Zero Tack
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 8:05AM Seven days. That is all I ask for. So many get so much more than that and all I am asking is for seven days.
It never happens.
My Dexcom sensors always fall out on day 5 or 6. I have tried IV3000, Tegaderm, even Mastisol! All of those just seem to make it pull it out even faster since I use them after it starts looking bad.
Here’s the thing, I am not a sweaty guy. I only sweat when in extreme situations like saunas, Hot yoga, Dance Central games, and racquetball. Also I shower daily. If I am home sick and don’t plan on seeing anyone all day I still shower. I cannot stand not showering ever morning.
Maybe my shower is too hot? Is my water pressure to high? Do I stay in the shower too long?
[side note: Those are 1st world problems that make me realize I should get over myself and count my blessings.]
My doctor says I should call and get them replaced when they fall out but I feel weird about it.
“I am not sticky enough and I need you to help me.” Weird.
Last night I lost another sensor. It was day 5 and it’s gone. When I hear about people getting weeks and weeks out of one sensor I realize I could be saving a lot of money.
That’s the thing, it’s not about using them longer I just want them to be used as long as they are supposed to.
After that I really shouldn’t complain.
Any ideas on how to get stickier or what my tackles issue is I would appreciate it.
I need tack!
Reader Comments (10)
After your frequent showers, make sure that you squeeze the water out of the tape. I usually just put the towel over the tape and press down for a minute or two. This has really reduced tape "feathering" and sensors falling off before their time. This is the first thing I do as soon as I turn the water off, I think it helps maintain the integrity of the stickiness.
This may sound weird, but....are you hairy? Is it maybe sticking to your hair instead of your skin? Have you tried leg sites? I find my Dex site will only last more than 6-7 days in my leg since my belly hits off so many things.
I use Skin Tac under the adhesive. The adhesive still starts to feather on about day three, but without the Skin Tac the sensor would completely fall off by day three. When the feathering starts, I put Skin Tac around the adhesive and then cover the whole sensor, adhesive, and surrounding skin with IV3000. It's a pain, but I can get 2-3 weeks out of them this way.
I'll cast another vote for Skin Tac - I love that stuff. That and FlexiFix tape.
I think it's just a matter of trying a bunch of different combinations of things (wipes and tapes) until you find a recipe that works for you.
I also think there's some merit in calling Dexcom - they're marketed for seven days, and that's what you are paying for. They need to at least be aware of them falling off people early...
I will I could help you, but my magic tape (Flexifix) just made your sensor peel off faster! You've got me stumped!
Have you tried taping it down with tegaderm from day 1? I tape medtronic sensor down with 2 tegaderms that partly cover each other and if one of them starts to get loose, I may add a third one. That way no water comes close to sensor tape and they stay put.
I use the Opsite Flexifix, 2 inch width, just cut a hole for the sensor.
And if it starts to reel, cover the whole blasted thing with a piece.
Been averaging 2 weeks per sensor.
:)
For our 4 year old we use Skin Tac wipes and cover sensor with Tegaderm from day one; keeps moisture away from adhesive layer. For swimming or other rough play we temporarily wrap with 'vet wrap'; stuff is great and a lot cheaper than the human version.
Call Dexcom and ask for a replacement! I do it on all my sensors that fall off early. If I'm paying $80 bucks a sensor then I'm going to demand my full 7 days of use.
I actually keep my sensor wrapper and write the date and time I put it in on the label. That way if/when it falls off early, I have all the info they ask for readily accessible.
I use the IV prep. If the sensor starts to peel up, I do another round of IV prep and hold the sensor in place until it dries. Good luck on finding the right combo for you.
I've been exercising a lot recently and with the heat here in VA, I've been sweating a lot too-Tegaderm (tape from Medtronic) never fails me! I don't have the Dexcom, I have the Medtronic CGM but I can keep it taped easily for 7 days (the sensor fails before the tape does!) Good luck on trying to figure it out!