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FREESTYLE LIBRE ON SALE!!!!

For all my (well documented) concerns and issues, I'm still using it consistently and permanently. It really is the next best thing to CGM. Abbott customer service have been excellent with the replacements and it really has changed my understanding of how my glucose levels work. As you have the opportunity, it's worth doing it, even if it is only the one time you do it, at least you'll then be on the list.
 
noblehead said:
I've received an email today to say that they'll be contacting me soon and I'll have just a week to purchase the Libre, still undecided whether to go ahead given the mixed feedback on the forum:(
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I'd certainly give it a go Nigel. I only got the starter kit to see what it was like, but now couldn't imagine life without it.

Abbott customer service has been very good - they replaced my 3 erratic sensors with no fuss. I've had no issues with skin reactions or sensors falling off.
 
Hi there,

I got an email on Monday stating I could place an order for a starter pack in a week's time.

I'm going to give it ago, just for the trends and overnight basal tweaking side of things I think. Also to give my finger tips a bloody rest and a chance to heal up properly!

If possible can I please have a quick round up of the do and don'ts with these. I've read alot of this thread, but it's getting pretty unwieldy. These are the key bits of information I've taken.

1) Leave sensor in for 24 hours before activating, as it takes a while to settle in?
2) Shave arms and wash site before application to minimise chance of skin irritation?
3) Consider opsite flexfix/compeed for greater adhesion of sensors.

Anything else that could be of use to a first time user?

Thanks,

B
 
re reactions.
Have any of you with reactions tried a different site?
Several years ago I got a reaction when I used my stomach for my pump, a lot of itching and a bright red ring. As I only keep my pump sites in for 3 days at a time it probably wasn't nearly as nasty as some of the pictures I've seen here.
I stopped using my stomach and (touch wood) haven't found the problem elsewhere. Every now and then I try to use my stomach again but it each time it becomes incredibly itchy very quickly and I end up pulling it out and starting again elsewhere (not a cheap option with the Libre)
 
buckley8219 said:
1) Leave sensor in for 24 hours before activating, as it takes a while to settle in?
2) Shave arms and wash site before application to minimise chance of skin irritation?
3) Consider opsite flexfix/compeed for greater adhesion of sensors.
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1. After the first couple of sensors, I've found this to be unnecessary.
2. I'm not sure this would make any difference. If you get a reaction to the adhesive, shaving your arms and washing them won't make a difference.
3. Compeed is used to reduce reaction and placed under the sensor, it doesn't really improve adhesion. Aopsite goes over the sensor and some use it.
 
phoenix said:
re reactions.
Have any of you with reactions tried a different site?
Several years ago I got a reaction when I used my stomach for my pump, a lot of itching and a bright red ring. As I only keep my pump sites in for 3 days at a time it probably wasn't nearly as nasty as some of the pictures I've seen here.
I stopped using my stomach and (touch wood) haven't found the problem elsewhere. Every now and then I try to use my stomach again but it each time it becomes incredibly itchy very quickly and I end up pulling it out and starting again elsewhere (not a cheap option with the Libre)
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Thanks Phoenix. I did wonder if this might be the case. I actually don't like wearing the sensor on my arm anyway as I like to wear sleeveless dresses in summer and am very self-conscious about it, so I might give my abdomen a try next. Trouble is Abbott don't recommend any site other than backs of arms and I'm a bit worried that I'll be using my injection sites for Libre and given the size of the b****y introducer needle and the damage it causes, it might give me permanent problems with my injection sites.

Smidge
 
buckley8219 said:
Hi there,

I got an email on Monday stating I could place an order for a starter pack in a week's time.

I'm going to give it ago, just for the trends and overnight basal tweaking side of things I think. Also to give my finger tips a bloody rest and a chance to heal up properly!

If possible can I please have a quick round up of the do and don'ts with these. I've read alot of this thread, but it's getting pretty unwieldy. These are the key bits of information I've taken.

1) Leave sensor in for 24 hours before activating, as it takes a while to settle in?
2) Shave arms and wash site before application to minimise chance of skin irritation?
3) Consider opsite flexfix/compeed for greater adhesion of sensors.

Anything else that could be of use to a first time user?

Thanks,

B
Click to expand...

1. Make sure you record your insulin doses and grammes of carb from the outset - otherwise it takes ages for the data to time out of the system for you to get a consistent set - i.e. data without gaps in it! (It does averages for you and if you don't record all your carbs and insulin, the averages are wrong and affect accuracy of your charts).
2. Download the Libre software and regularly upload your Libre data to your computer - this is the power of the system really - it's a revelation the first time you see what your BG was doing overnight.

Enjoy!

Smidge
 
Buckley8219 - Shaving and washing the sensor site before application is to improve the adhesion. Also, after application of my first sensor, when I didn't do this, I had several long hairs trapped under the sensor, which I believe caused the itching and some mild pain, as I haven't had those problems since. Then, when you take the sensor off, it has less of a chance to pull hair out, assuming they haven't grown back over 14 days, depending on how hairy you are!

Graeme

P.S. I'm with you on letting fingertips heal. The few blood tests I do now are a lot less painful.
 
Hey Graeme,

I do the same with the my pump infusion sets, shave my thighs and stomach area ha, keeps things cleaner and results in better adhesion

My fingers aren't painful as such, just a mass of little black dots down the sides and tips of all fingers excluding thumbs, having to pumice and all the finger tips to reduce hardskin from the testing as well. So a break from 8-10 tests a day would be appreciated.

I'm not completely sold on the freestyle due to some issues detailed here, but the starter pack is definitely worth a punt I think. If it works as well as I hope I'll use it long term.

Another question open to all, if you had a starter pack and how would you make the most of it?

I'm thinking..

1) Couple of long fasting basal tests, so I can really dial my basal in and see what is going on over night.
2) Assessment of exercise routines and how exercise impacts blood glucose in real(ish) time.
3) Looking at pre meal bolusing timing variations and resulting postprandial spikes.
4) Adjustment of current carb/insulin rations.

What's been the most useful aspect of the freestyle for you?
 
I changed basal insulins so being able to manage that with the libre was fantastic. It's also been fascinating for seeing the patterns relating to exercise, or rather lack thereof.

I think what I've found most useful is that I've found that repeating the same things doesn't always result in the same glucose outcomes, which in the same breath is disheartening and enlightening.
 
buckley8219 said:
Hey Graeme,

I do the same with the my pump infusion sets, shave my thighs and stomach area ha, keeps things cleaner and results in better adhesion

My fingers aren't painful as such, just a mass of little black dots down the sides and tips of all fingers excluding thumbs, having to pumice and all the finger tips to reduce hardskin from the testing as well. So a break from 8-10 tests a day would be appreciated.

I'm not completely sold on the freestyle due to some issues detailed here, but the starter pack is definitely worth a punt I think. If it works as well as I hope I'll use it long term.

Another question open to all, if you had a starter pack and how would you make the most of it?

I'm thinking..

1) Couple of long fasting basal tests, so I can really dial my basal in and see what is going on over night.
2) Assessment of exercise routines and how exercise impacts blood glucose in real(ish) time.
3) Looking at pre meal bolusing timing variations and resulting postprandial spikes.
4) Adjustment of current carb/insulin rations.

What's been the most useful aspect of the freestyle for you?
Click to expand...

Without sounding corny its the freedom it can give you. I find it invaluable during my long distance cycling as I am able to check without stopping. I also don't have the issues of contaminated, cold, wet fingers to deal with. Its also shown the effects of the exercise in the following 24 hours and helped with adjusting doses to deal with this. The main warning would be that you may find it addictive and a starter pack will not be enough.
 
I don't mind wearing mine on my arm with short sleeves. I've actually found another type 1 at work as a surprise because he asked me what it was. We hadn't realised the other was t1! He's now on the wait list.

I'm having a few days off to give my skin a breather. I don't miss it as much as I thought, because it has given me such a better understanding of my sugars! :)

I will go back to it though
 
I also got the email on Monday. So excited to try it but keeping fingers crossed I won't get a reaction.
 
Emmotha said:
I don't mind wearing mine on my arm with short sleeves. I've actually found another type 1 at work as a surprise because he asked me what it was. We hadn't realised the other was t1! He's now on the wait list.
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Had a similar experience in the gym!
 
Hi I tested this kit for poole hospital about two months ago and ever since and wanted to buy one if the money is in the side but they've not been available I've signed up for an email for when they are available but it's taking a very very long time I'm desperate for one of these is no need to help with my blood monitoring but it also gave me the confidence to do with my diabetes is that feeling of my diabetes continuously controlled me can anybody help and tell me how long they waited till they could get one
 
robert72 said:
Hi and welcome to the forum

Did you register you interest?
https://www.freestylelibre.co.uk/customer/account/login/ and go to New customers and they'll email you when they can take on new customers.
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Hi robert72 sorry had to change email lol. Yh I did do that have been waiting about two months now as I gave the kit back day after I registered my interest on the Internet I've also looked on eBay where they go for about £800-£900
 
Princesnikki said:
Hi robert72 sorry had to change email lol. Yh I did do that have been waiting about two months now as I gave the kit back day after I registered my interest on the Internet I've also looked on eBay where they go for about £800-£900
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People who registered are starting to get emails, so hopefully not too long a wait. I bought when they went on sale, so don't know how long the wait is.
 
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