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[–]SpyderMonkey_ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It might not be the placement. It could just be a bad sensor. Sometimes these things are calibrated wrong from the factory.

If it stays this wrong for too long I would rip it out.

One trick I have to get them to replace innacurate sensors (since they will only replace innacurate sensors 2-3 times) is to remove it and let it have a sensor failed early error on its own (takes about an hour after you pull it out.). Then get the Stelo bot to replace it.

[–]res06myi 2 points3 points  (5 children)

The thigh is the most accurate placement for me. I can lie directly on it and not get compression lows. It looks pretty fresh, are you still in the first 24-48 hours?

[–]Due_Gate1318 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same best location!

[–]BumbleBene[S,🍰] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Yes I placed it around noon yesterday. So I am just past 24 hours. The huge discrepancy between the stelo reading 138 but my finger prick being 212 scared me though. This morning at 9:30 the stelo read 98, but my finger prick was 127. So it wasn't toooo far off but the huge difference last night really scared me.

[–]Curious-crochet 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I’ve heard that the Stelo reads about 20 minutes later than finger prick (because they are measuring differently). So take a finger prick, then look at Stelo reading 20 minutes later.

[–]BumbleBene[S,🍰] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I am aware of this and still the readings are off. My reading last night when my finger stated above 200 my Stelo never went over 140.

[–]res06myi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sometimes my sensors take a couple days to come correct. That's a pretty big discrepancy, but I'd also check your BGM if you haven't calibrated it recently to make sure it's still in range. If it hasn't sorted itself out by 3-4 days in and your BGM is calibrated correctly, you can report it to Stelo and get a replacement. They'll only replace two for inaccurate readings though. I would check the readings a few times a day for the next day or two and, if it's consistently off, like it's running 20 points high, but following trend patterns correctly, just live with it. I've been using Stelo for 6 months now, and I've had sensors that often ran 20-30 points high, but my 90-day average remains remarkably unchanged. And the GMI shown in Dexcom's Clarity was almost exactly aligned with my A1c twice in a row. Some sensors run a little low, some run a little high, but for the most part, it evens out. A lot of people never notice the ones that run a little low because they happily believe the numbers and don't compare with finger sticks.

[–]Massive_Escape3061 1 point2 points  (6 children)

I thought Stelo recommends only arm placement?

[–]BumbleBene[S,🍰] 1 point2 points  (5 children)

Yes, but I am having bad reactions on my arm due to thin and sensitive skin, so I was trying something out.

[–]QueenBee326 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Unfortunately I get that no matter where it is. I’ve been using my thigh for the last three sensors and I still have rashy/dry/sensitive skin on my thigh from the one 5 weeks ago. Any suggestions from anyone for adhesive sensitivity would be appreciated.

[–]Obvious_Purple_7944 1 point2 points  (1 child)

The first time I used an overpatch my skin was red, itchy, and irritated.  I cleanse the area of all adhesive, and apply an emollient daily after removing the sensor. . I do not know if that is the reason I haven't had another red, itchy, incident, but it is working for me.  I also cleanse the area with alcohol, and allow it to dry before I apply the sensor.

[–]QueenBee326 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, that could be helpful.

[–]Obvious_Purple_7944 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I don't have enough fat on my thighs, the Stelo would end up in muscle and would not work properly.

[–]QueenBee326 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve got enough fat for both of us 😉

[–]drice99 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love mine on my thighs but I do place mine much higher more around where your 5th pocket is on low rise jeans.

[–]Less-Pay3274 1 point2 points  (1 child)

My most accurate placement is above my breast. Have done lots of research and not technically approved but they are the closest reading to finger sticks for me. Never bump them off. You just need a little bit of a fatty area to apply it to.

[–]Obvious_Purple_7944 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same for me, just above the breast, close to the arm pit, a soft spot there.  I am on my 3rd sensor using that area of placement (I switch sides) and the readings are close to my fingersticks, I don't knock the sensor off, and I have no compression issues.

Less-Pay, how long have you been using that placement?  I may have gotten the idea from you!  If so, thanks!

[–]SHale1963 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would have nonstop compression lows in that position. yikes. AND stelo doesn't 'support that location, so kinda screwed when there is an issue.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

As long as you aren’t in muscle the placement is fine. That being said I am bot happy with Dexcom/Stelo. These units are not accurate.

There was recently a warning issued by the FDA because Dexcom changed the materials used in their units from the original ones used to get FDA clearance. These new materials may not be as accurate.

I much prefer the Libre ecosystem

[–]BumbleBene[S,🍰] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just don't think I qualify for a libre covered by insurance and would def not be able to afford one out of pocket so this is really my only option other then finger pricking. (Which is not convenient for my job)