Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sarah Moulton on June 16, 2010 at 1:14pm

Hmmmm.. no replies to my 6/12 post, so perhaps people can't relate?

Technical question: since I'm using the CGM with MDI, when it's time to take a sensor out, is there a way to choose "sensor end" when it doesn't correspond to the 72-hour rhythm built into the CGM? (= when you are telling the CGM the sensor is done, not the CGM telling you...)
Right now the paradigm is alarming and I don't know how to turn it off w/o taking the battery out. I was advised to keep the battery to preserve my settings....
advise welcome!

Permalink Reply by DianaS on June 16, 2010 at 2:03pm

You can go into the menu and chose start new sensor any time you want to. Is that what you're wanting to do? When I wore the Minimed I just restarted a sensor early if it was more convenient. If you're wanting to take a break from CGMS then go in to the sensor set up screen and turn sensor off. I don't have my Minimed any more I switched to Animas and Dexcom so can't tell you the exact steps.

I never did try to use the Paradigm as a CGMS only so can't speak to your other questions in terms of a solution. Other than to say if I was in your shoes I would look into getting a Guardian receiver even if it meant paying for it out of pocket.

Diana

Permalink Reply by kimberly on June 19, 2010 at 10:08am

sarah -

i just started on the medtronic revel and i had lots of issues with lost sensor. after much trouble-shooting with medtronic, we determined that the sensor just didn't like where it was. whenever i moved, the sensor would apparently move and thus, the lost sensor. even though all of the medtronic and med people will tell you that the sensors are only FDA-approved for the abdominal area, that's where i've had all of my difficulties. ive found that putting the sensor on my side or back works much better. you just need to make sure it's above where your pants sit. i also have had better luck placing the sensor vertically, rather than horizontally. hope this helps. it's VERY frustrating to not have it work. i almost gave up after the first week. and, yes, one must hold FOREVER on medtronic and the hold music nearly sends me over the edge!

kimberly

Permalink Reply by jimt1cgms on July 8, 2010 at 4:25pm

Hi,

If you wish to end your sensor early, just go to: Sensor > Edit Settings (4th menu down) > Sensor > Off

I have done this plenty. Usually because I want to choose WHEN to start my sensor. Usually in the morning before heading off to work.

As for the LOST SENSOR, I sometimes get this when working on the computer. I think there is some minor interference that doesn't allow the transmitter and pump to communicate well. If I understand, you aren't restricted in pump placement so move it around a bit. I have also warned people about not waiting long enough between steps when starting out a new sensor. Always allow enough recharge time for the transmitter (apx 20 min). I use this time for the "wetting" of the sensor as well. When you pull the transmitter off the charger, wait about a minute before attaching to sensor. At that point, make sure the little green light begins to blink, the wait 15-20 seconds after that before starting the sensor on the pump.

If you set the pump down to the lowest basal rate (.05 .025) and just let it go until it is done, you might get enough time before "re-priming". However, you can rewind at anytime without effecting the sensor. So it shouldn't matter if you prime during your 5-6 days.

Good Luck!

Permalink Reply by Janny on August 7, 2010 at 8:58pm

I can relate to being on hold. However, I use the minimed paradigm 522 along w/minimed cgm so don't know about using it w/MDI's. I will tell you that hold time was minimal until minimed opened another call center in TX. They were only in CA. I live in TX.....
I have so many comments about the time and money spent on these damn things, I will just keep them to myself. Lately, the technology seems to be working but my BG's are terrible.

Permalink Reply by Brunetta on August 8, 2010 at 5:38am

I use the CGMS with the 522, and I use it for vacations, when eating at new venues, and just sometimes day to day. I will wear it for about 6-7 days on one sensor and leave it alone for a while. I work in the public schools, and will try to keep it on more continously this school year, which is coming up.
I find that the longer the "wetting time" the more accurate the readings. I will put on a new sensor before bed with the transmittoer, but turned OFF.
Wehn I get upo in the mrning, I turn it , press start nes sensor, Iand calibrate 15 minutes before breakfast, It is already "wet" so it does not take 2 hours as the pump will read. some times as litle as 5-6 minuters the transmittor and snsor are ready to accept a blood glucose, which is good for me, as my blood glucose will start to rise not long after I get up.....

I also have found out the it is quite accurate if it is properly wet with interstitial fluid ; and if The ISIG divided by blood sugar number is close to 7 or 8. If calibrate at a relatively stable time when those numbers are good, the CGMS is always reliable. I wish I could help you with using it with MDI more, but I have not had that experience.

God bless,
Brunetta