Smiffy's numbers lower August/September

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Looby & Smiffy, Aug 24, 2016.

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  1. Marlena

    Marlena Well-Known Member

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    Agree with Janet 100%!
     
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  2. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    @JanetNJ

    She is now 6 (108) at +4.5

    I am not sure that I should have given her a one unit this morning if she didn't eat much.

    I don't think I want to go back to the old rule of not to shoot her if she is 10 (180) or below if her pancreas is beginning to work?
     
  3. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    What do I do then? Carry on giving her one unit in the morning and risking half a unit at night?

    @JanetNJ @Alexi @MrWorfMen's Mom

    What do you think? I took a risk last night giving her a half unit on a reading of just 8.8 (159) .... or shall I stick to the general rule of not shooting below 10?
     
  4. Marlena

    Marlena Well-Known Member

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    She quickly went up.
    before we decide what to do next I would like to see her BG at +8.
     
  5. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Ok at about 6 o'clock why?
     
  6. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    1 unit was perfect today. It got her where you want her to be. You want her in those lower numbers (under 150)!so her pancreas can heal.
     
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  7. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    The half unit at night worked out fine. Now that you know what she does at that level uou can relax a bit. She wasn't even close to too low. Hopefully next time it will bring her even a little lower. Let's cross that bridge when you get there.
     
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  8. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Smiffy is having a very nice cycle today.:) It will be interesting to see where she goes from here. As others have said, the 4.7 and 6.0 are both really nice numbers. Looby, you could test Smiffy at +3 at night to see how fast and how much she is dropping. That gives you the opportunity to intervene with more food to slow down any fast drops.
    Caninsulin can have 2 drops, one early in the cycle that you see at +3/4 usually and then another smaller drop later in the cycle which is why getting a +8 would give you a bit more info. It quite possible Smiffy may be up a bit at PMPS tonight given the lower numbers today. Nothing to worry about.....just a little bounce from hitting numbers she is not used to yet.
     
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  9. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    OK girls I understand now ... thanks for sticking with me :)
     
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  10. MommaOfMuse

    MommaOfMuse Well-Known Member

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    Looby,

    85 is an awesome number for her nadir point. I know this is incredible scary when you first get down into these ranges..But honey, this is what all the hard work has been for to get to these numbers....This is where she needs to be to let her pancreas rest and heal. Now granted my Quillan is on Levemir so I dose him differently than you can with Canninsulin. I can shoot much lower preshot numbers than you can with his full dose because of just how a depot insulin works as opposed to how Smiffy's insulin works. But you also have the advantage you can adjust your dose on the fly, I can't Quillan's insulin does best with consistent dosing 12/12.

    But that said so you understand I'm showing you this not for you to copy the way I shoot and the numbers that it is safe for me to shoot at, but simply to show you what a regulated diabetic looks like on a spreadsheet.....Quillan snapped into regulation on 9/1/16 so starting there and continuing his numbers represent where you want Smiffy to get to, and all those numbers on his SS from the beginning of September are perfectly safe where they happen for his particular pattern.

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zkw6Ghi3t0VbN7hMExgSq7tOqaTMO1yBvKi4Zvz-VaE/edit?usp=sharing

    Mel and The Fur Gang
     
  11. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    @Marlena

    I have lost my Skype account for some reason!!!

    @JanetNJ @MrWorfMen's Mom @KarenRamboConan

    So I given that Smiffy eats, I am going to shoot Smiffy with one unit if she is 12 (216) or over at her AMPS, only half a unit if below 12 at her AMPS (as she seems to drop a lot during the day).

    For her PMPS also given that Smiffy eats, I am going to give Smiffy no shot if she is around 8 (144) but wait for the food to settle in and then test her again and if she is nearer 10 (180) to give her half a unit but test her at +3 to makes sure she is not too low.

    Or do I now shoot if she is 10 or below?
     
  12. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Thank you for that :) I have completely forgotten who you are on Facebook ... mind gone blank!
     
  13. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    I agree with your am dose. 1 unit when 12 (216) or higher, half unit when below it. (I'd probably do 1 u at 200 and over personally). I would do the same for pm. No reason to not give a half unit when she's at 8 (144), but I wouldn't shoot much lower than that unless you start using needles to give slightly less than half or you are awake to test... She didn't go too low last night when she started at 8, so I'd shoot esp if you can test at +4 and she's had some food to eat.
     
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2016
  14. Marlena

    Marlena Well-Known Member

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    I agree with the above.
     
  15. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    @Marlena @JanetNJ I just heard from Looby on Facebook. Her computer is down so she can't access the board or much of anything, including Smiffy's spreadsheet at the moment. She asked me to let you know that Smiffy's +8 was 7.5 and her pre-shot is 6.9 so she is not giving a shot at all tonight. She says she will go with 0.5u if Smiffy is under 12 tomorrow morning and 1.0u if she is above 12.
     
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  16. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    @Marlena .... April is tagging you for me with some info
     
  17. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Sounds good
     
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  18. Marlena

    Marlena Well-Known Member

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    Ok, this is good.
     
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  19. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    [Emphasis mine]

    For the benefit of any members treating their cat with Caninsulin and reading this thread, I disagree strongly with the above because:

    1. Caninsulin action is typically quite harsh in cats and it's therefore safer not to aim for nadirs at the lower end of the normal range. (Lantus and Levemir would be better treatment options if the objective of treatment is to tightly regulate the cat.)

    2. With a cat whose eating is unpredictable it is even more important to leave a wider nadir safety buffer.

    If my cat were being treated with Caninsulin and was getting nadirs in the 80s (mg/dL, human meter) I would be looking to reduce the dose.


    Mogs
    .
     
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  20. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    She was already at the hour where her cat was typically at her lowest. (And in fact it did rise the following hour to over 100). However at 85 If it were to drop just a tad more in the next hour before rising there was still some wiggle room, esp being that she was using a human meter and testing. I wasn't meaning that she should dose higher and try to get a lower number next time, but I do think where she was was a good number and a step in the right direction.
     
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  21. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Don't wo
    Dont worry @Critter Mom I am not going to dose aggressively .....if you look further down I have said that I will not shoot lower than 10 (180) and given her low Nadir during the day cycle today I am only going to give Smiffy half a unit if she is around 12 (216) at her AMPS tomorrow .

    My computer is down at the moment so I am already very stressed. This is from my iPad.

    Thanks for your concern for Smiffy
     
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2016
  22. Callie & Patches

    Callie & Patches Well-Known Member

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    Smiffy has been doing so well. I know how scary it is when they start giving those green numbers. I have been losing more sleep then I like lately when Callie gives me those green numbers and I want to kick myself for giving a half dose instead of skiping it. At least, she has never had any hypo symptoms. So if in doubt, don't shoot.
     
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  23. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

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    ...This is sounding like 'The Twilight Zone', I think....? :)
    .
    .
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2016
  24. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

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    Lucille @Looby & Smiify , yes you have as you said earlier "found me" on FDMB.
    So I have stepped out of lurking to say hello!

    Herta
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2016
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  25. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    She is only 7.9 (144) this morning @Marlena @Alexi @MrWorfMen's Mom ..... So no insulin this morning either! She coughed up a fur all this morning and has eaten ....... is this the beginning of remission or is there something else wrong?!

    Thank you for your comments and support Herta

    @Louise1989
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2016
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  26. Marlena

    Marlena Well-Known Member

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    Looby, I think we can be very happy with what's happening with Smiffy.
    I do hope that it is the beginning of remission, she runs lower and lower so this is what you want to see.
    But this is only my opinion and others might look at it in a different way.
    I keep my fingers crossed for continued success.:):):):cat::cat::cat:
     
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  27. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    @Marlena

    Smiffy is now 9.4 (170) 7 hours after l would have shot her this morning.

    If she is still under 10 (180) at her PMPS time then I won't shoot her but at what reading do I dare give her half a unit?

    @Critter Mom you would have a very helpful opinion on this?
     
  28. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

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    Lucille since you cannot update Smiify's chart it would be helpful perhaps if you could list your day's test results in a single post.
    That way people who you've asked for help will be able to see all the information together without having to go back through a series of posts.
    You could add also relevant information such as whether she is eating normally, et cetera.

    It is good to make things clear and easy for people who are helping us. ;)
    .
     
  29. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Ok that's good advice will try to do that later .....
     
  30. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

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    If you want people to help you (as you say you do) 'trying' will not be sufficient.
    You will need to actually do it.
    .

    .
     
  31. Erica & Carter

    Erica & Carter Well-Known Member

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    Just wanted to pop in and say Smiffy is doing great! I follow your threads and you and Smiffy have both come along way from diagnosis! :cat:
     
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  32. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Sorry! The only reason I said try is because my main cimputer is down and I am not used to the iPad ..... DH is away on business and I am confined to the house and a main light bulb has gone which I can't change so I am also in the dark! Everything has happened at once here!

    AMPS. 7.9 (144) no shot and ate after coughing up fur ball
    +3 6.9 (125)
    +4 7.5 (135) after eating wet lunch
    +7 9.4
    +11 9.8 (176)
    PMPS 9.6 (173) so numbers falling slightly

    Tight call but as she has not eaten much supper after her PMPS time I
    And she is borderline below 10 (180) l Am think inking no shot?

    Sorry this takes for ever on the iPad and I can't access her spreadsheet until my computer is fixed. Ignore the +3 below as I can't delete it for some reason!

    @Marlena @MrWorfMen's Mom @Squalliesmom @Louise1989
    +3.
     
  33. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Thanks l really appreciate that ........ Introduce yourself
     
  34. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    I'd do a half but a no shoot would be ok. Just might be a bit higher tomorrow.
     
  35. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

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    Your '+' numbers are incorrect, I think, because Smiify had no insulin this morning? (Is that not so?)
    Please be clear so that people have the accurate information.

    Do you understand that it is only 'AMPS' if you actually give insulin? Without insulin I think the correct term is 'AMBG' (morning blood glucose).

    Personally, I would not give insulin unless it was clear that the blood glucose is rising. In your case I do not think that is clear. I would suggest that you wait a while and test again before deciding what course of action to take.
    .
    .
    .
     
  36. Erica & Carter

    Erica & Carter Well-Known Member

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    I'm Erica, my Carter went OTJ after about 4 months. I used Vetsulin briefly before switching to Lantus. Smiffy looks to be doing quite well on Caninsulin, kudos! :)
     
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  37. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Oh I was not aware of that acronym thank you! At least you gathered what I meant that's why I said and no shot ....

    Thanks I agree ...... will keep taking data ..... I'm not going to risk dangerous low numbers ...... She was in the 9s last night then gave me a 6.9 this morning so will wait and see
     
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  38. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    Personally, I would use AMBG for a days where you haven't given a shot (and PMBG for times where you don't give an evening shot) but keep the + numbers as they are - it's less confusing for you than having to work with things like +21 on days like this. And using something like AMBG +3 does still explain exactly when you took the readings. It's a fairly small technicality when you've already stated that you didn't give a shot, but maybe easier for anyone who hasn't had time to read the whole thread to follow.

    I would agree with skipping tonight's shot. Smiffy is level, if not dropping slightly even after skipping this morning's shot, so I wouldn't feel comfortable giving insulin tonight.
     
  39. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Hello Erica and the lovely Honey! Well done for getting OTJ and long may it remain so! Hugs from Smiffy and Pasha
     
  40. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    @Herta & Honey @Marlena @JanetNJ @MrWorfMen's Mom @MommaOfMuse

    Smiffy has gone down to 7.5 at +6 after her PMBG of 9.8 (180) so good call not to give a shot .... she didn't eat much .....

    Really looks like her little pancreas has woken up!

    It's really difficult to get the reply button to work with my iPad for some reason .... Can't wait to get my computer back and update Smiffys spreadsheet and see all these blues and send a copy to her Vet who will be astonished!
     
  41. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    AMBG 10 (180) no shot cos didn't eat at all
    +3 8.4 (153) so could be rising or falling ....ate wet food
    +6 9.7 (175)
    +8 7.7 (139)
    PMBG. 9.2 (166)
    +3 8.5 (153)

    No shot agin tonight as she is falling and she didn't eat anything.

    @Marlena @MrWorfMen's Mom @Alexi @Squalliesmom @JanetNJ @HWright
     
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  42. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Smiffy is looking good given that's now 2 days without any insulin! GO Smiffy! :cat::D
     
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  43. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

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    This is very encouraging to see!
    If she can recover thus far then she can almost certainly recover further.

    You know what I am going to say next.....;)

    Diet change is the key that could set Smiify free from insulin dependency.
    As I said on FB, a good thing about the days when you don't give insulin is that you don't have the pressure of trying to get some food into her just so that you can give the shot. Without that constraint you can be more flexible with feeding times. You can let her get a little more hungry, and she may be more likely to eat the foods that you want and need her to eat.

    I understand that it is not easy. But there is a vast difference between 'not easy' and 'not possible'.
    My previous diabetic came to me 'addicted' to the dry food. She got to like a little wet food but wanted the dry. I took the advice of someone and removed the dry food from the house (apart from a very small amount that I kept well wrapped in the freezer for emergencies). It seemed to help a lot when she could no longer smell that it was there. It is rather like us trying to be 'good' and eating salads when we can smell that someone is having fish and chips. Not easy. ;)
    .
     
  44. Marlena

    Marlena Well-Known Member

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    OMG!
    Keeping my fingers crossed for remission!:bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  45. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Tell me .... Just because she is now in her third day with no insulin does not mean third day of remission does it? She has to be 14 days numbers 4 to 7 doesn't she? That is 72 to 126?
     
  46. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

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    Correct. Your current numbers are just a little above the normal blood glucose range for a cat.
    The approximate range for normal numbers (using human glucose meter) is about 2.7 to 7.2.
    .
     
  47. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Thanks ...... I had two sets of figures and those were the other ones.

    I will have my proper computer back tomorrow so I ca update Smiffys spreadsheet and communicate better ...

    I take your point about her food .....almost got her of the m/D and just on the Lowe carb biscuits .....she wouldn't eat wet this morning but has eaten a bit just now ...

    Appologies for typos ...getting used to iPad!!!
     
  48. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Wednesday 14th

    AMBG 8.7 (157)
    +3 7.9 (142)
    +7 9.2 (266)
    PMBG. 9.5 (171)

    Another day with no shots ....
     
  49. manxcat419

    manxcat419 Well-Known Member

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    Come on Smiffy - those numbers are getting better and better. And with no insulin too! Eat up your wet food like a good girl - and your lower carb biscuits - then you might not need your insulin at all any more! :)
     
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  50. Marlena

    Marlena Well-Known Member

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    Looby, now is the time to try to make Smiffy eat only wet low carb food. If she is off insulin you don't need to worry too much when she does not eat a lot or misses her meal - she won't go hypo! As long as she eats some protein in 12 - 24 hours she should be safe. But I'm sure you will post if you encounter any problems like that - we all know that cats should not fast.
    There is a fantastic article about finicky eaters - they prefer their food when there is a good balance of nutrients so they can meet their needs and they instinctively go for that kind of food and guess what? They need quite a bit of fat in their meal.
    www.healthypets.mercola.com/when your cat stiffs you on this, here's what she's really saying and another one from the same website about urinary health (why you shouldn't feed your cat dry kibble) this extract rivals antibiotics in preventing urinary tract infections.
    Good luck, I hope Smiffy is going to cooperate!
     
  51. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Friends I still haven't got my computer fixed so am having trouble posting .... Bear with me til it's fixed ... I can't look at any of your references @Marlena !

    iPad doesn't seem to like the FDMB very much!

    Thursday 15th
    AMBG. 10
    +3. 7.3 (131)
    PMBG. 7.7 (139)

    I am continuing to persist with wet food for Smiffy
     
  52. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Getting brand new laptop tomorrow so will be back soon!
     
  53. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    ooooo enjoy your new toy! :D
     
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  54. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Actually I'm getting better at using my iPad now but can only post with it not update or read spreadsheets.

    Can't wait .... I have felt so cut off!

    Interesting discussion about definition of remission on the main Forum at them moment.
     
  55. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    you can update the spreadsheet. you just need to download the free google sheets app
     
  56. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    I'm much good with computers but I will try to find the app!

    Where do I look for it?!
     
    Last edited: Sep 16, 2016
  57. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    I just found Google sheets in the Apps store, clicked on it and found Smiffy's spreadsheet there converted to U.S numbers the spreadsheets of other people's I've viewed in the past ..... no option to download and I don't want to work with Smiffy's spreadsheet in U.S numbers obviously ......don't understand ....it's a mystery to me!

    The good thing is I can update Smiffy's sheet there! How do I get it in UK readings?
     
  58. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    You have tabs set up at the bottom .... World numbers and us numbers. Click on world numbers.
     
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  59. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    I haven't downloaded anything by the way these four spreadsheets are just there when I click on google sheets in the Apps store ..... I only have Smiffy's spreadsheet filed on google drive in my google account on my laptop ..... Can do it but don't understand it!!!
     
  60. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Ok done that and I can update it so how do I get it into google drive on my iPad?
     
  61. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    It's Ok got it and transferred it to my drive and it's all UK numbers and I can update it on my iPad now .......thanks soooooooo much .......sooo excited!

    Little things!!!
     
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  62. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Haha good. Yeah I was so confused why I couldn't updste on my iPhone at first before I realized I needed the Google sheets app.
     
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  63. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    Hey got my laptop back @Marlena @JanetNJ @MrWorfMen's Mom @Alexi @manxcat419 !

    Just about to update Smiffy's spreadsheet :)

    The bad news is that since the storm which raised Smiffy's BG, she has not come back down by herself to this morning I had to give her a cautious half a unit on a reading of 13.9 (250). As it turns out I could have given her a full unit as she is still 10.7 (193) at +3 so I need to get her back to those lovely numbers again that I have been posting recently/

    I am surprised she went up so much and has not recovered back down by herself ..

    Right ... onto the spreadsheet now ...
     
  64. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Just a small hiccup... She will be back down soon I'm sure. :)
     
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  65. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    I think so ... storm and a slightly upset stomach today is enough to have made the difference ....

    I put some fortiflora on her food for her tummy :)
     
  66. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    So pepes,

    Smiffy's spreadsheet is up to date now :)
     
  67. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

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    What exactly are you feeding her now?
     
  68. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

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    She won't eat wet in the morning or the evening so to be sure that I can give her a shot if I need to I give her her mixture of dry food which is now not just Hill's m/d and 14% carbs but a mixture of a little bit of that and then mostly Thrive Premium Plus Chicken Cat Food that is 90% meat and/or Porta21 Sensible gluten-free Chicken food that is apparently 10.8 % protein.

    She has enough of this am and pm usually for me to give her a shot.

    If she doesn't eat much of it I won't give her a shot .... I base her shot on her PMPS and her appetite (of course because I am using Caninsulin).

    At about +3 or +3.5 she and Pasha wet food .... Pasha has Felix Poultry in jelly and Smiffy has Sheeba fish flakes variety except they switch over and try to eat each other's food but in the end they both get a bit of wet food .... they have the choice of a fishy one or a chicken one. Originally Smiffy started actually eating the Sheeba food which was the breakthrough for her but she would and still only licks the jelly off the Felix - little terror - but both are available to her ... she doesn't eat much of either but enough for a snack.

    Her few treats each day are 100% dried protein Thrive or Orijen or Hi-life.

    This is a considerable improvement on what she was eating a few weeks ago which was a completely dry diet of Hill's m/d for Diabetic cats at 14% carbs if not a bit more than that.
     
  69. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    Her Vet Roberta deemed her in remission based on her data when she was not needing a shot ... this is her note to me:

    "Hi Mrs Smith,
    That's all really positive isn't it! Fantastic work, you've both done brilliantly. I would agree with you that I would be nervous of giving insulin below 8, especially in the morning. My view would be that Smiffy is in remission if she manages to keep her BG below 12 (so below the renal threshold) without insulin. I would also prefer her blood glucose to remain above 4 ideally, I have seen cats hypo on 2.5-3. I think also that we have to take into account a little degree of sampling related hyperglycaemia (stress related) and differences between glucometers. I think the 'tight regulation' numbers are a little too tight for practical use if that makes sense? I would only give her insulin if her numbers are above 12, and keep a very close eye on her.
    Absolutely brilliant news"

    However the storm and her slightly upset tummy has given her one reading this morning above 12 (216) so this is a bit of a bleep but I am hoping to get her back on track over the next few days.

    @Marlena and @MrWorfMen's Mom and @Alexi and @manxcat419 would like to read this too :)
     
    manxcat419 likes this.
  70. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    So there have been no significant changes to her diet during the time that she was not getting the shots...? OK....

    Lucille, can I ask, what exactly are you posting for?
    Is there some question here that I have somehow missed...?
    .
     
  71. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    I am posting for continued support from people that are following her especially now that she is getting into the lower numbers.

    I am here on my own in the house and have not left the house for several years so I welcome the continued support from Smiffy's friends here.

    I take adivce here as well as from her Vet Roberta and let Roberta know on an ongoing basis the advice that I get here .... she is very flexible in her thinking.

    i am posting for support and advice as I go forward with Smiffy.
     
  72. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    Is there any reason why I shouldn't post when I feel I need ongoing support for Smiffy and I?

    Isn't that what the Board is for?

    It is a lifeline for me as I don't get out of the house because of my anxiety issues so I really appreciate the advice and support that I get here .....

    I am shaking because I am upset that you should ask me such a question?
     
  73. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    You think it strange that I ask you if there is a question I have missed...?
    This is the 'main health forum' is it not...?
     
  74. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    I have been threading here for the whole time that Smiffy has had Diabetes and nobody has ever questioned it before so I don't understand why you object.

    Smiffy is getting to a stage where here numbers are lower and we need the support and advice of her friends here sometimes on a daily basis.

    I respectfully accept your opinion but we are going to have to agree to disagree on this one if that is OK with you?

    There are people following Smiffy's thread and I don't see that I am doing anything wrong ... sorry you feel the way you do.
     
  75. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Spiffy is on vetsulin and there really isn't too many on there, so it's been customary for those few of us that are to post it on the main health board in order to get more eyes and opinions. Although our numbers seem to be rising lately so maybe it's time to move some stuff back over there.
     
  76. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    I didn't say that I objected. I asked if there was a question.
    Clearly there is not.
     
  77. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    I think there need to be a few more of us just yet but we are getting there!
     
  78. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    Eminently sensible advice.

    And perhaps post here if there are questions, or any situation that requires 'more eyes'.
    .
     
  79. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    I am going to continue with Smiffy's thread here on the Main Forum for the time being for ongoing support.

    It was only a few weeks ago that I posted on the Caninsulin/Vetsulin Forum and was directed back to the Main Forum and my thread here.

    On the other Forum I only received one response from somebody that follows Smiffy and I here and they suggested that there were not enough people commenting on the Caninsulin/Vetsulin Forum so to come back here.

    I don't think there can be any objection to Smiffy's thread here ... her most recent history is on this thread for her supporters and new people to follow if they wish.

    I would not like to think that you are trying to make me close this thread.

    Smiffy's care is the most important issue here ...
     
    Ollie (GA) likes this.
  80. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    @Marlena @MrWorfMen's Mom @Alexi

    Smiffy is borderline tonight as to whether I dose her or not.

    She was AMPS 13.9 (250) but because her pancreas has been working recently I only have her a cautious 0.5 units.

    She was has held her numbers well today in the 9s and 10s (180) so I am not sure what to do dose her tonight if at all.

    Her PMPS or PMPG is 10.3 (186) but as you can see she is quite sensitive to her Caninsulin at the moment so I am tempted to try another 0.5 units just to bring down her morning reading in line with what it has been recently. It looks as if her numbers are rising so maybe the o.5 unit will be OK as long as I make sure she has eaten. If she has not eaten much then I will not shoot her and see what happens.
     
  81. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    I'm going to test her again when she has stopped eating so half an hour after her PMPS to see if her numbers are rising and if they are I will give her 0.5 unit.

    Anybody disagree?
     
  82. Alexi

    Alexi Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2016
    I think a 0.5 unit should be ok - you have given insulin on that kind of number before.
     
    Looby & Smiffy likes this.
  83. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    I agree. I'd do.5
     
    Looby & Smiffy likes this.
  84. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    Thank you @Alexi and @JanetNJ .... she has eaten and I will also do a test at +3 to make sure she is OK :)

    She was still 10.3 (186) half an hour after her PMPS ... will let you know what she is at +3

    Thanks girls :)
     
  85. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    She is +3 12 (216) so I now wondering if I gave her a fur shot! Oh well start again tomorrrow!
     
  86. HWright

    HWright Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2016
    Am quite new to fdmb and the nuances of navigating about. Not only is the depth and breadth of information and experience found here a great resource, but also the melting of the boundaries of isolation that we each feel from time to time. the comaradery and perspectives from many viewpoints ... The connecting, the grounding, if you will... as we all travel this journey.
    Popping in here and been following Smiffy because she and my Sootie, though they each are on different insulins, seem to be following similar blips in the now mostly blue and green path towards remission and with periodic days of 0 dosing. Today I started a micro-dosing "trial" with the generous and kind hearted support of Fdmb'ers who helped me to better see not just the big picture but understand and connect with the how's and why's. The more knowledge and understanding we each have and the better we can connect and be grounded in that knowledge, the better, yes?
    I have more of an integrative approach to feline care, an approach that my traditional vet is aware of and, fortunately, has seen the good effects of. So even though he advocates higher numbers than fdmb as comfortable remission range for Sootie (and based on knowing Sootie as an individual for most of Sootie's life), he trusts my instincts and approaches and with the understanding that I update between visits if any changes. I think that is pretty much at the heart of what Lucille's traditional vet was getting to. We all have to think outside the box sometimes, whatever the source of those parameters may be. Again, it's when we are grounded in knowledge and understanding how's and why's that we can get through crises more smoothly. Yes?
    Yes, diet essential in supporting pancreatic healing. It's a given that some cats transition more readily than others. The suggestion above about keeping kibble in freezer, out of scent range: marvelous and of course! A wonderful example of how we have to think like our cats do and be in their shoes! If kibble still a problem (or one of the problems) with Smiffy transitioning to wet, maybe keep kibble in freezer and bring out and give her one or two or a few only after she's eaten some wet? If that goes well, then transition from the kibble treat to freeze dried protein that she'd like (salmon? Turkey? Etc?)
    Fascinating how stressors affect bg. For example, Sootie gets stressed by hyperactive and barking dogs while in waiting room at the vet. Or when one of our younger cats, a rescue who came with extreme fear-aggression behaviors, gets upstairs and disturbs the calm. But fireworks or thunder? To her, that's all ho hum. Spiffy freaks at thunder. I think cats are very attuned to their humans' stress levels too and mostly respond either by comforting us with the benefit of their wisdom or waiting for us to take a good deep breath to get our own calm back. But seems to me their worry about us can be stressful for them. The good news is whether it's the Harvest Moon, thunder or barking dogs, the short term stressors abate and bg will calm down, too.
    Here's to remission for all!
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2016
    Reason for edit: typos and continuity.
    Looby & Smiffy likes this.
  87. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    Thank you Sina for the word of friendship and understanding. Sooite and Smiffy DO seem to have lots of similarities despite being on different insulins and is lovel to have a 'buddy' for her to share news and information and support with.

    I am glad you like to pop in to see Smiffy and her story as it unfolds :) There are others that have said that same and periodically make themselves known to me and thank me for posting and sometimes asking the simple questions that they may be reluctant to ask.

    You know that I am like you and take information and advice from as many sources as I can to ultimately help me to know Smiffy and have an understanding with her as to how far I can push her into remission. There is something to be proud of if I can get her to be consistently below the renal threshold with no insulin and see my beautiful cat play and purr as she used to and see her go out of her own accord through feeling well and as long as her continuing story is of interest and help to others then I will continue to post here. And I am grateful to those that understand my circumstances that is that I am here on my own with Smiffy and Pasha and have, like Hansina, benefitted from the comorarder and advice of members here and this post is what keeps Smiffy and I afloat at times.

    We still need help and support all the more now that Smiffy is reaching her lower numbers and having periods of not needing her insulin and she is achieving this on her current diet that is day by day a little lower in carbs - some days more than others but we are getting there and working alongside her partner in crime Pasha who loves her wet food ... Smiffy will eat some of her food just to prove that she is the 'top cat'.

    I say this every now and then but today seems like a good day to say it again that I really appreciate those of you that support and help Smiffy and she would not be the well cat she is if it were not for you and her Vet and for others that contribute to her well being ...

    Hoping that Hansina is right and that Smiffy will get back to her no insulin numbers again very soon now that the storm is well and truely over :)
     
    HWright likes this.
  88. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    Excuse typos and grammar today ... really tired ....

    Hooray .... her little pancreas is working and she is back to a PMBG of 8.9 (160) :)

    @HWright this is one of the reasons I think Caninsulin is working for Smiffy and that her pancreas is working!

    She has gone from 10.7 (193) at +8 down to 8.9 (160) when in theory on Caninsulin she should have in theory worn off and her numbers would have continued to rise before her evening reading :)

    @JanetNJ and @Louise1989 I think she is over the thunderstorm now :)

    @Marlena and @MrWorfMen's Mom - must be proof that her pancreas is working? Back to some good numbers with no insulin required :)
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2016
  89. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    Smiffy is indeed looking good these days. There will no doubt be some ups and downs but her numbers are very encouraging. While no one can say for sure, it certainly appears Smiffy's pancreas is slowly but surely pumping out some insulin. Those higher numbers like yesterday morning might be a sign of a little more pancreatic activity taking Smiffy lower during the night than she is used to. As time goes on and she gets more re-acquainted with "normal" numbers, she hopefully will smooth out and come down a little more. Patience is key and all you can do now is follow Smiffy's lead and you are doing a great job of that Looby!:)
     
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  90. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    Thank you so much Linda :)

    I see what you mean .... so her pancreas is taking her lower at night and then she bounces a bit for the morning because her body is not used to the low numbers?

    She was beginning to smooth out and come down and then the big HUGE storm came along and she rocketed ..... I think @HWright is right - forces of nature can really affect a cats's BG.

    I have learned patience :)

    Thanks for your encouragement and support - means A LOT to Smiffy and I :)
     
  91. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    Doesn't surprise me at all. We are currently at the mercy of city workers fixing the drainage on the street at the front and side of my house. While Menace tends to be laid back and doesn't appear too disturbed, her little brother is a scaredy cat and any loud noises send him scurrying which of course then gets Menace all worked up. Menace's numbers have been all over the place the past couple of weeks making me scratch my head a lot but I am assuming some of what I'm seeing can be attributed to the ruckus outside. :banghead::rolleyes::arghh:
     
  92. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    Yes I agree .... Smiffy has not had her little walk with me today to the bottom garden and lounge under the eucalyptus tree which usually lowers her BG so I will be interested if she has maintained her 'blue' numbers for the whole day today.

    On the other hand if she is as low as she was last night at preshot time ie 8.9 (160) I am not sure if to give her a shot or not .... I may try just half a unit if she eats well and test her again at +3 and see if I can get her morning preshot time reading down and get back to the numbers where I was not having to give her a shot at all ....

    I rack my brain over and scratch my head too! I am sure that Menace is affected by all the commotion even if he doesn't show it outwardly .... such a nuisance!
     
  93. Marlena

    Marlena Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2015
    Looby, good job with Smiffy. Don't worry too much about higher number, she might be a little up and down.
    I'm sorry I can't say more - I'm really busy at the moment (all day at work) and then very tired to the point of collapse.
    Will get back to you when I have a bit more time soon.
     
  94. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    10.4 (187) tonight and Smiffy had a good amount to eat so I have given her one unit to see if I can get that AMPS down - I will check her again at +3 and/or +4


    Well at +3 she is 10.5 (188) so her number has hardly moved! Interesting! Maybe I will try a +4 reading too. But I think her morning number is going to be down tomorrow :)

    +5 and she is already 11.6 (209) .... This is so frustrating!
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2016
  95. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    Smiffy's numbers are high again!

    I have tested her Caninsulin pen and it is working.
    Do you really think that her BG could be higher because her Daddy is away?
    Or could she be becoming resistant to Caninsulin?
    (gave her a small shot last night and at +3 she was still the same reading!)

    You can see her numbers from last night and this morning she is 15 (270).

    There are no air bubbles in the pen either.

    @MrWorfMen's Mom @Alexi @JanetNJ @Squalliesmom @Marje and Gracie ? @Louise1989 @KarenRamboConan @Marlena

    In the evenings she seems to go up rather than down after her shot but down after her shot during the day ... it is very odd .... I really don't know what is going on!
     
    Last edited: Sep 21, 2016
  96. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    Lucille, you have been doing this long enough to know that BG numbers go up and down.

    And if you look back over your cat's chart it is clear that these numbers are pretty common for her.
    Her response to insulin is actually more stable than that of many cats. (If you do some research and look at others' charts you will see this.)

    There is no problem to resolve here...
    .
     
  97. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    I agree with Herta... Her numbers don't seem that different from before. Just keep doing what you're doing. It's possible she's a little stressed from the change in routine but it's not a huge difference in numbers. Fluctuations are too be expected.
     
  98. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    150-199 id do half unit, over 200 1 unit.
     
  99. Herta & Honey

    Herta & Honey New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    Lucille, it would seem that you have asked very similar questions before...

    Perhaps a good use of time would be for you to go back through your own threads and see what answers people gave the last time/s you asked similar questions?
    .
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  100. Looby & Smiffy

    Looby & Smiffy Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2016
    She is +3 13 (234) so this is very odd for her given her recent numbers over the past few weeks!

    She has not been this high at +3 for a very long time!
     
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