Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lizzie on March 10, 2011 at 11:03am

There's some pretty important online training that you've got to do before you can start with the Dexcom. This will likely answer a lot of the questions that you have about start up. If you literally just got it in the mail and are really eager to start, luckily you have at least a three hour charging time for the receiver before you actually can get started, so that gives you some time to read over the instructions that came with the sensors and the system.

The Dexcom is a pretty expensive, complicated, and finicky tool, so it makes sense to learn as much as possible about how to operate it correctly from the get-go. You're also manually shoving an inch and a half needle into you skin as part of a five step process. It hurts if you screw it up.

Permalink Reply by Marcia on March 10, 2011 at 11:06am

Welcome to Dexcom Andrew! I'm fairly new to using it and you will learn a bunch from the regulars on this site.
Here's what I know. Yes you reuse the transmitter and it does pop out. The book that came with it shows you how to get it out after you remove it from your body. There are a couple of good YouTubes (see 1HappyDiabetic - he's great and does terrific step-by-step videos).
Regarding the Sensors, I was under the impression that 1 sensor was good for only 7 days but almost everyone on this site pushes it for close to 14 days. You can read some of those posts but I'm trying it now and all you do is restart the sensor on the receiver after it tells you that your 7 days is up and it starts over even if you don't actually change the sensor. Saves much $$ and site changing.
Best of luck!

Permalink Reply by Andrew Tumsuden on March 10, 2011 at 10:26pm

ok so what if i get in the shower?? does the transmitter need to be removed?

Permalink Reply by Bryan Ritchie on March 11, 2011 at 5:51am

Congratulations Andrew! You'll love your Dexcom.

As for showering, just leave everything alone and continue as normal. The receiver (bigger unit where you read your blood sugar numbers) is NOT waterproof so keep it clear of any water, but otherwise just leave your "site" alone and you'll be fine.

You might consider picking up some OpSite to put over your "site". It will keep it on your body longer and drier.

 

Enjoy!

Permalink Reply by Andrew Tumsuden on March 11, 2011 at 6:03am

i was told to use IV Prep but all i currently have is alcohol wipes will that work??? looked it up and it has recalls and wanna put it on today so what do i do!!

Permalink Reply by Marcia on March 14, 2011 at 5:39pm

I got some stuff called "skin tac wipes" and apply it to the sticky part of the sensor before placing it on my skin and it stays on great for at least two weeks. I can't remember now if I got them from Dexcom or Animas.
Alcohol isn't sticky so you don't want to use that except to clean the area on your skin.
There are a couple of videos if you Google them showing people using skin tac and placing the sensor. I watched a few before I used it and it made it much better Andrew.

Permalink Reply by Andrew Tumsuden on March 14, 2011 at 5:49pm

well i only had alcohol wipes at the time but it stayed on for atleast a good 4 days before i had to use some medical tape but i also have to tuck my shirt in at shirt and move quite a bit

Permalink Reply by Marcia on March 14, 2011 at 5:57pm

How are the readings compared to your meter?

Permalink Reply by Andrew Tumsuden on March 14, 2011 at 6:29pm

sometimes really close and sometimes a bit apart