New Member - 8 Weeks in and 'repeating it's a journey' every 4 or 5 days

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by KyraCat, Jul 1, 2020.

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  1. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Hi all,

    New to the forum, I came across it last night and already feel so much better for finding people in similar situations and people who are cheering each other on! It's good to know we're not on our own.

    My cat, Kyra (a boy), is 10yrs old and was diagnosed with diabetes about 8 weeks ago. Working from home during Covid-19 I noticed his spine was a lot my prominent and that he was drinking and weeing a lot. Blood tests sent to the lab and with a BG of 26.6 the diabetes diagnosis was confirmed.

    So far, after fortnightly visits to the vets, we have gone from 1.5units to 3units of caninsular twice a day. Our last check up was on Monday and the vet came out to talk to me and has asked we try and keep a diary of what is going on with Kyra. So I have a large note book jotting down every time he east drinks and wees and I'm trying to gauge the actual amount he is drinking. It's a bit hard to measure the water consumption as he has a brother and sister, Rupert & Maddie, but we are giving it our best shot.

    Currently Kyra is on dry food but one meant to help support diabetes management. However, his brother and sister are on other dry food, so of course it is a bit of a free for all. We have tried to be rigid with who eats what but, now call me crazy, I can feel Kyra's mood dipping as if he knows he isn't allowed something that the other 2 are having. So after reading this forum last night I have researched some wet food for db and I am going to slowly start introducing that with his dry db food. I will also, unless someone here tells me not to, be feeding the exact same to the other 2 cats.

    We currently aren't doing home tracking, the vets we have seen have been quite laid back about it but the most recent vet we saw was encouraging it a bit more to us. So, we did attempt it on Monday night and after many attempts, and two of us trying to keep him chilled, we got a HI reading. On Tuesday morning I tried again by myself, telling myself I had to get used to it as I needed to do his 6hr reading by myself, while my husband is still out at work. Well, it didn't happen and with such an epic failure it was then a real mission to get Kyra to have his injection, though we did manage it. I then spent the morning crying because I thought I had upset my cat - yes I can be that bad on bad days! I did try again at lunch time (6hours after his injection) but after several attempts and no spot of blood I let the little man go about his business and decided not to try again in the evening as to give us both a break.

    It is really amazing to see on here that everyone seems to be able to home track, I am using it as inspiration that one day we too will be able to do it. It really does stress Kyra out having to go to the vets every 2 weeks and we are just getting such high reading every time home tracking would be so much more beneficial to us all. I read a really good post last night about picking one spot and putting them there several times a day and fussing their ears to get them used to it all, so that has started today!

    If you guys have any other tips on getting the blood spot from the ear please please let me know, I want to do the best by my boy and not have to keep taking him to the vets. If you also have any awful experiences I'd hear those too, I just need to know other people have gone through it. I can't wait to be an owner who can track from home!

    Also, one last thing, I am very very(!!!) hesitant about trying this but has anyone ever used the paw pad for the blood sample? I have read that the paw pads are sensitive so I don't to risk that without advise.

    Thanks all who have read this and apologies for going on for so long!!
     
  2. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2015
    Hi and welcome to you and Kyra. So glad you found us.
    The first few weeks can be very overwhelming as there is a lot to learn. But you have come to the best possible place for help and support.

    Can you tell me what sort of meter did you buy? Is it a human meter or a pet meter?
    Here is a link to how to learn to test. Most of us use the ears to test. Occasionally people use the paw pads.
    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/

    All dry food is not good for any cats, so I am glad you are going to gradually swap over to a low carb diet for all of them.
    However, I would not do it until you are able to test the blood glucose every day as just swapping over to a low carb diet will drop the blood glucose more than a 100 points and you will need to adjust the insulin dose. We can help you with that.

    Did the vet put up the dose from 1.5 to 3 units or did it go up gradually?
    If you got a Hi on the meter, that would be from bouncing and probably means your kitty is dropping low during the cycle.
    I would try and start testing as soon as you can to keep Kyra safe.

    Are you feeding Kyra a good meal before the doses of insulin and waiting 1/2 hour before giving the insulin?
    And are you giving Kyra some smaller meals during the day and night?

    I am going to give you some useful links.
    This one is for new members. Within the link is another link to how to treat hypos. Please print it off and put on your frig in case you need it.
    Also at the bottom of the link is how to set up your signature. It will appear at the bottom of all your posts and will tell us about Kyra. Look at mine, it is in smaller typing.
    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-how-you-can-help-us-help-you.216696/

    Also if you could set up a spreadsheet to put in all the BG results. If you have any trouble, post and we will help you.
    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/

    Home testing.is by far the best thing you can do to help Kyra get regulated and stay safe.

    keep asking questions!
    Bron
     
  3. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Thanks so much for responding :)

    I currently just have a human test kit, the vet said that would be OK to start with in order to try and get the hang of it before spend a lot more money on an animal specific one.

    I won't swap the food over just yet then, I'll keep that as an option for future once we get settled with testing.

    Apologies I wasn't very clear about the dosage amounts. The dose has been upped half a unit each time we have gone to the vets. So 1.5 to 2 to 2.5 and now we are on 3, but though he is still reading really high on that dose the vet hasn't upped it yet and has instead asked me to jot down his behaviour and I'm catching up with him on my report tomorrow.

    Their food bowls are refilled in the morning, about 5.30am, and evening about 5pm. His injections are done at 7am and 7pm daily, am I potentially leaving it too long between him eating and having his injections? Also their food is left out for them all to graze on during the day.

    Thank you so much for the links etc I will look through those and try to start to get to grips with everything.
     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2020
    Reason for edit: additional info
  4. Tom & Monty

    Tom & Monty Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2020
    Hi there. Monty is more tolerant of paw pad testing than ear testing.

    I was hesitant at first because I thought testing his paw that it would be sore to walk on after but really he seems not to care after I'm done. We're still practising solo testing on ears but paw is easier for us at the moment.

    We place Monty on a towel and "burrito" him with a paw sticking out, the same way you might if you home clip claws. I place his paw on a fresh hot water bottle for around 20 seconds to encourage blood flow while my partner holds him still and when burritod he doesn't struggle. Then my partner lifts his leg up, I push the strip into the glucometer just before pricking him so it had time to start up. I use the lancet device that comes with the alphatrak 2 glucometer starter kit, pressing the lancet device a bit firmly into his paw on setting 3 or 4 and let the device do its stabby thing. Sometimes a big enough droplet doesn't form but it being a paw pad you can easily squeeze either side to get some blood out.

    A few things to note, you can test the toe beans or the central pad or the one further up the leg, but just rotate each time which you go for so he's not poked in the same place. It's important to press into the pad before lancing if using a device as, in my experience, just placing it against the pad gently "pushes" it rather than "pierces" it. Monty seems to barely even register being poked. We also always give a small piece of chicken or two while doing it to distract him. Once you get into it the process can take less than 1 minute (excluding preparation).

    I can't see how I'd solo test the paw though as I need to hold him, lift his leg and pierce his paw and I only have 2 hands!

    It depends on the cat but Monty is entirely tolerant of paw testing, him being held down for the test bothers him far more than the actual poking.
     
  5. Tom & Monty

    Tom & Monty Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2020
    On Caninsulin your cat needs to be eating most of the calories around 30 miutes prior to injection. Some cats can be injected while eating on caninsulin but it depends on the cat and how quickly their BG falls after injection, you can learn this by testing.

    I used to use caninsulin on Monty before we switched to Lantus and we'd give 80-90% if his food at meal times and leave 10-20% out for grazing, although when he was uncontrolled and still displaying clinical signs he had a crazy appetite and would eat everything, these days he grazes on his meals over 2 hours.
     
  6. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Thanks so much for that. I really haven't seen much in the way of people using paws for testing so it's great to hear from someone who is doing it.

    Yeah I imagine it would be tough going with just one of you. That's my problem, getting a mid point reading when my husband is at work. Kyra can be rather leggy even when wrapped in a towel but would still be worth a go even if its just while we still get the hang of the ear test.

    Just had another attempt on the ear and got the tiniest bit of blood but not enough to get a reading. Feeling much more relaxed about it today compared to yesterday though.
     
  7. Tom & Monty

    Tom & Monty Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2020
    Are you in the UK? I have many U40 syringes I no longer need (about 130) that you're welcome to have by the way for free - they are just occupying space in my cupboard (we use U100 now).
     
  8. Tom & Monty

    Tom & Monty Member

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    Mar 4, 2020
    Are you warming Kyra's ear before testing? It can make a big difference when you first start testing. As you test more Kyra will develop more blood vessels at the testing sites and bleed easier, but in the beginning using a sock with hot rice inside can help heat the ear before a test (we use a mini hot water bottle).
     
  9. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    I am trying to warm the ear as much as I can before he gets really fidgety - again that could be more down to me and just needing to be more confident with him.

    I do have a sock with some rice that I heat and try to rub his ear with but he is a bit weary of it so I have just been trying to rub his ears a lot with my hands. I will keep trying with the rice sock though.

    Yeah we're in the UK, thanks for the offer of syringes! we use the 0.5 syringes is that what you have that you no longer need?
     
  10. Tom & Monty

    Tom & Monty Member

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  11. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Hi Kyras mom! WELCOME.
    This line caught my attention. Once you start reducing the dry food the numbers will fall SOME. So its most important to home test (track) I think once that happens you'll see what I mean GOOD LUCK! AND
    I'm SO glad you found us. As you see we are a community of feline lovers and will help ANY diabetic kitty that comes here.
    You are now PART of this family. :):bighug:
    jeanne
     
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  12. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 21, 2019
    Hi and welcome!

    Are you giving Kyra a treat after each attempt and/or test? That was huge for me with Minnie to get her to be okay with it. I also sing so I’m less stressed and now she’s so used to it that when she hears me singing our “testing song” she lays down for me because she knowS sitting up makes it harder on mommy to do it alone. I live by myself so I have to test her alone. Warming the ear and being firm and not scared to do it, was key for me. It will get easier and you’ll get there I promise!
     
  13. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Thank you Ale! My original intention was to bring up the "treats tips" But as usual I overwhelm myself with one issue. lol
    I also have a hard time walking while chewing gum. :rolleyes::p:banghead: oh what the hell...:coffee:
     
  14. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Hi and welcome! A wet food that is low carb is the best choice for all the cats. Many people here feed fancy feast classic or Friskies pate foods. I feed weruva to my diabetic because she needs lower phosphorus, and the rest easy mostly ff. You might try might introducing the wet food now slowly to get her used to it but do keep trying to test. You could lower the dose a bit of you are worried about the lower carbs until you c get good at testing. It takes a couple weeks of daily testing to really get them to start growing the new capillaries in the ear.

    What size lancet are you using to test? If it's the ones that came with the meter they may be too thin. Try using 26-28 gauge lancets which are thicker than the 30 gauge ones. That will make it easier.

    I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home.
     
  15. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Thanks Jeanne! I feel so much better from being on here and hearing for all of you, it really is a great community!
     
  16. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Yes I have a tubs of cut up treats, we alternate between chicken and ham. I didn't want him to get fed up with the same treat - not sure if that would ever happen but I don't want to risk it. Depending on the way things are going he sometimes has treats during me trying to warm up his ear, that seems to distract him a little and keep him on the side.

    I read in another thread about singing to relax, Matt (my husband), is horrified at the idea of singing helping in any situation :joyful:
     
  17. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Well? Humming works too. :p:D:)
     
  18. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Thanks for that information. I'll fed back to the vet to tomorrow and see what he also recommends for the food. I feel like I am still very reliant on what the vet says but I feel you guys have all got it figured out between you. Another milestone I can't wait to get too.

    Your video was really helpful thank you!. I noticed you don't use the clicky pen machine. Have you found it is better just to use the lancet on it's own than in the pen machine thingy?

    I'll have to check the lancet size but if they are the smaller ones I will look in to the ones a few of you have mentioned :)
     
  19. Tom & Monty

    Tom & Monty Member

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    Mar 4, 2020
    The vet is likely to recommend you Hills m/d prescirption food. You're welcome to go with that as it's totally appropriate but they charge a premium to sell through vets and have the word "prescription" on their labels.

    Other (wet) cheaper options in the UK are:

    Lily's Kitchen
    Thrive
    Applaws

    I feed this to Monty: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lilys-Kitchen-Suppurrs-Cockadoodle-Chicken/dp/B07DVLGSRZ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=WEM6AIBVZJE1&dchild=1&keywords=lilys kitchen suppurrs&qid=1593620975&sprefix=lily's kitchen supp,aps,139&sr=8-3

    Note: Applaws wet food isn't complete so if choosing that you'll want to supplement with a topper such as ZIWI Peak air dried to increase Kyra's fat intake.
     
  20. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Thanks Tom! I will keep that in mind.

    The vets haven't been pushy with anything like that but I already know what I want to go so will try and stay on track with getting information on that rather that being sold a premium food.
     
  21. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Can I ask you all advice on timings....

    From the great advice I have had from you all so far Kyra should get his food 30minutes before insulin (noted to start the change from tonight)

    Then when should I do the test? I know it should be before the insulin injection but how soon after food/before he has his injection? If I do his injection at 7pm I would plan to feed him between 6.15-6.30. What time would I do his test?

    Sorry that might seem really stupid to ask but I getting baffled by timings.
     
  22. Tom & Monty

    Tom & Monty Member

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    Mar 4, 2020
    His test should be performed before feeding, and he shouldn't eat ideally for 2 hours before the test or it will make the BG artificially higher than it seems.
     
  23. Diane Tyler's Mom

    Diane Tyler's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    With Caninsulin you first test, then you feed, you then wait 30 minutes to give the insulin.
    Just do not feed any food 2 hours prior to doing his AM test and his PM test
     
  24. Dusty & Roe

    Dusty & Roe Member

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    Apr 28, 2020
    What a CUTIE is Kyra just wanted to tell you you are doing Great you are really trying and the members will help you with testing I’m not that experienced myself but your trying and that is what counts . This can all be Overwhelming but hang in there it gets easier. Remember every question you ask is important that’s how you learn . Ask as many questions you can think of . If you just need to talk or vent we are here for that too .
     
  25. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    I used the Lancet device the first week or two but I found 1. She didn't like the clicking sound and 2. It was hard to aim it just in the edge. Freehand I can see exactly where I'm poking.

    In the beginning I also have a low carb treat (meat, cold cuts, purebites) for every test and she quickly associated the test with a treat and was more cooperative. As you can see in the video she just purrs right through it now.

    If your cat is squirming, you can scrape the drop onto your nail and test from there so you can let him go quicker.
     
  26. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    Here's a chart with the carbs listed. You will want to pick foods under 10 carb. You can print the list and show it to your vet. Just say that your cat didnt want to eat the prescription food and it's too expensive. https://catinfo.org/docs/CatFoodProteinFatCarbPhosphorusChart.pdf
     
  27. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    These are the lancets I use. TruePlus Sterile Lancets, 28 Guage, 3 Boxes of 100 (300 Total) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4MOK5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oBm.EbBXV5SRV
     
  28. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    Test, feed, feed shot. So if you want to give the shot at 7, you would test then feed around 630
     
  29. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    I threw away the lancet device after the first time I tried to use it. Free handing came much easier. Every one is different though.
     
  30. Oliver the Roman

    Oliver the Roman Member

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    Mar 22, 2020
    We also gave up on the device very quickly. It is not very effective ESPECIALLY when you are not accustomed to the operation and your hands are trembling and unsteady. Plus the clicking noise so close to the ear tends to freak out the cat.
    Shaving the area of the injection will help to keep the blood from just spread around (instead of forming the drop). Also, in addition to heating the ear with the sock, rub the ear vigorously (well... as vigorously as possible without upsetting the cat) to get the blood going. You can get her to used to ear rubbing by doing the motion while you are just simply fussing and cuddling. :)
     
  31. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Feb 21, 2015
    I used the lancing device and had no issues at all. I found not using it awkward but then everyone is different. Whatever works for you.
     
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  32. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Morning all,

    I'm waiting for some 28g lancets to come (hoping today) & hopefully will have some more luck with those. I have had a couple of attempts of not using the device but with no luck. But then everything is with no luck at the moment :p

    Spoke with the vet yesterday and he has upped the insulin to 3.5 as of last nights injection. Still tracking (as best I can) Kyra's water intake, it does seem to have come down since Monday. I'm calling the vet again on Monday with another water report and Kyra might be called in for the vet to send to do a test/have a test run to see what Kyra's levels have been over the last few weeks without his stress levels getting in the way or the reading.
     
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  33. Bron and Sheba (GA)

    Bron and Sheba (GA) Well-Known Member

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  34. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    No I haven't yet, only because I have only had one successful attempt at getting a reading and that was HI on Monday evening. As soon as I get any other results I'll be sure to start a chart.
     
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  35. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Good morning all!

    Little update: We received the 28g lancets yesterday but still no successful test yet. I have noticed though that a tiny spec of blood is appearing in the cotton ball so hopefully we're not too far away from getting what we need. I'll keep you posted!

    Did any of you notice, when you first started trying to do the glucose test, that your cat got a little more inpatient/hesitant when it came to their insulin injection? Since I have been attempting to test his glucose levels, about half an hour to an hour before his injection, when it comes to his injection he gets a little snappish. I 100% understand why he is like this, he has a lot going on again with me faffing around his ear, but just wanted to know if other people experienced this and if it does all level out again with them being tolerant and chilled out? We are still giving treats during both these times.

    I do want to add he still has the most beautiful way about him and still comes for lots of loves and brushes during the day, so I know he still loves us, it's just a shame we are upsetting him at the moment when it comes to injection time.
     
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  36. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    For the time being I would give a treat after each shot. It could be something thats pure protein like boiled chicken or bonito flakes.
    It could be the insulin stings some but he should get use to it. The treat should make the sacrifice worth while to him.
    Trouble never even knew he got his shot. It was that more, less stressful than testing.:rolleyes:
     
  37. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Thanks, Jt. We have been giving him treats, such as chicken, since we first started his insulin. We are also giving him treats while we try to get him to stay still for the (yet to be successful) glucose tests. I am hoping it's just a phase because we are putting him through a lot at the moment. Just wondered if anyone else had the same thing and could let me know if it all settled down eventually.
     
  38. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Awww well I'm not that person Trouble fought it the entire time he was on insulin. It literally took two of us. He finally went OTJ and MAN was I relieved we didnt have to test that much anymore! So was hubby:p lol

    I have heard more stories of cats who get use to the routine, then stories about kitties like our Trouble

    So DONT give up hope!;)
     
  39. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Aww thanks JT! :)

    Stupid question alert...what's OTJ?

    We just had another attempt at the glucose test and got a little bit of blood but not enough for the reader to pick up, that's a very tiny improvement. I think if I'd have milked it a little bit more we would have gotten there. He doesn't seem too keen on the milking part though!

    He was sat in a newly acquired box and we seemed to get on pretty well as the flap of the box lid worked perfectly as a table to put his treats on after each attempt. He is such good and patient boy! Now to see how tolerant he is of his injection later....

    (I am currently just practising at testing him when I think it is a good opportunity, rather than the proper time frame for feeding and injection)
     
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  40. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    :oops: OTJ translates as OFF THE JUICE as in no longer needing insulin. sorry boutdat:oops:
     
  41. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    and its not a stupid question lol I'm the stooopit one for assuming .
     
  42. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    No not at all! I need to get up to speed on the lingo!! haha That's great news for you guys and Trouble!
     
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  43. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    It was amazing. Sadly Trouble passed away a couple of years after that. He had such a sad life before he came to live with us and I like to think we made it all better and that his last years were just full of love, All in all a complete success story. Although Waldo (avatar) might have something to say about all that .:p lol

    You keep doing what you are doing. I believe you and Kyra too will be successful.;):coffee:
     
  44. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Aww I'm really happy to hear Trouble had good years before his passing <3 Waldo is stunning!
     
  45. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Last night we had a successful glucose test - Woo! The reading was Hi, so not great entirely but we did it and it only took 2 attempts with the pen to get the drop of blood!! Kyra was due his insulin an hour after the test so it's understandable it was high but I know we don't want the reading to be up there! Can't wait to see that reading come down as we progress through this journey.

    I tried again this morning but not so much luck, got a tiny bit of blood but no enough for the reader. I think Kyra was also a bit wriggly because I had taken the food bowls up 2 hours before attempting the test and I could see he kept looking for them. We are getting there though!

    Got a catch up call with the Vet again today, I assume by the amount Kyra is still drinking he will have him come in for a test to send off to see how his glucose has been tracking over the last few weeks.

    I am hoping to talk to the vet about slowly changing out the dry food for some wet. I don't want to be giving much more insulin if it can be avoided. I know in the grand scheme of things 3.5 isn't a huge amount but it feels like a lot to have to push down on when I think back to how much quicker just a quick shot of 1.5 was.
     
  46. Oliver the Roman

    Oliver the Roman Member

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    Mar 22, 2020
    :woot::woot::woot: well done!!! Just be patient, I know it's been a slow process for me too. But little by little it will get easier and smoother, and it's very possible that your lad won't mind so much after a while, and even associate the testing with noms to follow, rather than the jab. I hope you can switch entirely to wet food soon, I won't be surprised if you will see a BIG improvement then! :cat:
     
  47. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

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    Jul 1, 2020
    Thanks Oliver, well done to you too - this is no easy task is it!!

    The vet called us in today to give Kyra an antibiotic injection to fight against any possible infections making his system resilient to the insulin, Kyra does not do tablets so this seemed like the best solution. While we were there the vet took a GT and it was 21.4 - this is the lowest reading we have had since we began. Kyra has lost a little more weight since his last check up last Monday. Back at the end of Feb, from his general health check up he was just over 6kg. At the time of his diagnoses he had dropped to just above 5kg and as of today he has just gone into the high 4kg bracket. The vet says he has lost 25% of his body weight...

    The vet had asked me to take in our insulin and a needle as he wanted to see how I was administering it and, because Kyra's levels were still high, he had us give him another 1 unit. He was happy with how I was doing this and we have agreed for the sake of consistency I will do all of Kyra's injections for the time being. That means Matt gets to be Mr Nice Guy!

    Tonight we managed to get a GT (WOO) it was 29.1 which I know it is still a really high reading but at least it wasn't 'HI'. I have now started Krya's spreadsheet and hope to get more numbers recorded as we go!

    The vet still doesn't seem to think that changing to wet food will make a massive difference, however once I am really on it with the GT I will start to switch his food over. I just don't want to do this while he is on such a high does and while I am not great at getting a GT reading everytime. I don't want him to come crashing down and I'm struggling to test him.
     
  48. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    LOL you show your vet the results once you remove that dry! Seriously it makes a BIG difference. Thats why you need to be testing to make sure Kyra doesnt drop too low!
     
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  49. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Thanks Jeanne, that's definitely the plan! Testing and better diet!! We're getting there :)

    We got another test done this morning (Woo!) but it was HI (Boo!) It was done 1hour before the insulin was due and I hadn't removed his food 2 hours prior to testing. I am trying not to upset him too much all ah once haha!

    I have found that tuna is a decent distraction at the minute while I am jabbing his ear. I hope that's not a bad treat for him?!

    Can I ask, maybe fellow UK people, is grain free the same as low/no carb? When I look where I normally purchase from (zooplus.co.uk) it gives the option on grain free but not low/no carb.
     
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  50. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Any grain IS carbs. Granted some carbs are necessary but because they are the cheaper option for makers. Some foods are packed with them as "filler".
    Its sifting through ALL the brands and ingredients thats the problem. Thats why the food list was created by Dr Lisa. It needs updating constantly and its a huge job keeping up with updating. Dr Lisa HAS a practice and cant devote the time it takes to keep it updated so we use it as a "guideline" .
    Since companies have to list their ingredients WE as consumers can make choices. These days the choices are many as these companies learn the public WANTS a better food.

    What I fed Trouble was all that was offered at the time. Fancy Feast (there were others but they were not readily and consistently available) so we went with FF. To this day thats what I feed my kitties..;):coffee:
    j
     
  51. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Thanks, Jeanne. I'll be sure to look at the list Dr Lisa has put together. I just wanted to double check the difference, or lack of, from grain and carb :)
     
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  52. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    :D Hahaa! You and me both!
     
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  53. riebejamen

    riebejamen New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2020
    A thought about BG readings. My kitty's readings are super high at the vet; he is so stressed. Home readings are much more tame.
     
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  54. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Morning,

    Yeah the vet has mentioned the fortnightly reading's they are doing are a bit pointless as he is so stressed out at the vets. This is why he has mentioned sending off for a fructose test on Monday, though he may push it back depending on how we get on.

    We managed a test last night 1 hour before injection, but without removing food prior, and got another HI reading. I came down this morning to remove the food bowls before doing the test but they were near enough empty so did a test to see if he was a little lower and craving food but still got a HI reading, this was 2 hours before his next injection is due. So I have removed the food bowls now and will see if he will tolerate another reading in an hour and a halves time.

    After last nights reading I went ahead and ordered some wet food online to start switching all 3 of them on to. I have to admit I've woken up a little defeated this morning. This is where I have to repeat to my self IT'S A JOURNEY!!!
     
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  55. riebejamen

    riebejamen New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2020
    OMG, I need to tattoo this on my forehead! No, wallpaper! I spent probably 45 minutes this morning, trying to get blood for a sample for BG. Poor, brave Oliver. I lost track of how many times I poked him. I was using a bigger lancet, and was afraid to hurt him. So I poked him a more than a dozen times, instead! AARRFFFHHHHHHH!!!! ^%$# (are swear words allowed?) As a result, never got a reading this morning. :arghh:
    I finally surrendered, stopped poking him and gave some TLC and food. And freakin' worried ALL DAY.

    I FEEL YOUR PAIN! :bighug: :cat: With all the poking and being held in my lap (I sit on the floor to ck BG), Oliver DIDN'T CARE, until I started getting cranky. Then, he was like a bored teenager....can I go now? Are you done? I wanna go play with my friends!!

    You and I are NOT failures. We're guppies. Little and trying to find our way. Or was that Nemo? Dory? I can't remember.
    Change is always a little bumpy, and has bumps and giggles. We're learning something new. Gotta breathe and be ok with the journey.
    xo
     
  56. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Hahaha thanks Marie!

    Yes we are guppies just trying to swim against what feels like a very strong current some days. But, like all the amazing people on here, we will become pros at this!!

    This is why I love this forum! You have a bit of a down day & you post about it, not necessarily expecting to hear back from anyone, just venting your spleen, and straight away someone is there to put a smile on your face and tell you it will get better or that they are in the same boat too! :)

    You are spot on with the teenager thing! I hadn't thought of it like that :smuggrin:

    I did wonder the other day how many earrings Kyra would be able to wear based on the amount of times I have stabbed him with the lancet :p
     
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  57. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Mid cycle test, got the perfect drop of blood on my 2nd attempt, BOOM! But a reading of 31.6!!!! ARGHHH

    Hopefully the wet food will arrive soon and I can start to change them all on to it and *fingers crossed* start to see a huge improvement in those scores!

    It is such a frustrating feeling to feel so proud of Kyra and myself for really cracking on with these tests but for them then to be so high. I feel like this is the missing line from Alanis Morrisset's 'Isn't it Ironic'
     
  58. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Hey you BOTH are doing pretty darn good (and no cussing swearing not allowed :p) I found that out the hard way. :p:D:eek:

    KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
    j
     
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  59. riebejamen

    riebejamen New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2020
    Is he becoming a pie-cat kitty? Get it, pie-cat= pirate. Pirates wear earrings....
     
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  60. riebejamen

    riebejamen New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2020
    um, double negative....meaning cussing is not allowed? what about symbols? the @ or the $ or &?
    and thanks for the vote of confidence. I'm trying. I'm trying.
     
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  61. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    No cussing, swearing, allowed.
    Symbols accepted.

    An English major I was not :p obviously:oops:

    Trying is everything:bighug:
     
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  62. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Trying is everything, you're right! The amount of times I nearly talked myself out of doing it because I didn't want to bother Kyra or I didn't feel like I'd get any blood so what was the point, but I did it every time regardless and my word has it paid off!! We are getting so much slicker with it now. I can't believe the improvement this week compared to last week!!

    Annoyingly I have now run out of test strips so I'm waiting for the husband to get out of bed so I can use his prime account to get some delivered ASAP!!

    @riebejamen I dunno about a pie-cat I think he is verging more in to Punk Rocker :D
     
  63. riebejamen

    riebejamen New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2020
    :D:):facepalm:
     
  64. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    OK waking hubby..Throw cat on head. :p run out then come back a minuet later saying wheres Oliver???
    Least that works for me. :D;):coffee:
     
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  65. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Evening all!

    Little update for anyone who cares to take a look...

    Glucose tests are going very well, the last few I have been able to get enough blood from the first pick to get the reading. Each time he is either HI or in the 30's so not a great outcome in terms of the numbers but happy that home testing is going very well. I could not imagine I would be saying this just over a week ago. Perseverance really does pay off!

    As of this morning I have started to add wet food to the mix. I added a pack of wet food to all 3 food bowls today with the normal amount of dry food and as of this evening I only topped up the dry food a little and added another pack of wet food across the 3 bowls. Will lower the dry tomorrow again and maybe put 2 packs of dry across the 3 bowls.

    Kyra had seemed to be having a happy couple of days but last night and today seems a little bit down and ragged looking. He was a little hissy with his injection tonight after we had had a few days of really smooth sailing. But, to be fair to the guy, he still has a lot going on!

    Will see how the readings look tomorrow with mor wet food on the menu....

    I hope you're all having a great day/evening and weekend :)
     
  66. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    We heard from the vet yesterday, a different one as the one we have been speaking to is ill atm.

    The fructose tests came back and it confirmed that Kyra's BG had continued to run high over the past few weeks. I don't think this is a surprise to any of us.

    The vet suggested that we up Kyra's dose from 3.5 to 4.5 - we have never been asked to up by a whole unit before! As we have recently moved kyra on wet food, with a little bit of dry, we have already started to see a difference in his readings. Still up there but not as bad as they were. I can only thank all of you for your suggestion of wet food. If it wasn't for you all we would still be on dry and seeing no changes in his numbers! I can't believe vets (or some of them at least) don't suggest a change in diet!

    Because of the difference the wet food is making I have only upped his does to 4 units and will try to speak to our normal vet this week. They mentioned taking Kyra in in 3-4 days for a GT but I will ask if they're happy to accept home readings as he really hates going to the vet and I don't see the point if it if it is for something I can do at home.

    I am now starting to show Matt mine and Kyra's little ear prick routine, I'm hoping we can get him trained up pretty soon!

    Again I can't believe the difference from 2 weeks ago when I really thought I would never master the ear test - now look at us!! (you watch the mid cycle one be a nightmare now :joyful:). It's all thanks to the support from this group!
     
  67. Tom & Monty

    Tom & Monty Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2020
    I've been using FirstVet (free through my insurance, Waggle) to get 10 minute video consults with internal medicine specialists to run dosing and meal recommendations I've learned on this forum through them.

    You can also pay for this service. The two vets I've spoken to have been excellent so far:

    1. Dr. Scarlet Aflalo - immediately recognised Monty's first pancreatitis flare up as pancreatitis after my regular vet was fairly useless.
    2. Dr. Zahra Rutherford - basically gave the same advice as this forum for managing Monty's lower and lower blood sugar tests
     
  68. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Very good plan. It may take a few days for the carbs from the dry food to leave the system. Good getting the others off dry too. It will lessen their chances of also developing diabetes.

    Once I started testing at home I didn't do curves at the vet anymore. Fructosamine tests are good for diagnosis, but serve no purpose of your testing at home since you know what the numbers are like.
     
  69. Tom & Monty

    Tom & Monty Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2020
    Oh also if you're able to if would be helpful to see some + 2/3/4 numbers for Kyra. Caninsulin peaks out around 2-3 hours after injection.

    Kyra is probably getting lower in those first few hours than the mid cycles you've collected so far.
     
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  70. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Oh OK! Thanks Tom, I didn't realise that. The vet has always had us in for 6 hours after his first injection so I was just trying to stick to that.

    Happy to see you've got contact with some good vets! Also just looked at your SS and it's inspiring to see you started at 4 units and are much much lower than that now!
     
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  71. Tom & Monty

    Tom & Monty Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2020
    Aww thanks :)

    I need to make it clearer on my SS but when we went from 4.0 to 2.5 we also switched to Lantus!
     
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  72. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    crazy isnt it, since diet has EVERYTHING to do with diabetes:rolleyes:
     
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  73. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Happy Friday all!!

    Just a quick question. I upped Kyra's dose to 4 units (rather then the 4.5 as advised by the vets) and he has been on that dose for the last 3 days and has been on only wet food for these past 2 days. Looking at the numbers of his blood glucose do you think it is worth going up the other .5 on his insulin or should I give it a few more days to help take affect?

    Thanks all! xx
     
  74. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Wow your kitty just doesn't want to come down! Since you just switched to wet I might wait another day or two and see if the numbers budge. If no, bump the dose up.

    Any history of ketones?
     
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  75. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    I know!! The little he has come down though has made such a big difference already, he's almost seeming like his old self again. Also urination has almost returned to normal and the water intake has dropped hugely (from approx 1.10L a day to 200/300ml a day).

    No issue with Ketones as far as I am aware from whenever the vet has tested. When we took him to the vets last Monday the vet managed to get a urine sample and did a strip test and some other test from the urine and he didn't mention anything about the ketones. I can always double check when I call him with an update next week.

    Since the wet food has been introduced and the 4 units the numbers have improved (though I know not where we want to be) so I don't want to jump the gun putting it up again when the vets usually give us 2 weeks on a dose before upping it further.

    Also Kyra gained 0.2kg this week, which I am thrilled about. We really seem to be on the right track, just not quite there yet!
     
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  76. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Yeahhhh marathons are like that.

    KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

    Please give Kyra the obligatory scritches from us!
     
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  77. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Evening all (Morning, maybe to most?!)

    So Kyra's numbers are coming down a little better now - tempted to go up the extra .5 unit, to 4.5, as of tomorrow morning. What do you eagle eyed spreadsheet experts think?:bookworm:
    :):)
     
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  78. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    I would as long as you can test. Yes
     
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  79. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Thanks :)
    I'll double check the number of test strips I have first - waiting for my new ones to arrive any day now!
     
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  80. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    I'm sorry to be a pain about this, and I'm sure it's normal, but so far putting Kyra up to 4.5 his BG is seeming to be higher.

    Is this normal? Am I just not giving it long enough to take effect? I'm a bit (probably wrongly) annoyed that we were starting to get some goodish numbers on 4 units but now they are creeping up again since the 1 & 1/2 days on 4.5

    I'm meant to ring the vets tomorrow with my readings and I don't want them jumping us up to 5 units if 4 would have been enough if we'd given it another week.

    Again I'm sorry to be a pain I just want by little man to be on the right course :)
     
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  81. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    First of all...You are NOT a pain! Get that out of your head.

    I'm NO expert but its only been two days on this dose. Patience may be your answer BUT as you know wait for more responses.
    You WILL get there! ;):coffee:
    j
     
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  82. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Thanks :)
    x
     
  83. KyraCat

    KyraCat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    Guys, I was being impatient - we got a blue!!!!
    :D

    Standby for my panic about his numbers being too low now!!
     
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  84. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    it CAN be done! ;):coffee::D
     
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