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Libre sensor

M

mariposa84

Well-Known Member
Messages
127
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi,

I've just tried to insert new sensor. All went fine. Adhesive stuck down and looked normal and looked a bit red around sensor. I stood still for a couple of minutes then started moving around. Didn't knock anything. Happen to look down and see it's half hanging off my arm and lots of blood pooling just under adhesive.

In desperation held it back down and stuck a plaster on ithe but think it won't work. Not due to activate til later.

Is there any point contacting Abbott if it fails? SOOOO annoyed!
 
if you contact libre, they should agree to replace it I have had three replaced so far, Tow were giving silly readings and one fell off after about six days use after a bath.

They are very helpful.
The system itself is invaluable in telling you what is going on -
call them first before you activate it and let them tell you whether to activate or not, or simply get a replacement supplied .
 
@mariposa84 Abbott customer services are incredibly helpful. Ring them sooner rather than later. Do you have a spare sensor in stock? Try to activate it as planned, but if it doesn't work I'd consider ringing Abbott straight away. Keep it on until you've spoken to them because they will want you to scan it while you're on the phone to them.

Oh and I've just read what @CherryAA has said about calling them before you activate it - good idea!

I have only needed to contact them once so far, three weeks ago. That had been a bleeder, and it failed after 2 days. I was advised by the customer services guy that reporting problems as soon as they occur result in a 'better outcome' for customers. He was delightful, supportive and helpful, and sent me a free replacement sensor and some biohazard packaging to post back the gory non-working one!

It was an excellent customer service experience.

So yes, there is most certainly a point in contacting Abbott!
 
Thanks so much for the advice @CherryAA and @Snapsy! Typical of me to do this on a bank holiday weekend!!! Looks like I'll have to ring them up on Tuesday...will try and activate it in a few hours. If it doesn't work I have another one but not sure if I should wait til Tuesday or go ahead and put the new one on. Don't really want to be without it even if it's only for a couple of days
 
Oh @mariposa84 of course - I guess they're not staffed over the weekend? Bother!

In your position I would perhaps activate the sensor when you had planned to. If it works, it works. If it doesn't work, perhaps take a picture of the sensor, and one of the reader (ie to show the non-reading or the error message it's showing, or whatever), so you can give Abbott as much information as possible on Tuesday.

And if it doesn't work, I'd replace it with your spare. Like you I would hate to be without one! Do keep the dodgy one though, as they will want you to send it back.

Good luck with it all!

Oh, the first time I had a 'bleeder' it was absolutely fine. In fact back then @tim2000s reassured me that in his experience a bleeder had been more accurate, and in fact mine was fine.

The one that failed three weeks ago though went from hero to zero within 48 hours. Tricky little critter!

 
Keep hold of the sensor if it doesn't work as Abbott often ask you for the serial number and for you to send it back so they can check what the issue was. I've had three replacements as well as it's always been hassle free!
 
Thank you @Snapsy and @isjoberg

Tried activating sensor but it didn't work so I've taken a photo of the message telling me to activate a new sensor. I haven't yet. Did have a spare one but have been staying with friends so thought I'd wait until I ring Abbott up tomorrow. It's incredibly weird not to be able to scan all of a sudden. I'm so used to it now and find it reassuring to be able to whenever I want.

Thanks again
 
You can always email them- unlike most customer service emails they always reply! As far as I remember there may even be somewhere you can fill in a form online to let them know your sensor has failed. Best of luck and keep us updated!
 
Hi everyone!!

I rang Abbott this morning. Said what had happened and lady I spoke to immediately agreed to replace sensor. She thought I might have accidentally hit a vein.

I waited until I was home from work before putting another sensor in... not long before 60 mins is up. Really hated not being able to scan. Had to see GP this evening and mentioned the Libre system - she hadn't heard of it before and seemed really interested but was rather startled to say the least at individual sensor cost...here's hoping it will be available on nhs soon.

Thanks again for all your help ☺
 
Hi again,

It looks like the libre and I don't seem to be getting on anymore..... I put on a new sensor as above and all seemed to have gone to plan. Felt the occasional twinge which had happened before. Then I noticed the adhesive was loosening around edges and my arm was really itchy (approx. 3-4 days after insertion). I went to chemist and bought some mepore plasters put one on and it seemed to work and ,weirdly, the itching stopped briefly. The next day though my arm began to hurt and the itching was unbearable. On Thursday evening I left work feeling fine and all was working with libre. I scanned on tube and got LO which panicked me although I didn't feel hypo. Checked with my meter and I was 11.0. Got home and lifted plaster off to check and the sensor had come off underneath. What concerned me more was that a red weald had developed without me noticing. I have only got one sensor left at the moment and I'm flying to France next weekend so ideally would like to keep it for then but I'm really worried I'm developing an allergic reaction and won't be able to continue using the libre.

Any advice would be great!
 
hey there @mariposa84
deffo call abbott tomorrow -- - I might also insert the remaining sensor tomorrow just after you have confirmation from abbott they are despatching replacements on a 24-48 hour service

you have done nothing wrong -- please try not to let them bully you at all !!!!!!!
 


Thanks for the advice!!!!

The sensor replacement took over a week to arrive so I think I'm just going to put my last remaining sensor on on Thurs pm and hope it stays on over the weekend. I read another post that said Piriton seems to help so I might try that too.

Miss the sensor but really don't want angry looking marks on my arms
 
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