Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Hope on February 22, 2011 at 11:45am

That happens to me too. In my experience, the sensors typically last about 5-6 days. When I start getting lots of weak signals or lost transmitters, I just change it. If I get one weak signal reading that seems logical (sensor is too far from pump) I just move it. If I keep getting them, even when they are clearly in proximity, I change it. No use trying to get it work as I find that once there are these probelms, they continue until changed. Save yourself the frustration.

It is another matter if you get lost sensor readings early on, but by day 5-6. the sensor is probably reaching the end of its life.

Permalink Reply by Fred Goldberg on February 22, 2011 at 6:55pm

I've been using Medtronic Sensors since they were first being sold. You can also get a "Lost Sensor" if the connection between the sensor and transmitter becomes loose, or if the sensor comes out of your skin. After it has been on a body for several days, either of those two items can happen if the sensor is located in a place that has skin movement. Way to avoid this: Make sure the sensor and transmitter are securely attached to your body. I often have to replace my IV-3000 clear bandage before I replace the sensor. At times I use a second IV-3000 over part of the original. But a second bandage is MUCH cheaper than a new sensor and bandage!

Permalink Reply by Korrie on February 22, 2011 at 8:15pm

I found that when the ISIG numbers went way low, the sensor was past the point of no return. Taping it down may help as suggested by Fred. One other idea, especially if the ISIG numbers are still at a good level is to stop sensor, pop the transmitter out (don't yank all out), and recharge it. I was told anytime you recharge the transmitter, it "forgets" that it was hooked up, it may boot up again. Those that get more than 1 restart will usually recharge on the end of the 6th/beginning of the 7th day with better results. I got to where mine died at day 4 to into day 5 no matter what I did.

Permalink Reply by Fred Goldberg on February 23, 2011 at 6:50am

I've been doing something that perhaps borders on superstitious, but I think it really does help with battery charging since I've been using mine for many years beyond the "expected life." When I pop my transmitter into the recharger, takes about an hour before the charge blinking light goes out. I remove the transmitter for half or a full minute, then put it BACK into the charger. Transmitter starts flashing like it is charging normally, but the 2nd charge cycle ends in about 5 minutes. I take the transmitter off the charger and with this double charge cycle consistently use it for 6 days (even has power for 7, but iSIG's are too low on 7th day for good use).

Permalink Reply by wallskev on March 15, 2011 at 4:42pm

Fred:

I agree n the recharge style, when I remove for recharge or even between sensor insertions, I do the same thing in charging, ten recharging. I do 3 times and I would say that 90% of the time , I get to 9 days without an Issue on the 1st cycle when I do this cycle.

Permalink Reply by jimt1cgms on March 16, 2011 at 9:05am

I also find it helpful to reduce the time frame of when the WEAK SIGNAL alarm goes off. The transmitter has a 40 minute buffer, so I set the alarm to go off at 20 minutes and hope that within the next 20 it will find the sensor again.

Permalink Reply by Geoffrey Steinman on March 22, 2011 at 5:16pm

you can also get weak signal/lost sensor alerts if the sensor itself is pulling out. nothing you can do at that point but put in a new sensor.