12/30...Elmo's New Vet...

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MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Oh Beth, you may very well find the FS strips are expensive although I'm surprised they would be almost the same as the AT strips. I pay about $76 for 100 strips at Walmart which now is less than half of what the AT2 strips cost but that is in Cdn bucks so I'd expect your cost to be less. There have however been a couple of other US folks mention how expensive the FS strips were for them and if memory serves they all seemed to be living in very small communities or rural. I know you don't want to ditch that meter but seriously, if there is a Walmart nearby your best economical meter would be the ReliOn Confirm or Micro. Both take only a small amount of blood and there are a huge number of folks using them here so they are reliable. There is another ReliOn meter called Prime that has cheaper strips but it requires more blood and there have been complaints about wasting strips so the savings get lost due to waste. If you can't return the FS Freedom, you could donate it to DCIN. I'm sure they would be thrilled to take it off your hands or you could keep it just for a backup.
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So far I like the look of the FS Freedom and am going to look for the strips in Springfield ....the FS has a familiar feel to th AT that I like ....also $76 for 100 is half of AT strips...I paid $55 for box of 50 AT strips so $76 for 100 would be less than half price. I know I'll be able to find them in Springfield just 40 minutes south of us...we are there every Sunday so I can stock up !!! What features caused you to get the Freedom Lite???
 
Beth 73 said:
What features caused you to get the Freedom Lite???
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Same strips for it and could be used in AT2 in a pinch, same shape meter albeit a bit smaller and consumer reports rating. I like the side loading strips and having used the end loading ones a few times, I just don't find them as comfortable and to some degree downright clumsy but that could just be me and habit. :)
 
Oh BTW I have the FS Lite not the Freedom Lite. The Freedom Lite has been discontinued here but had same good rating. RATS!
 
The Freedom Lite is the meter from which the AT2 was derived. Same exterior but different colour and of course programming. The FS Lite is a smaller version with the addition of a light at the test strips I suppose so you can test in a darker area??? I've never used the light. Smaller screen too and harder to see but very discreet for human users I guess.
 
Beth 73 said:
So far I like the look of the FS Freedom and am going to look for the strips in Springfield ....the FS has a familiar feel to th AT that I like ....also $76 for 100 is half of AT strips...I paid $55 for box of 50 AT strips so $76 for 100 would be less than half price. I know I'll be able to find them in Springfield just 40 minutes south of us...we are there every Sunday so I can stock up !!! What features caused you to get the Freedom Lite???
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FYI Beth - if I buy AT strips from my vet, it's $102 CAD for 50 strips! That's why I use the FS Lite strips in my AT meter unless I need to double check a number. I can get 100 FS Lite strips for $72 CAD.
 
Kris & Teasel said:
FYI Beth - if I buy AT strips from my vet, it's $102 CAD for 50 strips! That's why I use the FS Lite strips in my AT meter unless I need to double check a number. I can get 100 FS Lite strips for $72 CAD.
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Kris, $102 !!!!! That's outrageous !!! I feel like I need to do human meter to make it easier on Lantus forum and this FS Freedom Lite feels familiar operational wise....it seems a good mid way between AT I've become accustomed to and the other brands mentioned. Will be excited to check Super Wal Marts on Sunday...I know I'll find FS Lite strips there...so glad I have you all that I trust your experience and insight so armed with my research and your trusted opinion I move forward confidently. Thank you once again from the bottom of my heart :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Beth 73 said:
My credit card company isn't use to seeing me use it much outside of our town , Amazon or the small city of Springfield near us...I bet that Canadian charge set off fireworks with the fraud folk :eek:
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Fraud department called me regarding a charge in Australia. I like that they called, when I told them it was legit they sort of chuckled because it was flea treatment. I explained how I don't need a script and I can buy larger quantity (5 cats then) and it was cheaper than US. The U.S. needs a script and would only let me buy a 6 pack. He couldn't believe it. I said you will see this transaction every 3-4 months so please mark account to let it go through. I've had no problems since 2009.
 
Beth 73 said:
Kris, $102 !!!!! That's outrageous !!! I feel like I need to do human meter to make it easier on Lantus forum and this FS Freedom Lite feels familiar operational wise....it seems a good mid way between AT I've become accustomed to and the other brands mentioned. Will be excited to check Super Wal Marts on Sunday...I know I'll find FS Lite strips there...so glad I have you all that I trust your experience and insight so armed with my research and your trusted opinion I move forward confidently. Thank you once again from the bottom of my heart :bighug::bighug::bighug:
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When I checked out using FS strips at Wal-Mart. This was 1 year ago. They were actually more expensive than the AT strips ordered on line.
 
Woodsywife said:
Fraud department called me regarding a charge in Australia. I like that they called, when I told them it was legit they sort of chuckled because it was flea treatment. I explained how I don't need a script and I can buy larger quantity (5 cats then) and it was cheaper than US. The U.S. needs a script and would only let me buy a 6 pack. He couldn't believe it. I said you will see this transaction every 3-4 months so please mark account to let it go through. I've had no problems since 2009.
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Paula, that's an awesome idea to give CC company a heads up...will remember that !!
 
Beth, I checked the US Walmart site and it appears even their price is out of this world compared to ours. $144.28 for 100 strips. YIKES!:eek::eek::eek: I thought we were harder up for costs other than insulin but it seems I was way off base. Your prices are nothing short of highway robbery! You however do have the option of getting one of the ReliOn meters (micro or confirm) which we cannot get here. Might be something to think about because we all need a little "she" money and Mamma Bean needs a little treat now and then for all her hard work! :)
 
You two crack me up...will see what I find on Sunday at the World of Super Wal Mart:woot::nailbiting:....maybe Walgreens too...
 
If I do change meters, which one of those remaining do you think best and why??? I value and trust your opinions.
 
I switched to relion micro. The confirm and micro are the same, use the same strip. Only difference is the size of meter. Confirm is the style of the AT. The micro is slim and trim, surprised me how much easier it was to hold.
 
I'd be a little more skeptical of any Walgreens meters. While I have no proof I've seen some reports here of some "off" brand less popular meters (may or may not have been Walgreens) not being as accurate. I'd stick with what we know the best from this site so I vote with Paula..... Relion Confirm or Micro. :)
 
Woodsywife said:
I switched to relion micro. The confirm and micro are the same, use the same strip. Only difference is the size of meter. Confirm is the style of the AT. The micro is slim and trim, surprised me how much easier it was to hold.
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Thank you, thank you ...my SUper Duper Wal Mart list grows !!!
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
I'd be a little more skeptical of any Walgreens meters. While I have no proof I've seen some reports here of some "off" brand less popular meters (may or may not have been Walgreens) not being as accurate. I'd stick with what we know the best from this site so I vote with Paula..... Relion Confirm or Micro. :)
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You girls are my best !!! Lantus is shipped so yippppeeee !!!!
 
@Kris & Teasel Good morning,Kris and Happy 2017 ! Double checking on dose for this AM as I will be gone from +1.5 until +7 ish....first time leaving during early cycle in weeks...also would it be good to give food before I go and leave some down ?? His AMPS and particularly PMPS continue to run bit higher since 12/19 and then 12/27 vet visits ...
 
Went ahead with .25 minus fat drop...that's a tiny dose o_O....will check BG at +1.5 and probably feed some and leave some down....
 
Hi Beth - and Happy New Year to you too! I think the same dose is good, ie., 0.25 u minus a small drop. It's your decision about the food. He seems to be safe at that dose but if you feel better leaving a little something out, go ahead. :)
 
Beth 73 said:
Went ahead with .25 minus fat drop...that's a tiny dose o_O....will check BG at +1.5 and probably feed some and leave some down....
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He'll be fine, Beth. you have to do what you're comfortable with in these situations. Elmo will be fine.
 
Beth, Elmo will be just fine and you need a day out to enjoy yourself. So have fun! I always leave food out even if Menace is up in the stratosphere before I leave for any lengthy engagements just because it makes me feel better, so go with your gut. I always figure if she pigs out and stays high, this too shall pass! Remember it's a balance! :D:D
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Beth, Elmo will be just fine and you need a day out to enjoy yourself. So have fun! I always leave food out even if Menace is up in the stratosphere before I leave for any lengthy engagements just because it makes me feel better, so go with your gut. I always figure if she pigs out and stays high, this too shall pass! Remember it's a balance! :D:D
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Thank u, Linda:bighug::)
 
Beth 73 said:
I nodded and smiled :)...he loved Elmo's numbers, believes he is in early remission and that my .25 minus a drop is probably not even therapeutic at this time.
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Our main vet said similar to me about the small drops of insulin being of no therapeutic significance but revised his view when he saw Saoirse's data for times she did and didn't get the drop; it made the difference.

The signal that I'd look for in Elmo's data is that he goes outside the normoglycaemic range when doses wear off and Vetsulin is not a suitable insulin to use when trying to tightly regulate a cat in the lower part of the normal range so as to allow the pancreas to rest longer, promote further regeneration of beta cell function and readjust the kitty's homeostatic 'setpoint' for glucose control within the body (makes for a much more solid remission). All going well, some time on Lantus will get the Buddha Kitteh all the way. (Anti-jinx!)

Regarding the debate about whether really tiny amounts of medication can make any difference it is worth looking at how hard it can be to withdraw from benzodiazepines. The main part of a taper program can be relatively straightforward but when one is just about to go off the med it becomes extremely difficult. The tiniest fraction of a 2mg tablet can leave one feeling fairly OK. Stop taking that little crumb of diazepam and very soon after that really severe physiological withdrawal symptoms can start up. Take a tiny crumb of diazepam again and it pretty much stops the withdrawal symptoms in their tracks. (Some people crush the tablets and mix them with water so that they can give themselves drop doses in order to stave off withdrawal symptoms.)

I've been through benzo withdrawal (meds were prescribed long-term because nothing else helped with the PTSD anxiety) and frankly I was both astounded and frightened by what a medication can do to one's system. I went through several months of abject misery and a great deal of pain after I had the last microdose. I believe only about 30% of people who attempt it manage to successfully taper off benzos after long term use. Having gone through the process myself I can understand why.


Mogs
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All medications/hormones cause some chemical/hormonal changes in the body no matter how tiny the dose. Pity many medical professionals discount that a tiny dose can make a difference. Every living being is unique and while some may not have a noticeable effect from a tiny dose, others will have a profound one. Elmo appears to be one of those kitties who needs a little tiny bit of help to get over the final hump! FINGERS CROSSED! :D:D:D:D

How was your day out Beth? Hope you had a good worry free time! :bighug::bighug:
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
All medications/hormones cause some chemical/hormonal changes in the body no matter how tiny the dose. Pity many medical professionals discount that a tiny dose can make a difference. Every living being is unique and while some may not have a noticeable effect from a tiny dose, others will have a profound one. Elmo appears to be one of those kitties who needs a little tiny bit of help to get over the final hump! FINGERS CROSSED! :D:D:D:D

How was your day out Beth? Hope you had a good worry free time! :bighug::bighug:
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Good morning-ish Linda :bighug:.....yes, thanks to ur and Kris's reassurance my day out was concern free..I followed ur lead ab upping Elmo's dose to full 2.5 mg ( morning only for now) Thy Rx first time today...I had been sensing same direction so ur comment was affirmation !!! My plan is to continue to post in Main Forum as warranted , keeping you, Mogs and Kris up to date and get ur invaluable insight on Elmo's progress . After these last months, you all are family to us and I can't go long without advice and contact !!!!
 
Beth 73 said:
My plan is to continue to post in Main Forum as warranted , keeping you, Mogs and Kris up to date and get ur invaluable insight on Elmo's progress . After these last months, you all are family to us and I can't go long without advice and contact !!!!
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:cat: :cool: :cat:

:bighug:


Mogs
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Kris & Teasel said:
Like you, I find the look of the entries on the L forum confusing and visually jarring.
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It triggers a massive adrenal flight response in me. I find reading quite a struggle at the best of times these days (working memory is shot from the PTSD) but I just cannot assimilate the information on the Lantus board at all.


Mogs
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I must admit I find it visually intimidating but understand it's structure for its sheer volume of people needing its help. I have all but quit going to shopping malls /large stores due to too much visually going on. I am such a Hobbit , truly I am ...and happy for it :)
 
Beth 73 said:
I must admit I find it visually intimidating but understand it's structure for its sheer volume of people needing its help. I have all but quit going to shopping malls /large stores due to too much visually going on. I am such a Hobbit , truly I am ...and happy for it :)
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I hear you about large malls and stores! Hobbits rule! :)
 
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