remove & recharge the transmitter after 7 days as it has a built-in timer. Many people will use a sensor for only 6 days and some will restart it a third time to get that extra day. Note that the time begins as soon as you attach the transmitter to the sensor, not when you do the first calibration.
I try to get as much time as possible from each sensor so every 7 days I carefully peel off the old dressing to recharge the transmitter. You do not want to pull the sensor out of your skin at all, so taping is very important. Using tricks that I've learned here & on other forums and adapting them to my needs, this is what I do.
1. Insert a new sensor and place a strip of tape over the plastic hub, making sure the two little prongs that connect it to the transmitter are not covered. Many people recommend using medical paper tape or similar but I find that a strip of Hypafix works best for me. I have Hypafix rolls in various widths and a strip of the 2" wide is perfect. Anything that will hold the sensor firmly in place will work.
2. I find that getting the dressing off of the transmitter is the hardest part. Some people will place a piece of tissue on the transmitter or smear a little Vaseline on top to make the dressing easier to remove. I have found the easiest way for me is to use some double sided *removable* Scotch tape. When I connect the transmitter to the sensor I put some of the removable tape on top, then tape it all down. Since both sides are sticky everything is held firmly in place but when I peel off the dressing a week later, it comes off easily. The sides/edges of the transmitter are still stuck firmly to the dressing but once I get one edge loose it all comes up.
3. I keep a finger pressed on the sensor while removing everything because you do NOT want that to pull out of your skin even a little bit. The strip of tape helps keep it in.
4. I use an alcohol wipe on my skin before inserting a sensor. Let it dry thoroughly before inserting. If I'm putting the sensor in an area where I know the transmitter has caused irritation in the past I'll slip a small square of gauze under the transmitter after it's connected and before I tape it down. I make sure the gauze is not too thick because I don't want it pushing up on my transmitter.
5. When I remove the transmitter to recharge it I might clean the area up if it looks like it needs it. The only problems I've experienced is irritation from the edges of the transmitter. Using gauze or tissue underneath and avoiding areas that get irritated easily (my abdomen) solves that.
6. The longest I've used a sensor was 34 days, and it was in my arm. My arms do not get irritated by the transmitter and the site looked perfect when I finally took the sensor out. It actually got pulled out by accident when I was trying to recharge the transmitter, otherwise I would have kept going since it was working perfectly. That sensor tracked extremely well and was rarely off from my meter readings. The site looked better than my infusion sets sites which are only in for 3 days.
--
Liz
Type 1 dx 4/1987
Minimed 722 + CGMS
- 2c.
-
Re: Length of use of single MM CGMS sensor
Posted by: "Brandy Beeson" volleyheels13@yahoo.com volleyheels13
Mon Jan 4, 2010 8:05 am (PST)
What Liz is saying is right on. I normally keep the Sensor in for anywhere from 14 - 21 days. 21 days was my max because I was too worried about infection. When I took it out, the skin was fine. The only spot I had that was problematic was a blister caused by the transmitter not the sensor. It can rub the skin so placing something under it helps a lot. I don't have any pain or anything. The sensor site actually heals really quickly which is amazing considering the whole diabetes thing. I do have scars but who doesn't. It seems we get scars all the time. Some of my infusion set sites are a lot worse as well. So I would keep going as long as you can. Save as much money as possible!!
--- On Mon, 1/4/10, Elizabeth Blake <poodlebone@yahoo.com > wrote:
From: Elizabeth Blake <poodlebone@yahoo.com >
Subject: Re: [diabetescgms] Length of use of single MM CGMS sensor
To: diabetescgms@yahoogroups. com
Date: Monday, January 4, 2010, 10:48 AM
----- Original Message ----
> From: nelson55304 <Kelly.Nelson@ spps.org>
> When I started using the MM CGMS I was educated on the 3 day use and then told
> that you can acutally "re-start" the same CGMS and use it for another 3 days. So
> that is what I have been doing. I'm reading some postings here that talk of
> really extended use of single CGMS sensors. Do you continue to "simply" restart
> the sensor when it gets to a sensor end point? Do you do anything other than
> good skin prep to help prevent infection w/ a sensor in for an extended period
> of time? I am quite interested in maximizing the use of the sensors. Thank you
> for sharing your wisdom and experience.
With the Minimed system you will have to remove & recharge the transmitter after 7 days as it has a built-in timer. Many people will use a sensor for only 6 days and some will restart it a third time to get that extra day. Note that the time begins as soon as you attach the transmitter to the sensor, not when you do the first calibration.
I try to get as much time as possible from each sensor so every 7 days I carefully peel off the old dressing to recharge the transmitter. You do not want to pull the sensor out of your skin at all, so taping is very important. Using tricks that I've learned here & on other forums and adapting them to my needs, this is what I do.
1. Insert a new sensor and place a strip of tape over the plastic hub, making sure the two little prongs that connect it to the transmitter are not covered. Many people recommend using medical paper tape or similar but I find that a strip of Hypafix works best for me. I have Hypafix rolls in various widths and a strip of the 2" wide is perfect. Anything that will hold the sensor firmly in place will work.
2. I find that getting the dressing off of the transmitter is the hardest part. Some people will place a piece of tissue on the transmitter or smear a little Vaseline on top to make the dressing easier to remove. I have found the easiest way for me is to use some double sided *removable* Scotch tape. When I connect the transmitter to the sensor I put some of the removable tape on top, then tape it all down. Since both sides are sticky everything is held firmly in place but when I peel off the dressing a week later, it comes off easily. The sides/edges of the transmitter are still stuck firmly to the dressing but once I get one edge loose it all comes up.
3. I keep a finger pressed on the sensor while removing everything because you do NOT want that to pull out of your skin even a little bit. The strip of tape helps keep it in.
4. I use an alcohol wipe on my skin before inserting a sensor. Let it dry thoroughly before inserting. If I'm putting the sensor in an area where I know the transmitter has caused irritation in the past I'll slip a small square of gauze under the transmitter after it's connected and before I tape it down. I make sure the gauze is not too thick because I don't want it pushing up on my transmitter.
5. When I remove the transmitter to recharge it I might clean the area up if it looks like it needs it. The only problems I've experienced is irritation from the edges of the transmitter. Using gauze or tissue underneath and avoiding areas that get irritated easily (my abdomen) solves that.
6. The longest I've used a sensor was 34 days, and it was in my arm. My arms do not get irritated by the transmitter and the site looked perfect when I finally took the sensor out. It actually got pulled out by accident when I was trying to recharge the transmitter, otherwise I would have kept going since it was working perfectly. That sensor tracked extremely well and was rarely off from my meter readings. The site looked better than my infusion sets sites which are only in for 3 days.
--
Liz
Type 1 dx 4/1987
Minimed 722 + CGMS
- 2d.
-
Re: Length of use of single MM CGMS sensor
Posted by: "Melissa Howell" melissahowell@embarqmail.com sabhow
Mon Jan 4, 2010 3:03 pm (PST)
I am having the hardest time finding spots for the MM sensor. I put my pump in my stomach and have for 10+ years, that plus a pregnancy leaves that skin not elastic and full of scar tissue underneath. Since the skin is not tight I have a hard time getting it injected into that area. I have tried my upper front thigh a few times but each time I have hit something and get severe pain and bruising for weeks along with a ton of blood. I have moved on to my lower hips and the only problem I have here is tha i lay on my sides when i sleep and it hurts. Help, any other ideas????
melissa
----- Original Message -----
From: Brandy Beeson
To: diabetescgms@yahoogroups. com
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 11:05 AM
Subject: Re: [diabetescgms] Length of use of single MM CGMS sensor
What Liz is saying is right on. I normally keep the Sensor in for anywhere from 14 - 21 days. 21 days was my max because I was too worried about infection. When I took it out, the skin was fine. The only spot I had that was problematic was a blister caused by the transmitter not the sensor. It can rub the skin so placing something under it helps a lot. I don't have any pain or anything. The sensor site actually heals really quickly which is amazing considering the whole diabetes thing. I do have scars but who doesn't. It seems we get scars all the time. Some of my infusion set sites are a lot worse as well. So I would keep going as long as you can. Save as much money as possible!!
--- On Mon, 1/4/10, Elizabeth Blake <poodlebone@yahoo.com > wrote:
From: Elizabeth Blake <poodlebone@yahoo.com >
Subject: Re: [diabetescgms] Length of use of single MM CGMS sensor
To: diabetescgms@yahoogroups. com
Date: Monday, January 4, 2010, 10:48 AM
----- Original Message ----
> From: nelson55304 <Kelly.Nelson@ spps.org>
> When I started using the MM CGMS I was educated on the 3 day use and then told
> that you can acutally "re-start" the same CGMS and use it for another 3 days. So
> that is what I have been doing. I'm reading some postings here that talk of
> really extended use of single CGMS sensors. Do you continue to "simply" restart
> the sensor when it gets to a sensor end point? Do you do anything other than
> good skin prep to help prevent infection w/ a sensor in for an extended period
> of time? I am quite interested in maximizing the use of the sensors. Thank you
> for sharing your wisdom and experience.
With the Minimed system you will have to remove & recharge the transmitter after 7 days as it has a built-in timer. Many people will use a sensor for only 6 days and some will restart it a third time to get that extra day. Note that the time begins as soon as you attach the transmitter to the sensor, not when you do the first calibration.
I try to get as much time as possible from each sensor so every 7 days I carefully peel off the old dressing to recharge the transmitter. You do not want to pull the sensor out of your skin at all, so taping is very important. Using tricks that I've learned here & on other forums and adapting them to my needs, this is what I do.
1. Insert a new sensor and place a strip of tape over the plastic hub, making sure the two little prongs that connect it to the transmitter are not covered. Many people recommend using medical paper tape or similar but I find that a strip of Hypafix works best for me. I have Hypafix rolls in various widths and a strip of the 2" wide is perfect. Anything that will hold the sensor firmly in place will work.
2. I find that getting the dressing off of the transmitter is the hardest part. Some people will place a piece of tissue on the transmitter or smear a little Vaseline on top to make the dressing easier to remove. I have found the easiest way for me is to use some double sided *removable* Scotch tape. When I connect the transmitter to the sensor I put some of the removable tape on top, then tape it all down. Since both sides are sticky everything is held firmly in place but when I peel off the dressing a week later, it comes off easily. The sides/edges of the transmitter are still stuck firmly to the dressing but once I get one edge loose it all comes up.
3. I keep a finger pressed on the sensor while removing everything because you do NOT want that to pull out of your skin even a little bit. The strip of tape helps keep it in.
4. I use an alcohol wipe on my skin before inserting a sensor. Let it dry thoroughly before inserting. If I'm putting the sensor in an area where I know the transmitter has caused irritation in the past I'll slip a small square of gauze under the transmitter after it's connected and before I tape it down. I make sure the gauze is not too thick because I don't want it pushing up on my transmitter.
5. When I remove the transmitter to recharge it I might clean the area up if it looks like it needs it. The only problems I've experienced is irritation from the edges of the transmitter. Using gauze or tissue underneath and avoiding areas that get irritated easily (my abdomen) solves that.
6. The longest I've used a sensor was 34 days, and it was in my arm. My arms do not get irritated by the transmitter and the site looked perfect when I finally took the sensor out. It actually got pulled out by accident when I was trying to recharge the transmitter, otherwise I would have kept going since it was working perfectly. That sensor tracked extremely well and was rarely off from my meter readings. The site looked better than my infusion sets sites which are only in for 3 days.
--
Liz
Type 1 dx 4/1987
Minimed 722 + CGMS
- 3.
-
MM and Guardian
Posted by: "Maureen Helinski" helins19@verizon.net helins19
Mon Jan 4, 2010 7:18 am (PST)
I have used the MM CGMS since 2006 and I am very happy with it. I was
interested in Wendy's comment that she uses the Guardian at night for her
child. I thought about getting a Guardian for a different reason. When I am
dressed up nicely I can always find a place to stick my MM pump, but now I
want to be able to see the BG numbers. I have become obsessed with these
numbers and think I don't know how I feel until I can see my BG is in range.
So I thought about also getting a Guardian to carry in my purse for special
occasions so I can check BGs. Has anyone done this? I decided not to think
about it because that would be another $1,000, for a vain reason but it
would be nice. With a long sleeved dress, I can wear the MM pump on my wrist
with an elastic band under my sleeve, but in summer, it is not possible. I
have tried my legs also but I can't pull up my dress in front of company. I
can't run to the ladies' room so often. Just a thought.
Maureen Helinski
helins19@verizon.net
- 4a.
-
Re: IV 3000 Waterproof?
Posted by: "Brandy Beeson" volleyheels13@yahoo.com volleyheels13
Mon Jan 4, 2010 8:00 am (PST)
Okay I will try some others but since the sensor is inserted there is technically a hole in your leg. So, don't we need to worry about soap, dirt, etc. getting into the hole and thus causing an infection. The other thing I worry about is swimming. When I was on shots I jumped in the pool too quickly after having given myself a shot and my leg swelled up. Apparently that was the reaction of the chlorine getting in the site. So, is that a legitimate concern or me being paranoid?? I feel like I need to keep it covered all the time to prevent stuff from getting into the sensor site. My trainer was NOT good, so this wasn't covered. Also, I didn't think to ask more in depth questions initially.
Thanks!
--- On Sun, 1/3/10, Elizabeth Blake <poodlebone@yahoo.com > wrote:
From: Elizabeth Blake <poodlebone@yahoo.com >
Subject: Re: [diabetescgms] IV 3000 Waterproof?
To: diabetescgms@yahoogroups. com
Date: Sunday, January 3, 2010, 11:13 PM
----- Original Message ----
> From: Brandy <volleyheels13@ yahoo.com>
> Okay so the IV 3000 is what came with my CGMS to use to cover it. One thing
> that I have found is every time I get out of the shower, there is water pooling
> around the sensor. I always change it because I am worried about skin
> breakdown. I make sure that the "top" of the IV 3000 is completely flat with no
> bubbles or anything. So, with that being said, am I just having bad luck or is
> the IV 3000 not really waterproof? Any other things out there that is so I am
> not having to change the stuff all the time. I normally keep my sensor in for
> anywhere between 14 - 21 days. 21 was my limit. I started getting freaked out
> and was worrying I would get an infection! Any thoughts would be greatly
> appreciated. Thanks!
I find that I end up with water under the dressing when I use IV3000 as well, and that's just another reason why it is far from my first choice. I don't find that it sticks as well as other options. If there's even the tiniest fold in the dressing water gets in and it all starts to peel up. In the summer it sweats right off.
If the tape seems to be sticking well you can just use a lancet to poke a hole in the dressing to drain the water out rather than changing it all. The water won't affect the sensor/transmitter because once they're connected the system is waterproof. However, once water gets in I find that it will all start to loosen and pull up very soon anyway.
You should look for a roll of 4" Opsite Flexifix. It comes in a roll rather than individual pieces. It holds far better than IV3000 (they're made by the same company) and since it's one piece you don't have to worry about overlapping individual pieces. I find that even Tegaderm holds better than IV3000 but the Flexifix is better. You can also use Hypafix, which is not waterproof. It's like the adhesive that's built into infusion sets, like cloth and breathable. Water & sweat evaporate quickly and I find that I get no irritation from it even in the summer when every other tape bothers my skin. As I said, once the transmitter is connected to the sensor it's waterproof so your tape/dressing does not have to be. I use Hypafix exclusively during the summer.
--
Liz
Type 1 dx 4/1987
Minimed 722 + CGMS
- 4b.
-
Re: IV 3000 Waterproof?
Posted by: "Elizabeth Blake" poodlebone@yahoo.com poodlebone
Mon Jan 4, 2010 8:54 am (PST)
>From: Brandy Beeson <volleyheels13@yahoo.com >
>Okay I will try some others but since the sensor is inserted there is technically a hole in your leg. So, don't we need to worry about soap, dirt, etc. getting into the hole and thus causing an infection. The other thing I worry about is swimming. When I was on shots I jumped in the pool too quickly after having given myself a shot and my leg swelled up. Apparently that was the reaction of the chlorine getting in the site. So, is that a legitimate concern or me being paranoid?? I feel like I need to keep it covered all the time to prevent stuff from getting into the sensor site. My trainer was NOT good, so this wasn't covered. Also, I didn't think to ask more in depth questions initially.
I've never had any problems using non-waterproof tape. The sensor itself has adhesive on it and I guess that's enough. I've never had an infection from an infusion set or injections either. I've been pumping for over 4 1/2 years and I've been diabetic for closer to 23 years. I've always reused syringes/pen needles and injected through clothing all the time. I never use those caps on my infusion sets when I disconnect. I might worry if I was playing sports and landing in dirt all the time but luckily I don't do that!
--
Liz
Type 1 dx 4/1987
Minimed 722 + CGMS
- 5a.
-
Using the Guardian vs. wireless mic: my review
Posted by: "Wendy B." billingsley.wendy@gmail.com mom2type1
Mon Jan 4, 2010 3:55 pm (PST)
My six year old has been using an integrated MM CGMS and a $50 wireless mic
system from Radio Shack for over one year. We noticed from the start that
although we live in a small home, we did not get consistent enough reception
to be able to use the wireless mic receiver in our bedroom with the mic in
his pump pack in his room. However, other parents have not had any issue
with this and it may just be our home. We put the receiver in a room
adjacent to his room where the signal just had to go through one wall. We
then used a baby monitor base in front of the receiver and utilized two baby
monitors around the house. At first this system worked fairly well. About
9 months in the wireless mic needed to be replaced. It had a short in the
wiring. I bought the extended service plan so that was easy enough. I
protected the wiring of the new mic a little better by wrapping it with
rubber bands. The next problem came when our baby monitor started an
annoying hum. When we replaced it with a different model, I noticed that
the sound of my son rolling over was much more pronounced and this drove me
NUTS at night because it was a delicate balance of getting the volume just
right so I could hear the alarms but not the rolling over. I never got it
right and turned to ordering the Guardian. Insurance paid because they
probably didn't understand that I was ordering something I already had. You
know how that goes. The Guardian has completely resolved the noise issue.
We only use it in the evening. I calibrate both systems when he gets home
from school and try to keep the Guardian near him until bedtime. Even if I
lose the signal, I can get it back with Find Lost Sensor. Because I have
more cals in the integrated model, the numbers don't match up perfectly.
However, they are within 10 pts and that is fine with me. I turn off the
alarms on the integrated and just have the Guardian alarms on at night. I
hang the Guardian next to the baby monitor base--both attached to his top
bunk guard rail. This is a better solution for us but still requires a
little bit of work. It is nice have the Guardian though. On weekends I can
attach it to my belt and keep an eye on his numbers if we are at a movie
theatre. I am happy that I ordered it and it is a better solution for us.
Hope this helps!!!
Wendy
- 5b.
-
Re: Using the Guardian vs. wireless mic: my review
Posted by: "Maya Bachner" mayatotto@yahoo.com mayatotto
Mon Jan 4, 2010 11:43 pm (PST)
Thanks Wendy, this is very helpful. We'll try this solutuon as well since we are having noice issues too with the wireless mic system.
Maya
_____________________ _________ __
From: Wendy B. <billingsley.wendy@gmail. >com
To: diabetescgms@yahoogroups. com
Sent: Tue, January 5, 2010 12:55:10 AM
Subject: [diabetescgms] Using the Guardian vs. wireless mic: my review
My six year old has been using an integrated MM CGMS and a $50 wireless mic system from Radio Shack for over one year. We noticed from the start that although we live in a small home, we did not get consistent enough reception to be able to use the wireless mic receiver in our bedroom with the mic in his pump pack in his room. However, other parents have not had any issue with this and it may just be our home. We put the receiver in a room adjacent to his room where the signal just had to go through one wall. We then used a baby monitor base in front of the receiver and utilized two baby monitors around the house. At first this system worked fairly well. About 9 months in the wireless mic needed to be replaced. It had a short in the wiring. I bought the extended service plan so that was easy enough. I protected the wiring of the new mic a little better by wrapping it with rubber bands. The next problem came when our baby monitor
started an annoying hum. When we replaced it with a different model, I noticed that the sound of my son rolling over was much more pronounced and this drove me NUTS at night because it was a delicate balance of getting the volume just right so I could hear the alarms but not the rolling over. I never got it right and turned to ordering the Guardian. Insurance paid because they probably didn't understand that I was ordering something I already had. You know how that goes. The Guardian has completely resolved the noise issue. We only use it in the evening. I calibrate both systems when he gets home from school and try to keep the Guardian near him until bedtime. Even if I lose the signal, I can get it back with Find Lost Sensor. Because I have more cals in the integrated model, the numbers don't match up perfectly. However, they are within 10 pts and that is fine with me. I turn off the alarms on the integrated and just have the
Guardian alarms on at night. I hang the Guardian next to the baby monitor base--both attached to his top bunk guard rail. This is a better solution for us but still requires a little bit of work. It is nice have the Guardian though. On weekends I can attach it to my belt and keep an eye on his numbers if we are at a movie theatre. I am happy that I ordered it and it is a better solution for us. Hope this helps!!!
Wendy
- 6.
-
Length of use of MM sensor
Posted by: "Signe Myhren" jechante17@yahoo.com jechante17
Mon Jan 4, 2010 4:05 pm (PST)
After reading a few responses, I have a question for all you fellow MM CGMS-ers:How long do you keep a sensor in before recharging? Do you recharge after 6 days, or after 7 days? I have always recharged after 6 days, if I felt that a sensor was performing well and I wanted to use it a bit longer (10 days is my maximum; my endo. says any longer and you are inviting a risk of infection.)
The one I have in right now is one of the best I have ever worn. It is always showing within 2 points of my finger stick blood glucose reading! Today is Day 4. Should I try recharging on Day 8, or stick with recharging at the very beginning of Day 7?
Thanks a lot!
SM
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