3. Lois and RIP-Java

Discussion in 'Prozinc / PZI' started by Lois and Java, Apr 9, 2017.

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  1. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    That one day of all low BG reads completely changed my feelings about Java and the diabetes. I feel more hopeful, less impending doom. I can see his spreadsheet as the glass half-full instead of half-empty. Even when it's horrendously high pre-shot, you're right, he does come down mid-cycle!

    I have a nice stock of AT2 strips now, but the reason I keep using the HS meter is that it reads slightly lower.

    We're all out on the deck seeking just the right combination of shade and sun, and Lily is yakking up a grass and hairball, ah that's the life. (It is, too, all kidding aside.)
     
  2. Djamila

    Djamila Well-Known Member

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    Aug 1, 2015
    Lois, I'm so glad to hear you're feeling a little better about how things are going. You really are doing a great job of taking care of Java (and Lily).

    Your afternoon sounds absolutely lovely! A sunny deck/garden is what I imagine kitty heaven to be like.
     
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  3. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 25, 2013
    That sounds like a lovely way to spend the afternoon!! And you're right, Java does come down mid cycle...so while it's tough, his life is clearly still in a good place!
     
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  4. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    I'm so glad you're feeling better about it all, Lois. :)
     
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  5. Yong & Maury GA

    Yong & Maury GA Well-Known Member

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    Jan 11, 2017
    I'm going to look at your glass for a little bit ;) The sun being out for a few days should help mine look more full :rolleyes:
     
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  6. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    Hey guys, this is freaking me out. So I just did java's p.m. pretest
    186 on right ear.
    That's seemed too low so I ran it twice on the HS meter
    Then I got the AT2 out and ran it again
    all times on his left ear and all three times I got. "HI" both meters
    Which is when the BG is 750 mg slash DL or higher
    The Henry Schein manual says Veterinary assistance immediately,
    The AT2 says follow veterinarian surgeon treatment advice

    I noticed while I had him in my lap that he's dehydrated again. I'm warming up ringers, and I was going to give him a hundred milliliters of ringers anyway.
    I did a ketone test I think it was yesterday or the day before and it was negative.

    He's hungry, and he needs insulin, and I'm not sure what to do.
     
  7. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    Left to my own devices I think I would feed him, give him 1.75 units of insulin, give him 100 milliliters of ringers, wait an hour and test again.

    Unless I really should be hauling my butt to the vet ER????
     
  8. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 17, 2016
    Here's what I suggest, Lois: give it another 15 - 20 minutes and retest. Stick with the meter you've been using the most (the HS?). Try two readings from the same blood drop if you can. Take those at face value. If they're high, it's just more of Java's bouncing. No need for a trip to the ER vet, just stick with the 1.75 u dose. If the readings are low, post here.

    I think you can take down the red 911 now.
     
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  9. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

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    Sep 8, 2016
    I agree with Kris. If he's acting really sick like he's in DKA then yes- ER but if it's just a HI reading the insulin should help him come back down.
     
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  10. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    I've never seen a HI reading before.
    It obviously freaked me out!
    Thank you!!!
     
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  11. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

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    Unfortunately I've seen many! Mine stops at 600. So anything over that is a "HI" reading. A few times it's taken him over 4 hours to come back down under 600 so I have no idea how high he actually was but I assume it was really high.
     
  12. Djamila

    Djamila Well-Known Member

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    Aug 1, 2015
    So just to clarify -- you're saying she should give him the 1.75u and wait 15-20 minutes and retest? Or wait without shooting? I'm assuming you're saying she should give the insulin, but want to make sure.
     
  13. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    Oh good clarification. I'm sitting here waiting on the insulin but maybe I should get it in to him ASAP.
    Plus he was looking for food about 20 minutes ago 30 minutes ago, so is hungry, or was.
     
  14. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    What I mean is wait 15 - 20 min, retest, give 1.75 u insulin if high or repost here to decide dose if low. Sorry I wasn't clear.
     
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  15. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    He's relaxing on the sofa looking comfortable, if I didn't have this blood test, I wouldn't think anything was going on.
    About to test now. I'll come back if it's slow but otherwise I'm going to test, put the numbers on the spreadsheet, feed and get insulin in him as quickly as I can.

    The ringers, I think the ringers is probably a good idea? He had ringers only two days ago, and I haven't gotten a call back from the mobile vet, but I'm hoping that she's coming tomorrow early afternoon..... Unsure if I want him to be dehydrated then or not.... Actually why am I saying that I don't want to be dehydrated
     
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  16. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    One blood drop, two strips, HI both
    That's how I knew he was dehydrated, it was harder to get blood than usual. Then I checked his skin tenting.

    Peed. Neg ketones.
     
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2017
  17. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

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    What is the mobile vet checking for? I would think the ringers would be ok to give... Don't want him to get too dry. Chuck was getting dehydrated and it took a couple weeks of adding water to his food to see a difference. I'm sure the ringers work quicker but with the high numbers he will pee it out quicker too!
     
  18. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Do you add extra water to all Java's wet food, Lois?
     
  19. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Thank you all, and especially Kris.
    He seemed pretty much the same this afternoon, I was hanging out next to him, reading, most of the afternoon.

    I've got ringers and NaCl fluids hanging from S hooks in my bathroom. I have them because he has mild kidney disease, elevated levels of creatinine and Bun, but they haven't changed much over the last 4 years. When Java seemed really ill about three weeks ago I took him to Dave the vet, and he gave him a B12 shot and NaCl subq. It seemed to really help Java. Dave subsequently said give him ~125 ringers one day, and NaCl the other day. After getting Marje to look at his Labs, her expert feedback maybe decide not to give him the NaCl. I did notice a couple days ago that he was dehydrated, skin tenting, harder to get blood out of ear, so I gave him a hundred milliliters, less than Dave had said. Right after that was that extraordinary day of 200s.

    The mobile vet, I want to find out what I should do re the ringers, Dave not very helpful. See if she has any other recommendations. Establish a relationship for the future also, cuz he's so old. Support.
     
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  20. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    I do, I always have, before this. He prefers his food in a slurry. He is drinking a lot of water, but then again he has since he was a kitten.
     
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  21. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    Wow your spreadsheet kind of looks like mine! I see the 600-plus that you were talking about. I'm afraid your SS is one of the ones, like Kris', that for some reason is incredibly difficult for me to look at.

    A spreadsheet that's still DL in my Google Sheets folder is Coo pers. That was a shock. He seemed to be doing so well on his SS, to me anyway, and then boom.
     
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  22. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    I can do better on food. This afternoon I've been listing food low in carb and phosphorus. Reducing phosphorus, Marje indicated, is really beneficial to kidney cats.
    I feed FF classic pate and YA. The FF pate is pretty high in phosphorus!
     
  23. Djamila

    Djamila Well-Known Member

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  24. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    Where was that? I went through all the Listings in the food thread I thought and the only one I found was from 2012 that have phosphorus and carbs.

    Hooray, this is awesome, that's exactly what I need. Yeah I've been compiling notes from the most recent Dr. Pearson list! I'm sure it would be faster do on the computer, I'be been doing it by hand.
     
  25. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    Here's the other thing that I feel I need help with. Just sorting out the vitamin B situation. I have injectable vitamin B12. I have an RX so I can buy liquid vitamin B12, which I have not done. I've been giving Java Zobaline for several weeks now, maybe a month. I have jarrows B right, which is recommended by tanyas CKD website, and is bitter, so I quit giving it to him in his food, and I have to get gel caps. What is the most Optimum thing for him to do?
    This doesn't help Java one bit but I feel terribly guilty that I haven't been doing whatever it is since he was first diagnosed.
     
  26. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Sorry, Lois, I don't have any experience with this.
     
  27. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 17, 2016
    Yes, Steph and I have scary looking spreadsheets. You can see why I can't react to each of Teasel's numbers - I'd go bonkers! :confused:
     
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  28. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

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    Sep 8, 2016
    Yes! I get discouraged looking at Chuck's SS and it is crazy and overwhelming to many. But fortunately the last week on lantus has looked the BEST it has, EVER. Minus 4/9... Didn't expect such LOW numbers and then the bounce was 100% expected. We keep on keepin on!
     
  29. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    Congrats on the best numbers ever! Go Chuck!

    You said you've been on the FDMB for a couple of years right? I don't know how long Kris has been here. Still wondering why I can't see your SSs readily. Maybe I have an updated template cuz I'm new, and you are on a different template?

    I'm getting organized for the vet who still hasn't called me back. I'm a tiny bit surprised at how much medical equipment I have for Java.

    I gave him 100 ml ringers at +2.5, to leave a little bit of time after insulin shot. Check his BG + 3, 623. Something's registering yay!
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2017
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  30. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

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    Sep 8, 2016
    I've been on the forum since 9/8/16 (day after we started insulin) so a couple days past 7 months. Looks like Kris joined 8/17/16 but that doesn't mean it was the beginning of her feline diabetes experience.
     
  31. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

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  32. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    Yes! It moves up down R L easily now. Yeah, the other link, I'm mostly using my phone, I can see the one panel that comes up first, and that's it. It freezes.

    What's the pancreas booster? Has regimenting the time, type, amount food been helpful? He gained weight, that's why kitten food? You use a baby scale?
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2017
  33. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

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    I read about the pancreas booster here on the forum. It's "PetAlive pancreas booster". I haven't really seen a difference in numbers but his poo isn't as stinky and it's firmer even without pumpkin. But the pumpkin really helped him firm up.
    He gained weight with extra food. I think he really started gaining after starting young again zero mature for snacks. But with lantus right regulation protocol it's not allowed. My civvie still eats it.
    I actually just sit Chuck on my scale. I put it on the table turn it on and allow it to zero and then sit him on it. He sits down like he's going to get tested and once the number blinks I write it down.
    He gets most of his food preshot because he's so reactive to food that anything after +6 would send him racing to the top. Now on lantus it hasn't...yet. I switched from kitten food to FF classics. 3 or 2 % carb ones on the list for his +7 snack. The lower the carbs the better for him. I couldn't find the FF naturals which are listed at 0 carbs on Dr Lisa's list.
    ETA: I updated the URL in my signature. Hope it continues to work better.
    ETA 2: I noticed I have to open the SS of anyone, even my own, in my "browser" app instead of my chrome browser (that I use for everything else including the forum) on my phone. Never use to be that way but I figured it was my cheap "not-so-smart" phone.
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2017
  34. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Teasel was diagnosed at the end of January 2016 but I didn't officially join FDMB until mid August 2016. I was following my vet's routine faithfully even though I lurked here regularly. When I tested one morning pre shot in August and saw he was very low I called her for advice and she recommended dropping his dose only 0.2 u. I just knew that wasn't the right thing so I decided it was high time I did something different. I was very slow to get with the FDMB program. Kudos to all the people who come here soon after diagnosis!
     
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  35. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    I registered here probably the same day Java was diagnosed. I probably looked around, got overwhelmed, and figured just follow vet Dave's RX. Java was in the vet ER 36 hours later with BG in the 30s.
    I didn't come here again until January.
    So we're going on 6 months with diabetes. That's pretty remarkable really. You know how upset I get about stuff, I didn't think he could make it this long with diabetes. I don't know what I would do if I wasn't retired. Make it work somehow, but it would be so much more dangerous for him.

    HIs BG is in red this morning, which comes as a blessed relief. He's out doing his old man cat yard-surveying business with Lily as his hearing ear cat.

    The traveling vet hasn't called yet, which isn't super surprising because she does surgeries Saturday. I left another message. My friend with arm sarcoma, I asked her to be a second set of eyes and ears, for late at night when I'm saying to myself, now what did the vet say again? She doesn't have a car so I need time to pick her up, I hope after yoga, I'm hoping for the 1-3 time slot.
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2017
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  36. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

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    Sep 8, 2016
    I had lurked here a couple times before joining. Once starting prozinc and calling the vet to confirm I was suppose to give 7 units even if he didn't eat... Then I gave him the shot. Decided to check his bg level and he was on his way to hypo I think it was 3 hours in. I ended up here on the second day of insulin in panic mode.
     
  37. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    It truly is shocking the number of vets that give bad advice about dosing kitties.
    I read and post sometimes on the FB page. Someone posted a whole story about their Maine Coon who died, no one knew what was wrong with it etcetera., late at night, didn't know what was wrong, what to do. It was a textbook description of a hypo. Broke my heart man, all they had to do was get a little honey or Caro in that cat mouth and it would still be alive
     
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  38. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 25, 2013
    I joined up the day my cat was diagnosed. She was diagnosed in the morning and I didn't get the insulin til that evening (had to drive to another town to get it since I wanted to start that day). I remember that in the morning, when we left they had told us to buy some prescription food when we got the insulin. As we headed up to get the insulin, my boyfriend was googling FD (in an attempt to calm me down). He found catinfo.org and FDMB and that was that! We got the insulin, didn't even bother buying the rx food but just got some from the food list on Dr. Lisa's site, and joined FDMB.

    I was lucky that my bf knows me and knows that information calms me down because I feel empowered and know what to do. I would never have found this without him and I know for a fact that this place saved Gypsy's life on more than one occasion!
     
  39. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    The mobile vet just called back, yes appt 1-3. I hope this isn't a mistake! She was just saying she doesn't think cats need tight controls on Diabetes because cats go all over the place anyway.
    He's so old, I want a relationship with somebody for, let's be real, end of life. Also someone to look at Lily. Mostly what to do with Ringer's, how often. Vit B etc.
    Should I vacuum or go to yoga? Yoga. Later!
     
  40. Yong & Maury GA

    Yong & Maury GA Well-Known Member

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    Jan 11, 2017
    I joined 2 days after Maury's diagnosis. Most emotional days I had since I lost my first boy. So glad I found you guys though :bighug:
     
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  41. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    Vet spent a lot of time with us like three or three and a half hours, ~3-6 or 6:30 pm. I'm completely wiped out. I feel positive about the consultation, and about her. So did my friend, who is as great a pet parent as you guys. I'm grateful my friend was there so I can text her when I have questions, memory faults.

    I'm going to be updating the SS for shots, vitamins, Ringers, ketones, but I agreed to not test his BG for a week (unless certain behaviors), and the reasons for that were laid out and I understood them, I'm just too tired to go over it right now. He had a classic Somagi while we were waiting for her. (Same as our bounce?)

    One thing I should say, she wants me to pull YA food entirely. Ingredients list tomato pulp, a fruit pulp. Wet food available at all times.
    Hugs! Later. Must lie down!
     
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2017
  42. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 25, 2013
    Lois, I know your vet gave you reasons for not testing, but I'd be EXTREMELY worried about that if I was you. Testing doesn't affect how the cat feels, and considering you just had lime green numbers yesterday, imagine what you could miss if you didn't test. Considering Java's history, not testing seems like a bad idea to me.

    I know you're going through a lot and I don't want you to feel stressed or upset, but not testing can be so dangerous and it worries me. ESPECIALLY since you're changing food...that can make BG go down even further and without monitoring, he could have a hypo that we never discover.

    Please don't let my thoughts here stress out out. I'm not trying to argue with your vet or diminish your confidence, but I feel it wouldn't be responsible of me to not voice my concerns and the reasons behind them. :bighug:
     
  43. Yong & Maury GA

    Yong & Maury GA Well-Known Member

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    Jan 11, 2017
    Maybe just go down to minimum testing? AMPS and PMPS. :)
     
  44. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    I know. I'm not entirely convinced. And if there's anything that I have learned, which was confirmed 30 minutes ago when I feared he was going low, is that I am not able to accurately perceive his BG by his behavior.
    I'm just exhausted today. I need to go out and get different food for him that's lower in protein and low carb. Lower in protein because of the kidney values. And I have to order ringers. I might just get through today and deal with it tomorrow!
     
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  45. Yong & Maury GA

    Yong & Maury GA Well-Known Member

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    Jan 11, 2017
    Not trying to stress / worry you more but I have heard some kitties don't always show symptoms until it is very dangerous. I thought Phosphorus was the thing to watch for kidney health? Did you look at the list Djamila posted for low carb / low phos foods?
     
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  46. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

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  47. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

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    When my Bubba had congestive heart failure the vets at Cornell wanted him on a low protein and low phos diet because he was on lasix that were hard on the kidneys. BUT I knew he only had 3-6 months to live so I said screw it- he'll eat like a king. And he did. Kidney failure is what ultimately ended his fight. Kidneys failed and he was severely anemic. He needed a transfusion and his heart couldn't handle it. I had to let him go. But he made it 6 months and 10 days! He had to prove them wrong!
    Only told that story to say that I have heard of low protein for kidney issues too.
    I also agree that testing is important. At least preshots and maybe just 1 mid cycle to preserve your sanity and energy. You don't have to tell her you tested unless it shows an issue. You can try to tell her it's important to you to at least do preshots and see if she gives in at least that much. You wouldn't dose a child without checking so why a pet-- great convincing statement for most people including vets!
    I think it's a good idea to take a breather this evening. Treat yourself to some relaxation and reset your mind and energy.
     
  48. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 17, 2016
    Take a breather, Lois. No need to decide anything today. You're probably wrung out from a long and intense vet visit and all the mental go around caused by the advice you received. I know that this sort of thing would exhaust me.
     
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  49. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    You're right, it's phosophorus. But she also said protein.
    Low phos, and moderate protein - the lowest I can find.
    Zobaline for folic acid
    She included a giant bottle of injectable B12 in the visit. Shot once a week.
    Decrease insulin to 1.1 (fat 1) twice daily
    wet food out at all times
    take up YA
    She's calling in a compound for gabapentin\
    Check ketones. If even trace, test BG
    If ever not interested in food, test BG
    Ringers every 2, 3 days, let appetite and activity level be my guide\
    check physical signs often, tacky or shiny pink gums? dull or shiny eyes?
    Get a kitty heating pad
    She's running a urine culture
    In 3 weeks, recheck kidney values
    At the library printing out food info. Okay off to pet store
     
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  50. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    This is definitely something to consider. Dave the vet told me a year or two ago when I was speaking generally about Java aging, that he wasn't sure how much of a difference treatments really helped. He said that he had more resources than most people, and with one of his cats, he went all out with the medical treatment. He didn't feel the cat lived that much longer than it would have if he'd just let it eat drink and be merry. He said that with subsequent cats, he wouldn't pull out all the stops, if they had a favorite food, that was fine, let them live out their life doing what they like the most.
    Java has been a little brighter eyes, I think. He's come in and is lying next to me on the couch where I'm binge watching Homeland. Which makes me suspicious actually. This is not a cuddly cat. He just got insulin, but he's also eaten recently. It shouldn't be a hypo.
    I don't like screwing with his biochemistry, but then again that's all I have been doing since October. He's completely at my mercy, he totally trusts me, I want to be doing the right thing.
     
  51. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    How are you feeling today, Lois? Sometimes stepping back for a breather is just what we need. :)
     
  52. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    I bruised a rib or muscle in yoga, so am only gardening between rain, binge-watching tv, and hanging out with the cats. Java does his old man cat stuff in the yard, Lily hangs with us. The gabapentin should be compounded by noon tomorrow. How are you Kris, actually, all y'all?
     
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  53. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 25, 2013
    Ouch!!!! Gosh I hope you feel better soon..that's gotta be rough!

    I am glad you're getting some time to relax though and hope you're feeling a bit less stressed...a nice few days on the couch binge watching TV may be just what the doctor ordered!
     
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  54. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 17, 2016
    Binge watching Netflix is one of my favourite therapies!
     
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  55. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    I'm killing time waiting for the compounding Veterinary Pharmacy to finish up with the Gabapentin. Not testing Java regularly has been depressing the majority of the time and liberating the minority of the time. Depressing because I feel like there's something I could be doing that I'm not. Liberating because I'm not setting alarms in the middle of the night, just checking on him the couple of times when I get up to pee anyway.
     
  56. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    Thanks for the tip on the mail order food. This is my second day of checking out the local pet stores and coming home with a variety of foods on the low phosphorus low carb low protein list. I try to do brick and mortar first, and mail order if I can't find it locally.
     
  57. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 25, 2013
    Lois, can I just take a sec to say that you're doing a GREAT job with Java. You're such a wonderful mom to him, willing to do so much extra work to make him happy and comfortable. :bighug:
     
  58. Djamila

    Djamila Well-Known Member

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    Aug 1, 2015
    Wow! So much to catch up on in the past few days! First of all, I second what Rachel said - you're doing a great job! For what it's worth, I think testing pre-shot, is essential, and somewhere mid-cycle is helpful, but I think it would be just fine if you test a less, and just find some peace with this.

    Kidneys: what I've learned in the past week or so is that low-protein and low-phosphorus are important for kidney health. Which is tricky when FD needs higher-protein. You just do the best you can in food selection. And at 20-years-old, I think Java should eat whatever he wants to eat. When I'm 97, you better believe I'm going to eat cookies and ice cream for every meal! Oh, and my Nana, who lived to be 102, said that a glass of whiskey ever day was essential for long life, so I might start doing that at some point too!

    And just because I like telling stories: I joined here about two weeks before Sam was officially diagnosed (August 2015). I took him in because of the excessive drinking/excessive peeing/neuropathy symptoms. The vet ran the blood tests for diabetes, but told me to change his food, wait two weeks, and then come back. So I immediately started googling everything I could find about FD, and quickly landed here. By the time the vet said to start insulin, I had already had two weeks to study. I love this community, and love sharing this journey with all of you!
     
  59. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    Have you seen The Crown?
     
  60. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    I agree, I think this makes more sense.

    I hear myself in retrospect saying to the mobile vet that I had used 50 or 60 test strips in last 3 weeks, and that I had used 5 test strips in 30 minutes because I was convinced the result was wrong. She had several points, 1 that the vet who first talked about doing curves later said he regretted ever suggesting it because he wished people would go by observed behavior and physical signs primarily, 2 something about all the bloodletting not being good...

    He had his first dose of compounded Gabapentin this evening.
     
  61. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    I think it's worthwhile to relax a bit and not stress SO MUCH over the numbers. We always remind people that their cat is more than a number...is he happy? How does he seem? I agree with what your vet said about that...it is good to go by physical signs. I mean the numbers are important of course, but in the end...you do have to see how he SEEMS also. :bighug:
     
  62. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Yes! Loved it! But I'm a Canadian and she's still the official head of state here.
     
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  63. Djamila

    Djamila Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2015
    Hi Lois! How's Java doing? How are you?
     
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  64. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    Talked to the vet yesterday. His urine is perfectly fine.
    I'm on my way to a tax protest in SF and tested Java before leaving. It was either 506 or 560, I'm on ferry, had to run, but *neither* is good.
    I don't quite have the language yet. Her assumption is that his Symogi / bouncy will level out. I don't think it ever will.
     
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  65. Djamila

    Djamila Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2015
    You may be right about the bouncy never leveling...but as long as he has you, his rain puddles, and that sunny spot on the deck, he's going to be okay.

    How was the protest? We had one downtown here today too -- I would imagine in most big cities. I hope you had a good day!
     
  66. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Hey Lois! Yeah, bouncy kitties sometimes level out, but sometimes it takes a LONG time...heck we have several on the board now! But the point is Java still has a good life with you. :bighug:
     
  67. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Ahem ... have a look at Teasel's SS. Bouncy is an understatement! :blackeye:;)
     
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  68. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    I still can't see your SS.
    I'm pooped. Ran into two work friends as we walked along! It seemed like a long line of marchers. My Marin friend is dragging me to eyeglass shops. Weekend ferries don't run often. Should I photo a cable car for you? We're just off Union Square now.
     
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  69. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Ohhh I'd love to see a picture of a cable car!
     
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  70. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    Here you go!
     

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  71. Djamila

    Djamila Well-Known Member

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    Aug 1, 2015
    I love the "red carpet" under them! Very classy!
     
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  72. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    This is at the Powell Street turnaround. You can see all the tourists lined up at the end of the block to get onto the next cable car.
     

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  73. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

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    Oct 21, 2016
    Today's Tax Protest, walking from the Civic Center down Market Street to the Ferry Building.
     

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  74. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    I love the cable car...and that protest sign is HILARIOUS!
     
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  75. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 17, 2016
    I LOVE the captions on the signs! Can I just say? - I watch what's going on in the US with a great deal of trepidation ...
     
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  76. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 25, 2013
    You and me both Kris...Canada looks better and better despite the cold...
     
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  77. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Aug 17, 2016
    It's not cold everywhere, Rachel. ;)
     
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  78. Djamila

    Djamila Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2015
    Do you have extra rooms for us at your house? :)
     
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  79. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    I'll make room!! :joyful:
     
  80. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    45 is terrifying. I'm sure SF looks like a target to Nor Korea for just one thing. Rolling Stone mag does really good long-form journalism and has had excellent articles lately. Anything by Matt Taibi is good for starters. Fyi.
    http://www.rollingstone.com/contributor/matt-taibbi
     
  81. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    How are you and Java doing, Lois?
     
  82. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    Been better. Thanks for asking.
    I'm having a flare of a chronic thing that's painful.
    I'm testing Java now and then and his BG was 708 this morning and off-the-charts "HI" 5.5 hrs. later. I just gave him his evening shot oh I guess over an hour ago.
    He's losing so much weight. It used to be that just his butt end was skin and bones, and now his shoulders are starting to get that way. I'm really careful with shots, I just don't understand what is happening. Depressing.
     
  83. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    I'm sorry you're having such a rough time.
     
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  84. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Sending you hugs and healing vines Lois. :bighug:
     
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  85. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    Thanks you guys.
    I am so bummed out. I just had the first fur shot that I know 100% was a fur shot. His BG was 701, too. Eff eff eff.
    It seemed like it went in okay. I picked him up to put him back down on the ground and then I felt moisture on my fingers, that smelled like Band-Aids.
    I've got to do something to stop what I'm doing wrong. I might go to Dave the vet and get a little patch shaved, and take Saline, and have someone watch what I'm doing, to see if another set of eyes sees where I'm going wrong.
    I'd really like to get some insulin into him, like a half unit or something. I know it's not the protocol here, yet does anybody ever do it?
     
  86. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Some people do TID dosing but it's a big burden on the human. You need to do a lot more testing and it restricts the rest of your life significantly.
     
  87. Rachel

    Rachel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    I wouldn't add another dose this morning Lois...I KNOW it's against the grain, but SOME might have gotten into him. :bighug:

    I think getting a patch shaved would be great. A lot of people do that to help them dose better.
     
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  88. Yong & Maury GA

    Yong & Maury GA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2017
    Positive thoughts to you and Java, Lois :bighug:. Also healing vines, of course! [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
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  89. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    I ended up not doing it for all the usual reasons.

    Where do people shave the patch? I saw a photo in a thread really recently but I don't know where it was - either the thread so I can go look, or where on the body of the cat. I'll try Google.
     
  90. Yong & Maury GA

    Yong & Maury GA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2017
    @StephG shaved a little patch on Chuck. Might've been her :)
     
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  91. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    That sounds right, but I don't remember where it was. Someone else's thread. I'm finding things here through Google though. There are a couple photos posted of grabbing the kitties fur and rotating the wrist to expose the skin, and blowing on the fur to make sure the skin is exposed. Also several people have said they leave the needle in and count. One person said she counts to one elephant. someone else said she waits to the count of ten. There are more threads to read...
     
  92. Yong & Maury GA

    Yong & Maury GA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2017
    @Phoebes is another member who had a patch shaved
     
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  93. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    Thanks Yong, I feel pretty confident that it got in this time. You'll have seen my reply in the other thread.
    My poor bunny, it was 707. He is such a trooper... Went outside today, drank rainwater, sat in his favorite places, watched his favorite spots in the yard next hours. He looks like he didn't feel good though.
    The heck with this not testing. I can agree that I don't have to test him every 2 hours, but I'm going to be doing AM and PM pre-tests and a check around the nadir.
     
  94. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2016
    Yep I have a patch shaved on Chuck. I just shaved it down again.
     
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  95. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    Steph could you please post a photo or two? Do you rotate where you put the shaved spot? I'm curious to see where it is on the cat's body and then curious to see a close-up, if you're up for that. Many thanks!
     
  96. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2016
  97. Lois and Java

    Lois and Java Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2016
    That's it! Thanks.
     
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  98. StephG

    StephG Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2016
    I'll try to get a clear picture if those aren't good. I used the other shoulder for a few days til chuck's soft lump went away. I shoot in a clock pattern. Start at 12, then 1 at pm, 2am, 3 pm... clockwise, moving one hour on the clock for each shot. Spreads it out a bit and makes sure I don't poke exactly where I did the shot before. I figure that can't be too comfortable.
     
  99. Yong & Maury GA

    Yong & Maury GA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2017
    Ahaha it was on Sam's! Those are the pictures I was thinking of :). I wasn't on parr with my :bookworm:. Was steering Maury a little after receiving my BOS award from Bobbie and Bubba :smuggrin:
     
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  100. Phoebes (GA)

    Phoebes (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2017
    BOS?
     
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