Overwhelmed and losing it.

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Suzzel & Junior, Oct 19, 2017.

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  1. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Oct 19, 2017
    My 9 year old cat Junior was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago and of course his numbers were high like around 500. He's on pro zinc and started him out at 2 units 2 times a day then 4x2 times a day then moved to 6x2 times a day then this week he was moved 8x2 times a day with his last test reading 279 I think. He had his first insulin shock this morning and I gave him Karo syrup and he come out of it slowly but in the mean time I was a wreak and losing it. The last few weeks have had my head spinning, now today I'm constantly watching him and worrying. I feel like a bad furparent and I'm failing at keeping him comfortable and happy. Sitting here crying as I type cause I'm at a total loss. I'm worried about feeding him to much, giving him to much or not enough insulin. I don't know what caused his drop early this morning and I'm scared to death to go to bed tonight and not keeping a constant watch on him incase he needs me. . All he wants to do is sleep and I can't help but check on him every few minutes and wonder if he's ok and if something is wrong. Im a major mess tonight and I sorry to dump all of this out there but I don't know where else to turn, none of my friends have had this problem with pets before and all I'm alone dealing with this.
     
  2. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

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    Do you home test? That's the best way to keep him safe and calm your nerves. I have been there before. I still get that way sometimes. It's definitely stressful but keep in mind you're doing your best to help him. That's A LOT of insulin for a cat. Some cats are on high doses, mine is one of them. But when insulin in increased so quick you can easily skip over his ideal dose.
    The easy way to figure out if it's too much insulin (besides the hypo event) is testing. I would decrease his insulin immediately. We use relion prime from walmart to test with... It's about $9 and strips are 100 for $18. If you do test at home do you plan on setting up a spreadsheet? It's the easiest way to see any patterns and how the insulin is working.
    I'm sure there will be others that respond so check back often to see what they have to say.

    Take a deep breath... you're not alone.
     
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  3. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Oct 19, 2017
    No I haven't started home testing but now I'm wanting to. I only gave him 4 units tonight and that is even worrying me. I'm trying to breathe. Thank you!
     
  4. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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  5. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

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    ReliOn has a Confirm and Micro human meter that takes a smaller blood sample. The strips are a bit more expensive but still much cheaper than the alphatrak 2.
    There are a lot of tricks to help get your cat to allow you to poke his ear for a test. You can also poke a paw pad.
    @JanetNJ has a video in her signature that shows how she tests her cats BG at home.
     
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  6. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    p.s. I know @StephG uses the relion prime, and if cost is an issue then you should go for it. However, Wal-Mart's Relion Confirm or Relion Micro meters take a smaller blood drop. BUT, the strips are $35.88 for 100 instead of $9. When just starting, needing a smaller drop might be to your advantage. Just so you know.
     
    Last edited: Oct 19, 2017
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  7. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    Oooops...cross posted! Jinx!
     
  8. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

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    Good advice above. Home testing is the only way you will know if you are over-dosing insulin to Junior.

    You're doing the right stuff. I would not be giving increased doses until you can measure effectiveness at the 6 hour mark. The home testers are inexpensive. And you can easily test on the outer edge of the ear. I give Leo a little carb treat after the testing each time...that fools him into thinking it is fun :)

    I should know! I was scared to death 2.5 years ago when I started. Now Leo is in his 3rd year as a diabetic. Heck, if I can do it, so can you!! Chin up and always remember you are helping your sweet kitteh have a healthier life.
     
  9. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Oct 19, 2017
    Thank you everyone. I'm still trying to take all of this in. Scared to death is a good way to put it and I was definitely there this morning when he was having his first hypo. I was so hoping someone out there could relate to me and my sweet baby boy.
     
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  10. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    First of all, welcome to the best place you never wanted to be!!

    Your vet has been increasing way too much and way too quickly. I don't mean to scare you, but you are lucky that Junior is still alive with the way he's been increased.

    We usually start at 1U twice a day, and then by home testing, we learn how our cats are responding. We only do increases in .25 unit increments, never by whole units, much less 2U at a time!

    A cat that's only been diagnosed for 3 weeks should be on somewhere between 1U and no more than 2U.

    What food are you feeding Junior? A low carb canned diet is what's going to help him the most. Fancy Feast Classics, Friskies pates and 9-Lives ground are all good (and inexpensive) choices.

    I strongly suggest you reduce back to no more than 2U and get a meter as soon as possible.

    Another thing to be aware of....once a cat has had a symptomatic hypo episode, they can be even more sensitive to insulin, so please reduce his dose!
     
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  11. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I'll explain a little more

    8U is a huge dose!! Especially for a newly diagnosed cat.

    Insulin is a very powerful hormone, and just a drop or two can be the difference between good numbers and bad (too high or too low).

    When cats are tested at vets offices, they are under stress...they've just been crated, driven around and subjected to whatever animals are in the waiting room and then poked and prodded by a person most of them really don't like much...that stress alone can cause their numbers to be up to 200 points higher. The vet see's those high numbers, thinks the cat needs more insulin and increases the dose. Then you go home and the cat relaxes and you have the makings of a disaster.

    A dose that's too high can also look like it's too low due to something we call "bouncing". Bounces are caused when 1. they drop too low 2. they drop too quickly and 3. they just drop into numbers their body isn't used to anymore (or any combination of the 3)

    When they "bounce" the liver releases stored sugars and hormones to bring them up quickly to try to save their life. Now when they drop too low, this is a good thing because it can save their lives! But if you don't know they dropped too low, you might see those high numbers and think they need more insulin, when in fact, they need less!

    Also, cats are so good about hiding the fact that they're sick, that usually, by the time we get them diagnosed, they've been diabetic for quite some time. Their body has become used to living in those higher numbers, so even if they don't drop too low, their liver may act like they did.

    There's a lot of information we all have to share with you. Please don't take anything we say personally or like we are criticizing you in any way. We've all gotten horrible advice from vets before which is why most of us are here! We knew something wasn't right and started looking for more information!!
     
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  12. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Oct 19, 2017
    Thank you and you are making since. His food is wet science diet hairball. It was one of the few I found sometime back that he would eat. So what do I do tonight since I have him 4 units? Now I am scared!
     
  13. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Oct 19, 2017
    Thank you and you are making since. His food is wet science diet hairball. It was one of the few I found sometime back that he would eat. So whatdo I do tonight since I have him 4 units? Now I am scared!
     
  14. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 18, 2016
    The food you are feeding is high carb - 21-25%. If you feed every couple of hours until tomorrow morning, that will help keep him out of trouble tonight. You can set an alarm. You don't want him too full in case you do run into trouble. You want to keep him a bit hungry in case you need to bring him up.

    You did well this morning. Breathe.

    I'll let others chime in on what the morning dose should be.

    As to a good glucometer, it depends on what country you live in.
     
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  15. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Well, if you have a 24 hour WalMart, you can go get a meter (unless they have them locked up behind the counter).....The Relion Confirm or Micro are best for new kitties

    Other than that, the Science Diet Hairball is very high carb food....21% to 25%.....we suggest no more than 10% carbs, so that's probably what has kept him from severe hypo's up until now. Just watch him....if he acts like he's starving to death give him some more of the high carb food!

    There's a good food chart HERE that shows you the carb percentage in a lot of foods you'll be able to find at your local grocery store, pet food store or online.

    BUT....before you reduce the carbs, make sure you are testing!!! Lowering the carbs can drastically lower the blood glucose!!

    Just like humans are told to eat a low carb diet, it's the same with our sugarcats.
     
  16. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    We are in Ohio, USA
     
  17. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Oct 19, 2017
    Ok can do feedings thru the night. Thank you I'm trying to breathe.
     
  18. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    The starting dose of ProZinc is usually 1U every 12 hours

    Until you're testing and learn more about how Junior responds, I think I'd start over there..unless he's a monster sized cat
     
  19. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    I can go to Walmart in the morning.
     
  20. Fiona & Ruby

    Fiona & Ruby Member

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    Welcome here and I just wanted to reach out and let you know that we can ALL relate to your distress and anxiety. This is seriously overwhelming stuff. I've only been around here for a month and you will get some amazing support and wisdom here from some very caring people. I know when Ruby was diagnosed and dosed at 2u I felt it may have been too high and in only a month I've been able to edge her back to 1.0u and she's stabilised. So what am I saying? First trust your instincts as Suzzel's mummy, because although you may feel they've gone you'll sense what he/she needs. Perhaps try for 2u tonight and get yourself a BG home testing unit.

    I found BG testing extremely stressful to start with because Ruby hated me pricking her ears, so don't stress out if you don't have success first, second, or third time. If Suzzel is the same I can recommend food as a distraction (Ruby is a gutz) and making yourself a rice ball sock (get an old thinnish sock and fill the toe with rice, bit larger than golf ball and tie off with rubberband). You can heat the ball in the microwave (not too hot) and this will help with getting the blood to flow as it can be a bit slow to start with. Good advice with getting a unit that only needs around .6 amount of blood.

    I realise you're probably in info overload (and with a scared and stressed out head) that limits our ability to take everything in so I won't keep suggesting stuff. Just know we've all been where you are, and we all brought our kitties through it, you're doing good and just focus on tonight (and take good care of yourself as well). You got this!:bighug:
     
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  21. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    So in the morning do I go get the meter before and only give him 1 unit? What food do you recommend?
     
  22. Fiona & Ruby

    Fiona & Ruby Member

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    Sorry just saw @Chris & China suggestion of 1U tonight....most def take her advice as she's way more experienced than me. Not sure if you know Suzzel's weight but I've read somewhere to start with .25U / kg as a starting gauge.
     
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  23. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    First off, thank you and yes it's info overload and I'm scared and beyond stressed. I been a mess all day and shaking myself.
     
  24. JeffJ

    JeffJ Well-Known Member

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    Jul 7, 2016
    Some great advice to you, especially from Chris. Yeah, take it to 1U for now, then start testing.

    Fancy Feast Classic - that's all my cats get. There are 8 or 10 varieties. Perfect food, good for diabetic cats.
     
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  25. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I'd feed him, give the 1U and go get your meter unless you are an early riser or a late shooter!

    Most of us feed the Fancy Feast Classics, Friskies pate's or 9-Lives ground, just because they're easy to find and affordable, but the list I linked above has a LOT of choices....just find some that are less than 10% carbs that you think Junior will like
     
  26. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Oct 19, 2017
    He's 7-8 pounds.
     
  27. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    He's 7-8 pounds.
     
  28. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Ok I'll look for that when I go to Walmart in the morning. Thank you.
     
  29. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Oct 19, 2017
    His next does is due around 10:00.
     
  30. Fiona & Ruby

    Fiona & Ruby Member

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    Okay, he's a lightweight. I should have added .25u based on ideal weight, so not sure if he's underweight (quite possible with newly diagnosed) but based on his current weight that's only 0.9u (so 1u) starting out.
     
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  31. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Starting dose is usually .25 to .5U x weight in kilo's

    So for a 7.5lb cat, that would be .85 to 1.7U twice a day.....so 1U looks like a pretty good starting place.

    Another thing for you to consider (like you don't have enough to worry about) is that ProZinc is a U40 insulin, so you're probably using U40 syringes (with a red cap)

    It's really helpful if you have syringes with markings every 1/2 unit.....most syringes you get from the vet will only have 1U lines (or even 2U!!)

    You can get U40 syringes from ADW that have half unit markings on them. I strongly suggest you order some like THESE

    Another choice is to use U100 syringes WITH A CONVERSION CHART

    U100 syringes are available at WalMart ($12.58/100)
     
  32. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Yes I have the u40 ones with the red cap.
     
  33. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Good luck today. learning how to test takes patience. so when you go to the walmart today pick up:
    1. Relion micro or confirm (not prime, it takes too big of a sample)
    2. box of 28 gauge lancets (the one that come with the meter are much thinner and harder to use on a cat esp. at first.)
    3. an extra box of 100 test strips
    4. cotton cosmetic rounds for putting behind the cats hear to protect your finger and to squeeze the ear for a few seconds after your reading
    5. neosporin ointment with pain relief in case his ears need it after testing throughout the day a few times.

    Youve got this. I was so afraid of home testing... and the first week is hard before the capillaries grow and they bleed easier, but it really is the best way to keep your cat safe. i have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat.
     
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  34. FurBabiesMama

    FurBabiesMama Well-Known Member

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    You've already gotten plenty of good advice to home test, feed low carb food and start over w/1 unit twice a day. So, I'll just say welcome, and it will be okay, really! :bighug:
     
  35. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Ok thank you so much for your list, it really does help when you're still overwhelmed.
     
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  36. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Thank you.
     
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  37. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Ok got the relion conform meter and some 26 g lancets. It was somewhere around noon when I finally was able to get him to eat and give him his 1 unit of prozinc. He had maybe a fourth to half a can of fancy fest chicken and liver classic, and he's not a big fan of it. So after reading all the leaflets and watching some of the YouTube videos I attempted to try doing his blood sugar. Let's just says he is not a happy camper at me now and is pouting. I took it three times to see if the numbers were anywhere close and I noticed his left ear doesn't bleed very well but his right one does pretty good. So after finally eating at noonish the the readings are 70mg@2:37pm, 79mg@2:38pm ( both of those were in the right ear) and 67mg@2:48pm. Ok so how do I interpret these readings and did I do something wrong? Please any help is welcomed.
     
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  38. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    1. [​IMG]
      Suzzel
      New
      Ok got the relion conform meter and some 26 g lancets. It was somewhere around noon when I finally was able to get him to eat and give him his 1 unit of prozinc. He had maybe a fourth to half a can of fancy fest chicken and liver classic, and he's not a big fan of it. So after reading all the leaflets and watching some of the YouTube videos I attempted to try doing his blood sugar. Let's just says he is not a happy camper at me now and is pouting. I took it three times to see if the numbers were anywhere close and I noticed his left ear doesn't bleed very well but his right one does pretty good. So after finally eating at noonish the the readings are 70mg@2:37pm, 79mg@2:38pm ( both of those were in the right ear) and 67mg@2:48pm. Ok so how do I interpret these readings and did I do something wrong? Please any help is welcomed.

      A moment agoEditDeleteReport
      Reply
     
  39. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    1. [​IMG]
      Suzzel
      New
      Ok got the relion conform meter and some 26 g lancets. It was somewhere around noon when I finally was able to get him to eat and give him his 1 unit of prozinc. He had maybe a fourth to half a can of fancy fest chicken and liver classic, and he's not a big fan of it. So after reading all the leaflets and watching some of the YouTube videos I attempted to try doing his blood sugar. Let's just says he is not a happy camper at me now and is pouting. I took it three times to see if the numbers were anywhere close and I noticed his left ear doesn't bleed very well but his right one does pretty good. So after finally eating at noonish the the readings are 70mg@2:37pm, 79mg@2:38pm ( both of those were in the right ear) and 67mg@2:48pm. Ok so how do I interpret these readings and did I do something wrong? Please any help is welcomed.

      A moment agoEditDeleteReport
      Reply
     
  40. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Ok question, how much should he be eating and how often? Also how many times a day do I test and when is best? Sorry to sound stupid but I'm just starting out and still trying to wrap my head around all of this.
     
  41. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

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    Good job getting the tests in!
    So you gave 1u at 12 noon, and 2 1/2 hours later he is @67? Can you get him to eat a bit more? And get another test in 20 min? We need to see if he’s dropping any more. The 67 is a good number, but it’s early in the cycle, so we need to watch
     
  42. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Ok feeding him some more now. Then when he gets finished wait 20 minutes then test again?
     
  43. Amanda and a Loudogg

    Amanda and a Loudogg Well-Known Member

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    Yes please! I figure try to test in 10 minutes or so.
     
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  44. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

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    Have you gotten another test?
     
  45. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Oct 19, 2017
    Ok now I'm worried, they are even lower after about another third of a can of fancy fest. 34mg-4:22/29mg-4:23/32mg-4:30. Have I done something wrong? What am I doing wrong?
     
  46. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Do these meters read weird? He's acting ok, pissed but ok.
     
  47. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Those are really low. Do you have some high carb gravy food gravy food? If not put some honey or Karo in his food and get him to eat. Of he won't eat rub the honey directly on his gums. You don't want to see numbers below 50 so we have to get them up.
     
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  48. Amanda and a Loudogg

    Amanda and a Loudogg Well-Known Member

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    Okay, those numbers are worrisome. Numbers under 50 usually indicate hypoglycemia. Do you have any honey, corn syrup, or even maple syrup? If he won't eat any more, rub some on his gums. We need to get his BGs up. How long ago now did you give insulin?
     
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  49. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Oct 19, 2017
    I have his old food which is science diet hairball but I also have Karo too.
     
  50. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Ok good. Let's get some high carb in him right away.
     
  51. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Insulin was at noon and 1 unit. I have Karo.
     
  52. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Ok
     
  53. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

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    How many hours ago (we’re all in Different time zones)
     
  54. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

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    If he'll eat it that way, you can put a couple of drops of Karo in his food. Karo brings blood glucose up fast, but only stays in the system for 20-30 minutes, as a rule.
     
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  55. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    5 hours
     
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  56. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Looks like since the food change you are going to have to drop that dose to less than 1 unit. Unfortunately until the numbers are up on their own you're gunna have to get good at testing today. Test again in about 10 min please... We have to make sure he's safe. We are going to get the number safe and then test to make sure it's holding. We want three numbers above 50 that are not food influenced.
     
  57. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Ok some Karo in and eating science diet hairball now.
     
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  58. Mom2Maverick

    Mom2Maverick Member

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    HI Suzzel,
    I'm so glad you are here, getting help and testing! It is so important as you are finding out. I am in Columbus, is that anywhere near you?
    Keep posting Juniors numbers. We will get you through it!
     
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  59. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Ok so with ProZinc he may continue to drop another 2 hours or so so you'll have to be vigilant.
     
  60. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Oct 19, 2017
    It almost 5 here. I'm in Ohio so it's eastern.
     
  61. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    I'm 20 minutes outside of Marietta.
     
  62. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Got some Karo in and eating some more science diet.
     
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  63. Amanda and a Loudogg

    Amanda and a Loudogg Well-Known Member

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    Good deal!! Okay, it's been about 20 minutes or so since your last check. Can you let him eat a bit and then recheck his BG? Let's see if he's on his way back up now that he's getting more sugar/carbs.
     
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  64. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    About half of a can of science diet down, which are the smaller cans by the way (2.9oz) and 2 shots of Karo.
     
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  65. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

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    Have you been able to get another test?
     
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  66. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Oct 19, 2017
    It's been a fight to get more food in him and more blood out. I think he's full, I've shoved more food down him than ever along with like 2 teaspoons of Karo, minus what we both wore. LOL. The numbers are slowly coming back up (34mg-5:15/32mg-5:17/42mg-5:42). It was really hard to get his ears to bleed this last time and he fought me like crazy even with a towel around him.
     
  67. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

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    Sorry Junior isn’t being very cooperative, but unfortunately he’s not out of the woods just yet- 42 is still too low a number. It’s been almost 20 min since your last test, so try to grab another in the next 10 min.
     
  68. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

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    Is there another spot I can try to get blood from?
     
  69. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

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    You can try the paw pad. Are you getting his ear nice and warm?
     
  70. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    The ear might be your best bet. Try a little neosporin on his ears of they are getting store. What's the latest? If he's still low and won't eat just run the honey on his gums. If you have any Temptations treats I found that raised my cats bg significantly and rather quickly.
     
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  71. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2017
    Ok just finished up testing again and I tried his paws, would you believe it actually didn't try to kill me this time. Thank god! So thank god and prayers the numbers are up now (111mg-6:33/80mg-6:36/90mg-6:37). These were all from a different paw each time. Is this more of what I'm shooting for? Now that I've got them up what do I do? How often do I test this evening and night? When do I feed him again since I've forced so much in him now and which food, fancy fest or science diet? Then do I even give him insulin tonight since it dropped so low this evening? How close does this meter ( relion confirm )run to the one at the vets since his numbers were in the 2 and 4 hundreds before? Any help would be appreciated and thanks for everyone's help this evening getting his sugar back up. I know so many silly questions but I'm just trying to do right for my baby boy.
     
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  72. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2017
    Ok just finished up testing again and I tried his paws, would you believe it actually didn't try to kill me this time. Thank god! So thank god and prayers the numbers are up now (111mg-6:33/80mg-6:36/90mg-6:37). These were all from a different paw each time. Is this more of what I'm shooting for? Now that I've got them up what do I do? How often do I test this evening and night? When do I feed him again since I've forced so much in him now and which food, fancy fest or science diet? Then do I even give him insulin tonight since it dropped so low this evening? How close does this meter ( relion confirm )run to the one at the vets since his numbers were in the 2 and 4 hundreds before? Any help would be appreciated and thanks for everyone's help this evening getting his sugar back up. I know so many silly questions but I'm just trying to do right for my baby boy.
     
  73. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Oh good. Stop feeding and test in 20 min. Of it drops again, feed. If it stays steady or rises don't feed and test again in another 20. We want three tests above 50 without feeding.

    Tonight post the preshot number and we can advise. You don't shoot until midnight though?
     
  74. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2016
    You need to test until the cat's numbers have risen without the benefit of high carb food and honey for 3 consecutive tests.

    Test 20 minutes after the last test (since he is above 50) to see which way he is heading; and post the number. Both high carb food and karo wear off quickly.

    How far away is PM shot time? His numbers will have risen as a response to the low numbers and the carbs.

    Human meters and pet meters (if that is what your vet is using) work on different scales. The only thing we know is that 50 on a human meter is 68 on a pet meter.
    The low numbers that your cat is throwing is is not the difference in meters. It is the cat. This is a good thing. It means something is working.
     
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  75. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    WOW.....what a day you and Junior have had!!!

    I'm so glad others were online and able to help you out!

    I'm SO glad you got that meter and started testing today!! You probably saved his life.....I can't imagine what might have happened if you'd shot the same 8U dose!!

    Now that he's above 50, you want to keep testing for 2 hours from the last time you had to feed anything high carb (or Karo/honey/syrup).....you want to test every 30 minutes for the first hour and then get 1 more test an hour after that to make sure he stays up.

    IF he drops below 50 again, that 2 hour "clock" starts over. Each time you have to feed HC food (or Karo/honey/syrup), that clock restarts.

    Looks like lowering the carbs is really helping him too! You definitely are going to want to reduce his dose again the next time you shoot.

    When things have settled down a little, we need to get you started on your spreadsheet. We really rely on it to help with our advice.

    Here are INSTRUCTIONS ON GETTING THE FDMB SPREADSHEET. If you have any problems with it, I'd be happy to help set it up for you. Just send me a private message by clicking on my name and choosing "Start Conversation"
     
  76. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2017
    His next shoot time is supposed to be midnight.
     
  77. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Good....then we have some time

    He may very well "bounce" from going so low, so by PMPS, he may be a LOT higher....also, he's had a lot of high carb food and syrup today, so don't be surprised if he's really high tonight.

    Do you have syringes with half unit markings or do they only have whole unit markings?
     
  78. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2017
    Thank you so much and all the others for your help over the last 24 hours, it's been a whirlwind to say the least. His next shoot time is midnight and I'm not sure what to do about it since it went too low this time. I probably will ask for help with the spread sheet when the time comes. Man my head hurts s still spinning from all of this. I sure am glad I found this group, I hate to think of where I'd be if I hadn't reached out for help. It'll probably be another long night tonight but I now know if I need help, people like you and the other furparent sate out there to help newbies like me and my boy. I can't thank everyone enough for you wisdom, caring, and encouragement. It means more than you know. Hugs to everyone.
     
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  79. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2017
    Sorry still new but what is PMPS? Just whole units markings.
     
  80. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    We are glad to help. If the number is above 200 tonight I wouldn't give more than 0.5 units. If it's below 200 I'd skip the shot tonight.
     
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  81. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Pmps stands for pm preshot. That's the test you will take tonight before it's time for insulin to make sure the number is safe to shoot.

    You will have to eyeball the half unit, but it would be good if you buy a box of syringes with half unit markings to be more accurate. My fave place to buy them is Adwdiabetes.com.
     
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  82. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    the "Pre-Shot" tests you should always get immediately before feeding/shooting. You always test before shooting to make sure they're high enough for insulin at all....and you want to take his food up for the 2 hours before it's time to get those tests.....So if you plan on shooting at 12/12, no food after 10am/10pm until you get those tests in.....then feed to make sure he's eating normally....then shoot

    The morning is AM Pre-Shot (AMPS)

    Evening is PM Pre-shot (PMPS)

    OK....you'll need to do your best to shoot .5 IF he's above 200 tonight, so you might want to practice now. If you use a colored liquid of some kind and decide where YOU think .5 is, you'll have a way to compare when you're using the real stuff.

    As soon as you can, you should order the syringes with half unit markings I linked last night or think more about using U100 with the Conversion Chart
     
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  83. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
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  84. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2017
    So I just tested him again and he's at 150mg-7:49. He's really not happy with me, he's hiding in the bathroom cabinet. Is it normal for him to avoid me now? He's usually out and about laying around but he's by himself in the bathroom and that worries me.
     
  85. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Lol he's just annoyed. So that rise is without additional food? If so I think it's high enough you can give him a break now. Play with him... Give him some loving.... Catnip. Lol. The insulin should have hit its peek by now at 8 hours past shot time.
     
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  86. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    He's had a crazy day....If your blood glucose had been bouncing all over like his has today, you'd feel pretty icky too

    Give him a break for awhile...he's high enough now that he's out of danger
     
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  87. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    You did an awesome job testing and keeping him safe today! Truly!
     
  88. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2017
    It's been since around 6-6:30 since any food or Karo. So now I just let him rest now and test at midnight, right? Or do I need to test again in a hour to make sure? Also which food do I feed later, the fancy fest or science diet, since I don't want a repeat of this evening? And only give insulin if it's over 200 and only a half of a unit right? Sorry but I just want to make sure I understand what's being said. I'm running on nerves and very little sleep.
     
  89. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2017
    Thank you! It's been wild for sure. All of you folks are truly angels. I don't know what I would have done with out all of you.
     
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  90. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    I'd test at 11pm and then again right at shot time (not always, but this time anyway)

    Since you've switched to the lower carb, I'd stick with the Fancy Feast....save the Science Diet for "emergencies" like today

    Right
     
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  91. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Yes! No need to test again until later. No food at least 2 hours prior to the preshot test. Test, then feed, then shoot 0.5 if it's over 200.
     
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  92. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2017
    Ok no food after 10 right? Ok with everyone's help I think I can rest myself for a little bit. Maybe even get a "catnap" while he's resting so I can keep an eye on him tonight. Question though, if I do give him a shot tonight how often do I need to test him to make sure he's ok?
     
  93. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Getting a +2 will help (that's 2 hours after the shot).....since we're all in different time zones we use the
    "+" method when we report numbers

    Each day there are 2 cycles....an AM and PM .....and there are 12 hours in between, so if you test at AMPS and test again 2 hours later, that's +2....if you test again 5 hours after the shot, that's +5.....all the way up to +11 and then the next cycle starts
     
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  94. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2017
    So I should test 2 hours after shot, right? But how often after that? Also should I keep testing and how often if I don't give him a shot on that 12 hour period?
     
  95. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Right.....the number should be about the same as the Pre-shot....if it's lower, that's your "early warning" that you need to get more tests in later

    Will depend on the test....if it's higher than the PS, he's probably still going up (continuing to "bounce")

    If you don't shoot, you don't have to worry about him dropping too low, but anytime you can test, it's good just for the experience and to gather data on what happens when you don't shoot.
     
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  96. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2017
    Ok I think I've got it down for tonight. Thanks so much so breaking this down for me, it really means a lot. Can I message you with any other questions that may come up? I'm sure I'll be on and off thru the night also looking for an answer for something.
     
  97. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2016
    I'm away from the computer but can check in from time to time. There is usually someone online. Just holler.

    If numbers drop under 50 or you have a question, scroll up to the top of this thread, click on "edit title." At the lefthand side of the title is a place where you can add a question mark (question) or a bright red 911 (under 50 or headed that way fast).
     
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  98. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    I can hold your hand in messages, but we aren't supposed to give advice privately. One of the strengths of this message board is that lots of people are watching.

    We may not always agree on something, but having lots of people watching out for you is for your safety. If someone says something wrong, others are going to chime in and correct it.

    No one person can know everything there is to know about this disease and no matter how much experience they have, they can miss something.

    Also, you're using an insulin that I've never used. I use Lantus, not ProZinc and there are others that have more experience with that specific insulin.

    I can keep you safe and give you good "general" advice, but the people with the most experience with ProZinc will be your best advisors in the future.
     
  99. Suzzel & Junior

    Suzzel & Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2017
    I totally understand and thank you for all you've done to help me this far. After the last 36 hours I'm still so scared and worry that I don't have what it takes to get thru this. I love him more than anything, I've had since he was 5 days old, found him in a pumpkin stand. He's my bottle baby and the first baby to have this kind of health problem.
     
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  100. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    No no... You'll get through this. The dust will settle... He will start feeling better.... And just watch, in a few months you will be helping the new folks coming in here scared and looking for help!
     
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