How to deal with a Dexcom allergy

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Figured this is a better place for my allergy saga, continuing from here: Dexcom g7 newness frustration - #89 by RachelMaraii

This “how to deal” thread has been super helpful. Thanks Michel for all the research. I am feeling pretty discouraged… but at least there are still a few steps left to try.

My recent allergy adventure:

  1. In March, after several allergic reactions to Dexcom G7, I tried a new combo of Flonase / Cavilon / Tegaderm / sensor. The result was bruise-like and icky and really freaked me out! Finally pushed me to schedule an allergist appointment.
  2. While waiting for my appointment, tried another combo: Flonase / Cavilon / hydrocolloid / sensor. Success!! I got 3 full sensor sessions without any irritation.
  3. Swapped sensors the night before my first allergist appointment. Because of the long list of medications not to use before allergy testing, I thought I’d “play it safe” and not use Flonase. My combo this time was Cavilon / hydrocolloid / sensor.
  4. Finally went to the allergist last week (sensor day 1). My allergist said he’d never seen photos like the bruise-like disaster I got when trying Flonase / Cavilon / Tegaderm / sensor. Gotta love surprising doctors. :sweat_smile:
  5. Of the allergens tested, we determined I’m allergic to Balsam of Peru (used as a fragrance and antiseptic) and Colophony (used as an adhesive).
  6. On Thursday (sensor day 3), the tell-tale itching begins. Throughout the weekend, the sensor site becomes hot to the touch and increasingly uncomfortable.
  7. My sensor failed at 6:00 a.m. this morning (sensor day 7), after 18 hours of sporadic and inaccurate readings. UGH. Removing the sensor, I’m definitely allergic to something in the hydrocolloid. :cry: Was it the lack of Flonase? Or did my body just finally recognize the allergen after a month?

Trying one more sensor with the Flonase / Cavilon / hydrocolloid / sensor combo. Maybe Flonase is the magic I need?? :woman_shrugging: :woman_facepalming:

At least now I can reach out to hydrocolloid manufacturers about ingredients I’m allergic to. Maybe a good one exists. Just feeling tired and discouraged by it all; my husband was confused by my pessimism this morning. I appreciate that I can commiserate with y’all when we have bumps in the road. It’s just exhausting sometimes! :face_exhaling:

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