Nate began Dexcoming in 2010 at the age of 2 years old - It wasn't FDA approved for children yet but I was instantly in love.  



You can read about Nate's Dexcom trial here or you can click the Dexcom tab at the top for more information.  It was nice that Nate was so young when we began our Dexcom journey because he couldn't tell me NO at the time.  It quickly became just another poke in his world every 7 days.  We were very fortunate that at the time our insurance covered (we were on COBRA at the time) the Dexcom 7 and the sensors.  Unfortunately, once we lost COBRA we were on our own for the cost of the sensors which were about $350 per month.  



We have always been blessed by the DOC (Diabetes Online Community) -- we have been gifted sensors and traded other diabetes supplies for the sensors also.  Shhh . . . don't tell anyone but D Moms are the BEST and we all help each other out with supplies!!  We have never gone without sensors!! 

In 2012 Dexcom released the latest and greatest Dexcom product, the G4 and I could not wait to get my hands on that awesome little thing.  






Unfortunately, Nate is on Medicaid and although we are very fortunate to have it, sadly it does not cover a CGM for Nate.  They think it is not a medical necessity -- I disagree completely but that's another post for another time!  I won't lie -- I was a little jealous seeing all of my friends in the DOC posting pictures of their kiddos with the new technology!  Suddenly, the old Dexcom 7 that I had been on love with for the last few years seemed like an antique and quickly lost its luster.  (Now, how I miss its durability and super strong charging port!)

Fast forward to summer of 2013 --- Nate's dad called and told me he had a friend that wanted to GIVE us a G4.  Say what??  I think I cried.  --- I probably cried . . . I always cry.  

We received the new system in August of 2013 just in time for Nate to start kindergarten.  I was overcome with appreciation and happiness!  The gentleman that gave it to us probably has NO idea just how much it meant to me.  It was such a relief to be able to keep Nate safe while attending school!  



Then fast forward again to December of 2013 and suddenly I was in moderate panic mode!  Our receiver stopped working!  The little port that you plug the charger into had broken loose and was lodged inside the receiver.  We had no idea what had happened!  I called his teacher and no one had dropped it --- nothing --- it just broke!  It was crazy!  I was not in full blown panic mode because I figured I would just call Dexcom and they would replace it with the warranty.  WOW!  WRONG! Because we did not purchase the Dexcom system they would not honor the warranty.  Full BLOWN panic mode! 

Nate's dad called his friend that purchased it and after a lot of back and forth between all of them Dexcom decided to replace it.  In the meantime an amazing D mom had sent me their old receiver since theirs had just been replaced by insurance.  WOW!  

Fast forward again and the same thing happens.  For no reason the port just breaks.  Seriously?  Another amazing D Moms sends us their spare receiver.  I have the most amazing friends --- I am very much aware of this!  

Repeat that song and dance 2 more times.  We have had 4 receivers break for NO REASON.  I know this sounds highly suspect but it is so true.  Nate rarely wears the actual receiver otherwise I would maybe understand it breaking because he IS a rough and tumble little boy!!  But at school his teachers wear it on a lanyard around their necks which is where I wear it also when he is with me and when at home the G4 picks him up all over the house so we just leave it on the kitchen counter.   SO WTH DEXCOM??  

Here are a few posts I found in a FB group from others experiencing the same problem:

* Grrr the phone keeps saying cgm connection error. Fearing a broken charge port I plugged Dex into the computer and it showed the charging icon, so thankfully not that. Wish my 14 year old was home!
So, I guess it is nice to know we are not alone BUT REALLY, DEXCOM?  This is NOT an inexpensive piece of medical equipment.  In fact, it is really a VERY expensive piece of medical equipment that people rely on daily.  

In one FB group a few people tried to repair the receiver so of course, Ian gave it a shot on 2 of them but had no luck!!  

There were pictures along with the post but I do not want to violate that person's privacy -- here are the directions:

"If ever you've broken a USB port in a Dexcom Receiver - and if you haven't yet, you will - here is how to take one apart with a dremel and a makeshift router table. A new 50 cent USB micro female connector, some careful soldering, and you're on your way again." 

Here are some of the pics of G4 that he posted and some pictures of Ian trying the repair:






I would like to point out that none of the broken ports were Nightscout related and after we lost the last receiver and were down to 1 receiver I stopped using Nightscout for fear that we would break our last one.  That was a good thought but unfortunately it broke anyway.  #LAME  

The last one broke last Friday night and again I was in full panic mode.  Those that don't live with T1 cannot possibly understand how important Nate's CGM is to me.  I couldn't sleep - I was so upset so I decided to start searching for affordable alternatives (because sadly buying one new is NOT in my budget).  I found one for sale online for $200 (in Hong Kong - #weird) so I texted Nate's dad and asked if he would split the cost with me.  He didn't respond right away but when I woke up for the 3AM check I noticed he had texted me back during the night and reminded me that he still had the one that Dexcom had replaced last December!  OMG!   Happy tears again!!!  I totally forgot he had that one!! So now we have a brand new one but it has no warranty.

So, for real we are now on our last receiver and I am going to continue the uphill battle of fighting Medicaid for them to cover the Dexcom G4 and the sensors!  In the mean time I am terrified of charging this receiver for fear the port will break.  And honestly, as a mom with a son with T1 and a daughter with Crohn's disease it's not like I need one more damn thing to worry about!!  

I sent the last broken receiver back to Dexcom yesterday with a letter.  I am confident that they won't replace it but I am asking them to at least look at the issue and if nothing else use it to help improve the product!