Confused.. blood machine not working properly?!

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Nicole & Diesel, Jan 15, 2020.

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  1. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Link to Nicole & Diesel first post, for reference

    Not sure if I did this correctly (posting the link from my other thread)

    I have decided to change Diesel's shot times. This morning I gave him his shot at 630 am. This will now allow me to stall for up to an hour before work if his AMPS ends up being a no shoot because I skipped last night and his blood this am was 23.
     
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2020
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  2. Juls and Billy

    Juls and Billy Member

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    Sounds smart, and a skip is a great time to change the schedule, since you don't have to worry about the previous dose.
     
  3. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Good time to readjust your schedule. So your new shot time this PM will be 6:30 AST?

    Yes, you did the link correctly to your old post.

    If you want the link to say something different, more descriptive, you Type In Some Descriptive Text
    Highlight that text with your mouse/touchpad/ whatever your device uses to highlight text.
    Click on the little 'chain' icon at the top of the reply box, where the editing icons are.
    New small window pops up.
    Put in the URL from your old post (cut and paste)
    Try some of the other editing tools.
    (B is for bold, I is for italics, etc......)

    Maybe something like 'Link to Nicole & Diesel first post, for reference'
     
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  4. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Hi,

    Diesel is 9.5. I am going to stall for 30 mins and see if his sugars are going up. If they are would I give the 0.25 or the 0.50 if he’s not quite reached his ok to shoot number?
     
  5. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    I'd do the 0.25 if he gets over 200 (11.1)

    Hope you see this in time.
     
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  6. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Hi,

    I actually gave 0.50 because in 30 mins it went up to 13.8... hoping that’s okay :/ but I did give him some food with a slightly higher carb content just in case. And I left a little bit of extra food on the counter.
     
  7. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Stalling worked! He went up quite a bit in 30 minutes. Extra food out is good.
     
  8. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Hi!! I think I did it for changing the descriptive words to what you suggested with the link to my first post!
     
  9. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Yes, you did!

    Good skill to have for when you decide to go over to the ISG (Insulin Support Group).
     
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  10. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Hi,

    this stalling is getting lame. Lol

    I checked at 615pm and it was 6.0. Stalled till 7:20 and it is 7.0.... it looks like it is going up but not sure what to give or if I should skip. I can’t stall any more cause I won’t be able to give any later than 730 tomorrow morning.
     
  11. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    I would not feel comfortable giving 0.5 U insulin at BG of 7 (128).

    How do you feel about reducing to 0.25 U again?
    Or maybe 'some insulin', barely at the 0 line on your syringe.
     
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  12. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    I don’t mind reducing.
     
  13. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    I gave him 0.25 and I’m going to keep an eye on him
     
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  14. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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  15. Tina Marie (GA) and Jan

    Tina Marie (GA) and Jan Well-Known Member

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    Diesel is responding to insulin nicely!

    I'm super impressed at how quickly you are adapting and learning, Nicole.

    Is Diesel feeling generally well?
     
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  16. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Yes, he is back to his normal self it seems. He was sleeping a lot under my bed and seems to be coming out more and more to hang out.
     
  17. Tina Marie (GA) and Jan

    Tina Marie (GA) and Jan Well-Known Member

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    That's great! I hope you aren't too exhausted and that you remember to take care of yourself every chance you get!
     
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  18. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    It’s definitely tiring especially with a toddler but Diesel is worth it :)
     
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  19. Tina Marie (GA) and Jan

    Tina Marie (GA) and Jan Well-Known Member

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    He is a lucky cat to have you and your family:cat:
     
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  20. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    I'd like to get you more help over on the Lantus forum. Diesel has been a low dose kitty from the get go. My thinking is that there may be some more ideas from people there than you are getting here in the Health Forum.

    Not saying you need to move over there. But maybe post a thread in Lantus ISG with question mark prefix to get some ideas? You may need to learn to shoot low numbers soon too.

    I've been waiting for that 1st curve on Diesel. But with your work schedule and having to drop the dose and back up again and not being able to test, it's been hard. Maybe this weekend for a curve?
     
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  21. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Yes, plan on doing the curve Saturday.

    How do I find that forum? Can you post me a link somehow?
     
  22. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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  23. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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  24. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Down to 60 (3.33) is the 'take action' number or ' be more aware' that action is needed.

    TREATMENT

    During treatment for hypoglycemia, try to test every 15 - 20 minutes until you see the bgs begin to rise. Then continue to test until you are satisfied that the cat is out of danger.

    VERY LOW NUMBERS – WITHOUT SYMPTOMS
    Retest glucose using a large blood sample to make certain you have enough blood, and if you still get a very low number (under 40 mg/dL or 1.9 – 2.2 mmol/L) administer a teaspoon of corn syrup, liquid glucose, pancake syrup or honey, or INSTA-GLUCOSE and follow with food until the blood glucose numbers rise to acceptable levels. The syrup can be mixed with wet food or poured over dry if the cat will eat the mixture. If using liquid glucose, dilute with water for a thinner consistency.

    LOW NUMBERS – WITHOUT SYMPTOMS
    Retest glucose using a large blood sample to make certain you have enough blood, and if you still get a low number (40 – 60mg/dL or 2.2 – 3.3mmol/L) give food or treats until the blood glucose numbers rise to an acceptable level. If the cat refuses to eat even his/her favorite foods, you can syringe feed or administer a small amount of syrup.

    LOW NUMBERS – MILD SYMPTOMS
    Try feeding first or give a little syrup or honey followed by food until the blood glucose numbers rise to an acceptable level and the symptoms disappear. The syrup can be mixed with wet food or poured over dry if the cat will eat the mixture. If the cat will not eat, syringe feed. If your cat will eat dry food. the high carbs will help to increase his/her bgs quickly, but remember the effects of dry food usually takes longer to clear kitty's system once the crisis has passed. Feeding a high carb canned food is preferable to feeding a high carb dry food because the effects will clear kitty's system faster. You can then follow with his/her favorite canned food. Keep in mind that giving syrup (Karo, etc.) or honey is not enough because the effects wear off quickly. You need to follow with food.
    IF IN ANY DOUBT, TELEPHONE YOUR VETERINARIAN.

    LOW NUMBERS – MODERATE SYMPTOMS
    Give a tablespoon of syrup, a teaspoon of liquid glucose, a tablespoon of honey or a tablespoon of sugar syrup followed by food and continue doing so until you see the blood glucose numbers rise to an acceptable level and all symptoms disappear. The syrup, honey, or glucose can be rubbed against the inside of the cat’s cheeks or on the gums for quick absorption. You can also mix the syrup with wet food or pour over dry if the cat will eat it. Continue to give syrup and food as needed and observe your cat for signs of recurring hypoglycemia. Keep in mind that giving syrup (Karo, etc.) or honey is not enough because the effects wear off quickly. You need to follow with food.
    IF IN ANY DOUBT, TELEPHONE YOUR VETERINARIAN.

    LOW NUMBERS – SEVERE SYMPTOMS
    Rub syrup, honey, or glucose on the gums and cheeks if your cat will allow it. Another option for administering syrup, diluted liquid glucose, honey or sugar syrup to a cat who is seizing is to fill a needleless syringe with the mixture and insert via the rectum.
    NEVER TRY TO SQUIRT SYRUP, HONEY, OR GLUCOSE TO A CAT WHO IS SEIZING AS THE CAT COULD CHOKE ON IT! RUSH TO EMERGENCY.

    AGAIN! ANYTIME YOU CAT IS SEIZING OR LIMP, RUB KARO, GLUCOSE OR HONEY ONLY ON GUMS OR ADMINISTER RECTALLY AND GET TO EMERGENCY OR YOUR NEAREST CLINIC IMMEDIATELY!!!

    Remember that syrup or any other sugared syrup/preparation will spike the blood glucose ONLY for a short period of time, so food is really important with mild and moderate symptoms. Dry food (high carbohydrates) will keep the blood glucose numbers elevated longer.

    After a hypoglycemic episode cats may be more sensitive to insulin, so a reduction in dosage is generally required, especially considering too much insulin – whether due to dosage, inadequate food intake, or the cat’s changing insulin requirements – caused the hypoglycemic event in the first place. With moderate to severe episodes, your Vet may have you skip the next injection altogether.
    IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU DISCUSS YOUR CAT’S HYPOGLYCEMIC EVENT WITH YOUR VET, SO TOGETHER YOU CAN DECIDE UPON THE NEXT COURSE OF ACTION.

    Always keep in mind that with low blood glucose and no symptoms, the BG you get is not as important as where it is headed. In other words, if you get a BG of 100 mg/dL or 5.6 mmol/L or less and there are still several hours or more before the insulin peaks, your need to watch your cat (and the numbers) carefully and take appropriate steps. With very low numbers and NO SYMPTOMS, a cat can be fine one moment and seizing the next.

    BE PREPARED! KNOW THE SYMPTOMS AND KNOW THE TREATMENT!


    Copyright © 1998-2010
     
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  25. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Just got my first low ish number. Diesel was acting weird by trying to be aggressive so I decided to check his blood. I checked it but I didn’t have enough blood.. my meter waits to add more so I got more and it said 3.4. I decided to check again and it was 4.8

    I gave some higher carb food with gravy. He’s enjoying that!
     
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  26. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Good steering with the food last night. See you lowered the dose this morning. Please, still do a curve this weekend. Want to see how Diesel is doing. Either Sat or Sun is fine, whichever fits better into your "life with toddler and full time job" schedule.

    Aggressiveness could very well have been Diesel telling you he felt his BG going low. "MOM, my BG is LOW. Need some food STAT." If only they could talk. Good thing you are learning to interpret Diesel's body language.

    "Know Thy Cat". Another member here says her cat meows for food every time her cat goes lower with the blood glucose.

    That first low number can be scary. Don't know if you have a printer, but printing out these 3 documents could help you next time. The old boy scout motto "Be Prepared".

    How to treat HYPOS - THEY CAN KILL! Print this Out!!
    jojo and bunny's HYPO TOOL BOX
    New? Seeing Low Numbers? How You Can Help Us Help You

    Just in case the power goes out, or your cell phone doesn't have a charge, or you get those lows and ask yourself "Now what was I supposed to do if I get low numbers?" Or you can't sign on to the message board for some reason.

    Remember, you can always change the title on your post if you would like some guidance when you get those first low numbers. I'm not up that late at night, but there is often someone on the board later. Not always, but often enough. And people do scan the boards for people in more immediate need. You could also post over in the Lantus forum, since there are often more people hanging out over there later at night (and during the day too). Simply a fact of more people using lantus.

    Write something like… “BG level xxx, 1st low number <100 (5.5), please HELP” to alert people to your situation. If you don't get a response, reply to your own post with the word 'BUMP', to move your post to the top of the list. Posts are all in order by the most recent timestamp on the post, so your post may have fallen farther down in the list but needs more attention sooner than others.

    If you get a BG under 30 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) on a human meter, change the prefix icon on your post to 911. That really gets people's attention. "Using the 911 prefix. The 911 prefix in the subject line should only be used for encies such as symptomatic hypos, very low numbers (below 30 on a human meter), and /or a very sick cat potentially needing ER care."

    It's like calling your police, fire, medical emergency number for help for humans. It will get our hearts racing and coming to you and your cats rescue.

    People will stay up all night with you if they need to, hand off to someone else if they have to go to work or can't stay with you to guide you. We call it a "pajama party", because we are all up late wearing our PJ's.
     
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  27. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Hi, I am doing a curve today. Taking his sugars every 2 hours. He’s been pretty cooperative so far.

    sometimes he can be aggressive but it’s normally if you bug him or something is happening that he doesn’t like. This was just cause my foot touched his head on the end of the couch haha

    I was nervous that I panicked and gave him high carb food when it wasn’t actually that low but based on the numbers I seen this morning, it was all good. I would have posted or changed my post if I thought I needed a response right away.

    His sugars have not moved at all in 2 hours and not much at all since the AMPS shot. I’m curious to see when it actually starts to head upwards.

    Thank you for all the great information :)
     
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  28. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Gotcha. Be good Diesel.
     
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  29. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Survived the curve :) Any advice/input would be greatly appreciated.
     
  30. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Diesel was good! Nice flat cycle, on the curve testing. All mid-blues.

    I say we let him settle at this dose for a few days, 3 at least.


    p.s. What did he do, after each test? Get a treat and say thank you?
     
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  31. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Sounds like a plan!

    He was great all day and didn’t put up a fight once. Definitely thinking, she’ll give me treats if I just do it haha Thankfully he loves his treats!
     
  32. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Diesel’s AMPS has been the exact same for the last 3 days! So crazy ;)
     
  33. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Yes, it's kind of freaky when a coincidence like that happens.

    Need to clear the snow we got last night. Eventually. I did a quick pass last night before going to bed really late, but a couple more inches fell overnight. Although, I'll wait until my plow guy comes to clear my 300'(91 meter) driveway to go outside again. We got about 6" (15 cm). At least it wasn't heavy and rain soaked like all the storms back in December.
     
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  34. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Definitely freaky!

    we’re getting the snow now
     
  35. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    I am skipping Diesel’s insulin tonight because his sugar isn’t going up any higher as I stall.

    checked Diesel’s PMPS and it was 6.4 (115)
    Checked 20 ish minutes later and it was 6.5 (117)
    Checked 30 minutes later and it’s at 6.2 (112)


    Gave him lower carb food then normal and some chicken.
     
  36. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    First thought that popped into my head was "Diesel! Not again" on his BG being too low to give him a shot this PM.

    Which lower carb food? Would you note what it was on the SS please? If you could add remarks for each cycle, of what food was given, that may help us see a pattern.

    Back to the same place. 0.5U seems to be too much, 0.25U seems to be too little. It's already hard enough to 'eyeball' those tiny doses. Not sure how to get him a bit more than 0.25U but less than 0.5U. Consistently. Some people dose with calipers. Never done that myself.

    I think you need to start posting over in the Lantus forum. Looking to me like he needs some micro-dosing. Something that might give you 2 shoot-able preshots a day.

    You've got the stalling technique down pretty well. And you know when you need to skip to keep him safe with your work schedule. By the way, those 3 BG readings are all basically the same. Within meter variance, only a little bit apart.

    Maybe his pancreas is healing, and producing some insulin on it's own. Good sign if that is happening. Sometimes you might see it referred to as a 'sputtering' pancreas.
     
  37. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    I didn’t give him his PM shot and this morning his sugar is 5.2
     
  38. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Looking at the spreadsheet, it looks like you skipped the shot this AM. When you have a chance, put 0 (zero) in the Units column on the SS whenever you skipped a shot. That way we know you skipped. And didn't just forget to update the SS.

    What food did Diesel eat? Last night? That could be making a difference.

    Maybe Diesel has said, "Enough of this! I'm don't need no stinkin' insulin". Continue to test and see if he can hold below 100 (5.5 mmol) or even just a tiny bit higher (<120/<6.6), in those good BG ranges without any insulin. Lantus does form a little storage area underneath the skin (the "depot), so there will be some residual insulin there for 6 cycles with no more insulin.

    We'll reassess tonight. I'll be around.

    p.s. Just seeing this late this afternoon. Had to take my own kitty to the vet. Annual checkup/wellness visit. She's vigorously washing herself to get that "vetty smell" off her.
     
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  39. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Hi,

    Yes I skipped this am. I went home for lunch because I was worried and took his sugar and it was 4.3. I gave him some some Fancy Feast Chicken Feast flavour.

    Last night I gave him some Fancy Feast Tender Liver & Chicken Feast Flavour mixed with some Ocean Whitefish and Tuna Feast flavour. Maybe that is not enough carbs?

    Hope all is well with your kitty! Mine hates the vet with a passion lol
     
  40. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    He's safe at that BG number without insulin.

    Put the foods, specific brand and flavor on the SS please.

    Maybe Diesel has said he's had enough of the insulin, and want's to try an OTJ trial. We'll need to wait 6 cycles from the last shot before we start the countdown.......
     
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  41. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Ok I will start doing that. I only feed Fancy Feast.

    so does that mean it has already been 2 cycles because he didn’t get insulin last night or this am?
     
  42. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    That counts as 2 cycles, skip last night 1/19 PM and this morning 1/20 AM.
    We need to wait at least 6 cycles for the Lantus insulin depot to drain.
    If numbers still look good after Wed 1/22 AMPS, we could start the 14 day countdown with 1/22 PMPS.
    Too early to tell if Diesel is ready for that.
    Wait and see.
    You know the old saying "Don't count your chickens before they have hatched."
     
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  43. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    I know that saying too well. Hahah
     
  44. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Wahhhh! His blood is 18.5

    Should I give 0.25 or the 0.5?
     
  45. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Last good dose that did not bring him down too far was the 0.25U 025unit-1.jpg
     
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  46. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Ok that’s what I was leaning towards just wanted to have a second opinion :p
     
  47. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Added picture to my last post.

    You might want to draw up a 'reference syringe' with some colored water in it. Insulin syringes can vary in the markings from syringe to syringe and batch to batch. So compare your dose of actual insulin to the 'reference syringe'.

    The goal is to be consistent.
     
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  48. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    I try to give him as best and as close as I can to that.

    I just drew up the coloured water to 0.0, 0.25 and 0.50 to see the difference in each and squirted all on a plate. At the 0.0 there was residue water that came out slightly and I could see the difference between 0.25 and 0.50. Hopefully what I am giving him is right
     
  49. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    I know you are a teacher, so would you do something for me? When you have time between work, toddler and everything else.

    Summarize what you have learned over the last 2 weeks. Take your time. Pretend you are a student. As a teacher, think of this as a quiz. Or developing a lesson plan, or an outline for a novel or short story if you are a writer. Flesh out the original outline. Think of this as a review before a test, or mid-term exam.

    Include what you don't know, or don't think you know. What you do know. What you are a little unsteady with, lack confidence with things, need to learn more about an area.

    Include what works for you and what does not. Like how it's harder to get those AM mid-cycle tests since you only get 1 hour for lunch, barely enough time to get home and back to school.

    p.s. Keep that reference syringe with the 0.25u. Make one for the 0.5U and the 0.1U too. Label them somehow, or put a piece of blue painters tape on the cap so you know they don't contain insulin.
     
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  50. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Hi,

    I hit like on your post to let you know I seen it but apparently that didn’t work cause I just had to like it.

    I really suck at writing anything. I’ll try to write something up when I get a chance.


    Skipped Diesel’s shot this am and his PMPS was only 5.9. Stalling now to check after an hour (20 minutes left)
     
  51. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Darn! Yeah! Not sure which is more appropriate after seeing another skip and a stall again for Diesel tonight.

    Don't stall for more than an hour. If he isn't above 150, your current shoot/no shoot number, then skip again.

    Wondering how he would do on a 0.1U dose? Not unless you are home to monitor, of course.

    When you are coming down the dosing scale, it takes 'balls of steel' to shoot those low numbers.
     
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  52. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Just checked again and it’s 6.4 but that is what it did this morning and then when I skipped it was fine by the next shot.

    These are the times I wish I didn’t work. I need to win the lottery!! Too bad it wasn’t March Break because then I could be home for a week!
     
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  53. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Another skipped shot. Just wanted to let you know that I do check in on you and Diesel, and looked at his SS again.

    If you get a 'wonky' number like that 333 (18.5) you got the other night, retest right away. Could have been a false reading. Then, test again about +1 to see what the BG's are doing.

    Please, do try to get that before bed test. I know it's hard. We ask for a lot from people, but without that, it's hard to know if Diesel needs a bit more insulin or to lower the dose or if he might not need any insulin at all. About +3 or +4 hours after he eats in the PM would be good.

    You are not using Tight Regulation dosing protocol, you are using SLGS. Still, this document from the Lantus ISG may help you a bit with what to do if you get low numbers. I wish there were a SLGS dosing method write-up like this one:

    Tight Regulation: Becoming Data Ready to Shoot / Handle Lower Pre-shot Numbers

    SLGS dosing method says not to shoot if BG <90 mg/dL (<5 mmol).

    Linking the document for the 2 different protocols for you below, So you have it handy to review.
    Dosing Methods: Start Low, Go Slow (SLGS) & Tight Regulation (TR)

    How is everything else going? Son doing better? Over being sick? Have something fun planned for this weekend? Like catching up on your sleep?????:p:p:p

    Deep breath, hold, release, deep breath, hold, release. https://theconversation.com/why-we-are-hard-wired-to-worry-and-what-we-can-do-to-calm-down-127674
     
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  54. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Hi, I did retest yesterday at the 18 cause I had got the E20 reading before I did it. It was only .1 in the difference. I actually called my blood machine company (contour next) and was like what gives, I’m getting E20 a lot and I ain’t new to the game. So they are sending me a new machine and a replacement bottle of 50 new strips... score!!!

    Thanks for the documents :)

    Son is teething bad :( Getting his back molars. Drooling like crazy and chewing on everything he can figure out how to reach way back. Not a fun time! This weekend I have my friend’s baby shower to go to if the snow stays away and we don’t get another storm. Although if it snowed late Sunday and there ended up being no work on Monday I’d be cool with that! Haha
     
  55. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    As long as he doesn't chew on Diesel's tail, your son should be ok. Never did ask your son's name. Ok if you don't want to share. There can be creepy people out there and understand that 'protective motherly instinct'.

    A drooler!!! Sorry, but that is what cat owners call dogs sometimes.

    Numbing agent for son's teething? You probably already belong to a mother's group for suggestions with your young one.
     
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  56. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2020
    His name is Nolan. So hard to pick names of kids I don’t know and that’s the only one we liked haha

    Numbing agent for teething isn’t recommended anymore for young children. We just give Tylenol or Advil. Along with so many other things that have changed haha I really wonder how it is we survived back then when I listen to stories from when I was a baby.
     
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  57. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2020
    Like I’m so friggen confused! I just checked Diesel’s blood 3 times and got the E20 error code. I don’t know what the heck is happening. I have an old old machine that is Accu-check Aviva that I found and I used that and his sugar was 3.8. I then tried his on the regular contour machine again and it gave me E20 again. Then I checked my sugar on his machine and it worked fine.

    this is so crazy. I’m not doing anything different than I normally do. I re read all the reasons for E20 and the only two that stands out are these

    *Blood was applied over vent hole.
    * Blood was absorbed from tip of strip after applying blood to strip.

    But like what?! Lol How is it possible this happens 4 times in 5 mins especially when I check my own sugars and use the same type of machine over 5 times a day


    Update: tried the machine again and got a reading of 4.8
    (After I gave food) Why do I suck at this :/
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2020
  58. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    You had this same issue the very first day you gave insulin. I remember that. The next day it got better.

    Comb through your brain and think back to 2 weeks ago, when you first started this diabetes journey. (I'm lucky if I can remember what I had for breakfast most days.)

    Why is it happening again? Sorry to say I don't know.
     
  59. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    Your vet said something about red blood cells. Did you ever find out what that was about?

    (Looked in your first post, #4 reply)
     
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  60. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2020
    He was anemic and had a low red blood cell count. But he’s nothing like he was. He was literally motionless and now he’s acting normal.

    I always notice (maybe a coincidence) that I get an error and when I finally get a reading it’s lower. Whatever I just did to get the 4.8 worked. Lol :banghead: Maybe it won’t read his blood under a certain number? But that still doesn’t make sense because it reads mine very low.
     
  61. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    It's better not to go back and edit your post. That is because when we read your posts, it takes us to the last unread post and we read forward from there. I did happen to catch the word EDIT at the end of your previous post.

    But that might not always happen, and the information gets buried.
     
  62. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    Is Diesel still anemic? Have you been back to see your vet or contacted your vet in some manner to check on the anemia?

    Using a human glucometer with cat blood, it might not be able to get a reading if there are not enough red blood cells. Just guessing here you understand.
     
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  63. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    So human blood and feline blood have different 'percentages' I guess is a good way to put it, of the different components of the blood. So yes, it's possible that the meter will work for you, but not Diesel at those BG low numbers.

    One thing that is different is the PCV (packed cell volume or hematocrit).. So the number of red blood cells differs alot. Human is 37-50%, feline is 24-45%. With Diesel being anemic, that could mean his PCV is even lower than those averages and the human meter can not get a good reading all the time. It's one of the limitations in using a human meter versus a pet meter with our diabetic cats.

    Not many cats are also anemic and diabetic. Because of Diesel's anemia, you might want to consider a pet specific meter. Test strips can be expensive, but you may need to do that pet specific meter for Diesel.

    What does your vet have you doing for Diesel's anemia?
     
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  64. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2020
    No he shouldn’t be. I took Diesel to the vet for blood work to check his red blood cell count every week for 4 weeks. Then once every 2 weeks for 2 weeks and then once every 3 weeks for about a month. He was fine. Then when he got sick at Christmas time with the UTI they checked again and he was good.

    well that’s what I was thinking too. That something would be up with his blood. But when I got all those E20 the first time he had just had blood work two days before and all was good. But then why not work and then randomly work 20 minutes later?! Just weird
     
  65. Juls and Billy

    Juls and Billy Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2019
    Hi Nicole! I just stopped in to say you are doing great with Diesel. I know it's hard with juggling work and child and everything else, but you are doing fantastic. With your better numbers and skipped doses, I've got my fingers crossed that Diesel's pancreas is healing and you might just be heading for remission. It reminds me a lot of what we had going on with Billy. It doesn't mean you are out of the woods yet. Some kitty's BGL goes back up for a while and they need more insulin again, but it surely is a positive sign. And it's because you rock. Yeah, sometimes the meters mess up and sometimes we poke our kitties 5 times to get a dang reading, but that's all normal stuff. You totally rock, and Diesel is one lucky boy.
     
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  66. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Jan 7, 2020
    He was on the steroids hence the diabetes she thinks.
     
  67. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2020
    Thank you :)
     
  68. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Jan 31, 2013
    Maybe it's time to get Diesel checked again for anemia?
     
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  69. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

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    Jan 7, 2020
    Yea but wouldn’t I notice any symptoms? I did last time. I know him and if I take him into the vet he will get a UTI again and need meds for sure. He has high anxiety going into the car and every time I’ve ever had to take him to the vet he has developed a UTI and then needed a second trip which ended up being worse. :(
     
  70. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2020
    I wish they made house calls or I could get his blood myself :/
     
  71. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2010
    Hi Nicole

    Diesel is doing great and you’ve been doing a super job with Deb’s guidance.

    Deb is going to be off the board a few days and I’d like to ask you to please post on the Lantus forum here. The link to ge tryout here is in post 22 above. There are more Lantus-focused people there so you won’t get lost in the busyness of Main Health.

    Thank you.
     
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  72. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2020
    I already posted a few days ago introducing myself :)
     
  73. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    Diesel may be trying for an OTJ trial already. Nicole works full time, active toddler. She will not be able to get the AM +3 tests during the week. Best she can do is a +5, coming home from work at her lunch hour and getting back just in time for her students.

    Nicole, if you can, please try to get the +3 test every PM, each evening. That is when we can see if the food and amount of insulin his own body is producing is enough or not.

    Didn't know you had already posted in the Lantus forum. Good to see you made your way over here, because I may be out sick for a few days.

    Diesel had anemia which is why he was getting the steroids. Have already suggested to Nicole that another check at the vet may be in order, but Diesel HATES the vet.

    p.s. Vet wanted Nicole to start Diesel at 1U, but middle of bad snowstorm, vet was closed, first time using insulin, roads bad, emergency vet clinic not close, first time giving insulin to her cat, no hypo kit made up yet, very first time posting to the message board, 'depot' had not filled yet, first time home testing............ So we 'persuaded' her to lower the first dose of Lantus to 0.5U. She knows a lot. But could always use some help here and there. Nicole should give herself a BIG pat on the back for all she has been doing for Diesel in the last 3 weeks. Fantastic job Nicole!
     
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  74. Nicole & Diesel

    Nicole & Diesel Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2020
    Just an update.. I got the new meter and strips in the mail from the contour company and so far so good. It Picked up 2 lower numbers which was worrying me that the other machines wouldn’t.

    I even checked my blood sugar tonight and got the E20 code on the machine I’m using. It’s a mystery to me. But I’d say a bad batch of strips where some work and some just don’t.
     
  75. Juls and Billy

    Juls and Billy Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2019
    Sometimes, you just get some bad strips, or strips that seem super easy to mess up. Glad the new strips are working!
     
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  76. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    Nicole asked me about dandruff on a cat. Dull lifeless fur.

    Dandruff on a diabetic can be really bad. Wink had nickel and quarter sized 'flakes' of dandruff when I first got him. He also had lost a lot of fur, along his sides, severely matted hindquarters. You'd hardly have known he was a long haired cat. His fur was dull and lifeless. Animal shelter is a rough life for a diabetic cat.

    Dandruff got better with time, the canned food and extra water intake made a huge difference.

    Wink med size.jpg
    Skinny Wink with very little fur on tail is above. He also grew out a magnificent fluffy, poofy tail. Fur got the 'shine' back in it. And gained back his weight, mostly floofy. And soft fur, so soft

    Deb&Wink on bed.JPG

    Wink is the reason I help people.
     
    Last edited: Jan 24, 2020
  77. Juls and Billy

    Juls and Billy Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2019
    Look at beautiful Wink! Billy has always had some dandruff. I did notice how much worse it had gotten just before he was diagnosed. He still has some dandruff, but it's already back to his normal amount.
     
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  78. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    Sorry to sidetrack the post Nicole, but you had asked me about the dandruff in a PM. Thought I'd reply here so others could see the information too.

    You can try a natural bristle brush to distribute the oils through the skin.

    Gleaned these little nuggets of helpful information for dandruff in diabetic cats from posts by a past member. BJM. She isn't on the message board anymore. But she had some good information on dandruff in cats. I've quoted 3 of her comments to other members below.

    "As you get better glucose control, the dandruff may go away. You can help by using a boar bristle brush and gently brushing daily. The bristles help distribute the oils in addition to brushing out the flakes. Wash the brush frequently."

    "With long hair, it can be difficult to get through it to get at dandruff. Using a natural boar bristle brush helps distribute the oils so they don't cause the normal skin shedding (desquamation) to stay glued to the skin. Using a pet specific cleanser may remove the oils causing dead skin cells to stay clumped on."

    "If his coat is at all oily - and it can be even with a dandruff problem - you might try Dawn dish washing liquid. Its what they use when de-oiling wildlife caught in an oil spill. Note that excessive oils may cause the normal shedding of skin cells to clump and be more difficult to remove."
     
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