Hello I’m a Newbie!

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by xefthimiax, Feb 9, 2019.

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  1. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    Hi everyone. I’m so glad I found you all. Today is day one with Ganon on insulin (Prozinc). A little over a week ago, I noticed him drinking and urinating almost twice as much as usual, some testing later, and here we are. All of his other numbers are great. Although he’s a big boy. 19 lbs.
    I am not even sure his fist dose went into his skin this morning. Ridiculous. Haha. I’m a mess.
    Anyway he used to nibbling dry food all day. His whole 12 year life. He loves wet food thankfully, so he’s taking to it without issue. I was overwhelmed at the vet and purchased a bag of Royal Canin dry food like a dope, but realized that it’s probably best for him to go on a wet food diet instead. So I have given him Nutrish and some Sheba pate.
    I guess I’m just saying hi. And help. I also purchased a glucometer (Alphatrak2). I was in the middle of practicing taking his blood by his ear. I couldn’t go through it. Ugh.
    Anyway, hi.
    Effie
     
  2. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2018
    Hi Effie and Ganon. I'm also glad you have found the board so that you can learn more about feline diabetes and treatment. Right now, know that you are doing the best you can. Going forward you will find the information and support that you need here. I know you feel overwhelmed and like a mess right now, but that's going to change as you learn more and find answers to your questions.
    To start with, create your signature so that Ganon's information is displayed when you post. Here's a link that explains how to make the signature and fill in profile information: SIGNATURE Be sure to let us know where in the world you are, as supplies and food can be different in other countries, or if in the U.S., even in different states.
    I'm so glad you have already begun home testing, it's the best tool you have to keep Ganon safe and to track how the diet change and insulin are affecting him. We use a spreadsheet here to record that testing data and the insulin shots, this is linked to the signature and is extremely helpful to members to make recommendations, if needed. Here are the INSTRUCTIONS, and how to understand the GRID. If you have any problems with setting up the spreadsheet, holler, we have members who can help, or set it up for you.
    The home testing is a learned process and not many of us were adept at first, so don't despair! My DH and I double teamed and it was like a Laurel and Hardy movie at first. Practice and patience. We can help you become more proficient.
    Check out the FAQs forum HERE to start learning more now, and post in the Main Health forum so that more members can meet you and Ganon, and can help answer questions or concerns.
    Best wishes going forward :cat:
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2019
  3. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    Welcome! You can probably return the food... Just say your cat didnt like it.

    Testing isn't as bad as you think. Aim for the very outer edge. I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home.
     
  4. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    Hey there. So day one. Just wet food. Took his levels after 30 minutes of eating then 1 unit of Prozinc. He’s at 103. Seems low especially because it’s his first day? I’m paranoid that he’s going to go too low since Prozinc acts for several hours. Can someone please give me peace of mind?
     
  5. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    Oct 2, 2015
    Hi Effie, I hope you are still around.

    I am a little concerned too but need more info. What time zone are you in and when did you give the shot?

    And is this the order that you used:
    - feed
    - 30mins later, tested and got a 103
    - right after you tested, you injected 1 unit prozinc

    Please confirm and we'll go from there with immediate needs and then we need to back up to some basics. But first things first.
     
  6. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Hi there!
    I am in Illinois(Central Time) I fed him at 7pm. Gave him 1 unit shortly after he ate. At 7:30 he tested 103.
    Is normal range is 80-120?
     
  7. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    Ok, can you please test again right now? He was lower than he should have been then, and he is probably lower now.
     
  8. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    Ok so I was wrong about when I took his test. It was 9:30. Not 7:30. Anyway he isn’t agreeing to another test right now. The first one took a lot for both of us. He seems totally normal though and playing with catnip toys.
     
  9. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Effie, I am tagging @Chris & China (GA), experienced member to help out with this question. Try, if you can, to get a test as soon as you can so that you can see if he's going too low. Do you have some Karo syrup, honey or some high carb gravy type food on hand in case you need to bring him up?
     
  10. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    I'm not sure what to suggest without getting another test. To put things in perspective, there are a couple of things that you did that make me concerned for what could be happening right now.

    First, we don't suggest giving insulin at all (when you are just starting out), if the value right before the shot, and without eating, is less than 200. You didn't test before eating (eating usually makes the number go up), and you didn't test right before the shot. You know that 2-2.5 hours after the shot he was 103. So backtracking, I could *guess* that Ganon was probably less than 200 at shot time and without food, but we can't know.

    Second, Prozinc usually does not reach its maximum effectiveness (meaning lowest blood sugar) until somewhere between 4-7 hours after the shot. When exactly that occurs is different for each cat and can also vary from day to day. So we don't know when Ganon should hit his lowest point since he is so new. You are now about 2 hours after the 103, and more like 4 hours after the shot, so his blood sugar could be much lower than that 103 already, and for a couple of hours beyond now.

    Do you have any "gravy lovers" wet food, karo syrup or maple syrup on hand? Do you have plenty of test strips? If you test anywhere less than 65 or if Ganon is acting "off" then you may need to intervene. I highly encourage you to try another test, and also have this link handy: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-treat-hypos-they-can-kill-print-this-out.15887/ Since you are using an Alphatrak meter, anywhere you see "50" for you it is really 65 because the Alphatrak reads higher than the human meters.

    *** Only later, but probably before the morning shot, should you concentrate on these: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...prozinc-pzi-insulin-for-diabetic-cats.164995/ and http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/protocol-for-prozinc-pzi.165103/ They will talk about how you should test/feed/shoot, in that order, and the levels at which you should or should not give insulin.
     
  11. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    Thanks, Lou, was in the middle of typing. I can stick around for a little bit but am running out of steam.
     
  12. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Thank you Sandi, I didn't see you on and was a little worried. :bighug:
     
  13. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    I just tested him and he was at 71. He’s getting some dry kibble mixed with Nutrish. So. No insulin tomorrow. The doc never told me to test. I tested because that’s what human do. Right? Ugh. I’m so sad.
     
  14. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    Good job! Can you please mix like a 1/2 tsp of honey or something in with the Nutrish or another wet food? It will hit the bloodstream faster. Like I said, he could still drop for a little while.
     
  15. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    And **NO**, don't be sad. Be thankful! You are doing great!
     
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  16. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    The doc loaded me with all these meds and high carb food. Ganon basically free feeds. Now I’m changing his entire diet, when he eats and pumping him full of insulin. What the heck?!
     
  17. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Don't be sad or upset with yourself Effie. You are doing the exact right thing by testing, it's critical for his well being. Read the links that Sandi gave you, the information you need is here. The low carb food is going to lower his BG, and you now have the tools to safeguard Ganon.
     
  18. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    I gave him 1/2 tsp light karo syrup. When should in test again?
     
  19. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    For tonight, as I mentioned, we aren't out of the woods as you are awfully close to the 65 number that we don't like to see when using an alphatrak. I'll stay with you until my head hits the keyboard or someone else from a different timezone comes to relieve me. Ideally from http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-treat-hypos-they-can-kill-print-this-out.15887/ what we would like to see is two rising numbers WITHOUT having any food in between. So a recap in Central time:

    7-7:30pm: feed an shoot 1U Prozinc, no BG taken
    9:30pm: 103 [Edit to add...We call this +2, which just means 2 hours after the shot]
    midnight: 71 (fed dry kibble mixed with Nutrish & karo) [Edit to add: At +4.5]

    Can you test again at 12:40am CT [ETA: At about +5] about a half hour from now? But if he happens to vomit or show symptoms, test again right away.
     
  20. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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  21. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Effie and Sandi, I am here, I am in Pacific Time Zone, and I will stay, but I'm not as experienced as you are Sandi.
     
  22. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    @Barbara & Uncle (GA) I just saw you come online, might you be able to tag in?

    Effie is on Day 1, and we have 71 on an Alphatrak at about +4.5, PS unknown.
     
  23. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    I’m trying to keep it together. But I am absolutely freaking out. I am not a calm person at all. I have been watching him like a hawk all day. I didn’t even think to test this morning or before eating. The doc never told me to test. He’s been my cat for 12 years. I feel like I have no idea what to do now.
     
  24. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    Also thank you all for being here for me. I feel overwhelmed.
     
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  25. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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  26. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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  27. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    You are welcome, Effie, and many thanks Lou and Barbara, I've just had a really long day today.

    So this is where we are:

    PS: fed and shot 1U Prozinc, no BG taken (about 7:30pm CT)
    +2: 103 (9:30pm CT)
    +4.5: Alphatrak 71 (fed dry kibble mixed with Nutrish & karo) (midnight CT)
    +5.25ish: <awaiting result>

    I'll leave it to Barbara to kind of guide you on what should happen for the morning shot, and then tomorrow we can get you on track in general but I don't want to distract too much right now. Take a breath, we'll get you there. I promise. :bighug:

    Good night all.
     
  28. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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  29. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    I read/reading it all. We just tested. And we’re more at +4.5 but he’s up to 129 now. Are we out of the woods?
     
  30. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    It's usually somewhere in the 4-7ish range, not that dissimilar to Lantus for most
     
  31. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    okay, thanks
     
  32. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    Thank you, signing out. Effie, Barbara and Lou will help you now, you probably are not out of the woods just yet. Good luck and hang in there!
     
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  33. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Goodnight Sandi :bighug:
     
  34. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    How often should I test then if he’s at 129?
     
  35. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Sandi said: Second, Prozinc usually does not reach its maximum effectiveness (meaning lowest blood sugar) until somewhere between 4-7 hours after the shot. When exactly that occurs is different for each cat and can also vary from day to day. So we don't know when Ganon should hit his lowest point since he is so new.
     
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  36. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Ok I understand. I’ll test again in an hour, then.
     
  37. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Hi there, I'm glad to see that Ganon's numbers have come up. We need to make sure his numbers stay up on their own without the influence of any high carb food or honey before you can get some sleep. We're here to help you though, so take a deep breath.
     
  38. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    Eeek @Barbara & Uncle (GA) I didn't answer your question correctly but I hope you got that from Lou on the cut-and-paste. I believe that 4-7 hours is the normal NADIR, total DURATION is usually is closer to 11-12hours. SLEEPY! :facepalm:

    Really, I'm leaving now...really ;)
     
  39. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Sorry, I'm trying to get all caught up here. How long ago did you give Ganon karo?
     
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  40. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    Almost an hour ago.
     
  41. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    PS: fed and shot 1U Prozinc, no BG taken (about 7:30pm CT)
    +2: 103 (9:30pm CT)
    +4.5: Alphatrak 71 (fed dry kibble mixed with Nutrish & karo) (midnight CT)
    +5.25ish: <awaiting result>
    I think the 129 was at the +5.25 almost 30 minutes ago
     
  42. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Thanks, and glad you're staying up with me and Ganon's mom. I was up until 2:30 last night on the board helping someone whose cat dropped low (he's fine) and I'm pretty tired.
    I could use an extra set of eyes
     
  43. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Okay, great. How are you and Ganon doing? I'm sorry it's been a rough first day for you two
     
  44. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    I'll be right here, I cranked the heat back up...it's 14 degrees here, colder than a witch's behind outside and still dropping. We got the arctic blast and I really am very tired of this! :eek:
     
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  45. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    I am exhausted. He’s of course sleeping on my lap as usual without a care. My husband and I are watching old episodes of the dating game. We party hard on a Saturday night! I will probably retest him in about 15 minutes.
     
  46. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    You and DH do know how to party! LOL I remember that show, the hair, the clothes, what a riot.
     
  47. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    We've got 6" of snow here in Seattle and parts of Washington, the Governor has declared a state of emergency o_O
    I love it -of course only because it's novel and very beautiful. Also very quiet. Not many people are out and about on the roads.
    14 degrees is not something I would like to get used to. We're pretty spoiled up here in the Maritime Pacific North West
     
  48. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Are you in Eastern WA?
     
  49. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Yes, I read about that, my daughter, sister & family are over on that side of the mountains..and all the panic at the stores selling out of food and snow supplies. I start stocking up in October, so I am prepared. Yep, in Spokane and freezing my fanny off! LOL
     
  50. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    He’s at 97 now
     
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  51. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    What do you think Barbara? A little more food if he will eat it? He was at 129 about an hour ago..now dipping a bit.
     
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  52. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    PS: fed and shot 1U Prozinc, no BG taken (about 8 pm CT)
    +1.5: 103 (9:30pm CT)
    +3.5: Alphatrak 71 (fed dry kibble mixed with Nutrish & karo) (midnight CT)
    +4.5: 129
    +5.5: 97 (fed 2 whiskas dry treats)
     
  53. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Happy to see Ganon is still above 70. We are about six hours after his shot time (I think) and that is also good.
    Now, we need to see some rising numbers without the influence of any dry food or karo etc. before we can safely go to bed
    Please give Ganon a couple of teaspoons or so of the low carb wet food only and test in another hour. You can set an alarm if the Dating Game is putting you to sleep
    We'll stay up for the next test
     
  54. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for making it easier to keep track :)
     
  55. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    You are doing a great job keeping your sweet boy safe tonight!
     
  56. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    Ok gave him a spoonful of Nutrish. Thank you for staying up with me. It means a lot.
     
  57. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    :(His little ears are going to turn to Swiss cheese soon.
     
  58. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I'm happy to do so. I had so much help from others, totally kept Uncle safe and me sane. There's a big learning curve in the beginning and you will find help when you need it.
    Don't be shy about asking questions as they come up
     
  59. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Effie, tomorrow get your hypo toolbox together with a couple of cans of high carb gravy type food/and medium carb food. Then, if this ever happens again, and I hope not, you can squeeze that gravy out and give him a tsp at a time, if needed. It's best to give small amounts at a time and not fill them up so you are actually steering him up carefully. I know you are going to be tired tomorrow, but if you can, get the spreadsheet up so you can enter the testing and shot data. With the time zone differences, it's easier to check the spreadsheet for the data.
    This too shall pass, and Ganon is probably wondering what all the fuss is about. You are doing great!
     
  60. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Feb 9, 2019
    So I won’t be giving him anymore insulin until I talk to the doc...or maybe just see a different one. I drastically changed his diet. I think I’m going to do this for a few weeks first and see if his numbers improve. I caught this very early on so I hope that this by itself will help.
     
  61. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Thank you Lou!
     
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  62. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    I had tremendous help also, we were so confused and bumfuzzled with conflicting vet instructions and advice. Idjit went OTJ in a month and not because we knew what we were doing. It took this board, the advice and information here to help us learn what to do and not do.
     
  63. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I know it seems like it. I think some people put Neosporin on their kitties ears after testing to help
    I'm so glad you are able to get so many tests in tonight to keep him safe
     
  64. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Fancy Feast "gravy lovers" are what a lot of people use for high carb gravy food
    I think the beef gravy lover is the highest carb at 20% but I would double-check that

    Here's a link below of a sortible food chart
    You can see the carb % of the different brands are and also the carb % of different varieties within the same brand

    http://catinfo.org/chart/index.php
     
  65. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Ok an hour after giving him that Nutrish, he’s up one point to 98. What do you think?
     
  66. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Ok great! Thank you so much.
     
  67. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    He’s a pretty chill cat and trusts me implicitly. He’s a great companion.
     
  68. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I have definitely seen a couple of cases where the cat ended up not needing any insulin because the caregiver changed their cats diet to an all low carb wet diet.
    This may be the case with Ganon. If you talk to your vet about this possibility they may or may not support you so just arm yourself with as m hopefully they will be supportive
     
  69. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    He is a cute little dickens! Yes, the Neosporin or Equate (Walmart brand) pain relieving ointment works well. Be sure to use a cotton ball or cosmetic pad to gently compress the "poke" area to reduce bruising.
     
  70. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Thanks for staying up with me! Do you think it’s ok now?
     
  71. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    Idjit was one, he had insulin for 11 days, and we were doing it all wrong, following vet's instructions. I think if Effie has eliminated the high carb food and snacks, and just provides low carb wet food, she may find similar results. But..Effie, be sure to test and record, he may just need less insulin for a bit longer, to enable the pancreas to completely heal.
     
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  72. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    He's doing great and I hate to say but I am not comfortable sending you off to bed without another test that shows a rise in his BG level
    To be clear, we want him to show upward momentum so we know that when you go to sleep he won't drop back into unsafe numbers.
    My recommendation is to withhold food and check again in an hour. Hopefully by then the insulin will be waning.
     
  73. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Lou, you mean Test and Record, but no more insulin for now, right?
     
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  74. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    I am not able to advise you about giving or not giving the insulin, not enough knowledge. You had said that you were not going to give him any, at least until you talked to the vet. I just want you to keep testing to be sure of what his blood sugar is going forward. It may be that he can be diet controlled, I hope so. But testing is going to tell you what's going on and if he does need insulin.
    Oh cripes..I responded to Effie, when Barbara posted..it's late and my brain turned into a pumpkin!
     
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  75. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Ok that makes sense.
     
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  76. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

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    Yes I understand you are not advising me. I will not give him anymore and I will keep checking him to make sure he’s not in the “danger zone”.
     
  77. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    I figured that out and I totally agree with your suggestion
    I think we're probably all feeling that way except for Ganon :cat:
     
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  78. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    I FORGOT, your Idjit was one of the lucky ones :D
     
  79. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2018
    Barbara, he really was one of the lucky ones. We were still just chasing our tails and he slid right into remission. I didn't even know it was happening. I just hope it holds forever. He's a good boy and puts up with us.
     
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  80. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    Hmmm, just found some interesting info.
    I checked out Dr Pierson's Food Chart and I found out according to her Nutrish is actually medium carb and not low carb
    Here's a screenshot I took
    Screen Shot 2019-02-10 at 1.14.07 AM.png
     
  81. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    In a way, that may actually be good news. If you remove that food from Ganon's diet theoretically it may be able to help him get into better numbers as well.
    Everything under 10% carbs would be ideal
     
  82. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2018
    I think we are alone here, I don't see her online?
     
  83. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    It's about time for that (last?) test.
     
  84. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2019
    165! Whew!! Sorry Ganon and I dozed off.
     
  85. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2018
    Great news! So, are we all off to bed?
     
  86. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2019
    1. Yes!!! You two are amazing people. Thank you so much!!
     
  87. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    Yes great news! You could give Ganon a bit more Nutrish for a little insurance and call it a night.
     
  88. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2018
    Good night then, ladies. Idjit's going to be waking me up in 4 hours, so I'm going to grab some sleep. Take care.
     
  89. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    Before we go, I just want to mention that if you start testing tomorrow (no insulin) you MAY see Ganon be in high numbers tomorrow
    If you do, it is a result from having lower BG than his body is used to tonight and it's like an overcompensation that we refer to it as a "Bounce".
    It's too late for me to go into it right now but I don't want you to be too worried about it if you get any high test numbers tomorrow
     
  90. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    Thank you for all your support. Scritches to Idjit :bighug:
     
  91. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    You did great tonight. I hope you both sleep soundly and softly :bighug:
     
  92. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Quite am adventurous night. Glad everyone's ok.
     
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  93. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2015
    THANK YOU, Barbara and Lou!

    And glad that you and Ganon did so well, Effie! Today I would suggest going back to those Prozinc links to the stickies that I gave you. Having read through the protocol that is usually used here before talking to your vet will arm you with some good information.

    And I think that you got the link to the food chart so that you could try to pick some lower carb food, and then fingers and paws crossed, let's hope that he goes into remission and stays diet-controlled without needing any insulin at all!

    Great job! Oh, and nice meeting you Effie :) You've had quite the first day! Ask as many questions as you need to.

    The Main Health Forum would be a good place for any general questions like about food, and then the prozinc form if you end up needing a little bit of insulin to help advise you on dosing, which you can do literally before every shot if that's what you end up having to do.

    But for now just see how he does for a few days without insulin and maybe post an intro to yourself and Ganon with your test numbers over in Prozinc to see what they think. I'd suggest testing him still like before his breakfast, before bedtime, and maybe once in the middle of the day if you are home. That will show us how he does without food, and then how his body reacts to the food to know if he is producing his own insulin.

    Big hugs to everyone!

    :bighug: :cat: :bighug:
     
  94. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2019
    I have read most of everything sent to me including the Prozinc/Insulin page I also read up on that food list, whomever did that, you’re a true hero.
    He was NOT letting me prick him this morning and I thought he had been through enough so I just let him eat. He’s still full of energy and purrs. Business as usual. Thank you for EVERYTHING!!!
     
  95. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2019
    I love this.
     
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  96. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    YAY :cat::bighug::)
    That's perfectly fine, since at this point you don't need to test for insulin influenced safety anymore.
    Yes, that food chart is an incredible resource and it must have taken many many hours to compile. Dr Pierson has a great website on cat health in general!
    My vet (who is awesome) told me about her website and I actually found the FDMB through that.
    I know it was extreme;y late, but did you see my post regarding the carb% of NUTRISH?
     
  97. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    I second EVERYTHING Sandi wrote in her post to you this morning :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  98. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2015
    Good morning, Effie and Ganon! :bighug:
    I hope you've recovered sufficiently from what we call a "PJ party" :)

    Just curious how Ganon's numbers have been doing? And are you on the same food, or did you use Dr Pierson's chart to switch to something else?

    Wanted to let you and hubby know that we're still thinking about you. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

    Hugs to you and chin skritches to Ganon :p
     
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  99. Barbara & Uncle (GA)

    Barbara & Uncle (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2016
    Checking in as well. I know how stressful that was and wanted to reiterate that you did a great job keeping Ganon safe :bighug:
     
  100. xefthimiax

    xefthimiax Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2019
    Hi! Thanks for checking on me!!
    I gave him the day off from testing yesterday. We relaxed, he got a nice long brushing, and played...then he fell asleep on my lap then switched to my husbands lap, then back to me. He has a hard life, that cat.
    I switched his diet about 5 days ago and I am noticing a decline in water intake and urination already though - like back to what it was before the trouble started. I am going to test him before I feed him dinner (that will be about 12 hours from his last meal).
    I decided to go with the SHEBA pate - it was on sale AND it was on the low carb end of the scale.
    I told a few people about this message board and how helpful and kind you all are. I really appreciate all of you that helped me through a quite stressful time. I don't have any children, he's the closest thing that I have to one...

    I'll fill you in on his numbers later tonight.

    Thanks again!!
    Effie
     
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