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CGM Tricks?

by Crashnot
August 24, 2009 1:35 PM
2 Replies
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I'm on my second CGM sensor. It is the Medtronic Minimed, and I was really looking forward to nursing it along past the three-day time line. But the first sensor gave out on me after 36 hours with a BAD SENSOR alert. Restarting it didn't help.

My second sensor lasted the full three days. So last night I disconnected it, waited ten minutes then tried to restart. After the 2 hour period it told me to calibrate it, and again got the BAD SENSOR alert.

Is there a proper procedure for disconnecting and reconnecting it? I've read a few references to taking off the transmitter an hour before the three days are up. Another about recharging the transmitter, etc. So would love some input from experienced users!

Tags: devices

From	Replies
AaronS	AaronS replied August 24, 2009 3:18 PM Be very careful when you disconnect the transmitter to make sure the sensor does not come out. It took me a while to get the hang of that. There is no need to disconnect the transmitter on the third day - just press "Start Sensor" then "New Sensor". You need to disconnect and recharge on the sixth day. (There is a seven day timer on the transmitter. It does not reset until the transmitter is recharged). Also, if you get "BAD SENSOR", you can try to wait a while, then try "Start Sensor" and "New Sensor". If a sensor fails during the initial 3 days, phone Minimed. They mave have ideas for restarting the sensor; if they can't get it to work, they will often replace the sensor. Don't bother to call if the sensor has been in for more than 3 days. Add your reply Flag as Inappropriate
Robbie	Robbie replied September 24, 2009 8:56 PM Last edited about 1 month ago I'm also using the Medtronic CGM system. I like it, but it is finicky and frustrating at times. However, when it's working correctly, it is wonderful so I would highly advise you or anyone else to stick with it and don't give up. AaronS is correct that you do not need to remove or disconnect the transmitter after 3 days of use. I always get at least 6 days out of each sensor. I did not know that there was a 7 day timer on the transmitter... good to know. One of the most important things I have learned with the sensors is that you allow for proper "wetting". I had a very frustrating time with sensors failing on me either during the 2-hour initialization and/or the first 24 hours. The Medtronic documentation states that you should allow a new sensor to wet for at least 10 minutes. I have found that to not nearly be long enough. I called Medtronic to express my frustration with the problems I was having and their support staff advised that I allow the sensor to wet without connecting the transmitter for several hours. I now insert my sensors at bedtime and then connect the transmitter the next morning when I wake up. I haven't had any hiccups since. Add your reply Flag as Inappropriate

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AaronS

AaronS replied August 24, 2009 3:18 PM

Be very careful when you disconnect the transmitter to make sure the sensor does not come out. It took me a while to get the hang of that.

There is no need to disconnect the transmitter on the third day - just press "Start Sensor" then "New Sensor". You need to disconnect and recharge on the sixth day. (There is a seven day timer on the transmitter. It does not reset until the transmitter is recharged).

Also, if you get "BAD SENSOR", you can try to wait a while, then try "Start Sensor" and "New Sensor".

If a sensor fails during the initial 3 days, phone Minimed. They mave have ideas for restarting the sensor; if they can't get it to work, they will often replace the sensor. Don't bother to call if the sensor has been in for more than 3 days.

Robbie

Robbie replied September 24, 2009 8:56 PM

Last edited about 1 month ago

I'm also using the Medtronic CGM system. I like it, but it is finicky and frustrating at times. However, when it's working correctly, it is wonderful so I would highly advise you or anyone else to stick with it and don't give up.

AaronS is correct that you do not need to remove or disconnect the transmitter after 3 days of use. I always get at least 6 days out of each sensor. I did not know that there was a 7 day timer on the transmitter... good to know.

One of *the* most important things I have learned with the sensors is that you allow for proper "wetting". I had a very frustrating time with sensors failing on me either during the 2-hour initialization and/or the first 24 hours. The Medtronic documentation states that you should allow a new sensor to wet for at least 10 minutes. I have found that to not nearly be long enough. I called Medtronic to express my frustration with the problems I was having and their support staff advised that I allow the sensor to wet without connecting the transmitter for several hours. I now insert my sensors at bedtime and then connect the transmitter the next morning when I wake up. I haven't had any hiccups since.