My son is diabetic, he's two, but we have a Dexcom Platinum. We know it's not FDA approved for children under 7, but we feel that the pros outweigh the cons, especially when dealing with a child not really old enough to communicate how he feels (highs/lows). Our CGM serves as kind of an early warning system for us, so even though we are still having to check his blood sugar with the meter several times, the CGM gives us some extra comfort in his diabetes management.
Recently, I have noticed that my son's site has a little bit of blood around it (a few drops). Also, he pulls at it, like it's bothering him and I'm not sure if this is causing it, but the site never lasts more than about 5 days before the sensor fails. So my questions for any one currently using a CGM, specifically a dexcom are:
Are there any tips or tricks you can give me for placing the site? Usually he's not so compliant, so he is stressed while placing it and I know that effects it. I've tried placing it on his back/upper buttocks but it seemed to be much less accurate.. Is there something I can do to make it less painful when placing it? If the sites weren't so expensive and scarce around here, I'd try it on myself to get a good painfree technique down but that's not really an option... Any feedback would be helpful!
Is there blood when the site is still in or after it's removed?
You can try a little numbing cream when the sensor is first put in. Can make the insertion a little less traumatic. My guess is that the adhesive is itchy and that's why he's had enough after the 5th day.
It will get easier when your son is a little older. Kids at that age start getting fussy about clothing, seat belts, and anything else that touches them. It's hard to keep any medical device on a 2-year-old. My son had eye surgery as a toddler and he wasn't upset about the surgery, he was furious about the blood pressure clip on his finger. The nurses said even kids who have open heart surgery don't seem to notice the incision at first but are irrate at the bp clip.
Hello, I use a CGM continuosly and although it is not a Dexcom I have found it quite irritating at times. I use the CGM that is linked to my MedTronic Revel insulin pump. Like Jenna said, he most likely is becoming irritated by the adhesive from the bandage or the covering. The thing that I do when it starts getting unbearable is change the bandage. (I use Bandaide brand flexable bandaids) The Mini med CGM's are only rated for 3 days of use but I have had some very successful 6 day runs with mine before the sensor finally gives up and the transmitter needs recharging. As far as how it feels, Its a bit hard to describe, I can feel the sensor being iserted and the needle being removed but I don't feel any pain, at least not if I do everything correctly. I does feel strange but once inserted and everything is in place, I barely notice it. My guess is your 2 year old is just a bit freaked out by the needle and its something that you will have to work through to find the best method for you and him.
I just got my first CGM, the G4 Platinum, last week. The insertion feels about like an insulin syringe. After that it doesn't hurt at all, but it does feel like a band-aid. The transmitter sticks up a bit, and can catch on clothing or get bumped. I can see where a young child would tend to pull at it, or bump it on things since they are so active. I have not had any bad sensor readings during the week. The receiver only missed one sample during the week, and that was due to vigorous activity.
I have 3 kids, none of whom have developed T1D. However, when approaching similar issues such as vaccinations or oral medication, I found it helpful to have a nearby distraction that they could look forward to getting once it was over. No matter how young, they seem to get the idea that they will get something special after the unpleasant thing is done.
It sounds to me like his skin is getting irritated from the adhesives. There are products like Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film (it looks like an alcohol swab) and Skin Tac Wipe (they both create a barrier between the adhesive and the skin). Those might help with the skin irritation. The sensor might also be irritating him if the little "probe" sitting under the skin is constantly moving in and out and around a little bit just with natural body movements. There is another product that I like called Hypafix that you can put on top of the whole sensor. It's like a covering and is sticky. It will help prevent the sensor from dislodging and help prevent it from moving around. Hope this helps! Also, to take the hypafix off (if you were going to use that), it sticks really well to the skin so I would make sure to use one of those barrier films as well as use an Adhesive Remover - I like Brava Adhesive Remover spray. It looks like a little can of hairspray - doesn't sting - you spray it on, leave it on for a minute or so, it breaks down the "sticky" and basically slides right off. You can use this spray on any adhesives (like infusion sites) if he is getting red marks leftover from the infusion set adhesive. :)