My Safety Net

Back in November, I wrote about the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor. I was anxious to jump on board in hopes of squelching my fears of night time lows and regaining a full night's rest. I spoke to a Dexcom rep at the Taking Control of Your Diabetes conference and shortly thereafter, my endocrinologist and I placed the order. 

By month's end, a pretty little FedEx box was on my door step. While I was anxious to try the monitor, I chose to hold off until my father and I returned from Sacramento. I didn't want the hassle of learning a new system to throw off any of our plans. Instead, I opted to begin use when I returned home. Back at my apartment I immediately through my bags down and hunkered down in front of the computer to watch the interactive tutorials. Alright, it looks easy enough. How bad can it be? 

Let's just say that first time won't make my top ten list. I got out my alcohol swabs, cleaned the area, and opened the sterile package containing the sensor applicator. I removed the safety lock and placed the adhesive patch against my skin-- with my out-of-pocket expense being $12 a pop, there was no turning back now. I took a deep breath and pushed down the plunger... just enough that the needle touched my skin. {insert small scream} Were they crazy? I should have taken a look at the needle before I signed up for this thing. However, I am far too stubborn of a person to be defeated by a little pain, so I held my breath and pushed down. Once the needle was out and the sensor probe was inserted, all was forgotten. But, don't think for a minute that I didn't examine that hollow needle afterward. I powered on the receiver (yes, I have bluetooth capabilities now) and within two hours I was up and running.

Overall, I am pleased with the performance of the Dexcom. It alerts me when I am rising and falling, which comes in very handy when I am preoccupied. I won't pretend that it is without it's faults, but it works in the ways I need it to. The inaccuracies can be annoying-- especially on the days I find myself with additional finger pricks to properly calibrate it. However, it tests my blood 228 times a day (you won't find my callused little fingers taking that kind of abuse) and displays trends I never knew existed. Last but not least, the vibrations and sharp beeps are enough to wake me from a deep sleep... it shouts at me constantly throughout the night to notify me of my lows, which is it's sole purpose for me. The Dexcom does have it's errors, but it is my safety net when all else fails.

Now, if only I could get better about doing something when I see an arrow pointing straight across...