What happens behind the scenes when my 6-month Eversense CGM Sensor has to be replaced at the end of 180 days
... In case you're curious.
It’s no secret by now, that I’m a proud user of the Eversense CGM system, and, full disclosure, I’m also an Eversense Patient Ambassador.
With that said…
NO!
This is not an ad for the system, but instead an answer to the call of curiosity that many of my followers and fellow T1d’s have regarding the placement procedure of the sensor under the skin.
It is, after all the biggest concern most folks have regarding an implantable medical device that reads your glucose values all-day, everyday.
Are you ready to satisfy some of that curiosity?
This video should help.
It’s from a recent visit to Dr. Kayne’s office in Encino, CA where I had my old sensor removed and a new, fresh sensor placed.
A warning for the Squeamish and Queasy
This is an out-patient medical procedure.
You’ve been warned.
NOTE:
This video was shot when I was on the 90-day system and is no longer being used.
I'm now using the E3 180-day System.
Enjoy!
Video Credits:
Camera: Will Dorrien-Smith
Edit: Dan Flesher
A few quick answers…
Does it hurt?
NO.
This does not hurt.
The only thing I felt was the shot of Lidocaine.
(kinda like an insulin shot in the arm)
Does it hurt after?
No.
It’s completely painless, even during the few days following. I have, however heard a few other folks describe some minor irritation the day after, but this is extremely rare.
What about scars?
There’s are a lot of folks who are concerned with scarring, and while the sensor is a sub-dermal implant, there will be scars, and in my opinion, they are small.
Steri-Strips are used and worn for a few days to help the incision heal.
sensor #2 was placed in the other arm.
Here’s some pictures of what my scars looked like after healing.
a few weeks after removal
(pencil for scale)
(pencil for scale)
The size and visibility of the scars will vary because of a number of things, including; the experience of the person performing the removal/insertion, how well the procedure went (lots of variables there), how the wound was dressed (strips or stitches), site infection (extremely rare and has never happened to me), and the individuals skin sensitivity to scars (varies a lot person-to-person) and a number of other factors not listed.