Medtronic guardian 4

[MoonCloudy]

Gordontoo, absolutely true.
As told earlier, Im using Dexcom/Libre and 780 pump manual mode with only using their basal feature, no more than that if not using GS3 or GS4
Unfortunately and to be honest, our lives are depending on their devices which can make us vulnerable and passively, in terms of so called "controlled" in a way of saying.

Well, lets see what the future will bring us in making our lives more easily and safely to live with TD1.....our Partner for Life

 

[Gordontoo]

I live in hope MoonCloudy.
Health and happiness to you and yours.

 

[Jerryshort]

I've been moved on to Medtronic 780 since November, and I've found the whole experience with the peripherals to be an absolute nightmare.



I have been on Guardian sensors and 780g pump for 12 months now. I was told to put the sensors on arm, leg or abdomen. I chose my stomach because they are much easier to attach (as I can use both hands) and of the 52 G4 sensors used, 3 or 4 failed due to sensor updating. Then I called Medtronic who just sent me a replacement by post.
Try putting them on your stomach

 

[MoonCloudy]

I live in hope MoonCloudy.
Health and happiness to you and yours.

Yep
same here

 

[MoonCloudy]

That is what I have been doing ever since using Medtronic 670 and 780.
But not anymore

 

[Gordontoo]

Hi Jerryshort.
Regarding the positioning of the sensor, the only place Medtronic warrants the accuracy of the G4 sensor, is the back of the arm. My understanding is any other position may lead to inaccurate readings, with all the problems that that would entail.

Got to say my friend IMO, I really don't think this sensor is fit for purpose.

 

[Justin04]

Gordontoo, I am also a fellow Aussie that was silly enough to get involved with a Medtronic pump and sensor. As you can see, I have the same issues, hence being awake and looking for answers at 1 am after having another sensor fail. Originally a user of the 640, it was brilliant. The 780 is every bit as good with the exception of failing sensors. If I get 5 days it’s a good sensor. As you stated, the G3 was not worth taking out of the box, and I did a lot behind the scenes with Medtronic both domestic and international and our health minister faculty in the government to get the G4 rolled out as early as it did in Oz. The calibration free was going to be a game changer for me. I know for a fact that the TGA had the G4 in their hands for well over a year before they released it to the public after testing, and with the Simplera only now being made available to the rest of the world, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for the arrival of it on Oz shores. Yes maybe it will be easier to apply, however it will still have similar running gear in it and I think is still only going to last a maximum of 7 days. Like most, I’m stuck waiting out the four years before I can switch to a T Slim and Dexcom which have much better reviews anywhere you look on the web. I agree that the Medtronic pump has so much potential and cannot believe the company is willing to lose sales with majority of people I’ve spoken with jumping over to the T Slim just to get away from the G4 sensors. The frustrated people on this page are not alone!

 

[Gordontoo]

I feel your pain Justin04. All your efforts for naught I fear.
Beyond the fact that IMO the G3 and now the G4 are not fit for purpose, I find the interface between Medtronics and myself, when sorting out a sensor problem, to be so superficial, as to be almost meaningless and for the life of me I cannot understand the rationale behind it.
For my money mate, in a perfect world and if I ran Medtronics, I would have my boffins put their heads together and come up with some nice little software patch that would enable the 780 to interface with other sensors, or even buy and rebrand said sensors under liscence to their parent companies, as a stop gap until they (Medtronics) have caught up with the rest of the field..

I honestly believe, that for what ever reason, they are taking the ignore and hope you will go away attitude. The only problem with that may be that their current clients may well abandon them, even after they get their act together and market a fit for purpose sensor, for what is now a pretty nifty pump.

I have 18months before I can do much, but I am counting down the days.
Almost a segue mate, but what are your thoughts on running the 780 in manual, with a Libre2 sensor??
Regards Gordontoo.

 

[Justin04]

You know that the last three times I’ve dealt with them I’ve told them they should concentrate on pumps and leave the sensors to the specialised manufacturers like libre and dexcom. They make them well. The only reason I haven’t started running on of those is for the fact when Smartguard does work, it works bloody well and I can’t bear to go back to a manual pump full knowing I am not using it to its full potential. The rep hates hearing the truth unfortunately and because I went up that path so regularly they moved me on to a different rep. First one said it must be something I was doing as it works for everyone. “Everyone”…. I told her to have a look at some forums and tell me how many everyone’s it wasn’t working for.

 

[Gordontoo]

I get where you are coming for Justin 04. The 780G is an outstanding piece of kit, sadly dragged down by the G4 sensor and IMO, the continued and continuing obfuscation and lack of acceptance by Medtronic of their sensors failings and limitations.

I wonder, somewhat tongue in cheek, if anyone in their Diabetes R and D dept has ever tried to live with these little suckers.
As for requiring 2 people simply to stick this thing in the back of an arm and set it in place, which is Medtronic's favoured position, this is just plain silly. beyond belief. How to reduce your current and future market share in one easy lesson.
Keep up the good fight Justin04, who knows someone from Medtronic may actually be paying attention.

 

[Prancy]

Does anyone know if you can use a G4 sensor on a Medtronic 670 pump?

 

[Gordontoo]

Does anyone know if you can use a G4 sensor on a Medtronic 670 pump?

I have just got off the phone to the Medtronics helpline Prancy and was told that the only pump that can use the G4 sensor is the 780.
Hope this helps Prancy.
Regards Gordontoo.

 

[Prancy]

I have just got off the phone to the Medtronics helpline Prancy and was told that the only pump that can use the G4 sensor is the 780.
Hope this helps Prancy.
Regards Gordontoo.

Oh…..thank you so much! That helps me in planning my upgrade transition. I sure do appreciate it.

 

[searley]

My pump is due for renewal in 6 months and been considering a move to the 780.. I’m really hoping it won’t be long until the simplera sensor is integrated soon

 

[Prancy]

My pump is due for renewal in 6 months and been considering a move to the 780.. I’m really hoping it won’t be long until the simplera sensor is integrated soon

In US they use G4 on Medtronic 780. I wish I was already set up, but something keeps popping up that delays it. It’s got to stop. It’s beyond ridiculous. Next week for sure.

 

[richyb]

I have been on closed loop system for a while now. Guardian4 sensor snd 780g pump.
Made a huge difference however lately sensor stops working and says updating which can take up to 3hrs. Invariably it eventually tells me to replace sensor.
Last week it was after 4 days of use today after 6 days.
Anyone else had this problem?
Medtronic do replace but I have had to do this about 4 times now. I wear on my abdomen.

I am using omnipod-5 but I used to get this sensor issue sometimes where it says to wait up to 3 hours. It often took ages. But I found if I restarted it it fixed straight away. I hold down the turn on button and a restart bubble pop up appears. I have to continue holding down then press the restart pop up with another finger. It resorts it in about a minute on my pod.

 

[Gordontoo]

Hi SandieD.
This does seem to be a common issue. I actually love my 780, as when it is in auto and working correctly, you hardly know it's there, but IMO the G4 sensor is not fit for purpose.
As I understand it, the preferred site for the G4 sensor is the back of the arm. This does cut down on the failure rate to, in my case, I think, about 20%, but it does require 2 people to change sensors, which is a real dipstick thing. There is a new sensor in the wind, but that may be some while away yet.

 

[Prancy]

I’m fortunate that I am able to gently place a sensor and transmitter on my right arm using my left hand. It does require a lot of practice and ingenuity. Occasionally, I’ll encounter an issue and need help.

How seamless was your transition to Medtronic 780 and G4? I ask because I’m sort of freaking out. I have an appointment with my CDE to set it up on Wednesday next week! The problem is I just realized I’m short on sensors. I thought I had several more G3 sensors to use with my existing 670 G, but I don’t. Have 1! And, the box of G4 sensors can’t be located! I thought they were in the large box with my 780, G4 transmitter and meter….but no. I can’t believe it. So, the supply company won‘t split a box. I would like to get 2 G3 and 3 G4, but they won’t. So, that means I’ll have all G4 and no G3. I’ll have no backup. So, I’m hoping for a smooth transition.

 

[Prancy]

I’m fortunate that I am able to gently place a sensor and transmitter on my right arm using my left hand. It does require a lot of practice and ingenuity. Occasionally, I’ll encounter an issue and need help.

How seamless was your transition to Medtronic 780 and G4? I ask because I’m sort of freaking out. I have an appointment with my CDE to set it up on Wednesday next week! The problem is I just realized I’m short on sensors. I thought I had several more G3 sensors to use with my existing 670 G, but I don’t. Have 1! And, the box of G4 sensors can’t be located! I thought they were in the large box with my 780, G4 transmitter and meter….but no. I can’t believe it. So, the supply company won‘t split a box. I would like to get 2 G3 and 3 G4, but they won’t. So, that means I’ll have all G4 and no G3. I’ll have no backup. So, I’m hoping for a smooth transition.

 

[Gordontoo]

Hi Prancy.
Glad you have mastered the art of putting a G4 on the back of your arm singled handed (pun intended), well done you, that is something special.

The 780 upgrade is really light years away from it's predecessors and I would think that you will be amazed. When the system is working properly, I hardly know it's there, which is very cool.

Prancy, I had some issues in dealing with Medtronics with respect to the changeover, from the 770 to the 780, so eventually Medtronics agreed to allow me to walk myself through the process and I have to say, it was simpler than what I was expecting. The new pump display and the thought that has gone into how it is to interact with the end user is, surprisingly good and I wouldn't expect too many dramas there.
If you have any problems Prancy, simply run the 780 in manual until you can sort the issue out.

IMO Prancy, there is a relatively high failure rate of the G4 sensors and so beyond a months worth of spare G4s, I actually keep 2 new spare Libre2 sensors, just in case things go really pear shaped.

The changeover did seem quite the big deal for me Prancy, but when I had the final software down load (780-790) the whole process was extremely simple and beyond issues with the G4 sensor, I couldn't be happier. The pump itself actually requires less input from me and as I said earlier, the display itself is well set out and quite intuitive.

Let me know how you get on and Prancy, sensor issues aside, I think you will really enjoy the 780.
Take care of yourself.
Regards Gordontoo

By the by have you thought about getting a libre2 sensor, as a standby and then running the pump in manual, until any problems are fixed. They should be readily available to purchase as a single unit.
By the by again. If I can help, drop me a line.
G.