Seeking support

I’m new here. Slash was diagnosed yesterday. His glucose was 450 and Fructosamine was 722. My vet started him on Prozinc (?spelling) 2 units twice daily. I told her Slash was eating well. She started him on prescription can food. I got home and he ate a couple spoonfuls. I gave him 2units. Approx 3 hours later his health declined. Very lethargic and would not move. Just layed there for hours. I was on the phone with the emergency vets. I felt helpless. I’ll did not give him anymore insulting and went to the vet this morning. His glucose was 111 and they said he looked great but to drop his insulin down to 1 unit until he eats more. He ate approx 1/4th of a can tonight. Most he’s eaten in a while. I gave him 1 unit. This was about 6 hours ago. He slept for a coupile of hours. He did bathe himself and just cane up on my lap purring. I’m in tears because he hasn’t done that in a while. He has been so sick. I don’t want to continue taking him to the vets. It’s way too stressful on him and myself. I guess my question is how do I test him at home? Will the panic I have ever leave? When will he start feeling better and will he return to his goofy self. I would not say he’s lethargic tonight. He’s moving around but tired. He’s had a rough few days. Any support would be appreciated.

 

Hello and welcome aboard! Seems it was a good call to reduce his dose. Testing at home is a very good idea. Is this something you think your vet would be on board with? If that's the case, maybe he can show you how it's done. Otherwise we have people here who have made videos that can show you. You can buy a glucometer (or sometimes even get one for free). Some are designed for pets but the strips you use to measure are quite expensive. Human ones can be much cheaper. The numbers might be a little different but most people on this forum use a human meter -- what's important is to see the ups and downs and know how much to "not trust" the numbers

As for panic, it's normal you're feeling very shaken. Slash just got a scary diagnosis and seems to have had a hypo. I think testing at home will help you understand what's going on and feel more in control and less helpless. That's good for panic!

What country are you in?

 

I think we all panicked in the early days! Home testing is the way to go, glad you’re on board with the idea. There are several videos on you tube and @JanetNJ has a great one she made as well.

 

Welcome! Love his name! Are you a guns and roses fan? They should not have started you on 2 units! 1 unit is always the recommended staying dose.

It is really stressful brining in cats for frequent tests. Even more stressful wondering if they are too low.... Testing will releave that stress!!! I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home. The first week of testing is hard but once the ear grows new capillaries it bleeds much easier. Takes about 30 seconds to do.

Go to Walmart and get
1. Relion micro or confirm meter (not Prime) $18
2. Box of 100 extra test strips $36
3. Box of 100 26-28 gauge lancets $3
4. Cotton cosmetic rounds $3

Perscription food is expensive and not needed. Most of us feed fancy feast classic or Friskies pate foods.

We are here for you and can help you navigate this journey.

 

Here's where you can find our info about hypos so you can be prepared should you ever face it again. Read the yellow info stickies at the top.


http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/health-links-faqs-about-feline-diabetes.14/

 

Poor Slash. It sounds like he went too low from that too-high starting dose. Absolutely start home testing. It is the only way to keep him safe, and it will keep you from needing to drag him to the vet for curves, fructosamine tests, etc.