First Sensor

I wanted to have more for my first post since Arden started using the DexCom 7+ CGM but a great many things have happen over the past week that all seem to be thwarting my efforts.

Sensor Start at CHOP:

The sensor start went great, I couldn’t be happier that we are patients at CHOP.  Everything was explained clearly, and the support that is offered is more then I need. 

The bad

Issue #1:

The seven plus asked us to enter BG values over and over at calibration, it took multiple attempts for it to accept them and begin working.  That was disconcerting as I am new to all of this and when the product didn’t react as I was told it would I got a bit nervous... but everything seemed to work out and we began getting feedback.

Issue #2:

Since we are OmniPod user Arden is unaccustomed to having to carry something with her on her body.  I have to admit that I am not a fan of Arden being tethered to a device but she seemed to take it all in stride.  It would be nice if it was smaller.

Issue #3:

The range that the receiver has in relation to the transmitter in a word, “stinks”.

Issue #4:

It wasn’t very reassuring when this news hit the papers on the fourth day Arden was wearing the Dex.

The good

Seeing BG trends is an unbelievably useful tool.  In a day I wasn’t sure how I ever lived without it.  It’s so great in fact that it almost outweighs issue#2.

High and low BG alarms are in a word, fantastic!  I feel like I can actually sleep a little sounder then before.

Arden experienced a low on the third day of the sensor and I was able to use the trend arrows to get her back to normal and eliminate the normal rebound high that occurs in those situations.  

The too soon to tell - customer service

Arden’s Dex receiver had a defect in the plastic that covers the screen, one 3 minute phone call later a new one is on the way. Nice!

We had a sensor error last night and DexCom’s 24/7 CSR service was MIA. We had to leave a message and it was never returned which resulted in my having to take off the sensor.  Today Arden is without the CGM because of the inability to communicate with the company.  It should be noted that when I finally got them on the phone 13 hours later I was told that there is no good reason for the phone CSR to not be available and that it won’t happen again - not so nice!

Summation

It’s been a little bumpy but I’m still comfortable saying, “so far, so good, I’m encouraged and looking forward to getting the 2nd sensor on Arden.

more as it comes...

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The following are archived comments from this post. You can post new comments below.

sisiay

I'm glad you're seeing the benefits of the Dexcom.  It's true, once you know it it feels like to have that graph/arrows, you can't imagine going without it (to the point that some people pay out of pocket for a second device so they don't have "fly blind" during the 2 hour calibration period.  I haven't gone that far yet).
Sorry to hear about your experience with CR.  I've always had wonderful interactions with them, so hopefully that will be the case for you from now on.  I'd never thought so much about the size of the receiver, but I guess I'm a lot bigger than Arden!
I've put a lot of Dex info together athttp://dontfeardiabetes.com/2010/04/dexcom-glucose-common-questions-part-1/ and  http://dontfeardiabetes.com/2010/04/dexcom-questions-part-2-and-how-to-save-money-with-your-dexcom-glucose-monitor/  if you just want an overview of some common issues/concerns w/o going through the whole manual or contacting Dexcom.  Good luck!

Friday, June 4, 2010 - 12:30 PM

Michelle Golladay

I am so glad things are going well with the CGM!  Thank you for sharing!

Friday, June 4, 2010 - 09:19 PM

Scott

Arden's 2nd sensor went on much smoother. More next week. While you're waiting fopr that update, check this out.  

http://web.me.com/skca/Ardens_Day/Daddys_Blog/Entries/2010/6/5_Proud_daddy_post.html

Saturday, June 5, 2010 - 09:08 PM

Emily

So, does this mean no more finger pricks?

Sunday, June 27, 2010 - 07:08 AM