Dexcom Platinum G4

Hello All - Here is a helpful post about putting on a Dexcom Platinum G4 sensor, keeping it on, and helpful tips when taking it off!  However, this is not to be taken as instructions or medical advice.  This is my experience with the system, so please consult a healthcare professional if you are not sure how to use (gotta say that part these days...). 

The first picture below is the applicator that is used to insert the wire into your body.  I initially remove the adhesive and that flat plastic piece on the left.  Once I have done that, I attach the site typically to my abdomen, since it usually has the most consistent readings and is easily monitored to make sure it is still attached securely.  I have also tried my lower back/love handle area and it works pretty well too, but can be more difficult to attach without some help, but still doable.  I have heard people using the back on the arm, but I really don't have any meat there, so haven't tried yet.   

When attaching, I like to pitch/grab around the area to get a good chunk of meat for the insertion.  Being thin, this can be difficult and can lead to sensor errors.  If significant blood comes out during the insertion, that is a tell tale sign that I am not going to have good readings.  Small amount can be ok, but if the adhesive part turns red, not good.  I like to grab a flash light and really check the area under that plastic once it is secured to see if I have any blood.       

DEXCOM G4

Attaching the sensor to the site is super easy, but I have been told by Dexcom technician to make to to clean the sensor so it doesn't have any residue. Once it clicks in, I remove that little plastic snap part with a simple twist. 

So the recommended time from Dexcom is 7 days.  I have worn two so far and got 8 days out of one and 12 out of the other.  The problem for me is that the adhesive of the site tends to peel, gets dirty and I don't want to risk infection, so I usually take if off when that happens.  I will use medical tape to keep it from peeling, but it doesn't always work too well because it makes me ichy and peels too.  I have heard that Opsite Flexfix works really well, but have yet to try.  I actually got some 3M adhesive the is antibacterial for my pump sensor, so I might try that next time to see it it works better.  

As you can see below, I usually start with just a strip across the top, but then next couple days end up taping all the way around. 

I'm a pretty active person, with Crossfit, yoga, and generally working out, the site can get pretty dirty.  My sensor below was after 12 days, and the readings were still right on, but it was getting too dirty for my comfort level, so I took it off. 

See the worst part of the process below!  After I take off my sensor, my skin is so itchy and irritated it drives me crazy. BUT, I have found a great natural way to help relieve my irritation. 

MELALEUCA OIL OR "TEA TREE OIL"! 
See the before and after below. 

The Melaleuca Oil is 100% therapeutic grade.  It
is the essential oil steam distilled from the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia, this oil is often called a “medicine cabinet in a bottle” and is “effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses and stimulates the immune system.”

Works great for any skin irritation, bug bites, poison ivy, cold sores, ect.  Look it up!

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