FREESTYLE LIBRE ON SALE!!!!

jack412 said:

there isn't a reason you can't put it on your belly or bum is there?

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The only reason I can think of for not using your bum is that I would be uncomfortable sitting on it all day, but I have a boney bum.

The real reason is because Abbot have apparently not tested them.

tim2000s said:

The only reason I can think of for not using your bum is that I would be uncomfortable sitting on it all day, but I have a boney bum.

The real reason is because Abbot have apparently not tested them.

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not tested, that's probably the reason, . I think any place you can put a CGM you can put a libre, good circulation and a bit of fat

http://www.houstonwehaveaproblemblog.com/p/dexcom.html

**** I just received my "freestyle libre" and I can tell you one thing: I'm definately NOT putting a needle this big in my arm for a minute, let alone for 14 days. I'm used to 5mm bd needles, thought the size would be like that, but it is almost a centimeter needle you have to put in you. There's no question I would prefer this monster device to a traditional test. So just spoiled a 60 euro sensor without using it. This is definately not a breaktrough, I hope we can laugh about this once. Keep on hoping Google comes up with something.

If anyone is interested in buying this device and the remaining sealed sensor from me, please send me a pm, would prefer buyer from the netherlands. I will make a good price, (that means if any price is good for this ****)

Hill28 said:

**** I just received my "freestyle libre" and I can tell you one thing: I'm definately NOT putting a needle this big in my arm for a minute, let alone for 14 days. I'm used to 5mm bd needles, thought the size would be like that, but it is almost a centimeter needle you have to put in you. There's no question I would prefer this monster device to a traditional test. So just spoiled a 60 euro sensor without using it. This is definately not a breaktrough, I hope we can laugh about this once. Keep on hoping Google comes up with something.

If anyone is interested in buying this device and the remaining sealed sensor from me, please send me a pm, would prefer buyer from the netherlands. I will make a good price, (that means if any price is good for this ****)

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I've not felt any of my 3 sensors when putting them on. The sensor is a fine flexible filament not a needle. Painless to fit and I've not had any discomfort from them either.

I admit though, when I saw my first one I was more than a little uneasy but there proved no need to be.

I even got my partner to do the current one, it is that easy, and she won't touch an insulin pen with my tiny 4mm BD needles.

Believe me people, it IS a needle, I will put pictures up, since the needle is of course not in any of the Abbot promo video's. Wouldn't be surprised if the company is spamming the forum with nice 'reviews'.

Well at least we can say the diabetes-industry has been that succesful in holding back innovation in testing methods (like buying the glucowatch of the market) that people are willing to buy anything now.

I guess there would be an insertion needle but as said, what stays in your arm is the filament

logindetails said:

Should we accept that the sensor may take 2, 3, 4 or more days to 'settle in' when Abbott say that over a 14 day period there is no change in accuracy? - apart from the first day that is! I suspect that peoples' interstitial fluid varies far more than they expected and while the sensors' factory calibration is spot on for many people it is way off for many others.

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I guess I'm one of those people and mine takes a lot longer than 24hrs to settle in as well. It's been in now for 31hrs and is still way off. I'm wondering if it's a sensor of this dodgy batch!?

Hill28 said:

**** I just received my "freestyle libre" and I can tell you one thing: I'm definately NOT putting a needle this big in my arm for a minute, let alone for 14 days.

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@Hill28 It does not hurt at all and if I can do it anyone can!!! I'm the biggest wimp ever and was terrified and in fact with both my sensors I didn't even feel it!

The applicator has a needle (how else do you expect the filament to get into the arm?) but it definitely doesn't stay in for two weeks. Don't know why you'd be worried about it...

Hill28 said:

**** I just received my "freestyle libre" and I can tell you one thing: I'm definately NOT putting a needle this big in my arm for a minute, let alone for 14 days. I'm used to 5mm bd needles, thought the size would be like that, but it is almost a centimeter needle you have to put in you. There's no question I would prefer this monster device to a traditional test. So just spoiled a 60 euro sensor without using it. This is definately not a breaktrough, I hope we can laugh about this once. Keep on hoping Google comes up with something.

If anyone is interested in buying this device and the remaining sealed sensor from me, please send me a pm, would prefer buyer from the netherlands. I will make a good price, (that means if any price is good for this ****)

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The needle doesn't stay in you, I can show you a picture of the sensor I removed if that would help? It's small and flexible


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App

smidge said:

Hi jddukes, I think they recommend alternating arms to let it heal properly when you remove a sensor. I'm on my third sensor and have gone back to the first arm but in a slightly different site.

Smidge

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I used the same arm, but about 2 inches below the original one. Next week when I change again I'll be swapping arms. I wouldn't reinsert in the same spot twice in a row though

I still haven't looked inside the applicator. I was surprised at how thin and flexible the plastic filament was when I took the last sensor off.

Seriously, the introducer needle is a bloody big and scary needle. When I made the mistake of looking at it, I couldn't believe no-one in the trials had mentioned it. I was terrified of it. And my first sensor did hurt a bit going in - a bit like a flu jab. I am still more than apprehensive when I have to put a new sensor on. However, it is no worse than a flu jab and usually painless. The needle is spring loaded and you never have to see it again - it disappears back inside the applicator after use. @Hill28 - take a deep breath, put your hand on your opposite shoulder to pull the skin tight and make the back of your arm accessible, put the applicator on your arm and push - it will all be over in a matter of seconds. I do think Abbott should mention the needle in their literature though.

Smidge

In answer to an unrelated query regarding using testing strips, I too have now read the manual (on the tube on the way in to work this morning) and it does say do not use blood test strips when the reader is connected to a computer or power.

This is definately not a breaktrough, I hope we can laugh about this once. Keep on hoping Google comes up with something.

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So now we can get quasi-round-the-clock continuous BG data for *half the price* of test strips (50 Freestyle strips cost £30 and last just a week)... yeah, no breakthrough at all. I'd suggest you go back to using 20kg glucose testers that take a litre of blood and 20min until you get the result or just taste your urine to see if it tastes sweet (which is what the ancient greeks did - thus the name "honey sweet")

It's a quasi-CGM that's one tenth the cost of current gen CGMs that's cheaper to use than current meters. That seems like a massive breakthrough that will allow a lot more people to get a lot more data about their BG levels.

Well at least we can say the diabetes-industry has been that succesful in holding back innovation in testing methods (like buying the glucowatch of the market) that people are willing to buy anything now.

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Careful there, if you forget your tinfoil hat the Illuminati will be able to read your thoughts

Seriously, the introducer needle is a bloody big and scary needle. When I made the mistake of looking at it, I couldn't believe no-one in the trials had mentioned it. I was terrified of it. And my first sensor did hurt a bit going in - a bit like a flu jab

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The pain when you get a flu vaccine is mostly from the pressure of having a lot of liquid injected into your muscle, and as such the applicator is a lot less painful. If you're used to insulin injections then I think you'll be used to the fact that needles really don't hurt much.

But I guess you are right about the warning; however, to be fair all tests strips should carry a warning that you'll have to use a sharp object to get blood for the test.

AlexMBrennan said:

So now we can get quasi-round-the-clock continuous BG data for *half the price* of test strips (50 Freestyle strips cost £30 and last just a week)... yeah, no breakthrough at all. I'd suggest you go back to using 20kg glucose testers that take a litre of blood and 20min until you get the result or just taste your urine to see if it tastes sweet (which is what the ancient greeks did - thus the name "honey sweet")

It's a quasi-CGM that's one tenth the cost of current gen CGMs that's cheaper to use than current meters. That seems like a massive breakthrough that will allow a lot more people to get a lot more data about their BG levels.


Careful there, if you forget your tinfoil hat the Illuminati will be able to read your thoughts


The pain when you get a flu vaccine is mostly from the pressure of having a lot of liquid injected into your muscle, and as such the applicator is a lot less painful. If you're used to insulin injections then I think you'll be used to the fact that needles really don't hurt much.

But I guess you are right about the warning; however, to be fair all tests strips should carry a warning that you'll have to use a sharp object to get blood for the test.

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Welcome back Alex. As helpful, polite and joyous as ever I see. In this post you make your usual enlightened contribution.

Smidge

@smidge, thought already I was te only one worrying about that needle. Good news it at least does not stay in your arm after it has perforated it. Do you mean that when inserting you should take some skin in the same way you do when takimg insulin?
Might still give it a try, simply because I already have bought it, but I highly doubt I will prefer this mega-needle over a small finger prick. Anyway thanks for your understanding and help

@AlexMBrennan:glucose testing has been exactly the same since I got diabetes 12 years ago, with hardly any innovation. The promising glucowatch, which did not involve any needles, has been bought off the market: the developing company was taken over and the development was stopped. There are strong rumours this has been initiated by the teststrip industry. No illuminatis or whatever.

Than 10 years later, Abbot comes up with a device, involving a needle as big as my thumb. Sure, with ability to watch trends, but that was already possible with some pumps, which I also did not want to use. Basically the wireless transmission between the sensor and the device is the only new thing her. If you are happy with that, thats nice for you, but no need for personal attacks.

@AlexMBrennan You test more then 7 times a day? Perhaps drinkin' less urine might be a solution; it's said to disturb bloodglucose levels

Hill28 said:

@smidge, thought already I was te only one worrying about that needle. Good news it at least does not stay in your arm after it has perforated it. Do you mean that when inserting you should take some skin in the same way you do when takimg insulin?
Might still give it a try, simply because I already have bought it, but I highly doubt I will prefer this mega-needle over a small finger prick. Anyway thanks for your understanding and help

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Don't pinch up the skin like you do when injecting, but if you decide to use your left arm, put your left hand on your right shoulder with your arm across your chest. It pulls the skin on the underside of your arm taut, making it easier to apply the sensor without the skin moving and getting pulled. It also makes it easier to see the back of your arm. If you look at the leaflet that comes with the sensor, it shows the man standing like that when applying the sensor and the best position for the sensor. I've done my last two like this and they were fine. My first one I had my arm down at my side and it hurt a bit - I think maybe the skin was to soft and loose, so now I make sure the skin is taut.

Smidge

I use a 4mm BD needle and still struggle to find anywhere on my arms or legs to inject. The Libre needle did indeed look more akin to a garden spike compared to the BD needle, intimidating. Still, as I've said, I've had no problems with sticking them in me. I followed the instructions and didn't feel a thing. I don't even notice the sensor now.

I am, however, wondering whether some of my accuracy issues are down to my arms not being the right place for the sensor, not enough fat. I'm loath to blow £55 putting one into my abdomen as it might waste the sensor.

I'm getting a replacement sensor in the next couple of days. If anyone has suggestions for somewhere other than the arm or has even tried I'd love to hear about it.

Emmotha said:

@Hill28 I get my husband to put mine in for me. It doesn't hurt, but I can't make myself do it

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First one I did myself, 2nd my fiancé did as I wanted it further round my arm and couldn't see . I was more nervous of him doing it than I was doing it myself!