When The meter read 298 mg/dl, my first thought was that I was probably 300 mg/dl all night. If I would have known about it I would have done something about it. Then I thought about what I did before bed last night, and what i messed up on, and how much harder my day would be. Waking up with a high blood sugar makes the “diabetes day” so much harder to influence.
My CGM broke about three weeks ago, and I’ve really missed it. Not only for times like last night, but also having a constant stream of useful information available at the touch of a button. I took for granted just how useful that information is. Now that I don’t have it, feel like I’m in the dark, and just guessing when it comes to decisions about food, insulin, and exercise.
The CGM I had was the FreeStyle Navigator, and the company is having problems replacing stuff. They say they are not going out of business, that they will be replacing stuff, but don’t know when it will be available. And they offered $2000 for the return of the system.
I loved my Navigator. I didn’t want to send it back. But my choices were to either go an extended period of time without sensing, or cash in and buy one of the other CGM systems . What choice do I really have there?
My Dex will be here later this week.
I have been so surprised at just how vulnerable I have felt without a sensor on. I never thought it made much of a difference. Doing it “old school” (how ridiculous does that sound?) has been much harder, and my numbers are proof.
I’m testing a bunch, of course, but I’m missing a TON of information. I have to put a lot more energy into almost every decision I make, and I’m having problems putting individual blood sugar numbers into the context of my day and activities.
You wont meet anyone wearing a CGM system that will tell you it is a magic bullet, and I agree with them 100%. But I sure do miss having that tool in my toolbox.
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Scott K. Johnson
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in April of 1980, I recognize the incredible mental struggle of living with diabetes.
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This must be such a weird feeling. I’ve only had my CGM for 6 months or so, and I can’t imagine not having the information all the time.
Good luck to you!
Hey Im not sure what you’re talking about; maybe something to do with insulin. I take oral medications and thats’ all I’ve ever taken. However, I do have very bad blood sugars in the morning. I was told it was something like “Dawn” syndrome or something. You should look it up.
I’m sorry you had to trade in the CGM system you’ve used and loved, but I think you made the right choice. From what you said, it doesn’t sound like you can depend on the Navigator being around for the long haul. I hope you like the Dex just as much.
Oh, and I know I’d be lost without my CGM too!
Hey….PLEASE keep us posted on your experience with Dex. We’re anxiously awaiting the Animas/Dex combo and then might give CGM another whirl.
After all I have heard about the Navigator, I can totally understand why you miss it.
Personally, I want a Dixie (I mean a dog not Dixie). Or for Tedders to train as a D Dog. Maybe I should send him to Molly’s just to hang out and Dixie can teach him?
Seriously though, let me know how the Dex is. I am considering switching to team Animas.
That really isn’t much of a choice. I’m glad you will be plugged back in soon. I’m interested to see how you compare the two systems.
You are right, it isn’t the magic bullet. But you are right, it’s “old school” or flying without a net when it’s not working. It’s very easy to get used to.
I am curious to see what you think about the Dexcom. I don’t wear mines all the time due to insurance not paying for the sensors but I love it. I am glad the navigator peeps offered you a sweet 2,000! That’s says a lot about their company.
I’ve never worn a CGMS but guess it would be just like when the pump fails and waiting for the replacement. You know what to do but it’s just not the same results. You have to work that much harder for not nearly as good results.
Hope you get your new CGMS soon and are up and running again soon.
Scott,
She thinks that you’re cool stuff, though. Teddy is welcome for a visit anytime!
Hopefully having the Dex will help give you back control. It’s hard when you come to rely on something, and lose it.
And George… you can’t have Dixie.
I can relate to your loss Scott. I have used CGM for about six months and the first week without it, I felt so helpless. I didn’t trust my numbers, I poked my fingers all the time. I started to doubt myself. For example: you poke your finger and it says 96 mg/dl. Great right? But then you wonder: is it going up or down? The CGM would have told me.. I still miss it..
Hope to read your blogs on the Dex. It’s not available in our country yet. Good luck!
This whole situation with Abbott and the Navigator has me very puzzled… I mean, how can you not be able to know when you’ll replace something that you’ve built, and instead of being willing to quickly moving to “fix” whatever issue has come up, you are just wiping your hands of the broken ones and giving people cash back? I mean, WTF??? Seriously, we’re supposed to believe this isn’t part of something larger within that company? C’mon. We’re diabetic, but not stupid. Regardless of the issues, glad to hear you got $2k from them and it helped snag the Dex – and I hope that one works out for you, Scott. Keep us posted on it, and thanks for sharing this all.
Hope you like the Dexcom as much as I do. I can’t imagine going weeks without it (which may not be a good thing), I would probably try to test every 10 minutes. And I really don’t want to do that.
I feel the same way – I finished my first supply of sensors about a month ago, and i feel almost lost without it. I’m curious though, if I call the company, are they offering the 2K or is it specifically as reimbursement for getting a different CGM?
Jon,
Not 100% sure yet, as I haven’t received the paperwork (expecting it this week). There was no mention of any strings attached to that money, but I’m sure I have to sign something waiving some rights to something or other.
There’s got to be a catch somewhere.
We’re with George. Heavily looking into Team Animas, but waiting until they have the CGM and pump integrated. Next year is what we’re hearing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings about the CGM. I know it’s been mixed feedback a lot on the CGM’s.
I look forward to the day that we get one for Tristan. But right now he’s just not ready
He still fights over site changes 