tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post4073130999460836330..comments2024-01-06T07:43:28.524-06:00Comments on Texting My Pancreas: My Experience With Medtronic's Enlite CGM System.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04857046266371772742noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-51752320880757848412016-01-03T16:31:46.891-06:002016-01-03T16:31:46.891-06:00It has happened to me but that was very unusual.I ...It has happened to me but that was very unusual.I like having a sensor but using it is a lot of work.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12333822293766643554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-82345131920789513342015-11-29T12:12:53.220-06:002015-11-29T12:12:53.220-06:00I am also so disappointed with the Enlite Sensor -...I am also so disappointed with the Enlite Sensor - <br />Having been diabetic for 47 years, and having worn a pump with the sensor for over 20 years, this new and improved sensor is anything but Improved.<br />At an age where arthritis is in the hands - the insertion device is far too clumsy, too large, hard to use, wasteful - and does not easily release the needle or hold the needle when inserted. The canula - an absolute design failure! I have multiple-wasted Enlite Sensors - which are not inexpensive. A horrible change to an excellent product. This GCM is not easy to use, taping is a joke, the canula is too small to stay in the belly or arm if you move at all, wear pants or skirts, and with a constantly bent canulus, the "LOST" sensor alarms are ringing as soon as a new one is placed. I used to change sensors every 5-6days - now it seems I am changing every 24-28 hours! Denise- I 100% agree with you on all of your comments - and I am writing in November 2015 - nothing has changed with all of the complaints. Time to find another CGM.<br />Jewelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-2895288251716163472015-11-04T17:51:54.776-06:002015-11-04T17:51:54.776-06:00Then why wear the sensors? If you aren't getti...Then why wear the sensors? If you aren't getting the supposed value...I just don't understand the point.?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-56042180734600007112015-07-24T14:33:06.667-05:002015-07-24T14:33:06.667-05:00I've never had a bad customer service issue wi...I've never had a bad customer service issue with Minimed either. Been using their pumps for 15 years, and they have been fabulous!<br /><br />I have used the previous version CGM (not the enlite) and accuracy wasn't what I had hoped for (and yes, occasional lost signal messages, etc.). But I learned to wear my pump on the same side (using my belt) as the sensor was placed. That helped a lot.<br />For those wondering whether to stay with MM, for the pump I'd say definitely. The CGM isn't as good (from what I understand) as the Dexcom, but it isn't horrible, either. I never use any of the alarm features, however, as there are too many false alarms for me, and sleep is precious!<br /><br />But my experience with customer service from MM has been fabulous!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15614007334202482738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-32834745145982083742015-06-24T18:16:51.542-05:002015-06-24T18:16:51.542-05:00Love your blog!! So I was recently stupid and boug...Love your blog!! So I was recently stupid and bought a 530 G system because I was convinced by the sales rep who told me how wonderfully improved it was and as good as Dexcom it was, which it is NOT!!! I wore the Enlite for 4 days which was 4 days too long and had very similar complaints you described. I'm in the process of returning my pump and sensor. I'm sticking with the Dexcom, it's the most accurate system available. If I had one wish, I would give a Dexcom to all diabetics in the world so they could experience joy. Keliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17578925557550151867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-11184274362549733352015-06-24T15:53:16.631-05:002015-06-24T15:53:16.631-05:00Love your blog!! So I was recently stupid and boug...Love your blog!! So I was recently stupid and bought a 530 G system because I was convinced by the sales rep who told me how wonderfully improved it was and as good as Dexcom it was, which it is NOT!!! I wore the Enlite for 4 days which was 4 days too long and had very similar complaints you described. I'm in the process of returning my pump and sensor. I'm sticking with the Dexcom, it's the most accurate system available. If I had one wish, I would give a Dexcom to all diabetics in the world so they could experience joy. Keliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17578925557550151867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-40466053328228618332015-03-02T15:34:40.287-06:002015-03-02T15:34:40.287-06:00Thank you so much for sharing this. This is really...Thank you so much for sharing this. This is really one of my favorite blogs. Keep up the good work here!Pat Clurberhttp://www.rinkoveyecare.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-62674847076930748012015-02-11T12:35:03.943-06:002015-02-11T12:35:03.943-06:00I've been using Medtronic pumps and the CGM te...I've been using Medtronic pumps and the CGM technology for a number of years . . . I don't want to count how many, but I can attest to the accuracy of much of what has been said about the Enlite system. The pump is great, but the CGM sucks. I've had so many problems with mine. The other day, on the phone once again with Medtronic for a problem with failed insertions, I told them that it's gotten to the point where this stupid thing is having a negative impact on my self-confidence. Surely the designers of this product, the CGM, tested it to make sure it was easy for people of all levels of ability. The double push needed to insert the canula--which, by the way, is incredibly delicate, and extract the needle is ridiculous. If you press the server too hard on your skin, you get a bent canula, which produces calibration error alerts. If you press down when you are removing the needle, after the second push of the green button, you may bend the canula and get an error message. And when the canula is bent, you're hosed. Don't get me started on taping the thing down. Also, insertion is painful, or at least the couple of hours after insertion. Then there's all the paper and plastic waste from the packaging. I really hate this thing and am considering switching to the Dexcom, but the idea of learning another piece of diabetes technology is daunting. I've been a T1 diabetic for almost fifty years and I do SO appreciate all the advances that have been made in diabetes care. But this Medtronic CGM is not an advance. I realize they were trying to address problems with accuracy and the problems some people had with the insertion of the Sof-Serter, which did not include me, by the way. The needle didn't really bother me. In fact, I'd rather see it than have the whole thing hidden. I mean, come on! If you wear a pump you're used to seeing those long ugly needles. But what good is improved accuracy if you can't get the bloody thing inserted correctly. Sheesh!Denise Spoonerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17589500361754994336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-78313691936566044212015-02-04T14:16:30.815-06:002015-02-04T14:16:30.815-06:00I also have been using Dexcom CGM for several year...I also have been using Dexcom CGM for several years, first the Seven Plus and now the G4. When I needed to replace my Deltec pump last year, I got the 530G with Enlite CGM. I lasted longer than 2 days (several weeks) but had many issues including frequent alarms, lost sensor (you cannot roll over while sleeping as it cannot find the sensor if the pump is not moving with it) and inaccurate readings. I was not getting much sleep due to the alarms and one night when my blood sugar was low and I was trying to stop the low BS alarm, I actually hit the wrong button(s) and bolused. I haven't used the Enlite since! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-1729747127367921532015-01-21T09:37:56.354-06:002015-01-21T09:37:56.354-06:00I have and continually use a 530g and enlite senso...I have and continually use a 530g and enlite sensors. This is my first pump as an adult onset type 1 prior on shots. The first 2-3 months I wanted to throw it away and give up. Between the help line and my rep we did troubleshooting to the point of it now being functional. I cannot say it is fully accurate or that I love the system but my a1c has come down and my drastic highs and lows are all but gone. I guess that was my goal. I find the devices to be very archaic when other technology is so advanced. Cost of sensors is absurd. Sensors are very finicky. But overall I am having a good result. I am pleased with medtronic customer service. Always available and responsive. I just wish sensors were more accurate and affordable and that the pump was more user friendly and modern.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-24932485951151209652015-01-12T17:22:21.341-06:002015-01-12T17:22:21.341-06:00Same problems I've been having only I'm st...Same problems I've been having only I'm still trying for a month now. I've been through three boxes of sensors, welts all over my stomach, and no one at Medtronics knows what to do besides sell me more sensors. I'll likely use only my 530g pump and get a dexcom as I tested it in the past and it worked. One thing I noticed in your picture of all the sensors was the plactic base was still on a couple sensors. I could'nt figure out why they came off with the insertion devise either. Until I realized the plastic base must be removed before inserting the sensor to yourself.Travishttp://www.languageheart.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-51315709184739736872014-11-25T09:12:02.042-06:002014-11-25T09:12:02.042-06:00I HATE ENLITE! Sensors, without insurance, average...I HATE ENLITE! Sensors, without insurance, average about $100 each. over the last week i have had 4 fails. b.s. Plus, same issues iwth the insertion device. great. another awesome way to waste sensors. Medtronic has no modern communication (i.e. email or livechat) set up to rectify these issues, but be damned if they don't instantly hunt you down if your insurance doesn't cough up for their overpriced junk.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-76643516246461433902014-11-18T12:58:47.101-06:002014-11-18T12:58:47.101-06:00I agree with above. To say that he runs A1c's ...I agree with above. To say that he runs A1c's in the 7's instead of the 6's is like saying its ok to have less of a life span. get with the newer technology as the artificial pump will be here soon. Lantus just in case you did not know is an unstable med. It will sometimes react differently in a person while every you do has remained the same (snacks, exercise, sleep, etc) so be careful as this is not a medium insulin to use, but a poor one at best.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-70401485780909522802014-10-25T14:23:33.896-05:002014-10-25T14:23:33.896-05:00Glad to see that I'm not the only one with pro...Glad to see that I'm not the only one with problems using the Enlite sensor. I'm new to Enlite, but have used Medtronic pumps (508 and Paradigm) for years. I've been pretty satisfied with the performance of the pumps. The 508 was destroyed in a motorcycle accident and the Paradigm's battery cover began do come apart after years of service, it was time to update and try the CGM. I have to say the mechanical design of both the 'serter and the sensor retention is truly subpar. The insertion device is over-engineered to prevent the operator from seeing anything. As a result, it's prone to malfunction. Either holding on to the sensor when it should release it, or jamming up entirely and not firing at all. This whole gadget could be a lot simpler, like the infusion set inserter (Silhouette) and the sensor should have a larger adhesive patch. In the meantime, they should give you 3 sensors for the price of one because you're gonna waste two trying to install the one. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-60650214398460134472014-10-20T15:09:36.037-05:002014-10-20T15:09:36.037-05:00switched to what? and why?switched to what? and why?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-9053221026613502862014-10-20T15:07:19.864-05:002014-10-20T15:07:19.864-05:00Wondering about people who use the Medtronic pump ...Wondering about people who use the Medtronic pump and the Dexcom CGM. My daughter tried the Dexcom and hated it a couple of years ago - (she used it with the Minimed. ) The "professionals" tell you that it's gotten much better. Looking for any feedback - I'd love for her to start using it..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-80438837782013425012014-09-10T14:20:20.758-05:002014-09-10T14:20:20.758-05:00Hi Kim - I just wanted to let you know I bravely t...Hi Kim - I just wanted to let you know I bravely transitioned to the Dexcom Platinum a few months ago!<br />I could be happier with the device after spending several years with the Medtronic. I am telling everyone I know the greatness of this device and strongly recommending that all diabetics get a Dexcom ASAP<br /><br />What I Like:<br />(1) Accuracy, Accuracy, Accuracy! Usually my meter readings are withing 20mg/dl. I know this doesnt sound spectacular, but with medtronic I was seeing 50-75mg/dl variations, and sometimes even more<br />(2) Consistency! My sensor readings are very consistent through the life of the sensor. With the medtronic I would see a gradual drifting of my CGM readings downward in relation to my true BG. This could be monitored quite easily on the Medtronic because it gave an ISIG reading. Finally as each sensor died, the ISIG reading would plummet and give me a false low BG warning. The Dexcom holds its readings throughout its sensor life. So far i've been getting 7-14 days on a sensor. I'm losing them mostly because the adhesive gives out or I get and uncomfortable itching sensation around the sensor after about 10 days. My readings are usually still very accurate when I remove the sensor. I also am quite active with running and soccer, so this repetitive motion often loosens the adhesive quicker than if I were more sedative<br />(3) Sexiness: my reader actually looks like a consumer electronic device made this century. I keep the reader out all the time. When I had the Medtronic sensor I had to reach into my pocket to remove the 1970's style pump to check my BG. The color screen also helps the experience<br />(4) Wireless freedom: this is related to the point regarding less playing with my pump<br />(5) Fewer and less annoying alarms. This is due to both the accuracy of the sensor (Less false alarms) and that the alarms are less annoying.<br />(6) Battery Life. My battery life on my pump now last about three times as long as before. This means having to change the AAA pump battery less frequently. Also the Dexcom reader has a rechargable battery that lasts about a week<br /><br />Things I like less<br />(1) Size. Transmitter is bigger. This is not a huge concern but it is definitely noticable when first switching<br />(2) Extra device. This is mostly just a hassle when I'm playing soccer because I can't carry the reader with me<br />(3) Insertion requires you to inflict pain on yourself. The part I don't like is when you're putting the sensor in, and then you feel the needle make contact, and you have to push the needle in. I prefer the spring loaded action.<br />(4) non rechargable battery of sensor. So far this is not a problem but it is interesting that they did not design a rechargable sensor and instead opted for a lithium ion battery that is supposed to last about 6 months.<br /><br />That's all i can think of right now... I just had to share the newsAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08910927439337422781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-4093887320377713932014-09-04T12:01:18.320-05:002014-09-04T12:01:18.320-05:00Been using my medtronics for several months now, t...Been using my medtronics for several months now, the monitor always comes off, the insertion of the device is always hit or miss, in my humble opinion. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-40154315735362630142014-07-30T16:43:50.451-05:002014-07-30T16:43:50.451-05:00I've been using the 530G & Enlite for abou...I've been using the 530G & Enlite for about 7 months and wish I knew of Dexcom before! I have exactly the same problem inserting the sensor - it just will not stay in. When I do succeed it works pretty well for about 4 days - never for 6 days as they claim. Support is a JOKE - one call to report a failing sensor usually takes about 25 minutes of absorbing worthless advice which I find insulting. I've had to have about 6 sensors replaced in this time due to the injector not ejecting or the sensors not sticking. SHOP ELSEWHERE - Mini Med STINKS!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-72611351335194945062014-07-08T06:39:01.729-05:002014-07-08T06:39:01.729-05:00I think you should try them both out to see for yo...I think you should try them both out to see for yourself. I think it's the only way to know for sure, although most of the evidence I've seen points to Dexcom.Jeffhttp://jeffmatherphotography.com/dispatches/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-33169644534089284742014-06-23T23:32:46.117-05:002014-06-23T23:32:46.117-05:00I was told by my Medtronic rep that we aren't ...I was told by my Medtronic rep that we aren't supposed to calibrate more than four times a day (3-4 is best). She said calibrating more than that can cause faulty readings.Carlisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16518275943236101071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-30251729568081501582014-06-23T23:17:21.679-05:002014-06-23T23:17:21.679-05:00My trainer for the Enlite system told me that I co...My trainer for the Enlite system told me that I could call the Medtronic helpline if my sensor stopped working and they'd send me a new one. I tried it last week when I was getting super faulty numbers and they had me change it, and they sent one right in! Maybe you could try that?Carlisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16518275943236101071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-28892197074769237652014-06-22T07:44:10.064-05:002014-06-22T07:44:10.064-05:00Your mother must be so proud.Your mother must be so proud.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04857046266371772742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-61880745376607101152014-06-22T00:37:36.501-05:002014-06-22T00:37:36.501-05:00wow! So you mean after TWO WHOLE DAYS you were no...wow! So you mean after TWO WHOLE DAYS you were not an Enlite expert? What is wrong with Medtronic? Geez..I thought they made insulin pumps that anyone can use completely and fail-safe within TWO WHOLE DAYS, this is ridiculous! Geez. For real though, my honest opinion is this: WHAT A DUMBASS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7860126842626343555.post-71170155735353330322014-06-08T18:50:07.390-05:002014-06-08T18:50:07.390-05:00I use the mini med 530 G and could really use any ...I use the mini med 530 G and could really use any supplies you still have especially the enlite sensors and infusion sets. 2 of my sensors were bad this week and I am short 12 days. Please reply to scooter 1m@gmail.com. Thank you! ScottAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17709377622850474779noreply@blogger.com