Help! Should Iskip insulin until I call Vet tomorrow?

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Stewie's Mom ID, Feb 10, 2019.

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  1. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    I just tested my cat's bg for the first time and he is on Prozinc 2x daily, 4 units each time. I give it at 9:30 am and PM. I took him off all dry food since his last curve at the vets which was on 2/4/19. His numbers were in the mid to high 300s each time at the vets so she put Stewie up to that many units. I was still giving him a 1/4 of a cup of dry food up until that day. He has been on only wet food since. I checked him at 3 pm today with my ReliOn meter and his numbers were 34 and 41 as I did it twice. I don't know what that means. I fed him after his bg test. I have been feeding him 6x a day since he is always hungry. I give him a quarter to a third can at a time. He's not acting any differently than normal and eating and drinking water ok. He is on Friskees pate and FF Pate. Should I be worried. I checked my husbands glucose to make sure the meter worked and his seemed to be right. I will call vet office tomorrow am.
     
  2. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    34 and 41 are way too low!!! Have you tested since you fed? How long ago was that?

    Do NOT give any more insulin until we can get more information
     
  3. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Thanks for the reply. No.I haven't tested again. I am so new to testing his bg. Today was the first time I did a BG test. I fed him some friskees pate which he ate at 3. I gave him a temptations treat an hour ago? I was gonna feed him some more at 6 and test before I give him any insulin. I'm scared and so new to this. He's been sleepy but acting fine when offered food and eating when food is offered. I will call vet right away when they open. Should I give friskees shreds since I have one can for emergency? Should I test before or after feeding him at 6 which is soon. Thank you!
     
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  4. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    I just gave him a combo of friskees beef and liver pate, friskees Turkey and cheese shreds and some temptations treats (4). When should I test him again? Thank you
     
  5. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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  6. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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  7. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Please get a test in now
     
  8. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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  9. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Ok. I fed at 6 PM. I will attempt a test again now. It takes me a bit because I just did my first today.
     
  10. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    You are keeping Stewie safe by testing. I know it's new to you, hopefully it will go easy
     
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  11. Paula Nowak

    Paula Nowak Member

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    I wouldn't give him any indulin tonight and call the vet first thing in the morning and tell them what's been going on ! Those numbers you got are seriously low !
     
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  12. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Still there? Its 81 now.
     
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  13. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    I am not going to give insulin and will call first thing. Thank you for help. I will feed him again at 9:15 PM as usual and no insulin tonight. I am having a hard time getting blood but finally success. No insulin until I talk to vet.
     
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  14. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Also, I will mix the shreds again in with pate and a few temptations treats to try and boost him up more tonight. He was very mad cause it took me 3 pokes but I know it has to be done. I need to get a lot better at testing.
     
  15. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I'm here. Congrats on getting that test! I saw that in another post you are using the warm sock and got a larger lancet. Kudos to you for taking those steps :bighug:
    The more you test, the easier it gets.
     
  16. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Stewie's ears will "learn" to bleed the more you test. I probably am not describing it properly But I think the capillaries will get more sensitive. (or something like that).
    Hopefully will chime in and explain it better
     
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  17. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Thank you for the hugs and being here. I hope the 81 reading is much better. I will test him again in am before my husband goes to work. I will give him a carby dinner tonight as well as in am. We are all stressed here. I need to get better at blood testing. Poor Stewie. He went in the other room. He'll trust me again after a yummy dinner. :bighug:
     
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  18. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    How long has Stewie been a diabetic?
    Four units is a lot of insulin, especially if he is recently diagnosed.
    Because he dropped down to 34 and 41, you need to reduce the dose you are giving.
    When you speak to the vet tomorrow please come back on here and tell us the dose he wants you to give.
    Do not give 4 Units again.....it is not safe to do so.
    Did Stewie have DKA when he was diagnosed?
    We are very happy to help you so ask lots of questions.
    Congratulations on starting to test. You have probably saved Stewies life.
     
  19. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Thank you @Bron and Sheba
    We need to make sure Stewie stays safe tonight and I'm not sure where in the cycle we are.
    How long ago did you give insulin?
     
  20. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    He was diagnosed in early Jan with a reading of 503. She started him on 2 units 2x per day and then 3 units 2x per day after first curve. By the 2nd curve 2 weeks later, he was so freaked out and his numbers were still at 350 and up so she put to 4 units 2x per day. That was on 2/4. He was still getting 1/8th of a cup of Blue buffalo grain free chicken 2x per day mixed in with his pate. I discontinued all dry food that evening. I think that is why he plummeted. I have only had him on Pate only since 2/4 and I needed my husbands help with bg and today he was here to help finally. Thank god! I tried to thin of a lancet and went and got bigger on and that did the trick. I don't know what a DKA is. Thank you for concern and advise.
     
  21. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    I gave it at 930 am this morning.
     
  22. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Ok, so the 34/41 reading was at bout 5 and half hours after his morning insulin shot, is this correct?
     
  23. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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  24. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I agree with your assessment. Taking the carbs out of the picture has more than likely lessened his insulin requirement.
     
  25. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Sorry...had to deal with an emergency with my mom (everything's OK)

    Your vet doesn't know what she's doing. Very small changes in doses can make a huge difference in the numbers. We don't do increases in whole units....we only go up in .25 unit increments so we don't bypass what could be a "perfect" dose.

    Now that you have a few tests behind you, you need to start testing and keeping track of your results on our spreadsheet.

    Since you removed the high carb dry, I'd suggest starting back at a much smaller dose than 4U until we can see how he's really doing without the extra carbs in his diet. Maybe back to 2 or 2.5U and then let us help you decide when to increase (if you need to!)

    The people here have a lot more experience dealing with diabetes than your vet. They just can't stay up to date on the latest treatments and have time to treat patients.

    81 is a perfectly safe number by the way......but 30's are definitely too low and thank goodness you were testing and caught them!!
     
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  26. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Should I give him some dry food.mixed in with Turkey shreds for dinner at 9? I feed him 6 meals per day cause he begs for it. The vets said 2x per day but Stewie drives me nuts for good and I saw on here a lot of people feed more often so I started doing that. I told the vet and she said she needs to see his bg.
     
  27. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    so it sounds like you are up to about +9 which is 9 hours after the last dose of insulin. Because we live all over the world, we talk in +number of hours after the dose of insulin. Then we all know where we are up to.

    When cats go to the vet they are nearly always stressed. And getting a curve done at the vet almost always has the blood sugar levels( BSL) higher than they would be at home. And now you have taken the dryout of the diet, his insulin needs are less.
    We only raise the dose of insulin in 0.25 unit increments not whole dose increments,so as not to go past the best dose, and to keep kitty safe.
    If there is no DKA in the picture ( DKA is a serious illness which diabetic cats can get and they need to be hospitalised sometimes for days to get over it.) I think you should probably drop the dose back down to 1 or 2 units. Curve Readings in the 300s are not really high especially if taken at the vet. I don't use Prozinc but I am going to tag a couple of people who do so they can help you.
    @Kris & Teasel @Djamila
     
  28. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    No....throw the dry away......feeding high carb food while trying to reduce the blood glucose numbers is like trying to put out a fire while you're still throwing gasoline on it. It just doesn't work

    Most of us feed multiple times a day...it's actually better for the pancreas to deal with multiple small meals than 2 big ones per day. That's "old school" thinking by your vet
     
  29. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Feeding 6 Small meals a day is fine.
    I agree with Chris, your vet doesn't know what she is doing. Taking out the dry and at the same time increasing the dose is wrong.
     
  30. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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  31. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    As long as she doesn't give more insulin tonight, she shouldn't have to feed the dry
     
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  32. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I was just crafting a post regarding the dosing and feeding recommendations from your vet.
    I agree with Chris and Bron, your Vet is uninformed on this
     
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  33. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Agree
     
  34. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Thank you everyone for your help and relieving my situation. I gave Stewie more temptations cause I want him to feel good. I will just give Pate with a little shreds again at 9:15pm. Should I test him before or after I feed him in am at 7:15 tomorrow. I am going to stick with the 6 meals and no fry food added. Thanks for that advise. I panicked so much that I wanted to get his numbers right up. I will post what the vets says in am. I will have you guys advise me on how much insulin to give after my first am reading. Thanks to everyone. You don't know how much I appreciate your support. Thank God for this site!
     
  35. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    It would be a good idea to get a few more tests in to see what the BSL does after those lows . I would just feed normal food too unless he drops again which he shouldn't.
     
  36. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    You should Test/Feed/Shoot.....Test to make sure he's high enough to get insulin at all, Feed to make sure he's willing to eat and Shoot.

    Don't let him eat for the 2 hours immediately before the Pre-Shot tests so you get a number that's not influenced by food. After that, just feed normally the rest of the cycle until +10 (10 hours after the shot) and then it's PMPS time again (PM Pre-Shot)
     
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  37. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Also, I am using U40 needles so I would have to eyeball the .25 increment changes.
     
  38. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Please tag someone to help you....I livein Australia so will be fast asleep. To tag someone you just type @Bron and Sheba and a little box will come up and you click it.
    Also change your subject line and say something like 'newbie need help with am dose urgent'
     
  39. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Yes. A magnifying glass helps
     
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  40. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    You can buy U40 syringes with half unit markings at ADW.

    They have UltiCare and CarePoint
     
  41. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    What should his numbers be at before he gets insulin again? I guess you guys will advise tomorrow?
     
  42. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Perfect. I am using the Ulticare brand now. Who is ADW? Thanks
     
  43. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    At least 200 until you have a lot more experience and data.....and I wouldn't give more than 2U tomorrow morning no matter how high he is.

    Because he went so low today, he'll probably "bounce".....Bounces happen when 1. they drop too low, 2. they drop too quickly and 3. they drop into numbers their body isn't used to anymore (or any combination of all 3)

    His body has gotten used to living in higher numbers, so when he drops low, or even just drops lower than he's used to, his liver releases stored sugars and hormones to bring him back up fast. He "bounces" high.

    We don't want to panic when he bounces.....it can take up to 6 cycles for those hormones and sugars to clear out
     
  44. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    I usually feed him at 7:00 am ish cause he's hungry and again at 9:30 am as that's when he gets his insulin normally.
     
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  45. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Until you start getting some data, I would not give any insulin if the BSL is under 200
    Once you start getting data you will be able to lower the BSL limit.

    But post and ask for help.:bighug:
     
  46. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    American Diabetes Wholesale

    If you click on the blue words "UltiCare" or "CarePoint" in the post above, it will take you directly to their site. When you see blue words in our comments, those are hyper-links
     
  47. Djamila

    Djamila Well-Known Member

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    Hi there and welcome! It looks like you've had quite an adventure today!!! I'm so glad people were here to help.

    I don't come out to this Main Forum very often. Most of the time I'm hiding out over in the Prozinc forum. If you'd like to post there, we would be happy to help you sort out the dosing for your kitty! I'm so glad you are changing healthy, low-carb wet food, and that you are home testing to keep Stewie safe! It's a lot to learn all at once, but it sounds like you are doing well.

    I'd recommend getting our spreadsheet set up so you have somewhere to keep all of the numbers you are getting. And you'll find it an incredibly valuable tool in sorting out dosing. Here is a link to the directions for getting started. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/ If you run into any trouble just ask and someone can help you with it.

    We look forward to seeing you over in Prozinc when you're ready! :)
     
  48. Djamila

    Djamila Well-Known Member

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    Oh, and in the meantime...I absolutely agree with @Bron and Sheba - no insulin if the numbers are under 200! Safety first.
     
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  49. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    You might want to consider changing your shot time to 7am (if it works for your schedule)…..that way you could test at 7am…..then feed/shoot.

    As long as he's high enough to shoot, you can feed/shoot within just a minute or two of testing...but if he's NOT above 200, you don't want to feed him.....Stall for 20-30 minutes, post for help and test again after 20-30 minutes.

    It would also let you get some tests in on the PM cycle without having to stay up terribly late
     
  50. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Ok, so no insulin unless at 200. Dont panic if he bounces high, just give 2 units and for at least 6 cycles.
     
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  51. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Mornings are super busy so that is why I went with 9:30 times. I will be waiting 2+ hours before testing if that is still ok.
     
  52. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Unless he drops below 50 again!! Then he would "earn a reduction".

    Yes, that's fine....we just don't want him to eat for the 2 hours immediately before AMPS and PMPS (AM Pre-Shot and PM Pre-Shot) so those tests aren't food-influenced.
     
  53. Djamila

    Djamila Well-Known Member

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    Given that Stewie is a new diabetic, is recently changing diet, and has had a serious hypo, I would recommend going back to 1u and starting over. Even 2u might be too high right now, and you're still learning to test. Since there is no history of DKA, I'd give one unit and let's monitor a cycle or two. We can increase after that if needed.
     
  54. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Thank you. I will go there tomorrow. I have been having a hard time using site. I need more practice..lol. I cant thank you all enough. I will ask for help on prolink site.
     
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  55. Djamila

    Djamila Well-Known Member

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    @Chris & China (GA), I'm just getting caught up and may have missed something in my skimming. Are you thinking 2u is better because of the initial vet numbers? or is there more to the story that I've missed?
     
  56. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    @Stewie's Mom ….as you can see, we don't always agree, but in all the years I've been here, usually, dropping back too much just wastes time while you slowly go up in dose again.

    No, nothing that I know of, but see my comment above. Now that she's testing, if 2U is too much, we're going to know soon.

    Most of the time, when cats come here on high doses, dropping back too much just leads to a lot of time building back up.

    I'm also thinking that she may have a hard time if she wants to continue dealing with her vet if she dropped all the way back to 1U.
     
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  57. Djamila

    Djamila Well-Known Member

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    Good points! Okay, 2u it is! :) We don't always agree, but solid reasoning usually prevails! :bighug:
     
  58. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Let's get your spreadsheet set up and get your numbers working first. Generally, we suggest people stay on the Health site (which has more traffic) until they at least have their spreadsheets up and a little experience......then we send people over to the insulin support group.

    If you need help with your spreadsheet, I'd be happy to set it up for you. I'd just need some information from you. You can click on my name and choose "start conversation" to send me a private message
     
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  59. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Looks like Stewie is in great hands. Chris helped me with Uncle from day one!!!
    So happy you have the best to get you through today and set you up for what comes next.
    Sending hugs to everyone :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  60. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Thank you so much to everyone!!! I am exhausted now and appreciate you all so much. I will get a bg tomorrow some way even though my other half wont be here to help. I will move to Prozinc forum. I will reply here in am what his numbers are. I may shoot his number at 7 tomorrow before my husband leaves and report that number. I will see how it goes. Thank you to each and every one of you again from the bottom of my heart. I sincerely appreciate all of you helping me today. As I said, Thank God for all of you. I thought it was the meter. Stewie is way more alert tonight and already begging for his 9:15 meal. I told him he has to wait. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  61. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    And Chris, I am so glad your mom is ok!!! I hear your the pro, so thanks for coming back here today after your own crisis!!!! Thanks for taking care of me! :bighug:
     
  62. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    I will do that tomorrow. Thank you!
     
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  63. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    We all work together and you had good people here to help!

    All of us came here just like you....knowing nothing, expecting our vets to do the right thing and then learning that they don't know what they're doing most of the time.

    I had great people help me when I first got here.....we are all just paying the kindness that was shown to us forward to the next guy!!
     
  64. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    That's exactly right. I have been assisted by and learned from all who have helped me along the way. Still learning too, so I can try to be there for others.
     
  65. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Ok, I got the BG at 7 this am and it was 420. He is eating now, then I will give 2 units of prozinc and test again tonight at 7.
     
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  66. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    I gave 2 units at 7:24 am. He's perky and alert today!
     
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  67. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    That is correct.
     
  68. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Looks like Stewie has started to "bounce" from last night low numbers. (refer to post #43 from Chris)
    It would be good to get a +2 test in to see what influence this mornings dose will have.
     
  69. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Yay, how 'bout you????
     
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  70. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    I have a worker coming to fix something in my house so Stewie will likely hide as he is skittish due to his previous living conditions. I am having a real hard time with getting the strip into the meter so my husband has been doing that part and getting the blood onto the strip. I'm just the poker..lol. I may try later today as he just finished his 2nd meal of the day. I am going to practice getting the strip in and out of the meter. Maybe I have a defective meter? My husband said it has given him trouble also but he seems to be getting it in the meter fine now. I am awaiting my vet to call me back. I put a call in to her this am. Thanks for your helpful advise. :)
     
  71. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Tired. Not much sleep as worried last night but he came at me meowing for food as soon as he saw me this am. I was real happy! Thanks for asking!
     
  72. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I was a TOTAL stress ball in the beginning. Everything was completely new and I just felt super clumsy, awkward and scared all at once. It did become second nature after a while, but the beginning was pretty rough. Glad you have a co-pilot :bighug:
    It maybe that meter really is a lemon. I didn't use the Relion Confirm so not sure if there are any tips or tricks to it being easier to get the strip in. That's great idea you have to practice!!!
     
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  73. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

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    Here's a follow up today so far: I spoke with Stewie's doctor and explained all that happened over the last 24 hours. She concurred with the no insulin and going back to 2 units 2x per day. I am going to call in the numbers to her office every day and we are going to talk again on Friday. She would also like me to get a bg during the +6 after insulin. I tried 2x and was successful with obtaining blood but I couldn't get the strip in correctly each time. I was frustrated and called the ReliOn customer service and they were useless except to tell me not to use device on a cat (haha whatever) and that I need to put strip all the way in first. Well if I do that, I am scared it will time out on me. Stewie is very frustrated with me so I gave him food and now he is pouting under my bed. He got so upset when I tried picking him up to feed him (after our 2 failed attempts), that peed while I was picking him up. I am gonna wait till 7pm for his next bg when my husband gets home and try for a mid cycle again tomorrow. I dont want to stress Stewie any further today.
     
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  74. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2015
    I'm glad your vet is on board with dropping the dose and testing......that is a real plus. It sounds like she is willing to learn along with you about FD, which is great.
    In regard to the strip in the meter. I always used to put the strip in first, then prick Sheba's ear then put the blood on the strip. I found I had plenty of time to do it that way. Try putting the strip in and timing how long you have before it times out.
    Initially I had my DH do the strip bit but it soon became impractical to try and wait for him so I bit the bullet and tried it on my own and was fine after a few stumbles.
    I used to kneel back on my heels and put Sheba between my knees gently so she was secure. I had everything on the floor in front of me and when I was ready I put in the strip, then pricked the ear and collected the blood. I used to give her a tiny treat as I was doing it so she was distracted and didn't notice me doing it.
     
  75. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    You can also put the strip partially into the meter (without "activating" it) do your poke and then quickly push it the rest of the way in and test.

    Nice to hear your vet agrees with our approach! (so far anyway!)
     
  76. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2019
    Those are great tips. I will try those out. I will time out meter so I know how long I have. I decided today that I will have to have the stip in before getting the blood on my own tomorrow or I will have the same problem as today. I do Stewies injections and blood draws while he is on the couch with me. So far he is ok with that. He was real mad at me for 3 hours before coming out to eat again around 4. So I decided to re earn his trust and he sat with me after the 4 o'clock feeding. He will get a bg at 7:00 PM tonight so I will have 2 in at least for today. My vet is so sweet. She is willing to work on this and we have agreed on a report system daily. Thank you for checking back in and your sage advise. I appreciate it very much!
     
  77. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2019
    That is where I was getting the problem. I put it in partially, got the blood on the strip, then had trouble putting it in the rest of the way both times I tried today. Then I called ReliOn and the lady was zero help and crabby..lol. I will just get completely prepared, ready, put the strip all the way in and hope for the best tomorrow at +6 after the first injection. My vet is real nice and easy to talk with. She said she would like him on the 2 units for a week before doing more changes but I will be letting you guys know how things go till I get the hang of this and more comfortable. I trust your guidance completely. Tonight will be 2 units injection again as long is he is at least 200. He bounced this am just like you said would happen. :)
    Thank you very much for your help and advise!
     
  78. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Don't put the blood on the strip....just push it in a little, poke the kitty, push it in the rest of the way and touch it to the blood drop on the kitty
     
  79. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2019
    Oh, okay. Got it and Thank you!
     
  80. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2019
    Okay! Yay I did the BG by myself. Finally! Stewie's BG was 394 at 7:14 pm. It was 420 this am. He is eating now and I will give his injection of 2 units when he finishes his dinner. Thank you everyone for all the great advice! The meter actually gives you 2 minutes from the time you push the strip in so I had plenty of time. I will start getting all this in a SS tomorrow. Yay!!!! :)
     
  81. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    Congratulations!! You're now an official member of the Vampire Club!!
    vampire smiley .jpg
     
  82. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2019
    Thanks. Stewie coming down slowly but surely. 376 this am. Will try for +6. I will call all this into my vet as well. Thanks everyone. I wont keep bugging you guys unless something goes awry. I will keep to the 2 units unless redirected. I will move to the Prozinc thread and start my SS. Thank you Chris. :) for setting it up.
     
  83. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    We like to hear about the good stuff too, and the uneventful :bighug:;)
     
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  84. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2019
    Hi., I'm back. I just did Stewies bg and its 116. Not sure if I should skip insulin of 2 units or what to do. I wasn't able to get a test today. Help???
     
  85. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2019
    I just gave him his pate and 2 temptations cat treats. I will try to get some blood again at 9:30.
     
  86. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2019
    Ok, I went back through the previous posts and now I remember no insulin if under 200. I will forgo and recheck his bg at 930 pm which is 2 hours after he just ate. This bouncing is nerve wracking. It's ok that this is happening? Worried :(
     
  87. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    Hey, catch me up a bit. When in the cycle did you test and get the 116 reading?
    Also how long until the his scheduled PM test/feed/ MAYBE shoot (if 200 or over)
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2019
  88. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    Yep
    116 is not a dangerous number, just means the insulin is kicking in and the bounce is probably breaking
    Need to know where in the cycle that was and where in the cycle you are now
     
  89. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2019
    Thank you for your help. He had his 2 units of insulin 13+ hours ago. He finished eating at 730pm mountain time. I am going to get his bg again at 9:40 PM mountain time so I give him a good 2 hours since he finished eating. I didn't give his scheduled insulin at 7:30pm. I will wait till tomorrow I guess? What if its over 200 at 9:30 +
    Is this normal for the this type 9f of bounce I was to expect? Thank you so much.
     
  90. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    Okay, please forgive me, I'm a bit tired and I don't want to miss something.
    Let me know if this is correct:

    You tested Stewie this morning and gave him 2u of insulin
    There were no other tests during the day
    You tested at what would have been his scheduled PM shot time tonight
    You got the 116 reading and skipped the shot
     
  91. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2019
    Oh, I got the 116 reading at about 11 and 3/4 hours hours since last insulin of 2 units this am.
     
  92. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2019
    Yes. That is correct. I tried for a +6 test and he hid from me as he was on to me so I didn't want to stress him. He peed on me yesterday when he stressed out. He is skittish due to his prior living conditions. I have had him 3+ years and I still have to tread lightly with him.
     
  93. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    You did the right thing by skipping if he was only at 116 at PMPS time

    As you get more experience and learn more about how Stewie reacts, you may slowly start shooting lower Pre-shot numbers, but it's too early for that now.

    The bouncing is aggravating, but normal.....Hopefully as he spends more time in better numbers, he won't bounce as high and won't bounce as long

    You're doing great!!

    How's Stewie feeling?
     
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  94. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    Oh poor baby. Hopefully he will get more used the testing. Positive reinforcement really helps.
    It's good that you skipped. If you get a reading of over 200 tonight and want to give insulin, you will have to continue on with the 12 hour interval from that time
    As you know, all food should be withheld for 2 hours before the Test/Feed/Shoot time
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2019
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  95. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2019
    Thank you so much. He is begging to eat again currently and acting ok. I am going to attempt another bg in about 25 mins. Want to get a good 2+ hours post feeding. Should I just get through the night no matter his reading if its higher. I currently put him on the 7am/7pm plan as you suggested. If he is still running low, I was gonna give him some Turkey shreds with his final meal of the night.
     
  96. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Oct 13, 2016
  97. Stewie's Mom ID

    Stewie's Mom ID Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2019
    Yes, his food was withheld for 3 hours before I gave him the bg at 7pm tonight. I fed him a bit after that as he was hiding and I didn't do the insulin.
     
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  98. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Unless you want to change his shot schedule, just consider tonight a "furshot" and start over in the morning

    There's no chance he'll go too low since he didn't get any insulin tonight, but if you can get a test or two in, it's always good data to have. Helps you to learn what happens when you skip a shot
     
    Barbara & Uncle (GA) likes this.
  99. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    Hi Barbara :bighug::bighug::bighug: How you doing?
     
  100. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Oct 13, 2016
    Okay. I was just going ask you the same. I'll pm you so I don't hijack the thread ;):):bighug:
     
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