Freestyle libre sensor

[cazza54]

My husband bought me a Freestyle libre starter kit with two sensors and a reader last week. I have found it very useful for the last four days. I discovered that I was going very low overnight (2.9 was lowest) and on one night this happened twice.

Sadly, the sensor has just fallen off my arm. I was hoping it would last the full 14 days, and am very disappointed. As the kit contained two, I have inserted the other sensor on my other arm and hope it last longer this time.

Has anyone else had this happen to them?

I had my treatment changed two weeks ago, and am now on overnight insulin degludec, which has improved my readings immensely. I was really wanting to watch how my blood glucose was reacting to this new regime.

 

[Energize]

Hi Cazza

Firstly, I assume you don't use creams/lotions on the area where you placed the sensor. This would lessen the stickinss of the sensor.

I would get your husband (being account holder) to phone Abbott tomorrow and explain that it's fallen off. They will want to know that you have applied it as instructed, on a specified/licenced site etc. Most likely, they will agree to send you a replacement plus packaging and instructions to return the one that fell off (free postage)

Yes, this seems to happen quite a lot and I've had one fall off too.

It would seem some people just don't have suitable skin, ie can be greasy etc, in which case the sensors are less likely to be so secure. Many people use Tegaderm, or other products, to help secure the sensor although Abbott say not to put anything over the sensor.

I'm sure others will be along to give advice too. I do hope your second, and subsequent, sensor(s) work well for you. I find it's a brilliant tool

 

[Brunneria]

I exfoliate thoroughly before application, then clean off any soap, cream or body lotion and then let it dry completely before using alcohol application wipe. I think all those things make a big difference.

I have scraped two sensors off, one on a doorway, the other with a bag strap. But usually at the end of two weeks they hurt to remove because they are stuck so well.

 

[cazza54]

Thank you for your replies Energize and Brunneria. I didn't use any creams or lotions, and thoroughly cleaned the area with the alchol pad before applying the sensor.

I was just sitting at the computer, working, when I felt it fall off.

I will ask hubby to contact them to explain what has happened. Thank you for letting me know that they may replace the sensor, that is wonderful news!

 

[GrantGam]

Thank you for your replies Energize and Brunneria. I didn't use any creams or lotions, and thoroughly cleaned the area with the alchol pad before applying the sensor.

I was just sitting at the computer, working, when I felt it fall off.

I will ask hubby to contact them to explain what has happened. Thank you for letting me know that they may replace the sensor, that is wonderful news!

I like to leave applying the sensor a good 5 minutes after using the alcohol wipe. Although the alcohol will evaporate off your skin relatively quickly, leaving a few minutes before applying the sensor will ensure that the area is totally dry.

Once the sensor is in place, I thoroughly push down around the edges of the adhesive material to make sure that it's well secured.

As @Brunneria said, getting them off is a real challenge. Even more so than having diabetes!

Grant

 

[cazza54]

Thank you Grant. I did leave the area to dry for a little bit, but probably not a full 5 minutes.

Regards,

Carol

 

[GrantGam]

Thank you Grant. I did leave the area to dry for a little bit, but probably not a full 5 minutes.

Regards,

Carol

Whether that makes a difference or not I don't actually know, but my sensors haven't fallen off with that technique.

I did rip one off but it was my own fault entirely.

Hope this next one stays on

Grant

 

[AndBreathe]

Thank you Grant. I did leave the area to dry for a little bit, but probably not a full 5 minutes.

Regards,

Carol

Nice to see you Cazza. I hope you're generally well.

I've had one sensor just drop off - down the sleeve of my dressing gown. I called Abbott, and once I'd gone through their assessment process (to ensure you have followed the instructions, and so on), they replaced it without question. Whilst your husband may be the account holder he may be required on the call, but I imagine they'll need to talk to you to go through the assessment process. I could be wrong.

Like the others have said, I don't moisturise the area where I intend to apply the sensor, then I use the alcohol wipe, and leave that several minutes before applying the sensor.

When applying it, when I press it on (big click) I also press the applicator firmly onto my arm andmake sure I have pressed all round the edges. I can't think how to describe what I acually do,.......... Oooooerrrr. Then carefully remove the applicator and ensure all the sticky is stuck down.

All of that makes taking the sensor off at the end of it's life a bit like prizing a limpet from a rock, or opening an oyster, but needs must!

It's a great thing though.

 

[Bluetit1802]

I get my husband to attach the sensor for me. He gives it a really hard press. That way seems better than doing it myself with one hand. Then check it is firmly stuck round all the edges. I don't moisturise my arm, and just use the alcohol wipe to clean the area. I haven't had one fall off yet. (But have only used 4 so far)

 

[Gemma2]

I put a piece of clear waterproof plaster over my sensor to keep it in place.

 

[Lou73]

Hi. I received a sensor and a reader as part of a trial on Thursday. The specialist nurse (who's son is a Type 1 and uses these all the time) advised that you can use rock tape or vet wrap to secure a sensor if needed.