The Tucker and Jami show

Discussion in 'Prozinc / PZI' started by LoveforTucker, Jul 7, 2020.

  1. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    Hi FDMB Family. I thought I would go ahead a start a journal here for Tucker and his new journey with FD.

    Brief history. I have had two cats previously that had FD. One, Kitty, back in 1996 went untreated. I was 18 at the time and my parents really had no idea on how to treat his condition. We took him to see the vet after he started urinating outside of the litter box. Then he was dx with FD. He eventually had to be put down due to renal failure. I'm really not sure if the vet offered insulin at the time? He was 11

    2ND was Fraidy. He was a Maine Coon rescue that I actually found homeless. Skin and bones/dehydrated etc. I took him in, got him vetted. I took care of him for 6 years. Then I met my husband, got married and moved out of my parents house. Fraidy had to stay with them because the place that we moved to didn't allow animals. Fraidy was dx with FD in2010. My mom took care of him and actually gave him his insulin shots, however, I really don't feel as though she was regulating him as good as she should have. He stayed on prescription dry cat food. smh His condition kept getting worse until my mom called me to tell me that she had to put him down. He was also 11.

    I was given Tucker as my Birthday present in 2015 from my husband. He was a rescue from kcpetproject. Oh my gosh he was cute. Just a babieee!!!

    I really thought that I kept both my cats healthy, Katie is 13 and Tucker just turned 5 in May.

    Last week I noticed he really started to lose weight. He was acting crazy one day. Pus in eyes, ravenous thirst and hunger. I took him to be seen my our vet.. Yep! You guessed it! Dx with FD! BG 495.. DANG IT! Why again! After tears and more tears. He rx'd us Prozinc 2u.

    I went home and scoured the internet to find something to give me hope on getting him into remission. I had a friend that I met 10 years ago on a Low Carb Message Board, she mentioned that she reversed her cats diabetes by feeding her cat FF. Eventually her kitty died at 18 I believe. So, with remembering that story, I knew there was hope.

    Then, I found FDMB! Wow!! I couldn't believe how much I have learned in just a few short days! The lovies that welcomed me really put me at ease. I'm ready to fight this fight and to get my Tucker to his Honeymoon!!

    I should get my glycometer in the mail tomorrow and I'll do my first test on him.
     
  2. NoahFL

    NoahFL Member

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    Jun 12, 2020
    Welcome to the club! You’ve done the first important thing, researched FD and found this site. This site is amazing. I’ve learned different shooting techniques and dosing and food advice. My Max is on FF LC as well as the Purina DM can. We stopped the DM dry when I saw how high in carbs it was. Good luck!
     
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  3. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    Hello and Thank you! I was checking on your thread and noticed that Max has really improved! That is SO great to see!
     
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  4. NoahFL

    NoahFL Member

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    Jun 12, 2020
    We’re getting there. He’s finally starting to act himself, gaining weight and his coat is shiny again. Thank goodness for teleworking or it would be much harder and less aggressive.
     
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  5. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    That's awesome! This is my first day back to work since last Wednesday. I'm having such a hard time concentrating, thinking that I should be home with Tucker. My husband is home but, well.. ya know. ;)
     
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  6. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    I'm so excited! My Relion has been delivered! I'll test Tucker when I get home from work at 530.
    Does anyone have a recommendation for a feeding schedule? I work 4 -10hr days. I feed and shoot at 6am I get home around 530, feed then give him his shot at 6. I know that multiple meals are day are best, thank you Shelley & Jess, Its just not possible with our working schedule. Luckily I have 3 days off so I have more time to work with him. If I could take 3 months off to help my little guy out I would! :arghh:
     
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  7. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    Jan 23, 2020
    That's good news!!
    Yup, your new schedule will be to test, feed, shoot.
    I've never had to use one but I've seen it recommended over and over for folks that need to be away from home to try a timed feeder. I'm sure others will chime in about this or you can do a quick "timed feeder" search in this ISG or the Main Forum - I tried a search and got a lot of hits (looks like Petsafe 5 is a common one).

    Good Luck with your first test!!
     
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  8. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    Thank you Shelley!!! I'll look into that! OK.. First test was actually a fight! He resisted me so many times. I tried his ear.. saw blood, then a hiss fight.. paw.. fight, ear again, fight :arghh: I had to prick his ear again while he was eating. Sigh poor buddy!! 331 BG! Better then the initial 497 last Friday. Making progress!
     
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  9. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Jan 31, 2013
    Baby steps Jami. Each little step with Tucker is a new baby step.
     
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  10. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    Thank you! I tried to get him used to me rubbing his ears prior to getting my Relion. This morning, the only way I could get him tested was to do it when he started eating. I know its not the best way to get accurate readings, but at least it'll give me a window/ball park, right? Or is that just a waste of testing.. :(
    325 BG this am
     
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  11. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    You're doing good! Real good! All tests are good tests - the more data the better. If you tested right when he started eating this morning it'll be a 'real' number - it takes a bit more time than that (but not much more) for food to raise the BG. However, you're right, you want to get those preshot tests before feeding & any chance of food influence. It's extra important for when he throws you a low preshot number so you have a chance to stall for 20 to 30 minutes without feeding to see if his number is rising on it's own and it's safe to shoot.

    It's okay to feed or to have recently fed for mid cycle tests. We expect some food influence when getting mid cycle tests - like when doing curves or spot testing during the cycle to try and catch the nadir.

    This is a good read if you haven't stumbled across it yet: Ear Testing Psychology. (Found under Hometesting Links and Tips)

     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2020
    Reason for edit: added the word extra
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  12. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    The "Ear testing psychology" link was a great read! Thank you! The author really answered so many questions and unasked questions. I had such a difficult time getting blood this morning. I probably stuck him 6 times. I rubbed his ears first to warm them a bit. I didn't get a preshot number. I know its critical and now thinking back over the last 20 min I should have just waited a little longer. Fail on me!! *stomps foot
     
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  13. NoahFL

    NoahFL Member

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    Jun 12, 2020
    It helps me a lot to have someone hold Max standing up. I cam do it myself but it takes twice as long. You’ll get the hang of it. Baby steps.
     
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  14. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

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    Jan 31, 2013
    So you do it differently next time. No big deal. Live and learn. If we all knew EVERYTHING about managing feline diabetes, there wouldn't be the need for this message board in the first place.

    Yes, those pre-shot tests are important, because you don't want to shoot insulin if your cat has a really low BG level.
    Stalling, waiting without feeding for 20 minutes, can help your cat to calm down and maybe let you get that pre-shot BG test.

    Instead of rubbing the ear, have you tried the rice sock or the pill bottle with warm water in it?
     
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  15. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    +2 217 bg
    Thank you!
    Ugh.. I know. I'd hate to put his health in jeapordy. I havent tried those ear warming tricks yet but I will! Thanks!
     
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  16. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    Worked like a charm this morning! Thank you! AMPS 253

    I received my autofeeder yesterday! Cat Mate C500. This is going to take away so much stress from me..
    Tucker has his F/U appt today at noon. I'll make sure that he is NPO a few hours prior to appt time.
     
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2020
    Reason for edit: added more info
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  17. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    @Deb & Wink BG +5 69 This is the lowest reading he's had so far. Seeing double digits almost freaked me out a bit.
     
  18. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    Vets office called me, his appt has been moved up to 1140
     
  19. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    How long until you leave for the vet? Did you feed after AMPS? I'm thinking you should give him a tsp of LC food.
     
  20. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    I'll leave in about 20 min. He was fed after morning shot, then a few tbs 2 hours later. ok. I'll give some LC Thank you!
     
  21. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    This is tricky - normally I'd say give him some LC food to try and slow him down and test again in 20 minutes to make sure he's surfing or rising but since you're headed to the vet....

    Let us know what happens at the vet.

    And Dose Reduction tonight. We can talk about that later when you get back.
     
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  22. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    Thats what I thought too.. Tricky.
    Ok! Sounds good! Thank you so much for your help!
     
  23. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    Goodness that was fast! They test using an Alpha Trak. His BG was 152. I told them about the 69 and they really didn't seem to concerned. They thought that I was doing everything I should, testing before shots. They were actually quit impressed that I was testing, staying that most people dont test routinely. Initially my vet said not to change food. I told him that I did switch to FF he said good! Now hes on the "Catkins diet", lol. The other vet that was in the room with us told me that Tucker would have a better chance of getting into remission if he was on a diabetic cat food specifically for gluco support. Did they drink the food rep kool aid? LMBO

    No changes to dosage either. I go back on the 24th for another follow up. These follow ups are a no charge! YESS!!!

    I"m back to work tomorrow so I will only be able to test AMPS and PMPS. I wish I could take the rest of this month off!
     
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2020
    Reason for edit: added more info
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  24. Irish Pat

    Irish Pat Member

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    Great job girl....you are doing fantastic
     
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  25. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    Just in the middle of some work stuff, but quick question - are you going to follow the FDMB Prozinc SLGS Dosing protocol?

    "Anytime the BG drops below 90 mg/dL, reduce the dose by 0.25u at the next shot."

    If not, I'll have more to add, we want to keep Tucker safe.
     
  26. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Thank you!
     
  27. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Yes, I saw that.. I saw your response on this matter on another thread.. retested +7 446.:arghh:. He sure bounces! He just ate when we got home at 1145, now 115.pm
     
  28. Irish Pat

    Irish Pat Member

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    Mar 14, 2020

    Yes I see that he did bounce, probably a couple things going on there....The vet visit may have made him a little nervous and that will raise his sugar for sure....Does he like vet visits?
     
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  29. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    No.. He has stranger danger! Doesn't like the car or vet.
     
  30. Irish Pat

    Irish Pat Member

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    Yup that really could be why he shot up so high.....Poor guy, lol....

    By the way, my feeder came today...works like a charm
     
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  31. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    I know! He's such a baby! It was the worst 15 minutes of his day, LOL
    Oh YAY!! The feeder works really good huh! Plus easy to set up!
     
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  32. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    So, tonight I'll test, if at his regular evening bg levels, reduce dose by .25u?
     
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  33. NoahFL

    NoahFL Member

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    Jun 12, 2020
    which one did you get? I think I’m going to get one so they can get use to it before I go back to work.
     
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  34. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    Jan 23, 2020
    Yes, following SLGS protocol, if his number is above 200, reduce the dose by .25u tonight. New dose 1.75u.

    Just in case #1: Don't let a high preshot fool you into thinking he doesn't need the reduction, it's the lows that determine the dose changes.

    Just in case #2: If the number is less than 200, stall, don't feed & post and ask for help - don't know where that late cycle drop is going to take him yet.

    Can you get a test or two in during the pm cycle as many cats drop lower at night & you seen how low he went today. 69 was a safe number, but we don't know when he hits his nadir yet - he may have kept dropping today if it hadn't been for the car ride & vet stress. If you can get a +2 at night and/or a before bed test to see if the BG is much lower than the Preshot then you could set an alarm and test again to make sure Tucker is safe.
     
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  35. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    Cat mate c500. I bought mine off Amazon. Irish Pat bought hers off chewy! Comes with ice packs!
     
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  36. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    Your information is priceless! Thank you so much! We go to bed pretty early. I'll set my alarm to test him again! :bighug:
     
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  37. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    Tucker jumps up on the counter to be tested now. When ever its meal time he jumps up there to let me know now.. I only have a minute to mess with him until hes done with me. He growls still, but at least he doesn't fight. At least he knows, meal times mean, test time!
     
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  38. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    Pmps. 535.. really? This cat is throwing me wild cards today!
     
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  39. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    I kinda worded this weird :facepalm: If I may re-word it please.
    Yes, following SLGS protocol he earned a dose reduction. His new dose is 1.75u going forward starting tonight and hold this dose for a week "Unless your kitty falls below 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L). If kitty falls below 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L) decrease the dose by 0.25 unit immediately.
    Ah, rats. I was hoping he wasn't going to bounce too high.

    I copied this from a post awhile ago. Written by MrWorfMen's Mom. It might hit home with you, it did for me.
    The highs (bounces) are not because the insulin is not working but rather the opposite. As kitty gets reacquainted with more normal BG he won't bounce as high and those higher readings will lessen.
     
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  40. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    I understood what you were saying though.. it wasn't weird.;) thank you! I'll keep his dose at 1.75u he sure had a weird day, but, a lot of things happened to him today. Why do kitties have to be so complicated! :banghead:
     
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  41. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    I didn't expect tucker to bounce so high either. When I saw the numbers I was like.. really? ! I was possibly thinking maybe 4 hundies. Oh well. Regulation isn't complete text book.
     
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  42. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    :):coffee:amps 341 1.75u shot fed. I'll do a +2 PM shot tonight. I fell asleep and didnt set my alarm last night, :banghead: Yes, I'm like a toddler and I go to bed at 8 LOL But I also get up at 5 everyday.
     
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  43. Irish Pat

    Irish Pat Member

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    Mar 14, 2020

    Ugghh...Again I get called her...LOL.....ladies there are guys on this site, hahahahahaha
     
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  44. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    OH my goodness!! I'm sorry! My fault for not checking profiles!! :banghead:
     
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  45. Irish Pat

    Irish Pat Member

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    Thats ok Mr Tuck, lol
     
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  46. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Thank you Mr Pat! :D
     
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  47. Lalkabee

    Lalkabee Member

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    hey :) Commented on your other post but i am also here :)
     
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  48. Lalkabee

    Lalkabee Member

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    May 1, 2020
    remember when you change a dose...you have to keep it for 3 days :) Tucker is so beautiful. You had many cats...even a Maine Coon. Its nice to have you and you will get all the help you need here :)
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2020
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  49. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    Hey Lalkabee - Jami is following SLGS protocol where you hold the dose for a week and then do a curve to determine if the dose needs changing - unless, of course, if at anytime during the week Tucker falls below 90 then Jami would reduce the dose immediately.

    I wonder if you're thinking of the Prozinc Modified method that has you holding the starting dose for 3-5 days (6-10 cycles) and subsequent doses held for 3-6 cycles.

    Prozinc Dosing Methods
     
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  50. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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  51. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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  52. Irish Pat

    Irish Pat Member

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    Mar 14, 2020

    Here is the rules for SLGS method when you have a low preshot number, you may already be aware of this....with the limited data you have on your kitty it is tough to say what to do, for one im still sorta new and dont feel confident in giving dosing advice


    How to handle a lower than normal preshot number when following SLGS:

    Until you collect enough data to know how your cat will react, we suggest following the guidelines in the FDMB's FAQ Q4.4:
    Q4.4. My cat's pre-shot level was way below the usual value. Should I give the injection?
    A4.4. There's no hard and fast rule, but if you don't have data on how your cat responds to insulin, here are some general guidelines.

    • Below 150 mg/dl (8.3 mmol/L), don't give insulin.
    • Between 150 and 200 (8.3-11.1 mmol/L), you have three options:
      • a.) give nothing
      • b.) give a token dose (10-25% of the usual dose)
      • c.) feed as usual, test in a couple of hours, and make a decision based on that value
    • Above 200 (11.1 mmol/L) but below the cat's normal pre-shot value, a reduced dose might be wise.
    • In all cases, if you are reducing or eliminating insulin, it's wise to check for ketones in the urine.
    • Above the normal pre-shot value, give the usual dose, but if the pre-shot value is consistently elevated, it's a good idea to schedule a full glucose curve to see whether a change in dose or insulin is appropriate. In most cases, the target "peak" value should not be below 100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/L), and for some cats it might be higher.
    Keep in mind these are general guidelines, and they should be personalized to your own cat's response to insulin once you have data and understand your cat’s cycles. If your experience is that your cat does not became hypoglycemic with a dose which is close to her usual, then personal experience should be your guide.

    With experience, you may find that lowering these thresholds may work well for your cat. When you have reached that stage, the following guidelines are suggested for Prozinc users following the Start Low Go Slow approach:

    If the preshot number is far below usual preshot numbers:

    • Do you need to stay on schedule? Then skip the shot.
    • Do you have some flexibility with your schedule? Then stalling to wait for the number to rise might be a good option. Don't feed, retest after 30-60 minutes, and decide if the number is shootable.
    • Repeat until the cat either reaches a number at which you are comfortable shooting, or enough time has passed that skipping the shot is necessary.
    If the preshot number is near kitty's usual preshot numbers:

    Look at your data to see what numbers you have shot in the past and decide what would be a safe, shootable number for your cat. Don't feed. Stall until kitty reaches the preshot number you've decided on and then shoot.

    We usually don't suggest or recommend shooting a preshot number less than 90 mg/dL when following the SLGS Method. Remember that with SLGS, generally speaking, your goal is to achieve flat numbers that are greater than 90 mg/dL. However, let experience, data collected, knowledge of your cat, and availability to monitor help in making the best decisions for your cat.
     
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  53. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    do you have time to stall without feeding?
     
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  54. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Not much time. how long should I stall? 20 min?
     
  55. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    YAY!! Nice to have you here as well! I dont have much time right now , but, I'll get back to you once I'm at work :bighug:
     
  56. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    Jan 23, 2020
    Yes, try 20 minutes if you can & get a test. At the very least it will be good data for next time.

    At this point in your journey I wouldn't shoot below 200 if you can't be home to monitor.
     
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  57. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    Thank you! 129. No shoot.
     
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  58. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Dang.. I wish that I could be home today to test him again! Grrr! At least I am testing and his numbers are falling in a better range.
     
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  59. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    Jan 23, 2020
    Just double checking, no history of ketones right? (I don't/didn't see it mentioned in your signature, information tab or in previous threads)
     
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  60. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    @Deb & Wink what do you think about the dose and the low preshot today please?

    Concerned about getting two shootable numbers this early in the game when Jami can't be home to monitor.
     
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  61. NoahFL

    NoahFL Member

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    Jun 12, 2020
    If you’re not going to be home, I would be hesitant to shoot at 129, but that’s just me. @Deb & Wink usually isn’t on until the evening. I believe @JanetNJ is still online.
     
  62. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    you are new without much data ... SKIP THE DOSE this morning. If it were my cat I would reset the dose to 1 unit starting tonight. 1 is the recommended starting dose... I think your vet started you at much to high a dose. If after a few days we see 1 isn't enough, then we will recommend 1.25, then 1.5... It might be a little higher tonight with the skip, but it's MUCH SAFER then shooting a low number like that. Better too high then too low.
     
  63. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    funny you tagged me as I was already replying at the same time. hahahahaha :D
     
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  64. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    This is what I was thinking too.
     
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  65. NoahFL

    NoahFL Member

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    You’ve been so helpful with Max. Thank you :)
     
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  66. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    just paying if forward for all the advice i've gotten myself over the years. I needed support in the beginning like everyone else, and then again last year when my cat was diagnosed acro. That's what everyone is here for... supporting each other and love of the kitties. :D
     
  67. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

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    I've 'caught' her peeking in in the mornings sometimes too ;)
     
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  68. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    I haven't tested his urine, but I can buy those strips to test.
    I did skip! Thank goodness I have ppl like you online early when I had questions! I have the SLGS information printed out on my "Tucker Cabinet" (food, syringes and glucometer in there) I re-read all that, but I still wanted someone to verify as well. The vet said he doses on body weight. I can change it to whatever you all think is best. Seems like ya'll have saved so many kitties!
    I can do that. I'll retest tonight. I'm assuming he'll be testing in the 200's again..
     
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  69. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Oh my goodness, how funny! Thank you for chiming in!!
     
  70. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    I have this printed out and taped in my cabinet! :) Thank you for posting it!
     
  71. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    Dogs are dosed by weight, cats are not. He probably has more experience with diabetic dogs. and yes... MANY people's cats have been saved and have gone into remission through this site. :) Did you know your cat could possibly go into remission not needing shots? My cat went into remission after four months thanks to the wonderful help of people on here. Unfortunately after a year she came out of remission because of a tumor on her pituitary gland. Not much you can do about that. Radiation would cost 8-10 K. but she's doing good with me just managing her insulin with higher doses.
     
  72. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    Thank you!! He is pretty cute. Yeah, I've had kitties since I was probably 8. One of them was a kitten when I first got here, she had a litter if kitties. The one I kept from the litter was my first one to pass with FD. My Maine Coon.. that was a cool cat! He acted just like a dog I swear, we would go for walks, play fetch.. just a neat personality! I'm so grateful to have found this place! I don't know what i would have done. Def my anxiety has gone down and i feel so much more optimistic about the situation!
     
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  73. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020
    He did mention that he sees a lot of diabetic dogs. I had a friend a long time about that put her cat into remission! So, when Tucker was dx I knew there was hope, somewhere, LOL. I just did'n't expect to have so many people jumping in willing to help! So awesome! That is an insane cost for radiation! Holy cow! Glad she is doing ok! ((HUGS))
     
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  74. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    SO GLAD TO HEAR THAT! it is SO overwhelming and nerve wracking at first. It feels so reasuring to have people in the same boat helping. haha I CLEARLY remember when CC was diagnosed. I literally cried for 12 hours straight. I wondered if I was going to be torturing her. If i'd EVER get to go on vacation. If she would grow to hate me. ...... It's all fine. and after a few weeks it was all mostly routine. Ok, the vacation thing is still a pain in the ass... but we just board her if we are away a few days and just consider it part of the vacation budget. hahaha
     
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  75. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    UGH! IKR! I had a complete melt down at the vets office! LOL Cried all the way home, felt like I should call into work over the next 2 weeks. My fear too was that he was going to start to fear me. The first time I tested him it was pretty unsuccessful, Lucky I'm getting faster and he's getting more patient! Thank goodness (hes so affectionate) I still see him at my bd door in the morning, wanting to be held and hugged. He's probably just hungry but I'll take it. HAHA! Vacation?? What's that!? hehehee.. jk.
     
  76. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    hahaha when I say vacation it's like 3-4 nights tops. We go each year for a reunion with my son's half siblings (donor concieved so there's lots of kids that get together. Last year there were 19 of them!). We were SUPPOSED to be in Virgina in a mansion with a guitar shaped swimming pool right now but we all decided to cancel the trip because several coming down from Canada couldn't get flights, and several others were living with people with compromised immune systems. We decided it was best to just cancel this year. So here we are on a home-cation cooling off in a blow up kiddie pool. hahahahahaha
     
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  77. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    I haven't been on a vacation in a LONG time!! Just a night at a hotel with a swimming pool would be nice! ;) WOW Thats a lot of kids!! How fun though! This year def in a year to just stay home. Le sigh. this too shall pass!
     
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  78. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    Pmps 331.. 1u?
     
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  79. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    I would do one for a few days. Try to get the preshots and at least 1 mid cycle and/or before bed test. Then we can see after a few days if it needs a little bump up. It probably will need to go up a bit more but this way you'll see what you need and raise slowly.
     
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  80. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    That is the expected bounce from skipping the shot this morning. But you don't really have much data to know how Tucker will react to insulin when his BG levels are that low. Better to skip, like you did this morning 7/15/20, per the SLGS dosing protocol.

    The dosing protocols are your guidelines, if no one is here to get back to you in time.

    No one likes to test too much, but those nadirs at mid-cycle are your guide to know how low a particular dose of insulin is taking Tucker. If you only test in one cycle, you don't know how low the dose takes your cat in the other cycle. So tests in both AM and PM cycles are important, more than just the pre-shot test.

    Hopefully, you will be able to get what we call a "before bed test" that will be a couple of hours after your PM pre-shot test. Try for that one every night. If possible.

    Really guessing here, and trying to "read between the lines" on your SS, where you don't have data. But I'm thinking that Tucker is going lower at night, and you aren't catching that low. Most likely, somewhere between 1U and 1.5U will be a good dose for Tucker. For now. That changes with time and as you gather more test data on how Tucker reacts, when his onset, nadir and duration are, you'll adjust that dose.

    p.s.
    Yes, if the weather is miserable, and I can't be out in the garden playing to my heart's content!
    Today was errand day. Grocery shop for the bulky items. Rush home to unload the car. Rush off to dentist for my first cleaning in 1 year. :nailbiting: Another grocery shop. Then chores. The fun never ends.;)
     
  81. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    AMPS 206. 1u shot
     
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  82. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    I'll do an 18 hour cycle this weekend. Ugh. He's going to hate me LOL. BUT I know its for his own good. I'm not being a very good mama to him. I should have that spread sheet filled! :( I'll test again tonight at +2, which is actually my 'bed time' LOL!!
    Off subject but, I have a medical issue myself. The meds I take for it have to be taken at bed time. Unfortunately it gives me insomnia, so I have to take a benedryl or advil pm to help me sleep. I might have to skip my sleepy meds so I can test during the night. I'll have to do it on the weekend as my job gets pretty demanding during the day.
    YAY you got your teeth cleaned! HIGH FIVE! I finally get to go back in aug.. Its been a tough year with all the shut downs! I have a garden too! Plantar garden. Just a few tomato plants and peppers. Its fun huh. I just need to figure out how to stop BER on my Roma toms!! You had a busy day!! :bighug:
     
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  83. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Wow great preshot
     
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  84. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    Thank you!! I was excited too!! :)
     
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  85. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    Great idea. I have these taped to my cabinet for easy reference.
     
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  86. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    Pmps. 332. 1u shot. I noticed that I only have two testing strips left. Hopefully Amazon will give me a one day shipping!
    Oh yeah, .. Katie pooped on the carpet today! Since switching to wet food it's pretty disgusting! Shes always been my finicky kitty. Throws up. Used to pee outside her box.. now this. Luckily my husband thought it was puke!
     
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  87. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    It oh ya don’t wanna run out. I did that once and learned my lesson. I have about 20 backup vials right now. Lololol
     
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  88. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    AMPS 386 1u shot.
    I just ordered some off them of amazon. (2 50ct bottles) I didn't realize how LOW I was getting!
     
  89. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    The time I ran out I thought I had a backup vial. I forgot I was USING the backup. Now I scan eBay and get a vial whenever I see a good deal.
     
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  90. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    I should have checked ebay! I felt desperate, LOL I think I paid $56 for 200 strips! I should get these tomorrow. I have one strip left, Luckily Tuckers BG has been running a bit high. :nailbiting:
     
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  91. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    Tucker, please don't take a dive to low numbers while your mama Jami is waiting for more test strips to arrive. Please stay safe.

    When you are running low on test strips, those pre-shot tests are the ones to get. Yes, your cat may dip lower at mid-cycle and you aren't catching it. But it's more important in my opinion to know that the pre-shot BG level is high enough to give insulin in the first place.

    New thread? Please? Pretty please? This one is up to 91 replies now. Link this old thread into the top of the new thread if you would. Thank you.
     
  92. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    AMPS 315 1u shot. Hmm.. seems like he did better on the higher dosage.. I'll do a curve tomorrow (my test strips should be delivered today) I didn't test last night, primarily because I had one strip left. Normally hes lower in the morning so I saved it for today.
     
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  93. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2020
    Yes!! :)I'll start a new one!
     
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  94. LoveforTucker

    LoveforTucker Member

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    Jul 5, 2020

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