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I am a new Dexcom Seven user and I called Dexcom Tech Support to get info on alternative placement of my sensors. I have a large amount of scar tissue on my abdomen due to poor prior Ins. coverage, and using my infusion sets far longer than the three-day recommended period, to save money. I was told by Dexcom that the sensors are only approved for use on the abdomen, therefore they could not give me any info on alternative placement. They did say they do know people do place the sensors in other areas, but again reiterated that they could not advise me any further.

My main question is, if I place a sensor on my thigh or my upper arm, is it still necessary to place it in the right-left or left-right position, or is it ok to place it in an up-down position?

I am pretty thin, and placing sensors in the horizontal position would cover almost my whole arm. And I feel it would probably be more comfortable in a vertical position on my legs as well.

Please let me know what has or has not worked for you.

Tags: dexcom, sensors, seven

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My local DexCom rep said that she has lots of people wear the sensors on their thighs and arms with success. She told me tech support will never tell you this.

The thing is to put it where you have the most meat and you can do them vertically. I have worn them on the outside of my thigh with them being vertical and they work fine. Just make sure if you are a side sleeper that you put it on the leg you don't usually lay on! If you lay on it then it will not communicate with the receiver. Also make sure you have tape on hand because I find that when you wear it on the leg the adhesive can come a bit loose. Sometimes I have to tape the sensor and the adhesive down more on the leg so it doesn't look pretty but the system works the way it was designed and does well. You can consider your buttock area for use too. High on the cheek where there is meat works well.

Kerri of Six Until Me, a great blogger, wears sensors on her arm and it works well for her. She also has worn them vertically.

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Thanks so much for your info and suggestions! I typically put my infusion sets on my buttocks, but (no pun intended) :-) that is also good to know that I can place my sensors there as well. I appreciate your willingness to take the time to help me with the question I had. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

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You are welcome. I know that I have been lucky to get help out here on this site so I like to pay it forward.

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