@ClaudnDaye Based on my experience, this seems like the right decision to hold off on G6 for a child.
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Hey Doc where are you getting the G7? The G7 looks amazing btw, canāt wait until that one is out.
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@Chris Where do I sign up?!
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Counterpoint here- I switched to the G6 almost as soon as it was available last June and have had almost no problems. My only stumbling block was trying to run the Dexcom software along side Xdrip+ at first. Donāt try that. It does not work.
Iām just now getting warnings that my transmitter battery will die soon, have had no sensor die before 10 days (the adhesive is another story), and have had a few special ones approach 30. Dexcom quality control could be suffering because of the high demand - my second sensor order was delayed and backordered for a while because they couldnāt keep up production which makes me think this could be an issue, but so far those sensors have been if anything even better than my first shipment.
I wonder how the number of people with problems compares to the number without. I get that itās aggravating as hell when it happens to you and posting & complaining may help resolve your problems or at least make you feel better about them, but is the availability of all of the complaints and hidden satisfaction of everyone else warping our perception of how well this system works for most people in practice?
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The pattern of issues that are being widely reported are the G6ās being utilized on children. Iām not sure what configuration these parents are using their G6ās and through which platforms and applications, but I know there are widespread errors pertaining to young patients (and quite a few older people who experience issues as well), but mainly young patients.
Not really any of this in my case. To me, itās simpleā¦if there are multiple reports of problems with a device, Iām just not going to take a chance with it. Especially multiple people reporting problems specifically related to my main concern, my 5-year-old son. If someone jumps out of the water and says they just got bitten by a shark, Iām not one who has to jump in ājust to make sure what theyāre saying is accurate.ā
Itās forums like these where we learn from one another and, based on the ācollective feedbackā of multiple respondents, decide for ourselves how we will proceed in our individual cases.
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Most likely this is true. Also, probably true that this is human nature that is made worse by the interwebs. I personally have posted numerous times, we love our G6 and have had no problems through approx. 15 sensors and have no complaints. With that said, there have been an unusual number of reports of issues in the young ones, and I am hoping Dexcom works that out in time. Glad the system is working well for you. Now that we understand the G6, bring on the G7!
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Hi Doc,
Sorry that you had so many difficulties with the Dexcom G6.
The Dexcom G6 has been my first and only CGM which has been a lifesaver for me. Initially, the G6 was a challenge for many reasons. There were malfunctions with the applicator which would not release the sensor that Dexcom quickly fixed. I have had occasional dropped readings or loss of arrow direction but that quickly resolves within a few readings or at most an hour. You should check that the sensor is in place and has not been dislodged which can occur while sleeping. Noise and missed readings can also occur if you are lying on the sensor. Dexcom states that missed readings, loss of arrow direction, and sensor error readings should resolve within 3 hours. During those times you should closely monitor your blood sugars until the sensor corrects. You should contact Dexcom and replace the sensor if it does not correct.
I have been able to override the software to extend the life of the sensor for about 23-28 days. I find that the readings or trend lines do not seem correct the longer the sensor is in place and change it at that time. I keep the sensor in place with the adhesive films that can be requested from Dexcom for free.
I have had the G6 since July and truly love it! There are no calibrations or finger sticks required although I still have my meter just in case. The launch of the G6 was a bit challenging but overall, Dexcom support has been very helpful. They still need to correct some issues with their software and displays on the receiver and apps but they are working on it. A pet peeve for me is that the design of the sensor and transmitter does not allow you to change the battery forcing you to spend hundreds of dollars when you can buy the lithium battery for maybe $10. The manufacturers seem to be gouging the patients and the healthcare system for profit.
Overall, I would stick with the G6.
Hopefully, this is helpful.
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I have absolutely no idea how I opened up FUD and landed here, but I just wanted to tell you I absolutely agree, @ClaudnDaye. This is the same argument I hear in my group all of the time. People come down hard on those who are communicating their concerns with their devices, and it often gets spun as itās ācomplainingā. Iām very resentful of such an association and am very appreciative of a place where people can discuss everything about their devices, both good and bad.
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@docslotnick, did I understand from more recent posts on other threads that your experience of the G6 has improved?
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@G6newbie. Thanks! Great pointers.
@Michel Yes my G6 problems with their hardware was ironed out nicely by Dexcom. All is good now.
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That is great news. You had me worried for a while! If the resourceful one was in trouble with the G6 I wouldnāt hasten to it 
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What did Dexcom have to iron out?
Hi @jag1. They sent me a new transmitter and sensor, and another new sensor. They were very nice about it.
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I have only joined this forum today and have already learned more things then the technical support from Dexcom has given.
We have been toughing out Dexcom for about a year and have yet to get a sensor to last full cycle on my son. We did take 2 months off of Dexcom and switch the Libre which worked flawlessly. Made the switch back to Dexcom when the G6 was released to Canada. In the passed month we have gone through 7 sensors, all of which Dexcom replaces. Which to me is crazy, no investigation or help to improve the life of a sensor. Just āsometimes a sensor just doesnt workāā¦ Every sensor???
I have yet to hear or think about the transmitter slipping out of the sensor theory.
The timing of all of the sensor failure for us is between 3am and 8am. The Dexcom trend starts going wonky, cutting out and coming back. Then by the time our son is up and moving aboutā¦ āSensor Errorā followed 3 hours later with āSensor failedā. Now he is at school and my wife is stressing that she cannot see his readings.
Thanks G6newbie . Hopefully we donāt have to but we will be waiting to try snugging the transmitter back up.
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Hi Daly,
Just saw your reply and noticed that your failures occur in the middle of the night. It may be that your son is dislodging the sensor while he sleeps or he may be lying on the sensor which affects readings.
Thanks for your reply.
We have been told this before, and have tried to get him to lay still during sleep.
It could be the reason but being on dexcom for almost a year and never making it 10 days is crazy. Dexcom doesnāt even offer suggestions to avoid the issue, we call and they send a new.
Libre has no issues and works great with the MiaoMiao attachment. We just wish it was Dexcom so he could transmit the B.Gs from school.
He will give Dexcom another try in about a month or so. We are going on vacation in a week and not risking failed sensors. So Libre it is!
I totally agree with you. We have so many choices now that we do not have to stay with a manufacturer who is unresponsive. I am waiting for the Eversense to obtain FDA approval for 6 months so there would be no need for constantly replacing sensors.