Over the past decade, I've tried a variety of short-term CGM's.
This was the first time on a "long-term" implanted CGM.
Here's my experience from the first 10 days wearing the Eversense CGM by Senseonics
I have heard that everyone's experience with the first few days after implant is different.
Here's my account of the first 10 days:
Day 1
It all starts with a visit with the physician to have the sensor inserted.
It's a painless, 15 minute procedure, and without anyone taking photos, you'd never know it's happening.
Here's Dr. Kayne inserting the sensor.
From the pictures, you'd never know there was 5 people in the room
It's such a fast procedure, I had Brian take video of the last moments of the process.
The procedure is mostly painless. The only thing I felt was the shot of Lidocaine, a local anesthetic which took effect within minutes. Even hours after the procedure, there was still no pain.
All very good things in my opinion.
Day 2
Still getting out as the insertion site heals.
And still with the bandage to prevent ambient light on the new sensor.
Since I was still wearing my Dexcom and had 10 days left on this sensor, I had a great opportunity to follow where one CGM ends as a new CGM begins.
Day 3
There's a gauze and tegaderm that I need to wear for the first couple days while the insertion site heals.
Pics of my Double CGM sites.
As the old G6 wanes in it's lifespan, the adhesive shows signs of peeling.
Please excuse my hairy belly, for it is, after all, the FDA recommended site for the Dexcom G6
Day 5
And trying to make treatment decisions is sort of impossible.
Don't leave home without your manual tester!
Day 6
Still getting out onto the trails, and yes, still covered up from sunlight.
(long sleeves would be wisest)
Day 8
Almost healed...
My first line-up
Day 10
Life back to normal
Not much of a scar left
My experience wouldn't be complete without a personal list of my own pros and cons I've discovered during the first 10 days wearing the CGM.
Pros
~80 Days on 1 sensor
On-Body Vibration Patterns for alerts
Bluetooth Transmitter
Water resistant
Doesn’t interfere with my activities
(climbing, hiking running, etc.)
Adhesive is hypoallergenic
Insertion procedure is painless and quick
(15 mins)
Cons
Actual working duration of the sensor
is actually 89 days.
Accuracy isn’t great in the first 24 hours.
2 daily calibrations in the first 21 days
Takes a little time to get used to the vibration alerts and what each one means.
The app needs work with it’s “intuitiveness”
Final Note:
Please keep in mind, that the above results are MY experience alone, and are based solely on what I experienced in my first 10 days.
Please let me know in the comments box below if you have, or know someone who has had a similar experience, or a radically different experience in the first 10 days of Eversense wear.
