Cyborg Times (new BG meter)

yep, my last delivery was delayed and so I ended up going to Tenerife without a sensor - exactly the time it would've been most useful!!

They really need to get this sorted

BeccyB, similar my delay was before holiday when I would have liked it the most, at least it swimming less of a worry

Hi yes I think it is a pain I have taken to having a few days off when my sensor ends and try a order straight away when I can . I really miss the swimming so it nice to have a swim sensor free as I have no success with keeping them fully attached after swimming and also after a heavy gym workout. I have found that if I use tac wipe before applying the señor they are no likely to stay on the 14days. Hope you get your order soon as I really miss not having mine on now .

Hi All
I am now on my 12th sensor and the last three have caused a really bad infection on my arm (one so bad the sensor was pushed off).
I would attached a photo but it's not a pretty sight! I am going to write to Abbotts and send them a picture and see what they say.
The first few sensors did not cause this problem so I don't know why this has started happening now. I rang Abbotts to check they haven't changed they adhesive but they insist they haven't and say nobody else has complained. They did however replace two of the sensors for free. I know Tegaderm and Cavilon spray have been mentioned previously on this thread as a solution but is anyone else suffering from this problem?
If so any alternative solutions?
I will be very disappointed if I have to stop using the Libre but will have to if this persists.

Hi Frazer
So sorry to hear you have had so much trouble. One of the problems with diabetes is that we are at greater risk of soft tissue infections than the general population. Sometimes it is possible for the skin to become colonised by staphylococcus aureus bacteria with no sign of its presence. If however the skin becomes punctured or broken in this situation an infection can start. This is even more likely for people with a history of eczema or if the blood sugars have been a bit high,but can occur even without this. In such circumstances .
Sometimes one can reduce the occurence of infections by regular use of chlorhexidine shower gel (e.g. Hibiscrub wash - something which can be bought from the community pharmacy and use for handwashing, baths ans showers. I have found Skin Safe spray helpful to use after cleaning the skin with an alcohol wipe before applying the sensor. Skin Safe is really meant for people with ostomies (such as colostomies or ileostomies) but you can get a free sample from the firm that make it . My free sample has lasted for ages. I do hope you are able to get this problem sorted. Best wishes!

Thanks very much Stephen - that's really informative. I'll give it a go.

Frazer,

Your issue might be mine and others fault, my first few sensors kept dropping off during or after vigorous exercise due to sweat, recently this is less likely. I think they have changed the glue or at least its strength, this might now be your issue. Have a word with Abbott.

Not sure knowing this will help though.

Phil

Thanks Phil - Abbotts told me the glue has not been changed but perhaps you are right and it has been strengthened.
Could you try being a little less vigorous in future

Hi I think the glue is different too as I have been using since January now and like most people have had problems in the passed with senors falling off after gym or in the heat but the last 4 have all lasted the full 14 days . I have notice that after I take the senor off it can be sore a little . I have stated to use antibacterial shower gel and also tac wipes after removing the senors which really help with removing the sticky glue left behind.

When I applied my first sensor just over 12 months ago I found it very difficult to make it stick on properly. The applicator nearly pulled it off when I tried to remove the applicator. I am convinced as others have also noted that grease and sweat on the skin hinders the sensor from adhering properly. For years I had avoided using alcohol on my skin as when I started with diabetes nearly 50 years ago we had to clean the skin with surgical spirit before injections ! This made the skin thick. However I have found for sensors I have needed to use the isopropanol alcohol antiseptic wipes provided in the sensor pack. After advice from my Diabetes Specialist Nurse I applied to Opus Health Care : www.opus-healthcare.co.uk and they sent me some free samples. I found that Skin Safe Non Sting Protective Film spray was a great help. It is antiseptic but also leaves the skin tacky and more receptive to holding on the sensor firmly. The Non Sting Medical Adhesive Spray was also useful in removing the glue from the skin with removal of the old sensor. Sorry to contribute again on the same subject but I forgot to mention these details before. Grateful to hear of all the contributions on this subject.