Freestyle Libre 2 sensors always failing now

[Sophielouise]

I have been using the freestyle libre continuously for over 5 years now and the Libre 2 for the past couple years. There has been some that aren’t very accurate but most have been fine, and hardly any have failed midway through the 2 weeks.

However, for the past few months I have had sensor after sensor problems, whether it’s completely inaccurate readings, it having an error and having to be replaced, it hurting like hell and keeping me awake at night for days until I have to change it and the worst was I have had two blood spurting incidences when putting one on which I’ve not had happen ever before. Luckily the first time I was in the bathroom because it was like a horror movie. I haven’t actually had a sensor that hasn’t caused me problems for months now.

Has anyone else been experiencing poor performance with their libre? I’m getting so fed up with them I’ve just stopped wearing them.

Update:
Anyone suggesting I speak to my diabetes team - I have tried and their phone line doesn’t work and no one cares, oh well no libre 3 for me

 

[CheeseSeaker]

Have to admit I've been ok for quite a while - occasionally get one where the bluetooth packs up half way through the 2 weeks, and occasionally get one that wont start (retry 10 mins, retry, retry, replace with new etc) but all been 'ok'.

Found most of my issues were due to the angle I inserted them - I 'concentrate' on getting the applicator exactly at 90 degrees to my skin and that makes them more likely to start up ok. Do hate the 2 weeks cycle though - as its a pain when they don't work.

Have you considered changing to the Dexcom One - you should be able to get a 'trial pack' if you ask you Diabetes team to send a letter to your GP - give them a whirl and you can switch your prescription if you like them - I think the trial pack has 3 sensors (10 days per sensor)

 

[Sophielouise]

Have to admit I've been ok for quite a while - occasionally get one where the bluetooth packs up half way through the 2 weeks, and occasionally get one that wont start (retry 10 mins, retry, retry, replace with new etc) but all been 'ok'.

Found most of my issues were due to the angle I inserted them - I 'concentrate' on getting the applicator exactly at 90 degrees to my skin and that makes them more likely to start up ok. Do hate the 2 weeks cycle though - as its a pain when they don't work.

Have you considered changing to the Dexcom One - you should be able to get a 'trial pack' if you ask you Diabetes team to send a letter to your GP - give them a whirl and you can switch your prescription if you like them - I think the trial pack has 3 sensors (10 days per sensor)

I can’t get the sensors to fit on the back of my arm very well because I am petite and thin. Ideally I’d like to hold out for the libre 3 as it’s smaller so would probably fit on me a lot better.

But like I said, I’ve had no problem for many years until recently. So I’m just suspicious they’ve changed something to save money and are focusing on the libre 3.

Thanks, I’ll speak to someone about dexcom.

 

[Zinadane]

Push hard with your dsn team for libre 3.
Ive been L3 now for nearly 12 months, size is so much better.
Never had any reliability problems, but again I never really had any problems with L2 either.
Not sure why or when there will be a complete switch from L2 to L3.

 

[jaywak]

Push hard with your dsn team for libre 3.
Ive been L3 now for nearly 12 months, size is so much better.
Never had any reliability problems, but again I never really had any problems with L2 either.
Not sure why or when there will be a complete switch from L2 to L3.

Can I just ask please what is the difference between a Libre 2 and a Libre 3 ? I can't think of anything more I could ask for the sensor to do .

 

[Ushthetaff]

I can’t get the sensors to fit on the back of my arm very well because I am petite and thin. Ideally I’d like to hold out for the libre 3 as it’s smaller so would probably fit on me a lot better.

But like I said, I’ve had no problem for many years until recently. So I’m just suspicious they’ve changed something to save money and are focusing on the libre 3.

Thanks, I’ll speak to someone about dexcom.

Try putting you sensor in a different place , I know it’s not recommended ive been doing it for yeas with no problem , I’ve used belly, chest, leg it may work for you .

 

[Zinadane]

Can I just ask please what is the difference between a Libre 2 and a Libre 3 ? I can't think of anything more I could ask for the sensor to do .

Sizewise, it is about half of a libre 2 and a lot thinner. I've never had a knock off yet.
They say more accurate, I'm not sure, but certainly no worse.
Bluetooth is more powerful, so the connection is more reliable.
Box and applicator also half the size, so if travelling so much more compact.

 

[jaywak]

Sizewise, it is about half of a libre 2 and a lot thinner. I've never had a knock off yet.
They say more accurate, I'm not sure, but certainly no worse.
Bluetooth is more powerful, so the connection is more reliable.
Box and applicator also half the size, so if travelling so much more compact.

Thanks Zinadane , I did just google it and watch a couple of videos ,

 

[Deleted member 527103]

Sizewise, it is about half of a libre 2 and a lot thinner. I've never had a knock off yet.

I only had Libre 2 knocked off at the start when I wasn't used to it being there but I haven't lost a sensor for many years.
As well as awareness< i found the important thing was to apply a sensor to a flat part of my arm.
As @Sophielouise mentioned this is harder with slim (or muscular) arms.
I find it easier higher up the back of my arm, just below my arm pit close to my shoulder. In this position, it does not start to peel off which is what would cause them to fall off.

 

[Sophielouise]

I only had Libre 2 knocked off at the start when I wasn't used to it being there but I haven't lost a sensor for many years.
As well as awareness< i found the important thing was to apply a sensor to a flat part of my arm.
As @Sophielouise mentioned this is harder with slim (or muscular) arms.
I find it easier higher up the back of my arm, just below my arm pit close to my shoulder. In this position, it does not start to peel off which is what would cause them to fall off.

Whenever I put it close to the armpit at the back it hurts so much to sleep on

 

[Sophielouise]

Push hard with your dsn team for libre 3.
Ive been L3 now for nearly 12 months, size is so much better.
Never had any reliability problems, but again I never really had any problems with L2 either.
Not sure why or when there will be a complete switch from L2 to L3.

Wow I didn’t realise you could get the L3 yet. I’ll speak to my team and tell them the trouble I’m having, unfortunately my diabetic nurse a massive meanie and I think he will just tell me to try it on my forehead or something.

 

[Juicyj]

I have been using the freestyle libre continuously for over 5 years now and the Libre 2 for the past couple years. There has been some that aren’t very accurate but most have been fine, and hardly any have failed midway through the 2 weeks.

However, for the past few months I have had sensor after sensor problems, whether it’s completely inaccurate readings, it having an error and having to be replaced, it hurting like hell and keeping me awake at night for days until I have to change it and the worst was I have had two blood spurting incidences when putting one on which I’ve not had happen ever before. Luckily the first time I was in the bathroom because it was like a horror movie. I haven’t actually had a sensor that hasn’t caused me problems for months now.

Has anyone else been experiencing poor performance with their libre? I’m getting so fed up with them I’ve just stopped wearing them.

Curious to ask - but where are you inserting them ?

 

[Deleted member 527103]

Whenever I put it close to the armpit at the back it hurts so much to sleep on

I place it very slightly under my arm so it is not possible to lie on it.

 

[Sophielouise]

Curious to ask - but where are you inserting them ?

The back of my upper arms

 

[Juicyj]

The back of my upper arms

Is that on bingo wing part ? this video is a an example of what I mean: https://www.bing.com/videos/rivervi...7396FB2D06F4B98A984D7396FB2D06F4B98&FORM=VIRE

If it's on the back facing outwards there is less fat there, however bingo wings/the underarm, are best for readings.

 

[Angela64]

I got a couple of trial packs of Libre2, was waiting for time I don’t swim to try it, seeing this makes me wonder if it’s worth bothering

 

[Deleted member 527103]

I got a couple of trial packs of Libre2, was waiting for time I don’t swim to try it, seeing this makes me wonder if it’s worth bothering

Don't get disheartened by this thread.
You get more complaints about Samsung phones than any other ... because they are the most popular, not because a great proportion of them have issues.
The same is true for Libre.
And, it is human nature to be vocal when things are bad but say very little when they are good.

Sadly, many people use Libre (or other CGMs) and are unaware of the limitation due to physics and get upset when they are not as accurate as they expect. Or they are not careful with their placement and the sensors fall off.

I have been using CGMs (including Libre) for more than 5 years and find them fantastic.

 

[Angela64]

Don't get disheartened by this thread.
You get more complaints about Samsung phones than any other ... because they are the most popular, not because a great proportion of them have issues.
The same is true for Libre.
And, it is human nature to be vocal when things are bad but say very little when they are good.

Sadly, many people use Libre (or other CGMs) and are unaware of the limitation due to physics and get upset when they are not as accurate as they expect. Or they are not careful with their placement and the sensors fall off.

I have been using CGMs (including Libre) for more than 5 years and find them fantastic.

Well, I get allergic reactions to stick on plasters and dressings, SO, annoying. But I’m borderline T2 but my numbers are not reliable, have morning phenomenon it seems and I do wonder if correctly diagnosed. My T2 came on very suddenly, HbA1C of 134. So we thought to try a free monitor to see if it showed any regularity. Ended up getting two because of postal problem. So probably the time now as I can’t swim, which is my regular exercise, to try it.

 

[Deleted member 527103]

@Angela64 sorry you can not swim at the moment.
But when you can, you can still use Libre. Some people fi d they need extra protection from the water in terms of a plaster or band but it all depends how long your arm is going to be submerged.

 

[Angela64]

@Angela64 sorry you can not swim at the moment.
But when you can, you can still use Libre. Some people fi d they need extra protection from the water in terms of a plaster or band but it all depends how long your arm is going to be submerged.

My skin reacts to stick on dressings/plasters, someone suggested I try a spray on dressing before sticking the Libre disc on. I can’t stick an Elastoplast over it as my skin will react to that‍ A physio once tapped up my foot to treat plantar fascitis, NIGHTMARE, allergic reaction and took nearly 2 wks to go. So problematic ‍