Freestyle libre 2 trial query

[CrazyCatLady2693]

I got a free trial freestyle libre 2 sensor to try and followed all the instructions, my partner applied it for me but after 20 minutes I realised I was bleeding and it came off. I've never used a CGM but like I said I followed the instructions - did it just unstick because I bled? How can I avoid this happening again?!
I'm a bit discouraged by this and I've messaged them so hopefully will be sent a replacement, but I'm worried it will just happen again. Any advice?

 

[Raisen22]

Hi, I’ve only been using Libre 2 for about 3-4 months and about 2 months ago I applied a sensor and some blood was coming out the hole. Mine didn’t come off but it did start coming away from my arm about a week later, however, when it was time to replace it, I had the biggest bruise and there was a lot of blood in the sensor.

I came to the conclusion that not only did I push down too hard when applying, I went too far towards the inside of my arm as opposed to the outer-side of my upper arm - probably a more sensitive area and didn’t help with me pushing down so hard. Lesson learnt!

Haven’t had this problem since as more careful where I’m placing it, and how hard I’m pushing when applying a new sensor.

Don’t let it put you off and hopefully with your next try you’ll have a better experience!

 

[SpiceWeasel]

Both of you might have simply hit a tiny capillary, which caused the bleeding. I use insulin and you wouldn't believe the bruises I sometimes get. Also, you don't feel any pain when you hit a capillary so you don't know you've done it. If anything wet gets under the sensor, it does tend to fall off. So swimming can also be a problem. If you're having problems getting the sensor to stick on in general, there are couple of things you can do. You can add an adhesive barrier like Skin Tac. Basically, Skin Tac forms a barrier so it sticks to your arm and the sensor sticks to it. Also very useful if you're allergic to adhesive. Don't bother buying the special Skin Tac remover, it's just rubbing alcohol. Also make sure your arm is clean and oil free. So don't apply body lotion before you put on a new sensor. Wiping with rubbing alcohol not only sterilizes the area, it also removes any oil. And if the sensor falls off early, contact Abbott Diabetes and they will replace it. I can't tell you how many sensors Abbott has replaced over the years. Sensors falling off is so common that in Canada we now have a dedicated website to request a replacement so we don't take up staff time.