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Freestyle libre sensor placement

M

mariposa84

Well-Known Member
Messages
127
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi,

I've just put my first ever libre sensor on and I've put it more on the side of my arm rather than back (I was really nervous for some reason and the insertion device was quite tricky to push down on my arm). Really annoyed with myself but wanted to ask if anyone else has accidentally done this and, if they have, have I just wasted my first sensor?
 
It'll still work OK. I would't imagine the glucose in the interstitial fluid at the side of your arm is much different to that at the back. Only problem is you'll run a higher risk of knocking it off on a door jamb! Good luck with it, I've found mine to be game changing.
 
Mine is pretty much on the side, easy to reach, One just has to be careful getting through doors ! good luck with it !
 
Scott-C said:
It'll still work OK. I would't imagine the glucose in the interstitial fluid at the side of your arm is much different to that at the back. Only problem is you'll run a higher risk of knocking it off on a door jamb! Good luck with it, I've found mine to be game changing.
Click to expand...

Thanks Scott! Keeping my fingers crossed...so far I've heard nothing but positives about the system so I'm hoping it works for me too ☺
 
yes, total agreement. I find the further to the back I put them, the fewer accidental knocks they get. Doorframes are my nemesis!

As a suggestion, you might want to put a square of Opsite tape over it. Just to give it a bit more protection. I wouldn't normally suggest it unless you were going swimming or something, but if you are worried about knocking it, it might give you just a little bit more reassurance.

Alternatively, one of those armband things that people put their ipods in when they are running. If you can hide it under your clothing?
 
That should be fine, I would think. One thing to consider, from my perspective anyway, is is it somewhere that you will lie on when you sleep? If so, you may want to take overnight readings with a pinch of salt, as I believe this can give rise to 'compression hypos' - even though you are not actually hypo it will read as if you are a bit lower. Also, it definitely is easier to put on the second and third times, and so on, because you know more what to expect.
 
I'm soon to get one of these but have to complete a six session course about diabetes to qualify. I can't wait it will be a real game changer for me as I work on the railway and need to keep a constant check on bg levels to keep safe out there. I'm going to get a arm tubigrip to help keep it in place, it's worth a try, cheap and reusable.
 
I found the best, for me, was some (ie Tubifast, Comfifast, Easifast - latter are both cheaper versions). I didn't want to use Tubigrip as I felt this is too stong on the elastic and could potentially lead to problems. The Comfifast (yellow line) has been excellent, folded double, not too tight but prevented me knocking it off on several occasions :)

Also, I soaked it in cold tea, to stain/dye it, and it came up a fantastic flesh colour so not so obvious on my arm ;)
 
Scott-C said:
It'll still work OK. I would't imagine the glucose in the interstitial fluid at the side of your arm is much different to that at the back. Only problem is you'll run a higher risk of knocking it off on a door jamb! Good luck with it, I've found mine to be game changing.
Click to expand...

Hi again Scott,
Have you ever experienced relatively high blood sugars after inserting sensor???

I think I may have an infection but wondered if they could be sensor-related?
 
mariposa84 said:
Hi again Scott,
Have you ever experienced relatively high blood sugars after inserting sensor???

I think I may have an infection but wondered if they could be sensor-related?
Click to expand...

No, I've not experienced anything like that. The highs are probably just coincidence.
 
1st sensor can take a while to settle. Most people ok within about 24 hr. might show higher or lower levels...
The thing to do is to put your next sensor in 24-48 hours before the one that will be removed. Youcan only work one sensor at one time.
 
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