At the end of March, I switched to a twiist pump. Unfortunately, that meant that I also had to switch to a Libre 3+ sensor, as the twiist is not compatible with the Dexcom G7 that I had been using.
I understand that the twiist is also compatible with the Eversense 365. I’ve gathered, from reading posts on this forum, that others seem to love the Eversense. At this time, though, I really don’t have an interest in getting a sensor implanted, or in having adhesive on my skin in the same place for an entire year.
Anyway, I don’t love the Libre sensors. (That is to say, I strongly dislike them). While the Dexcom calibrations have their own frustrations, at least it’s an option. Today I inserted my 5th new sensor. I have only had 1 last the full 15 days, without giving me wildly inaccurate readings. I’ve had sensors reading “LOW” when my meter said 83. I’ve had sensors reading 225 when my meter said 152.
All that, though, is not even what I wanted to say in this post. When I take the Libre sensors off, even if it’s only been on for a few days, it leaves behind a raised, red welt that lasts for many days. (I wore a short sleeved shirt to a dance class the other day, and, embarrassingly, another student commented on the welt on the opposite arm from which my sensor is.) I did not experience this with the Dexcom. Has anyone else had this experience with the Libre, and does anyone have any suggestions on what to do about it?
Thanks!!
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Libre feedback is somewhat limited at present because it hasn’t been around in the US for long, however the general issue of adhesive sensitivity is frequently discussed. Just search for “adhesive” on the home page. Most of it is for the Dexcom kit but there’s stuff for Omnipod too. I couldn’t find anything for the Libre yet but I’m sure more will come.
The solutions are generally applicable.
Individual sensitivity does vary and it seems that manufacturers do change their glue from time to time.
The EverSense has extremely limited feedback at present.
I’ve experienced similar BG inaccuracies with Dexcom as you report with the Libre; I’ve had a G7 low when the fingerstick said 90mg/dL… My attempts with calibration resulted in a roller-coaster so I’m not happy with that; I’d rather see out-of-band calibration where the sensor is not involved. At present I’m tempted but scared with the EverSense; it might go horribly wrong and it is a big commitment.
FWIW I tried two (endo sample) 15-day G7s and neither of them got to 15 days; they started failing around 12-13 days, gave readings all over the place then the receiver finally admitted failure around the end of day 14. I did try; normally I would have junked the CGM probably at day 13. I might be a Guinea Pig but I’m not a Lemming 
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Yeah, I have seen a few people mention this with the FreeStyle Libre 3 plus even when they did not have reactions with other sensors. You are definitely not alone with the raised welt issue.
Some people react to the adhesive or just repeated wear in similar areas. It can look worse than expected, especially on visible spots like the arms, and sometimes it lingers for a few days.
A few people try rotating sites more, giving the skin more recovery time, or using a barrier film before applying. Others end up switching brands if it keeps happening since skin response really varies.
Have you noticed if the reaction is changing over time or staying about the same each use?
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After removal you can try wiping the area with Flonase on a gauze pad.
When I first started using Dex 7 They lasted the full 10 days, but for the past 6 months only 1/3 lasts that long before I get dropouts or spurious readings. I always replace and ask for a replacement to be sent. I did try a Libre 3+, and like others got spurious lows and highs. I found the low alarms to be very annoying when I was not low.
Mike
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You can also try this before placing the sensor too. If your reaction ends up getting worse, definitely check out some other threads on preventing adhesive reactions. It’s been quite a journey for me with Dexcom, but I’ve finally settled into a reliable solution of 4 extra sprays and adhesive barriers and over patches. I’m sorry your experience with Libre has left much to be desired! 
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Wow, that sounds complicated! I bought some Flonase to use when I need to put on the next sensor. I have my fingers crossed that it will help. If not, you may get a few questions from me about your routine!
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Well, about the same, I guess, but I’ve only been using them for a little over a month. I feel like there is definitely a potential for it to get worse.
Well, I am amending my last post to say it is worse. The last sensor (amazingly) lasted the full 15 days. When I took it off, the entire patch of skin under the sensor was a raised red itchy welt, worse than the last one. The itchiness had been problematic for days before I took the sensor off. That was 4 days ago and it has gotten better but still very noticeable. I have been wearing a bandaid over it when I go out because I feel like that is less conspicuous than what my skin looks like under it.
I put on Flonase before putting on the newest sensor. I really hope it helps, otherwise I’m going to have to stop using the libres and that means I’ll have to switch back to my tandem pump…
I didn’t know that the adhesive used by libre was so different than the adhesive used by dexcom?
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I’m sorry you’re having a bad reaction. 
It’s miserable once it starts!
If you don’t want to stop the Libre, there are other steps you can try… My long process is Flonase, then Cavilon, then a hydrocolloid bandage, then I punch the sensor through the bandage, then a Skin Grip patch on top of it all. The hydrocolloid was the biggest game changer for me, so the adhesive doesn’t physically touch my skin at all.
I’m sorry you’re dealing with this! I hope the Flonase helps a lot. 
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Thanks, Rachel!
If the Flonase doesn’t do enough on its own, I will try some or all of this! I would rather not have to give up on my twiist so soon.
I have always had somewhat sensitive skin and mild allergic reactions, but I have never experienced anything like this reaction I’m having to the libre!
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