Dexcom G4

[Grammabear]

This morning I got an onscreen message on my Dexcom G4 receiver that the transmitter battery is dying.  What this means is that I am supposed to order a new G4 transmitter if I want to continue using the G4 system.  About a month ago, 10-30-17, I ordered a new G5 system.  I have been waiting patiently for the paperwork to go through.  Sadly it has not, so now I will be forced to pay out of pocket for a new G4 system and who knows when the application for the G5 system will be granted.

[Tamagno]

Ouch, Kathy!

My impression is that they're scrambling since they got Medicare approval and are slowed by the concomitant red tape; no help while you're waiting, of course.

That low sensor battery warning comes every three months with the G5 so you'll be having to get new sensors then. I think the days of stretching your sensor beyond the seven-day mark are pretty much over because of it.

You're also going to want to decide if you want to use their mobile apps if you've got a smart phone. While that's useful if you're a smart phone addict  or want others to follow, you don't have to pair the G5 with a phone. The low and high alerts, however, are MUCH better if you do, so it may be worth considering.

[Grammabear]

I don't know how or why, but a new G5 was sitting on my front porch yesterday morning.  Tried calling Dexcom for confirmation, but the phone queue was so long that I got tired of waiting after 30 minutes.  I charged the G5 and inserted a new sensor and the numbers were fairly accurate for the first day with the sensor.  Now I have to figure out a way to download the data and I'm not all that happy with their present software which is Dexcom Clarity.

[Shanny]

Interesting . . . especially with regard to who gets to PAY for this little unrequested and unexpected present!

[Grammabear]

It wasn't unrequested as I applied for a new CGM system at the beginning of October because my transmitter had but a few days left on the warranty.  It was however unexpected because the last time I called Dexcom to inquire about the status of my application for the G5 system, they told me that my doctor had sent them incomplete chart notes.  I figured it would be another month or more as it has been with many other people who have received this system.

[skb]

Now I have to figure out a way to download the data and I'm not all that happy with their present software which is Dexcom Clarity.

That shouldn't be too tough. Have you downloaded the App on your phone. According to the Dexccom site there are just 4 simple steps to be followed ;

http://www.dexcom.com/sites/dexcom.com/files/user-guides/LBL013871-Dexcom-Clarity-Card.pdf

We're happy for you.

[walkerwally1]

Well, good that you got the new unit.  At least that problem was resolved.  Sometimes there is a learning curve with new stuff but I am sure you will get it figured out.

[Grammabear]

You're right Wally, there is a learning curve with a new piece of technology and I am not tech savvy, so I have to try harder to understand just what it is that I am supposed to be doing.  Eventually I will get to an understanding of the system.

[Tamagno]

Wish I could help, but I stopped using Clarity after using it a shot time after I got the G5.

I'm sure they've made upgrades sine then, but found the data too time limited and had to keep a note on my calendar to download it at least monthly to avoid losing data. The information I got from it wound up having to be printed out and saved to hard copy.

Should you at some point upgrade your pump to the X2 that integrates the Dexcom read outs and data you'll find the T-Slim software much friendlier.

[Grammabear]

Now I have to figure out a way to download the data and I'm not all that happy with their present software which is Dexcom Clarity.

That shouldn't be too tough. Have you downloaded the App on your phone. According to the Dexccom site there are just 4 simple steps to be followed ;

http://www.dexcom.com/sites/dexcom.com/files/user-guides/LBL013871-Dexcom-Clarity-Card.pdf

We're happy for you.

I did download the app for my phone and that is when I realized that I had downloaded the web based software way back in 2015 when I got the Tandem pump.  So I called Tandem tech support and just happened to get the nicest tech support person.  I explained my dilemma about having previously downloaded the software.  He said "we can fix that problem together if you're willing"?  And that is what we did.  My PC was a bit stubborn at first, but we did get the job done and I am now able to download data from the pump so I can give the reports to my Doctor if she requests them. 

I am most grateful for people that share their technical knowledge with those of us who are technically challenged.   

[walkerwally1]

I consider myself fairly competent with computers.  Over the years I have built several of my own and installed the operating system along with all of the programs.  One of the reasons that I have stuck with PC's and Windows because you don't build your own Mack computer.  Still there are many times I have had to get in touch with a CS rep to resolve a problem.  You are right.  Thanks for the patience of these people to help resolve an issue.

[skb]

I'm sure they've made upgrades sine then, but found the data too time limited and had to keep a note on my calendar to download it at least monthly to avoid losing data. The information I got from it wound up having to be printed out and saved to hard copy.

I'm not familiar with pumps, and so maybe don't grasp what you mean. Please tell me if I'm right in understanding;

The pump stores data only for 1 month. Therefore it needs to be ported to the phone before it is lost. From the phone you could only print hard copies of the table. There was no way you could email it to yourself & save or display it on your PC ?

[skb]

I am most grateful for people that share their technical knowledge with those of us who are technically challenged.   

That is true. With better Graphic User Interfaces and increasing capabilities of voice commands, things are becoming easier, than in the past. In the next 10 years there will be increased Artificial Intelligence in gadgets. To achieve that, The core programs are becoming more complex & bulky.

[Tamagno]

SKB, the problem is with the Dexcom user software, not the pump.

With the user software (Clarity) it only allows access to data for about a 
Month. Practitioners appear able to access longer time frames, but I'm not sure exactly how long.

The data can be saved in a computer file. The old Dexcom software (PC only, Wally) allowed data to be saved in a file that could later be imported back into it to make various charts and graphs. Clarity doesn't appear to have this capability, but is also far less cumbersome than the predecessor which was very difficult to use and maintain.

To date, I haven't found any of these programs that would afford the opportunity to save, access and chart data over long periods of time. However, I haven't spent time with the Tandem software so perhaps it does.

Since both pumps and CGMs increasingly make use of Bluetooth, WiFi and phone communication, I'd think that at some point they'd be designed to automatically sync data in similar fashion to other software. There would, of course, be privacy concerns.

[Grammabear]

Wish I could help, but I stopped using Clarity after using it a shot time after I got the G5.

I'm sure they've made upgrades sine then, but found the data too time limited and had to keep a note on my calendar to download it at least monthly to avoid losing data. The information I got from it wound up having to be printed out and saved to hard copy.

Should you at some point upgrade your pump to the X2 that integrates the Dexcom read outs and data you'll find the T-Slim software much friendlier.

Because I am on Medicare, I am not allowed to 'upgrade' and I have the original Tslim.  I am not sure why Medicare recipients are restricted in this way, but that is what I was told when I got my Tslim back in Oct. 2015.

I have been using the G5 less than a week, but this morning I went online, as Clarity is a web based software, and on my version of Clarity you can download data for up to 90 days.