Yes Henry @Hen51, the wooden spoon, and also the handle end of a heavy table knife, have been shared on this forum a few times in various strings.
As far as damaging a delicate medical device, the thing is already broken and useless. Giving it a WACK has redeemed the otherwise useless object and restored it to life. After, report it to Dexcom, explain what you did and put it in the return-pack so it can be examined.
I’m curious why a supervisor may be overriding a delivery. That may be a rhetorical question but it is concerning. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.
We have had 3 fail this way in the past 4 months. The most recent lot number (726551) seems to match several others who are having problems. My son is almost 18, so thankfully he usually brushes it off. But it is painful and extremely frustrating. I call every time and return the defective sensor. In fact this last time, they sent a replacement but no return kit. So I just spent 25 minutes on the phone with them just to get a return kit so I can send this defective applicator back.
Hi Susanne
I can’t get her to use it any more she is traumatised. We are seeing the team in September so I an hoping they might encourage her to have another go. Surely they will be alright soon? It seems to be happening a lot though.
Debbie @evansdebbie2, it really is too bad that your daughter has been traumatized… I’ve found that using this device has done wonders for my management. You must be aware that Dexcom is not your only choice, and Dexcom devices, unfortunately, do not well for all people.
There are other real-time, continuous readings, glucose devices available for her. Speak youth your daughter’s medical-care team about trying another device.
Thank you Dennis for your reply. I will ask her team for advice in September. I must admit it was good that I could track her bloods on my phone but I have tried to convince her but not having much luck. I think she is also stressing about school next week as she is going into year 11 her last and most important year.
Hi @evansdebbie2. First of all congratulations on your daughter going into Year 11 - how exciting! I’m assuming that would be what we in the US would call her last year of high school/secondary school.
If I might gently suggest, while parents appreciate being able to follow their children (at least their readings😊) there comes a point where the child may want to cut those ties. Mind you, I was just out of college by the time plain old, home BG meters came out; CGMs are a relatively recent addition to our tools; and being able to share your numbers with someone is even newer. All of which is to say - as comforting and helpful as these advancements are, people have lived without them far longer than they have been in existence. And while it gives peace of mind to know how your loved one is doing, it may not be an absolute necessity for everyone. There are spouses/partners who follow their loved one’s numbers because they aren’t able to keep them at a healthy level and need assistance more often than not to recover from lows - it’s a medical necessity - but others manage well enough that is not one - and the same is true for some “kids” - especially those who are older.
As a parent you will never lose the peace of mind that comes with knowing how your child is doing, even when they’re 40 or 50 and have kids of their own. Just keep in mind your child may want to cut that cord at some point. Hopefully their decision will rest on a realistic recognition of their ability to manage on their own, and willingness to reach out for help when needed, whether by having someone else follow them, or educating their peers about how to recognize they need help and what to do if so.
I picked up pack of 3 Dexcom G6 sensors this week. The first sensor insertion resulted in the needle being inserted but the (huge) plastic insertion tool would not release from the sensor. I removed the sensor (not an easy task with the tape and plastic housing remaining as one entity). I called Dexcom and they asked for lot number, etc and said they would ship a replacement. Being the optimist, I hung up and inserted the 2nd sensor with same result. I called Dexcom again and (see above). I kept the Dexcom person on the phone while I removed the 2nd sensor and inserted the 3rd sensor which worked properly. Needless to say Dexcom has a problem and obviously is aware of it. I am puzzled how such a simple insertion device can malfunction.
A responsible company would have by now identified the cause of the problem, the dates/lot numbers where the problem occurred (assuming they have stopped manufacturing bad product, and issued a recall for all the bad product they have shipped. Since they haven’t done that, that indicates even bigger issues.
Hi @Hoosier. Welcome to TypeOneNation. This is very likely not going to fall under a severe health risk/issue and so it will end up completely under the discretion of Dex if they want to recall or deal with it by just offering replacements. You can read all about the requirements and responsibilities at the FDA website here https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/postmarket-requirements-devices/recalls-corrections-and-removals-devices
I am sure they are saving money by offering replacements. Hope this helps. cheers.
Hi Garry, and welcome to the JDRF TypeOneNation Forum! I hope that you find this forum interesting, and that it meets your needs, and that you will feel free to offer words of diabetes wisdom for all of us.
Your phrasing “… picked up a box”, to me sounds as if these sensors did not come to you through the usual DexCom supply chain. Your phrasing is telling me that you got these defective sensors from a third-party. I hope that you told the DexCom representative from whom these sensors came.
Hi Joe!
Thanks for your message. Not having a functioning CGM and not having easy access to a glucose monitor is a problem but I understand what you are saying.
Selling factory automation for 30 years, I found manufacturers respond to defective products in much different ways. One company did a total recall (without any authority requiring it) and total replacement costing them millions of dollars which gained them enormous respect and much additional dollars in the long term.
The troubling issue with Dexcom is that they have been aware of the problem for months but are still shipping defective product. That is not good for their customers nor for them.
Take care and stay safe!
Dennis, I am not sure why you asked the question but to ease your mind… Dexcom was aware that I purchased the product thru approved sales channel and they acknowledged it was a manufacturing issue on their end.