Back from a long absence (again)?

First off, thanks everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday last month!!

Well, I finally found a new Endo, one that I like a LOT .... (if anyone needs a recommendation in Morristown, NJ, just ask!). I also just got my new Medtronic Revel pump and CGM. Still getting the hang of the insertion process with the CGM, and the timing of replacing that with replacing my regular infusion set. Generally I have one on the left side of my abdomen and the other on the right, so I need to make sure my schedules are in sync! Having trouble figuring out what to use to tape down the sensor and transmitter - I'm not a fan of those gigantic IV3000 things; my skin needs to "breathe" a bit. I've been trying the same first-aid paper tape that I use on my pump tubing, but the sensor seems to keep trying to fall out. Unlike the Silhouette infusion set, which has adhesive surrounding the cannula, the sensor has nothing in front, and the tube keeps yanking out! Then I get a "weak signal" alarm.... go figure. (Of course, then I fix it and need to calibrate at less-than-optimal time).

Anyway, still practicing, and looking for that right adhesive. Any suggestions? Something that, perhaps, the doctors don't tell you?

Tags: CGM, Medtronic, Revel

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Comment by MariaCDE on April 23, 2011 at 8:04am: Have you tried tegaderm? These come in different sizes, and you can use one to cover the transmitter. Also, soon these transmitters are going to be smaller and according to the manufacturer, no adhesive will be needed!

Comment by Doris D on April 23, 2011 at 8:19am: I was thinking about the samething but wasn't sure how to spell it Maria.

Comment by Scott E on April 23, 2011 at 10:32am: I haven't tried tegaderm, but I'll take a look at it. From the website, it looks like it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. How's the cost? (and is it painful to remove? there is some body hair in this location). I've heard of the newer, smaller transmitters (the Enlite?) but thought it may be a year before they get FDA approval in the United States because of the FDA's approval of the earlier sensors for 3 days. Hadn't heard about it not needing adhesive at all, though.. I read a lot about it on Diabetesmine here: http://www.diabetesmine.com/2011/04/rumors-that-prove-true-medtroni...

Comment by MariaCDE on April 23, 2011 at 12:40pm: The cost varies on the size - usually 2-1/2 X 2-1/2 does the trick and comes in packages of 50 to 100. Cost varies - $30 to $45 for a packge of 50?? Sometimes insurance covers these items but that varies for each insurance company. If they're covering the Opsite, the tegaderm should be covered. If there is a place by you that sells durable medical equipment such as canes, walkers, etc. they might carry this at a discounted price. As for removal, it's pretty gentle. People who have wound care issues use it frequently.

Comment by LaLa on November 7, 2011 at 1:08pm: Hello Scott, Wonder if you would be kind enough to give me the name of your Endo in Morristown. I've had diabetes for ten years and only used my GP. He's moving to SC and so, its time to find a specialist. Hope that you get this eventhough your post is from April 2011. Thank you, LaLa