Newly Diagnosed-LOSING IT!

Hi I’d like to start by saying thank you all for being here. I’m about to have a nervous breakdown. In tears, scared, guilty and having unbearable thoughts I can’t imagine I’d ever have. Please talk me down.

Davis is 7 y/o as of May. He’s bonded still with his littermate sister and me. He’s my little boy. My 4 legged fur child. I don’t have 2 legged children and don’t expect I will. He’s my true love. We’ve already suffered with FLUTD and last June, Asthma. Now steroid induced Diabetes on Monday confirmed with urine glucose keto stick test.

I’m already doing a lot. I’m barely leaving the house except for work and appts, errands close to home and occasionally to see a friend (rare). (Since flutd and then asthma dx)
We have gotten through so much and I can’t imagine life without my baby boy.
Yet here I am, crying and thinking he’d be better off with someone who can take better care of him. A vet tech or vet trained to manage all of his illnesses. I’m afraid I can’t do this. And if I do, I’ll never get out of the house to do other important things for my life. If he had 2 legs I’m sure I’d never think this. Or maybe I would? Maybe I’m that awful.

They’re beside me sleeping in spoon snuggle as I write this. I love them most in the world. They must stay together. I have ZERO support and financially I live paycheck to paycheck. My health is suffering. My job is on the line. My family moved away and I won’t be able to visit them if I can’t leave. My parents are elderly. I have no idea how to keep him safe and happy while I’m at work all day. I can’t afford to hire anyone on the daily. And who?? I did post locally but no response yet. Vet tech sitter is unavailable due to family illness.

How did you all get through this? Am I the only one completely freaking out upon learning our lives have just changed so completely for the worst?? I know I sound crazy. I feel crazy. But the idea of losing him to my ineptness or any other way is making me sick. I can’t handle one more thing right now. And this happened.

What should I do??

 

Two years ago, I felt like you do. My Callie was diagnosed. Just after my mom passed. I was appointed trustee of her estate. It was my job to get the house on the market and clear out all her stuff and divide it between my sister,daughter,two granddaughters and a niece. Mom's house was 60 miles away. I didn't want to take Callie to a strange house, where someone might let her out. I would test,feed and give Callie her insulin and drive up to moms. I would do as much as I could and then drive home to care for Callie. Sometimes my sister,daughter and granddaughters would help. When it was time to have an estate sale, My vet volunteered to board Callie for only $15a day, for 5 days, including testing,feeding and giving her the insulin. They were wonderful. After 2 months, the house was sold, emptied and clean. In all of this, my daughter and granddaughters learned to test, feed and give Callie her insulin, all without any hypos or sick cats.

Have faith in yourself, you can do much more then you think. When things come up, ask for help. The only stupid question is the one that didn't get asked. Take each day one at a time. Come here for help and in no time you will be helping others

 

I'm so sorry. That is a terrible amount of stress.

With the diabetes, just take it bit by bit. All by itself, it can be an overwhelming diagnosis, let alone on top of all the other things you have going on, but it is manageable. We're all caring for our kitties as best we can, how much we're able to do on any particular day can vary with the circumstances. The important thing is to just keep plugging along and figuring out what works for you and what you can manage. We'll help in any way we can with tips and advice-- there's a wealth of experience on this board, and a great deal of caring and support.

Has the vet suggested a particular insulin and dose?

One of the things that we advocate here is home testing of blood glucose (you can do it with an inexpensive human blood glucometer-- a lot of folks around here use the Walmart Relion monitors because the strips are cheap and easily available, there are other good options too). Being able to check your cat's blood glucose yourself takes a lot of the fear away. You're no longer "shooting blind" and having to worry that you might unknowingly cause your cat to go into hypoglycemia. It gives you a lot more control over the situation. I know you have a lot to handle right now, and this may not be one of the first "bits" you choose to tackle with the diabetes, but I just wanted to bring it up because you mentioned this worry. I think worrying about possibly harming your cat while trying to help him is one of the most agonizing things about getting this diagnosis, but here is something you can do to lessen/remove that fear.

Hang in there. We are here to help!

 

First of all BREATHE. Then breathe again. We are all here for you and Davis. It is very overwhelming and it's a lot to learn but you have already accomplished a major task--finding this site. From here on you are not alone. Pop in here on a regular basis for step by step help. Most people here work full time, some travel and some travel with their kitties. It's manageable once you learn what Davis requires.

To learn that, the next biggest most important achievement is to home test. It will keep Davis safe. You will see patterns starting to emerge so you know when it's time to monitor more closely.

There are tips and cost saving ideas for all aspects to treating. One is to learn to home test so you don't have to go to the vet for glucose checks. Where to get insulin that is affordable. Food that both kitties can eat that is not expensive or the prescription food vets try to sell.

It's all right here, you just have to ask. Stick with us, we got you covered.

 

I echo Paula, the information and support is here. First, I would recommend that you create a signature. This information about your kitty is displayed at the end of each of your posts, and allows a reader have pertinent info without having to ask for you to repeat, especially since we can't all be online at the same time. Select your user name in the upper right corner of the page, then select Signature. Enter info such as age, weight, diagnosis date, type of insulin, dosage, type of home testing meter used, what kind of food you give Davis, perhaps how many feedings a day, other medical conditions/issues, medications and/or treatments. Take a look at other members' signatures for ideas. We were all scared, worried and I know I felt totally inept at first. My husband and I were emulating Laurel & Hardy does Keystone Kops, but we were expertly advised here and I read and re-read the stickies and info at the top of the forums until I could better understand them. It takes time, as most things do, you learned to walk, talk, got through school, learned to drive, got a job, learned that, and so on. The journey begins with a first step, and is accomplished one step at a time.

 

First Welcome!!

This is the best place you never wanted to be.

We really really understand how you feel, I think most of us have been there, and survived we can help you, many of us are dealing with more than one issue besides diabetes, the good thing is diabetes is one thing you will be able to get the hang of it and get under control it may take a little while but is doable and you do not need to be a vet to do it

So as they said take a big breath.

After that let us know what insulin does your vet recommended, and as they said get a blood glucose meter a human one is just fine and the strips are cheaper and start learning how to test him this will make a world of difference in how you feel because it will allow you to know how he really is and not just guessing on how he looks and acts ( cats are masters on acting so that you get all nervous all the time ), it may be hard at the begining but we can help you and eventually it becomes rutine

Also don't let anyone tell you diabetes, shooting insulin and testing is going to ruin your relationship with him is absolutely the opposite your bond with him will become stronger

 

I was a mess about a month ago when my cat was diagnosed, too. However, testing and giving shots has become remarkably routine. That wasn't something I was expecting, but it's true. Read everything you can here and ask questions when you need to. There's a learning curve, but you'll get better each day and your cat won't hate you! Don't beat yourself up over small setbacks, either. You will both be learning a "new normal" and you'll get the hang of things quicker than you think!

 

So sorry for the diagnosis. We are here for you when you need us.

 

Firstly, Thank you to all whom responded with love, kindness, understanding and compassion. I’m crying again but because I feel your support through your words.

To answer the question above. Lantus was purchased today $315 10ml vile. That’s my Vet’s preference. She told me to follow her or get a new vet who will go along with managing diabetes differently than her.
In her defense, she’s extremely bright, caring, has referred me to specialists when she had less knowledge on a topic. She’s not at all egomaniacal. I also tend to be anxious about my babies and when their sick I can make anyone crazy. She’s been available to me off hours on occasion and provides support and encouragement. She’s a good vet. Tufts, btw.
But for some reason on this, she’s sticking to her guns. She doesn’t want me driving her crazy, Davis crazy or myself. She doesn’t believe remission is likely for him bc he’s always going to be on inhaler steroids. There’s no way to get him off them that I’ve heard of as he has asthma.
So at her suggestion, (command) I’m the proud owner of the of an alpha track 2 meter. I need to get a pin cushion for the home tests. I do plan to do them so not to risk putting him into hypo. I do have Karo syrup and high carb food if needed.

So while I’ve been educating myself and obtaining items for his safety, I still don’t have enough time, knowledge or money to feel secure with his care at home.
I hope I have a different tune to sing in a short time. I’m off the week of the 4th of July and hoping I can make things work that week better than this coming one without any crises in between.

I’ll keep you posted for sure. I’ll be here whenever I can and need for the wonderful support you provide. Count on it!

 

Firstly, Thank you to all whom responded with love, kindness, understanding and compassion. I’m crying again but because I feel your support through your words.

To answer the question above. Lantus was purchased today $315 10ml vile. That’s my Vet’s preference. She told me to follow her or get a new vet who will go along with managing diabetes differently than her.
In her defense, she’s extremely bright, caring, has referred me to specialists when she had less knowledge on a topic. She’s not at all egomaniacal. I also tend to be anxious about my babies and when their sick I can make anyone crazy. She’s been available to me off hours on occasion and provides support and encouragement. She’s a good vet. Tufts, btw.
But for some reason on this, she’s sticking to her guns. She doesn’t want me driving her crazy, Davis crazy or myself. She doesn’t believe remission is likely for him bc he’s always going to be on inhaler steroids. There’s no way to get him off them that I’ve heard of as he has asthma.
So at her suggestion, (command) I’m the proud owner of the of an alpha track 2 meter. I need to get a pin cushion for the home tests. I do plan to do them so not to risk putting him into hypo. I do have Karo syrup and high carb food if needed.

So while I’ve been educating myself and obtaining items for his safety, I still don’t have enough time, knowledge or money to feel secure with his care at home.
I hope I have a different tune to sing in a short time. I’m off the week of the 4th of July and hoping I can make things work that week better than this coming one without any crises in between.

I’ll keep you posted for sure. I’ll be here whenever I can and need for the wonderful support you provide. Count on it!

 

Alphatrak is a good meter. I use it as well. Amazon usually has the best price for test strips. I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home. Click the link below.

 

You can get Lantus from Mark's Marine in Canada. 5 pens which totals 15 cc. for under $200.00. If kept in fridge and handled properly it will last a long time for you. You will need a script from the vet though and it doesn't sound like she will be reasonable. You can also check the supply closet here, people will give it for cost of shipping or charge only a small amount. Your vet doesn't have to know.

If Davis needs the asthma medicine then he needs it, that over rides the diabetes. You will just adjust dose around it. My previous kitty was asthmatic, diabetic, heart disease and had pancreatitis. Those were his major illnesses. He had some minor ones but we focused on the major ones. In the beginning I also worked and my husband worked out of state and was gone 4 days at a time. It was tough but I figured it out and you will too.

 

Lantus is a great insulin for cats, so your vet is right on target there! As Paula says, the vial isn't the most cost-effective way to get it, but it's a great choice for the insulin itself. It's unfortunate that your vet is kind of "my way or the highway", but it is what it is and, yeah, with additional health issues especially it's a bit of a delicate dance, as you'll need her for those. I don't have experience with asthma or steroids along with FD, but others here do. In general, yeah, the rule is to deal with other health issues first, then dose insulin to suit. There may be some steroid choices that have less impact on the diabetes, but I'm not sure, due to my inexperience-- I know that such steroids (or steroid alternatives?) do exist, but I don't remember if they can be used for asthma specifically. Someone else around here surely knows, though.

Do you mean for the ear pokes to get blood? It's better to be using the sterile lancets they sell for human diabetics (cheap, a few bucks for 100). In the beginning, you want to get the larger-gauge size lancets, which have the smaller numers. Get 26 or 28 gauge (sometimes marked "for alternate sites") to start, then later when the ears "learn" to bleed you can move to the smaller 30 or 31.

Did the vet suggest a starting dose for the Lantus? When do you think you might start?

 

I just wanted to say welcome - you've been given great advice already. You CAN do this and there's a lot of help available here.

 

I understand that when you have other issues is hard to deal with the vet if they do not want to cooperate, I had to go through a very long period of "training" sort of speak with my vet, who is a great surgeon and I needed him to keep treating Babu's heart issues and the long long list of issues from my cyvies (non diabetic cats ) especially since where I live we do not have many options that know what they are doing and have the equipment but eventually he did realized the people here knew what they were doing and that the protocols we use here have a solid base so he started leaving the diabetes control to me, you can maybe give her copies of the articles and studies in here.

One important thing is that what you do at home she can not object or control so you can test as much as you need and even use a human meter (since the strips are cheaper) for the everyday tests and save the pet meter for the curves you review with her for example, just a thought

Regarding the food my vet initially also wanted Babu to be on the Royal canin dry kibble and quite frankly to avoid any confrontation about it, I blamed Babu for the food, just said he had totally refused to eat it, after all he is a cat and cats are difficult with the food ( of course he did not even tried it ) and seem to love the wet food and since it was more important for him to eat I was going to have to stick with the wet food that of course was low carb